It’s 97 Degrees Outside and Vacation Skincare Is the Only Thing You Need Right Now

Name: Vacation Chardonnay Lip Oil
Brand: Vacation
Price: 16 USD

Including original photos

Author image: about face matte fluid eye paint review chelsea candelario

By Chelsea Candelario

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Published Jun 27, 2025

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vacation review a photo of chelsea candelario

Original Photography by Chelsea Candelario

Value: 20/20
Quality: 19/20
Ease of Application: 19/20
Longevity: 20/20
Finish: 19/20
Total: 97/100

I don’t have to explain the importance of SPF, but in case you’ve been stubborn about applying (and reapplying) sunscreen, let me tell you about a brand that’s making it a little more fun. I came across Vacation on a cruise, when a friend brought a tube of their popular Classic Lotion. Since then, it’s been my go-to sunscreen all year-round (because SPF is not only for the summer months, FYI). As a new fan, I was curious to see if there’s anything else in their collection that would turn me into an all-out stan.

What Is Vacation?

Vacation is a SPF brand that leans into ‘80s nostalgia with its fun packaging, though it’s serious about protecting your skin too. It was developed by Dr. Elizabeth Hale, a board-certified dermatologist, senior vice president of the Skin Cancer Foundation and a chief medical advisor for the Vacation Sunscreen Corporation. The brand’s mission is to create products “where the best in modern skincare science meets a sensorial experience that is designed to transport you to paradise.”

Aside from containing gentle ingredients—like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid—the packaging is ultra cool and every product has a distinct scent that elevates the traditional ‘sunscreen’ smells we grew up with . Featuring key notes of banana, coconut and pool water (yes, pool water), pool toy *and* swimsuit lycraIt, the brand’s products are designed to transport you to tropical getaway.

How I Tested Vacation

While I already owned two tubes of the Classic Lotion, I researched the brand’s other best-selling products, then took them on, well, vacation. I spent a week under the hot Florida sun and sailing in the Caribbean to really test out their sun protection, quality, finish and longevity. Here’s what I discovered.

The PureWow100 is a scale our editors use to vet new products and services, so you know what's worth the spend—and what's total hype. Learn more about our process here. (Vacation’s score is an average of all products tested.)

vacation review a photo of chelsea candelario and vacation classic lotion

Original Photography by Chelsea Candelario

1. Vacation Classic Lotion

What We Like

water-resistant for 80 minutes
no white cast
dermatologist-tested

What We Don't Like

some reviewers notice piling

Vacation

My introduction to Vacation was the Classic Lotion and I haven’t bothered with any other sunscreen brand ever since. The creamy formula rubs seamlessly on my skin sans any white cast or tacky texture. It’s formulated with coconut oil, niacinamide and aloe vera, which helps to protect and calm my skin. It’s also easy to reapply and continuously feels lightweight even as I slather on a new layer throughout the day. I also understand why it’s considered one of the best-smelling sunscreens in the market because it smells wonderful—featuring notes of coconut and banana, it’s like a day at the beach—without being overwhelming.

Fast Facts

SPF: 50
Key Ingredients: coconut oil, aloe vera, banana extract, niacinamide
Formula: cream

$15 at Vacation

$15 at Ulta

$16 at Amazon

vacation review a photo of chelsea candelario and vacation super stick

Original Photography by Chelsea Candelario

2. Vacation Super Stick

What We Like

non-comedogenic
travel-friendly
transparent

What We Don't Like

small

Vacation

I’ve always had a tough time finding a face sunscreen that didn’t feel heavy or greasy on my combo skin. I didn’t have much high hopes for the Super Stick, but was pleasantly surprised how much I relied on it during and after my trip. The sunscreen was easy to glide across my face and the oval-esque shape (almost like a deodorant) made it simple to get in the grooves and crevices for full coverage. It’s made of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which promises to hydrate and minimize the appearance of pores. I did notice a satin finish and almost blurred look, so it’s nice to apply with or without makeup. The formula also has aloe vera, white tea and vitamin E to protect my skin. Overall, it’s a travel-friendly stick that doesn’t take up any space in my bag *and* it’s completely mess-free.

Fast Facts

SPF: 45
Key Ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, aloe vera, vitamin E
Formula: stick

$20 at Vacation

$20 at Ulta

$21 at Amazon

Original Photography by Chelsea Candelario

3. Vacation Super Spritz

What We Like

water-resistant for 80 minutes
lightweight
refreshing

What We Don't Like

felt a bit greasy at the end of the day

Vacation

While I used the Super Stick throughout the day, I relied on the Super Spritz before heading out to explore the Bahamas. It’s a face mist that provides an even, full coverage without needing to do any excessive rubbing in. It was very refreshing, but it did feel a bit heavier than the stick. With clean ingredients like aloe, shea oil, green tea and even caffeine, it was still gentle on the skin. Similar to the stick, it leaves a satin finish and looks transparent, which is great for all skin tones.

Fast Facts

SPF: 50
Key Ingredients: bisabolol, aloe, shea oils, green tea
Formula: creamy mist

$22 at Vacation

$22 at Ulta

$23 at Amazon

vacation review a photo of chelsea candelario and vacation baby oil

Original Photography by Chelsea Candelario

4. Vacation Baby Oil

What We Like

nourishing
safe for sensitive skin
adds a nice shine

What We Don't Like

a bit greasy

Vacation

The baby oil truly surprised me. I always felt like baby oils were too thick and slimy on the skin. It just looked like it took too long to absorb or it clogged my pores, but this one did the complete opposite. Yes, it’s a big goopy (it’s an oil, after all), however, it made my skin silky smooth. Oh, and the shine against the Bahamas sun was unmatched. I was glistening, folks! I would say a little goes a long way, so be prepared to wipe away some excess off your hands and the bottle.

Fast Facts

SPF: 30
Key Ingredients: jojoba oil, calendula, bisabololo, vitamin E
Formula: oil

$20 at Vacation

$20 at Ulta

$20 at Dermstore

vacation review a photo of chelsea candelario and vacation shimmer oil

Original Photography by Chelsea Candelario

5. Vacation Shimmer Oil

What We Like

water-resistant for 80 minutes
turns you into a golden goddess
gentle formula

What We Don't Like

difficult to remove

Vacation

I love shimmer oils and use Fenty Body Lava religiously. But when I heard Vacation had one with SPF, I was sold. It has a much thinner texture than the Baby Oil, so it absorbed quickly and immediately nourished my skin. It’s formulated with two types of gold mica, so expect lots and lots of shimmer. It also doesn’t fade away and lasts a long time. This oil seriously doesn’t budge; I had to spend some time scrubbing in the shower and even then I still had some minor remnants afterwards. All I needed was a few pumps to cover my entire body. If you’re looking to turn heads by the pool, consider this one for summer.

Fast Facts

SPF: 30
Key Ingredients: pearlescent gold mica, peptides, hyaluronic acid, argan oil
Formula: oil

$38 at Vacation

$38 at Ulta

$38 at Amazon

vacation review a photo of chelsea candelario and vacation orange gelee

Original Photography by Chelsea Candelario

6. Vacation Orange Gelée Sunscreen Gel

What We Like

nourishing
great sheen
pleasant scent

What We Don't Like

Vacation

Inspired by the French Riviera staple, this gelée became a favorite of mine. The gel-based sunscreen rubs on clearly and melts nicely on skin. It has shea butter, candelilla wax, tamanu oil and coconut oil, which promises to nourish and replenish skin. Aside from most of Vacation’s products having the same signature scent, this sunscreen has its own unique fragrance. With key notes of bergamot, clove, saffron, patchouli and sandalwood, it smells pleasant and leaves my skin with a beautiful glow.

Fast Facts

SPF: 30
Key Ingredients: shea butter, tamanu oil, saffron, jojoba oil
Formula: gel

$23 at Vacation

$23 at Ulta

$23 at Amazon

Original Photography by Chelsea Candelario

7. Vacation Chardonnay Lip Oil

Vacation

Lip oils are all the rage and including some SPF protection makes it essential for summer. Formulated with chardonnay grape seed oil, it nourishes, plumps *and* protects my pout. The large doe foot glides nicely across my lips, and the formula has the consistency of a serum and the shine of a gloss (no tackiness here). The gourmand caramel vanilla flavor also makes it so hard not to consistently lick my lips. I love wearing it alone or layering it with my other favorite lip products.

Fast Facts

SPF: 30
Key Ingredients: chardonnay grape seed oil, sweet cherry oil, shea butter
Formula: oil

$16 at Vacation

$16 at Ulta

$16 at Amazon

The Bottom Line: Vacation Is Changing the Sunscreen Game

All the things I hate about sunscreen—the smell, the texture, the white cast—are completely gone with Vacation’s products. Whether I was trying the Classic Lotion, Baby Oil or Orange Gelèe, it worked well with my skin tone and skin type. Most products glided nicely on my body or face, while absorbing quickly without feeling heavy or thick under the sun rays. They also came with SPF 30 or higher, so I knew I was protected especially when it came to relaxing under Caribbean sun. Quality and texture aside, the value is also worth considering as everything ranges from $15 to $28. Although I’m no longer on vacation (yes, I’m still sad), the brand prepared me to continue applying sunscreen all year long—and actually enjoy doing so.

Chelsea Candelario

Beauty and Cultures Editor

Writes trend stories, product reviews and how-tos across beauty, cultures, fashion and entertainment
Over 5 years of experience as a Beauty Editor
Studied journalism with a minor in creative writing at SUNY New Paltz

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