First Look: Hot Summer Buys from Neutrogena

As I step outside in the 110-degree weather today and feel myself begin to bake from the outside in, it hits me: summer is here. Time for afternoons by the pool and fun in the sun!

But what about summer beauty needs? You already know that every brand out there has their own sunscreen - your local drugstore has put every single one on display for you to see the moment you step foot in the store. But is there anything new this summer? Of course... you see where I'm going with this. ;)

During the month of June, I'll be giving you a peek at some of the hottest new summer buys from favorite budget and drugstore brands, just in time for vacation. Today's featured brand: Neutrogena!

Neutrogena already makes some of the best and well-recognized sunscreens widely available in America, but this summer, they're throwing a few new goodies into the mix.

The new Neutrogena Color Boosting Sunblock SPF 30 is a moisturizer, gradual sunless tanner, and sunscreen all in one! Finally, you can have it all - protection, moisture, and color. It contains their breakthrough formula with Helioplex, and is oil- and paraben-free and noncomedogenic, so it won't clog pores. This sounds like a great buy for summer because it allows you to get one simple, easy-to-use product when you'd normally need to purchase two or three. Smart, right? It retails for about $8.99.

Next is a fun twist on sunless tanners - the Neutrogena Sun Fresh Sunless Lotion or Foam. This lightweight, hydrating formula "infuses" skin with radiant, natural-looking color. The best part is that the products are scented with grapefruit and nectarine... meaning no nasty self-tanner smell! The only cons to this line is that the lotions don't contain an SPF, and they only come in two varieties; one for fair/medium skin, and one for medium/deep skin. A larger selection of shades might be more beneficial, and I hope they consider adding an SPF soon!

From what I tested, the smell is a little fruity and fades fast, and the product absorbs instantly. So there's no awful smells AND no sticky mess! This product is available for about $8.99 as well.

Stay tuned for more great summer buys on a budget!