Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?
Well, waterproof sunscreens simply don’t exist. “‘Waterproof’ implies that a sunscreen remains fully effective indefinitely in water, which isn’t realistic,” Dr. Shah says, adding that many countries (including the U.S.) don’t allow brands to label sunscreens as “waterproof” because it’s so misleading.
Water-resistant sunscreens, on the other hand, go through a clear-cut process to verify their effecacy—although they do have to be reapplied. Dr. Shah explains that the FDA only permits two time periods of water resistance on products: 40 and 80 minutes. A 40-minute rating means the sunscreen will retain its SPF for up to 40 minutes of water exposure or immersion, while an 80-minute rating indicates that the SPF will last for up to 80 minutes.
Does water-resistant sunscreen actually work?
If you apply it as directed (and as often as is recommended), a water-resistant sunscreen will protect your skin just as effectively as one that isn’t, Dr. Shirazi says. And if things get wet, it’ll do an even better job. “A standard sunscreen starts breaking down the moment you get in the water or sweat, while a water-resistant one is built to hold its SPF,” Dr. Tassavor says. But, again, it won’t hold onto it forever. So, for thorough protection from sun damage and photoaging, always reapply after your damp activity of choice.
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but, for example, hair-care products and tools are another story. While some hair products can be used across different textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, and colors (natural and unnatural), they are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are formulated to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls, right?
And for our reviews of the best water-resistant sunscreens, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, cosmetic chemists, and makeup artists with a range of experience studying and using these products. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture, experience, and formula. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Now, watch Off Campus star Ella Bright take you through her fresh 10-minute makeup routine:
