SAFE IN THE SUN

This Nostalgic Sunscreen Smells Like Summer Vacation in a Bottle

Vacation Sunscreen is a new-ish brand that is making a powerful SPF, but with luxe branding and dreamy scents that will make you want to wear it all the time.

Photo Illustration: Scouted/The Daily Beast/Vacation

By Jillian Lucas & Mia MaguireJun 10, 2021

Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission.

Scouting Report: Vacation Sunscreen takes everything you hate about sunscreen (smell, feel, branding) and flips it on its head. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and smells better than any sunscreen I’ve tried.

We live in a time where necessary things are often times, boring. Everyone wants things that enlighten and engage them, making menial tasks fun. That was partially the inspiration behind Vacation Sunscreen—founders Lach Hall and Dakota Green, as well as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Hale, wanted to make putting on sunscreen fun again. And that they did.

The sunscreen brand is inspired by Miami in the ’80s (and the abundance of sunscreen safety in Australia, where Lach is from), complete with a launch soundtrack supplied by Poolside.FM and branding that feels ripped from Miami Vice. But that’s just the tip of the SPF iceberg. Underneath the packaging is a sunscreen that is not only extremely effective, but also smells ridiculously good. It’s as if Banana Boat went for luxury and teamed up with a fancy perfume company. A couple of weekends ago, Austin was hit with a heatwave and I bravely went out for an outdoor brunch with friends. I was stuck sitting directly in the midday sun, bare arms exposed to the harsh rays.

Before I left my apartment, though, I slathered myself in the sunscreen and hoped for the best. Not only did I end up smelling like I had just stepped off the beach at my south Florida resort, I didn’t end up with a lick of sunburn (except on the back of my neck, where I completely forgot to apply). It also never left me feeling greasy or heavy, like some sunscreen does.

Not only does the brand have a grasp on making a fantastic classic sunscreen, they also have a mineral version that has a minimal white cast effect, and something they call Chardonnay Oil. It isn’t tanning oil, but a moisturizing, lightweight oil that gives you the glow of spending hours in the sun, but it’s packed with 30 SPF. There’s even a fine fragrance that’ll make you feel like you’re lounging on a white sand beach. Scroll through below to check out our favorite Vacation products to shop.

Vacation

$30

Vacation Classic Lotion

The brand’s original, best-selling formula does not disapoint—and it looks cute on your vanity, which is always a plus in my mind.

Vacation

Ulta

Vacation

$22

Vacation Chardonay Oil SPF 30

This retro-inspired, SPF-infused "tanning oil" gives you a silk glow without increasing your risk for skin cancer.

Vacation

Huckberry

Vacation

$25

Vacation Lip Desserts Set

These protective SPF 30 lip balms smell like a variety of nostalgic desserts including strawberry jello, bananas foster, after-dinner mint, bombe Alaska, and pineapple upside-down cake (my favorite!).

Vacation

Scouted selects products independently and prices reflect what was available at the time of publish. Don’t forget to check out our coupon site to find deals from Sephora, CVS, and more.