Vacation's whipped sunscreen makes winter feel like summer

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Growing up, putting on sunscreen felt like such a chore. Why did protecting our skin have to come at the cost of being slathered in gloopy pastes and greasy sprays? I'd easily ditch my SPF and skip reapplying if it meant I didn't have to spend my day at the beach covered in a sticky white cast.

With age, I've come to terms with a rather necessary understanding: SPF matters. Whether it's a sunny summer's day at the beach or an overcast winter morning, the risk of sun damage is an ever-present one. And with that knowledge, maybe lathering on all that sticky, oily, gloopy-glop doesn't sound that bad?

Just as I started to accept that I must always wear sunscreen, even if I find the product itself less than ideal, I was presented with a plethora of options that didn't make me choose between sun protection and an enjoyable body care experience, like the Vacation Classic Whip SPF 30 ($22).

This "dessert for your skin", as the brand affectionately refers to the sunscreen foam, is truly a treat for your skin. Not only does it protect skin from harmful UV rays, but it offers a wonderful texture that nourishes and feels great on skin too. And it's probably the most fun sunscreen application you've ever experienced.

The details

What makes the Vacation Classic Whip such a standout? From the packaging to the formula, this product is the perfect ratio of novel and utilitarian.

The product is designed to look like a can of whipped cream and boasts a retro feel in-line with the brand's old-school, laid-back, beachy aesthetic. Pop the cap and dispense the sunscreen mousse into your hand, just like you would with a can of Reddi-wip. What comes out is a mountain of light, fluffy SPF that melts into your skin for great sun protection with no white cast or greasy reside.

The SPF uses a chemical formula, with Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octisalate, and Avobenzone as actives. While some recommend you solely use mineral sunscreens, Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai, shared that chemical sunscreens have many benefits such as ultra-high SPF values without leaving behind white casts. Beyond skin protection, the sunscreen includes aloe vera, coconut oil, and vitamin E to soothe, hydrate, and nourish dry, sun-soaked skin.

To boot, the Classic Whip is water-resistant and Hawaii Reef Compliant, so you can splash about without having to worry about your SPF losing its efficacy or harming coral reefs.

My experience

I was excited to try the Vacation Classic Whip. I've had positive experiences with the brand before, but I'd be lying if I said this product didn't seem like a gimmick to me at first.

When I opened the package I was in shock at just how much this looks like a can of whipped cream. Leave this in the fridge and you could have some serious ice cream sundae mishaps.

Even crazier to me was how much the sunscreen itself resembles actual whipped cream. I've used foam sunscreens before, but dispensing this in my hand felt like a whole new world of sun protection. Like your favorite dairy topping, the sunscreen comes out plentiful with just one squeeze. It even boasts Vacation's light, but sweet scent of coconut and banana, which really plays into the whole dessert thing.

What I love most about this sunscreen though is how easy and pleasant it is to apply. While the mousse comes out white, it rubs into your skin crystal clear, with no traces of a white cast to be seen. The Classic Whip melts into my skin like butter, leaving my skin feeling silky-smooth rather than sticky. If I have to choose between using a difficult-to-rub-in paste or a cloud-like foam, my choice seems rather obvious.

The bottom line

For $22 a can, this product actually makes me want to apply sunscreen. And at the end of the day, that's what it's all about. "Ultimately a sunscreen only works if you use it," Dr. Zeichner reminds us, "which is why it is important to choose a product that fits your personal preferences." And if your preference is towards something that's lightweight, rubs in clear, and feels good on our skin, the Vacation Classic Whip should be on your list.