Trib tested: Hawaiian Tropic Sun Care
Yours truly tested the Hawaiian Tropic SPF 50 Sheer Touch by crawling inside an oven -- also known as running seven miles in 90-degree heat. Despite a pounding sun and profuse sweating, the Sheer Touch didn't seem to wash off. At least, there was no stinging in my eyes, which often happens when sunscreen breaks down under the onslaught of the body's sprinkler system.
Was my skin protected⢠That's anybody's guess. I'll get back to you in about five years.
The After Sun seems to be the more useful product. As someone who often showers twice a day, I'm always looking for something to keep my skin from turning to parchment. The After Sun absorbs well and keeps the skin soft.
The creamy consistency in both products made me feel like I was slathering pudding on my arms and legs, but that's a minor drawback.
-- William Loeffler
Remember that kid you saw on the beach that earned the nickname "Lobster"⢠Well, depending on which parent was responsible for us for that day, it probably was me, or one of my fair sisters, moments after missing just one SPF application. We didn't tan. We fried.
Growing up, the three of us endured sunscreen with SPFs that others could've used on the sun, multiple yells from our olive-complected (not fair!) Mother to come get more sunscreen or, my personal favorite, swimming while wearing T-shirts. Nerdy, right?
The upside to all of this early conditioning is I'm never without sunscreen, because I know how quickly I can burn. The SPF 50 Crème Lotion from Hawaiian Tropic is fantastic. It smells great, applies easily and is absorbed quickly -- just a little bit goes a long way. The same holds true for the After Sun -- it smells like a vacation in a bottle and is a fresh change of pace from all the aloe I endured as a child.
Just don't let the kids get a hold of the bottle, as it pumps out in a manner that they find oh, so fun -- you'll be out of lotion faster than you can imagine.
-- Caroline Hirt
Every summer, I have such a difficult time waffling between my desire for a golden tan and my desire to prevent further sun damage. When trying to keep skin from drying out, from having a red face and avoiding more age spots, I smear on the sunscreen.
Hawaiian Tropic's new SPF 50 Sheer Touch Crème Lotion is a few steps above others I've tried. First off, it doesn't leave you feeling greasy, and the light, tropical scent is so much nicer than most sunscreen smells. The lotion is super thick, but absorbs well into the skin. It works as a post-shower moisturizer, leaving exposed arms and legs ready to take on the elements -- the sun, at least -- from the morning get-go.
Poor planning on a recent tubing trip left me with a bit of a burn, not critical, mind you, but enough to be a bit tender. The After Sun was a refreshing cooling agent on my red skin. It felt marvelous and seemed to prevent any subsequent peeling. The scent on this mousse-like lotion was another tropical aroma, inspired by mango. Ahh, summer!
-- Sally Quinn
Additional Information:
Hawaiian Tropic Sun Care
Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Island Crème Mango Lotion and SPF 50 Sheer Touch Crème Lotion
The claim: The Hawaiian Tropic Sun Care product line is designed to thrill the senses -- from skin-nourishing formulations with exotic island botanicals to sensual fragrances that immediately transport you to an island paradise. The After Sun Island Crème Mango Lotion provides luxurious 12-hour moisturization, features exotic island botanicals, and is enriched with shea and mango butters. The Sheer Touch Crème Lotion pampers and nourishes skin with a luxurious, ultramoisturizing ripple of lotion for a uniquely indulgent experience. The SPF 50 lotion contains skin-nourishing antioxidants, luxurious moisture and is water repellent.
Cost: $8.99 for a 6-ounce can of After Sun Island Crème Mango Lotion; $9.99 for a 6-ounce can of SPF 50 Sheer Touch Crème Lotion
Where: Drug and discount stores
