Most of us remember Bo Derek from her breakout performance as an intensely gorgeous beach babe jogging out of the ocean in the 1979 film “10.” Now, nearly a half century later, the 67-year-old beauty’s skin remains luminous, despite spending loads of time baking in the sun. Derek, who now lives on a ranch in Santa Ynez, California with her husband, Sex and the City star John Corbett (Aidan!), still enjoys the great outdoors — “I live on a farm and I’m out all the time,” she said in an appearance on the Today Show in 2018. The big difference now? The actress protects her skin. “I’m very sun-damaged,” she has said. “I’ve been a surfer and sailor all my life.” Her remedy? This potent mineral sunscreen from legendary French pharmacy brand La Roche-Posay, which is currently on sale during Amazon’s Holiday Beauty Haul: “This sunscreen really works for me. You’re supposed to [apply] a tablespoon on your face,” Derek explained to Today, “It makes a difference.”
La Roche-Posay
The award-winning La Roche-Posay Anthelios sunscreen is considered among the best in the world.
$33 at Amazon
Why do I need this? 🤔
The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is somewhat iconic, particularly among American beauty editors who rave about its smooth, even coverage; its silky, non-greasy, no-white-cast finish; its high protection and the fact that it’s suitable for all skin types — including the most sensitive and acne prone. This is especially true of the La Roche-Posay sunscreens you can buy in Europe, where SPF formulas are stronger and, often, of higher quality (American sunscreens are widely considered inferior to what’s available in Europe and Asia as the FDA is famously slow to approve new UV filters — the last time was in 1996).
Still, among dermatologists and beauty experts, La Roche-Posay’s sun protection products have a reputation for being among the best, even the U.S. versions. The French skin-care company was founded in 1975 (it’s named after the town in France where it was formed) and has remained a pioneer on the dermatology scene since, consistently creating the kinds of gentle, non-irritating, skin-nourishing, research-backed creams and serums we all search for, at a relatively reasonable price.
Why is this a good deal? 💰
La Roche-Posay makes some of the highest-quality sunscreens in the literal world, products that are beloved by tens of thousands of 5-star reviewers and rarely ever go on sale. This particular iteration — with its ample SPF 50 sun protection and light, warm-bronze tint — is especially good for both shielding you from harmful rays and giving a glow to pasty cold-weather skin. Every shade of this sunblock is on sale — from deep to fair and even untinted.
What reviewers say 💬
Pros 👍
“Stop your search — this is it!” raves one 5-star reviewer. “I have tried many many tinted mineral sunscreens, all with their own unique cons. This is the best one I’ve used… Absolutely no messes … It’s lightweight, not greasy, and most importantly, feels good to put on, so I never miss a day!”
“Best face sunscreen,” exclaims another fan, “Doesn’t leave that weird white finish most sunscreens have, no strong smell, doesn’t hurt my eyes if I sweat, perfect for just everyday wear. Also it doesn’t look all cakey if you wear makeup over it. Super light, liquidity more than a cream but goes on like a serum and absorbs quickly with a beautiful matte finish.”
Yet another happy customer proclaimed, “A true skin care hero! What really sets this sunscreen apart is how it keeps my skin looking fresh and dewy all day long. No breakouts, no clogged pores—just healthy, glowing skin. If you’re looking for a sunscreen that protects, perfects and pampers your skin, this is the one!”
Cons 👎
“Pricey!” complained one dissatisfied customer. “Product is not the cheapest.”
Other reviewers were mixed on the texture, with some finding it too greasy; and the fragrance, which some found too strong. For what it’s worth, I did not experience either of these issues when testing and reviewing La Roche-Posay sunscreen earlier this year.
La Roche-Posay
Reviewers say the lightweight SPF cream leaves their skin looking dewy all day. It comes in a range of five different tints, from deep to fair — and an untinted option that melts into the skin.
$33 at Amazon
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
