BareMinerals SPF30 Natural Sunscreen

Above all, reviewers love the convenience of Bare Minerals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen. Unlike other sunscreens, Bare Minerals is a powder: It comes in a cylindrical container with a twist-up with applicator brush. Users at MakeupAlley.com say this sunscreen can be applied over makeup or by itself and it looks very natural on skin. The formula is available in three shades: light, medium and tan. Paula Begoun says it has a slight shimmer to it (like most titanium dioxide-based sunscreens) but not as much as other powders.

The powder also does an excellent job of absorbing excess facial oil. Begoun recommends using the formula in addition to an SPF-rated facial moisturizer. Most users agree, saying it's hard to apply sufficient product to provide adequate coverage for a long day in the sun. Users also say that it's hard to tell how much product is being applied. If you prefer a liquid formula, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 30 (*Est. $9 for 3 oz.) gets excellent reviews.

For expert analysis of Bare Minerals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen, we turned to Beautypedia.com, Paula Begoun's online database of product reviews. Here, Begoun rates hundreds of beauty products based on their efficacy and safety. User reviews at MakeupAlley.com also provide insight into performance and ease of use.