It's been almost two weeks since I've returned from my tropical getaway to Dominican Republic—Punta Cana to be precise. My homecoming was bitter sweet. Sweet because I was reunited with my BlackBerry and five month old pup—but bitter because I was back to rainy weather and a general bitch slap from reality. What do you mean I can't get a pina colada at 11:00am?! So now that I've regained my duties as a beauty editor I must spread the good word about my sunscreen discovery:  Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch SPF 60 Oil-Free Sunscreen, 240 mL, $12.

While away, I spent most of my days swimming and sunning myself on the picture perfect beaches of Punta Cana. But I confess, the whole time I was freaking myself out about the crazy, hot, powerful sun emitting damaging UVA (a.k.a aging) and UVB (a.k.a burning) rays. To defend my paler-than-thou skin I packed away four full bottles of UVA/UVB sunscreen ranging from SPF 25 to 60. One by one, each bottle was drained. Um, did I mention it was only a 7 day vacay?

Was I diligent or obsessive? Probably a little from column A and a little from column B. I've never been a SPF aficionado like my associate Katherine, in fact I use to neglect the stuff. But I've seen the light...so to speak (super lame, sorry.) I now understand that it's the best anti-aging tool out there. So lather up.

After finishing each bottle I took mental notes of my likes and dislikes, until I cracked the seal of the Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch. No dislikes, all likes followed by immediate loves. I have so much love for this product that it's entered into my top 10 beauty obsessions. One of the best parts? It's only $12!

[caption id="attachment_2298" align="aligncenter" width="344" caption="Vacation Day 1: I told you I was REALLY pale"] [/caption]

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways:

• It's not sticky or thick
• It doesn't leave behind a chalky residue
• The cream blends into the skin fast, leaving it with an invisible finish
• Water-resistant
• Wildly hydrating
• Smells yumy thanks to a blend of tropical botanicals

Now that I'm back in Toronto I'm well rested but still white. The reason? This stuff really works. The only burns to report are from the tops of my feet, but that was my fault for not re-applying often enough—oops.

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch SPF 60 Oil-Free Sunscreen available at mass-market retailers and major drugstores.