This story originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveler's Website.
Sunscreen is one of the most important travel accessories you'll need, whether you're at the beach, in the tropics, in the desert, or in the city. Our editors pick the best SPF offerings out there.
Best for the Desert:
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60 PA+++ ($39).
TESTED IN: Denver.
WHAT WE WERE LOOKING FOR: A high-protection sunscreen that wouldn't melt in the heat . . . and would moisturize skin in arid climes.
HOW THE WINNER DELIVERED: "Other sunscreens left either a weird gleam or sloughed off in a white murk in the pool. This one, however, both relieved dry skin and protected it from the sun--for up to five hours. But the best sign of its efficacy was when a perfectly porcelain-skinned preener came over to compliment my sunscreen choice: She said she doesn't use anything else and hasn't had a sunburn in years." -Eimear Lynch, Word of Mouth editor
Best for the City:
TESTED IN: Montreal.
WHAT WE WERE LOOKING FOR: An easy-to-wear, non-clumping, lightweight sunscreen.
HOW THE WINNER DELIVERED: "Even as I went from the sweaty subway to a sunny farmers' market to a chilly museum, this sunscreen miraculously stayed put. I applied once, under my foundation, at around 9 a.m. and didn't burn even though I was out and about until after sunset. It was sheer but not too runny, and it set quickly so I could get on with my morning makeup routine." -Vanessa Shyu, assistant art director
See Also: Conde Nast Traveler's Global Beauty Awards
Best for the Tropics:
TESTED IN: Miami.
WHAT WE WERE LOOKING FOR: Something that would stand up to the sun but had a matte finish . . . even in humidity.
HOW THE WINNER DELIVERED: "I didn't want to test this one because I'm so wary of oils, but it really surprised me. It felt light and moisturizing and lasted for four hours, even after I swam in the ocean. Unlike aerosol sprays, which have left me with streaky burns, this has a really fine mist that's easy to blend--and spritzing it on is a refreshing treat on a hot, humid day." -Mira Ilie, senior business manager
Best for the Beach:
TESTED IN: Bridgehampton, New York.
WHAT WE WERE LOOKING FOR: A sunscreen that would offer full-spectrum protection, and be truly waterproof.
HOW THE WINNER DELIVERED: "My friends made fun of me--fair, Irish me--for wearing SPF 100 on a long beach day in July, but I was the one laughing the next day, when they bore burn lines and I was just a tiny bit browner than before. It was easy to spray this on before walking down to the beach, and I reapplied to my red-prone areas (shoulders, chest) as the day wore on. I always get at least a bit burned at the beach, but not this time, even after an afternoon swim." -Eimear Lynch, Word of Mouth editor
More from Condé Nast Traveler: