For most parts of the world, Christmas calls to mind snowmen, Santa and his reindeer flying in from the North Pole, and fuzzy sweaters. For us in the Philippines, we are fortunate that Christmas means long weekends that are commonly spent on vacations. Doesn’t it seem like our friends are at the beach every weekend anyway, now that we’re not always in the mall?

Make sure you’re always protected outdoors, whether you’re at a café in Busay or in a cabana at the beach, with these sunscreens that are easily available in Cebu. I’ve road-tested them all, and coming from someone who unfortunately burns faster than she tans, I can attest they are extremely effective at sun protection.

Primo+Skin Hydro Glow Facial Sunscreen

One of the most affordable daily sunscreens available now, this packs SPF50+++ and hyaluronic acid. It prevented my face from burning even after two hours of snorkeling at high noon. Primo+Skin comes in sleek, petal pink packaging that can rival high-end brands in Rustan’s or Sephora—and it’s developed in Cebu! Maka proud.

I also enjoy reaching for this in the city because it’s hydrating but non-sticky. This smaller bottle is meant for the face, but Primo+Skin also offers a body lotion in a big bottle with SPF20 for daily use. Both the face and body sunscreens seriously seem to improve my skin tone with every use, so I love to apply and reapply these.

Where to buy: primoskin.com.ph, Lazada, Shopee, Rose Pharmacy

Belo SunExpert Mist

I’ve repurchased this over the years because it’s incredibly softening. Exposure to sun, salt, and sand can leave skin feeling dry and damaged, but this one makes skin feel plumper and smoother to the touch. Since it’s quick-absorbing, you can certainly wear it in the city too, on both the face and body.

Bonus points: The 100ml bottle will last you a while. Just make sure to replace your sunscreen every year. I’ve used sunscreen just a couple of months past due, and that was a painful lesson I learned.

Where to buy: All leading department stores, supermarkets, Watsons, Lazada, Shopee

Human Nature Natural Safe Protect Sunscreen

I’ve never met a Human Nature skincare product I didn’t like, but I do love this one because it’s reef safe. “Most chemical sunscreens contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, benzophenone, and other harmful ingredients that cause the bleaching of corals when washed off. With a 100% natural formulation, SafeProtect is free from these reef-destroying ingredients,” says the Human Nature website.

As with other Human Nature products, this one is also paraben-free, fragrance-free, and free of toxic chemicals.

Where to buy: All leading department stores, supermarkets, Lazada, Shopee, humanheartnature.com, and authorized Human Nature dealers