For everyday use, foundations, concealers, moisturizers and lipsticks that offer both UVA and UVB protection offer sufficient screening while taking a walk or sitting outside for lunch.

But, Kalafsky stresses, make sure that UVA rays (the rays that cause premature signs of aging) are addressed. The sun protection factor (SPF) applies only to UVB -- or burning -- rays.

Look for products that contain either Parsol 1789, titanium dioxide or zinc, he says.

SkinCeuticals' Daily Sun Defense products also include SunCaps, a form of octyl methoxycinnamate, which targets long-range UVA rays.

These are the same chemicals used in the heavier outdoor-use lotions, explains Sheldon Pinnell, a professor of dermatology at Duke University Medical Center and a consultant for SkinCeuticals cosmetics.

The difference in texture between cosmetic sunscreens and beach sunscreens comes as a result of waterproofing. A waterproof lotion needs an oil base, which creates the thick appearance, according to Pinnell. The oil-based lotion also can clog pores.

It's important to use a waterproof product when playing watersports, he adds, but cosmetic sunscreens work for almost anything else.

Also, whatever sunscreen you use, don't forget to apply it on the ears and lips. The most aggressive skin cancers are often found in these places, he adds.

(The color of a lip product has no effect on its sun-blocking properties, Pinnell says, as long as the lipstick, gloss or balm has an SPF.)

Pinnell suggests putting on daily sunscreen under makeup and make sure it's applied evenly. Putting blush or another cosmetic product on top won't change the effectiveness, he says.

There is no such thing as a "safe" tan, unless the color comes from makeup source -- either a self-tanning cream or a bronzer, adds Kalafsky.

"A tan is a signal that you're trying to protect your skin from something harmful. A tan is turning on a protective mechanism to minimize damage."

3- Shades