As we spend more time outside this spring, it’s time to add sunscreen back into our skincare routines. High-quality face sunscreen is essential for beautiful and healthy skin. Sunscreen technology has come a long way in the past few years. The greasy, slow-drying lotions of our childhood are a thing of the past! Face sunscreens today come in a variety of textures, finishes, and colors. I’ve collected a list of my personal favorite and highly-recommended sunscreens to help you stay safe and gorgeous in the sun.
Best Beauty Sunscreens
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 $34
This gel formula sunscreen is a great sunscreen and makeup primer! It provides a beautiful natural finish for makeup that is neither matte nor glowy. Unseen Sunscreen looks beautiful on your skin with or without makeup! I like to wear it without makeup for a slight pore-blurring effect on no-makeup days.
- Pro’s: primer and sunscreen with no white cast
- Con’s: the silicone-like texture is not for everyone
Supergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40 $36
Glowscreen is a great option if you have fair to medium skin and you’re looking for something with a glowy finish and a little pigment! The consistency of this sunscreen is similar to a traditional sunscreen lotion. It contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to hydrate while it protects.
- Pro’s: hydrating and great for dry skin types
- Con’s: pearlescent finish leaves a cast on darker skin tones
Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30 $52
This double-duty color corrector and SPF is perfect if you have fair skin and redness. A mineral sunscreen with your skin but better coverage. This is the best product if you struggle with redness but want a makeup-free look! It also provides a neutral base for flawless makeup.
- Pro’s: neutralizes rosacea according to reviewers
- Con’s: expensive and only recommended for fair skin
Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35 $35
Saie’s tinted moisturizer comes in 14 great shades to accommodate a variety of skin tones. This sheer-coverage award-winning mineral SPF moisturizer is ultra-hydrating and easy to apply. It won’t replace your regular foundation. However, it can be used on its own for light make-up days or as a base for foundation.
- Pro’s: hydration, SPF, and color all in one!
- Con’s: not for oily skin types
Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen
innisfree Daily UV Defense SPF 36 $15
Innisfree daily sunscreen is formulated without reef-toxic chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate. It’s the perfect SPF companion for a day at the beach or tropical vacation! This water-based dewy finish chemical sunscreen provides UVA and UVB protection without a white cast. The ingredients cica and green tea soothe irritation and provide hydration.
- Pro’s: recommended for all skin types
- Con’s: greasy-sunscreen finish according to some reviewers
Best Affordable Sunscreens Under $15
Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ $12
This lightweight Japanese essence is designed to even skin tone and protect from UV rays. It lays well under makeup and provides an even base for foundation without a silicone feel.
- Pro’s: affordable and non-greasy
- Con’s: it’s lavender scent can irritate sensitive skin
Blue Lizard Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30+ $10
A great option for sensitive skin, this mineral sunscreen is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. This is a great reef-safe alternative to innisfree for those with highly sensitive skin. A fun feature is a color-changing cap that changes color in UV light!
- Pro’s: it’s excellent for sensitive skin and doesn’t sting eyes
- Con’s: it’s not water or sweat resistant
Best For Reapplication
So you’ve found the perfect sunscreen for your morning routine? Don’t forget to reapply SPF throughout the day!
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ $29
This magic sunscreen stick is my favorite way to reapply sunscreen over makeup. It applies effortlessly over foundation, blush, and concealer without melting or ruining it! It’s water-resistant, reef-safe, sweat-resistant, white cast free, and non-comedogenic. The texture is lightweight and fast-absorbing, which makes it the perfect product for sunscreen adverse.
- Pro’s: portable size and versatility
- Con’s: must wipe before and after use to prevent bacterial growth
