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A round of golf means four to five hours in direct sun, and a beach day is often longer. Sunscreen is the one thing I never leave the hotel without.
I've needed it everywhere. The coves around Lloret de Mar, the beach clubs in Marbella, the open Roman sites in Tarragona, the pool at Hotel Luna Llena in Tamarindo and the desert sun in Arizona. Each place is different, but the rule is the same: protect your skin early and reapply often.
These are the sunscreens and sun-care products I'd recommend for anyone who spends long days outside, plus tips on how to use them properly.
Quick Picks
Short on time? Here are my top picks at a glance.
Best for your face: EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
Best for the golf bag: Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Best for everyday wear: SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
Best small extra: Blistex Medicated Lip Balm SPF 15
What to Look for in a Sunscreen
Broad spectrum. This means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
SPF 30 or higher for long days outside.
Water and sweat resistance if you're swimming or playing golf in the heat.
A texture you'll actually reapply. The best sunscreen is the one you're happy to put on again.
1. EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
A dermatologist favourite. It's light, doesn't feel greasy and is suitable for sensitive skin, so it works well under a cap all day without stinging your eyes when you sweat.
Best for: Sensitive skin and daily face protection.
Good to know: It's a face sunscreen, so pair it with a body sunscreen for the rest of you.
2. Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
A stick is perfect for the golf bag or a beach bag: no spills, no sticky hands before you grip a club, and it's easy to reapply on your nose, ears and neck at the turn.
Best for: Quick top-ups on the course or the beach.
Good to know: Sticks take a few swipes to get enough coverage, so go back and forth several times.
3. SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
Korean sunscreens are famous for their light textures. This serum-style SPF feels like a moisturiser, which makes it an easy one to wear every day, not just on beach days.
Best for: People who hate the feel of thick sunscreen.
Good to know: Light textures are great day to day, but reapply often if you're sweating.
4. Blistex Medicated Lip Balm SPF 15
Lips burn too, and it's the spot most people forget. A small SPF lip balm in your pocket takes care of it.
Best for: Everyone. Lips burn easily and are often forgotten.
Good to know: Reapply after eating and drinking.
5. DUCO Men's Polarized Sports Sunglasses
Not a sunscreen, but just as important. Polarised lenses cut glare off the water and fairways, protect your eyes from UV, and make it easier to follow the ball.
Best for: Golf, driving and days by the water.
Good to know: Polarised lenses can make phone screens harder to read.
At a Glance
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46: Sensitive skin and daily face protection.
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick SPF 50: Quick top-ups on the course or the beach.
SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum: People who hate the feel of thick sunscreen.
Blistex Medicated Lip Balm SPF 15: Everyone. Lips burn easily and are often forgotten.
DUCO Men's Polarized Sports Sunglasses: Golf, driving and days by the water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much sunscreen should I use?
Most adults need about a shot glass worth for the whole body, and around half a teaspoon for the face and neck.
How often should I reapply sunscreen on the golf course?
Every two hours, or more often if you're sweating a lot. The turn is a good reminder to top up.
Is SPF 50 much better than SPF 30?
SPF 50 blocks slightly more UVB than SPF 30. Applying enough and reapplying matters more than the number.
Can I take sunscreen in my carry-on?
Yes, in containers of 100ml or less. Sunscreen sticks are an easy way to avoid liquid limits.
Final Thoughts
The rule I follow: apply 15 minutes before you go out, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Most sunburns come from not reapplying, not from the wrong sunscreen.
What's your favourite sunscreen for golf or the beach? Let me know on Instagram. Stay safe out there.
