@conmama, love your comparison in post 16! And will share if I ever buy the BB and do a comparison to Australian Gold. In the middle of travels and a remodel at the moment and can’t bring myself to add one more “to do” to my list but I’ll try to remember!
I had no idea people became so committed to/such advocates for “their” sunscreen. Most interesting thing I read while drinking my coffee this morning.
Sun protection is a big deal! 
And no one wants to feel greasy.
I’m in the store looking at sunscreens. There must be 50 varieties! And when did spf 55, 70, and 100 become a thing? I found the neutrogena one but the banana boat one is a spray and spf 50.
For waterproof on the body, we use NoAd Kids lotion. Have used it at waterslide and on safari. Doesn’t feel bad on skin but definitely leaves you shiny. I even used it on my face during multiple waterslide runs - no stinging eyes (probably important to apply and let dry before sliding).
Downsides:
Can be hard to find locally
Only available in gigantic bottle so has to go in checked baggage
Really thick so you have to coax it out of bottle (helps to store bottle upside down).
Aside from all the great discussions of sunscreen, I’d also recommend OP consider tinting her car windows. If she doesn’t like tint, there are lighter shades available that are practically invisible (80-90% visibility range). They’ll do a great job of blocking UVB, although UVA info is harder to come by. And you’ll get a side benefit of having a cooler car in summer.
I am leaving in a few weeks for a tropical sailboat trip. I have my usual go to sunscreen for my face and body but decided to look up a few of the suggested brands from all of you. While doing a google search I came across another thing to consider when buying sunscreen for water activities. Coral protection is an issue I hadn’t considered. It looks like we should consider looking for products that are reef friendly and don’t contain oxybenzone.
Thank you, @mom60 for mentioning that.
I wonder if there is anything that fulfills all of the criteria ppl want and that the environment needs…
If I were going snorkeling or sailing I would use sun protective clothing as much as possible. I think applying sunscreen ahead of time on remaining skin, allowing time to soak in and dry, would help minimize it coming off in the water, regardless of ingredients.
@alooknac one of the articles I read was from National Geographic and they suggested sun protection clothing as helpful. I always bring sun protective clothing when I go sailing as I hate always having to reapply sunscreen.also when I use it constantly for multiple days I usually get a rash.
I wear sun protection gloves when I kayak or canoe because it is hard to keep applying every 80 minutes.
If you do not like fragrances look for sunscreen products that target men.
I am afraid to get skin cancer on my face at the hair line. I use a lotion and a spray on my face.
I’ve never seen sun gloves but that is a good idea. Do you have suggestions for type and brand.
There are a number of sun gloves, often targeted toward fisherman. Sizing is often men’s S, M, L. You may find them locally in a sportsman type store.
I have an old pair of Coolibar fingerless gloves I love but now only available with full fingers.
If you order online make sure it states the UPF factor. There are gloves on amazon that are marketed as sun gloves but not actually UPF rated.
Landsend has a variety of UPF swim shirts that are not skin tight and can be worn as regular tops as well as in the water. Columbia has a good selection of button type sunshirts.
I see that no one has mentioned Clinique City Block. SPF 40. This as well as some other sunscreens use micronized zinc and titanium. I just looked at the label however and they have added the oxybenzone, which I prefer not to use daily. However, I do adore this sunscreen for my face as it blends in so nicely, no grease, and evens out color irregularities a bit. It is expensive, but a tube lasts me a long while. The derm office recommended it after I had one of my two basal cell cancers removed about 10 years ago. No re occurrence thus far.
However, I also don’t go out in the mid day sun, a habit from my desert dwelling days. Go out early and late, wear hats and sun protective clothing. I have a variety of Eddie Bauer shirts with a SPF.
Before there were sunscreen lotions, people who lived in sunburn-risk areas wore traditional clothing that functioned as sunburn protection. For example: http://istizada.com/arab-clothing-the-ultimate-guide/
My dermatologist relative always says that physical barriers (hats and clothing) are MUCH better than sunscreen. She still advises avoiding the sun as much as possible, but that’s not always possible in leading a full and active life.
I also have a variety of swim spf shirts including one that is longertunic length. If it’s not ruched on sides it can pass for a dress. I bought it many years ago at Athleta and they no longer carry the style. That one offers the best sun protection but it is thick and it gets warm if it’s a hot sun. I usually wear that one for snorkeling. I hate wearing a hat but I know it’s good for me. The hairline is a spot I get a lot of precancerous growths burned off.
I need to figure out a better sunscreen option for my upcoming sailing trip as my favorite for sailing is not reef safe.
I’ve also started running again outside. My body temperature runs hot and I like to run in sleeveless. I know I should look for an appropriate top with more coverage. I just hate to feel constricted or hot.
I have Orvis sungloves. Try searching for fly fishing gloves. Orvis also has a nice selection of SPF clothing and hats.
Recommendations from a Florida native, daughter of a dermatologist, and SCUBA diver …if that means anything. Lol I am outside almost all day - everyday. For an everyday face sunscreen, I LOVE CoTZ. It has a super light almost matte powder feel. (I use the tinted version. AMAZING!!) Your face is worth the investment! For general use, I use Australian Gold. The smell alone is worth it. I feel like I’m one vacation after the first spray. Lol I have a horrible farm’s tan. So, the bronzer version is the best for playing catch up with tan lines. Lastly, for time in the water, I’ve been using reef safe products. These are plant based. I find that they require even more vigilance when reapplying. My favorite, so far, is Sea to Steam and Raw Elements. However, the sunscreen only works if you apply it! I always reapply early and often.