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Hi! Before we get into this roundup, if you're wondering, "It's not summer anymore! Why should I care about sunscreen?" and don't believe just my word, listen to two derms I interviewed about common sunscreen myths (in particular, look at #8!). This has been a PSA, thanks!
1. Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream fortifies your skin with SPF 50, doesn't dry you out, feel greasy, or leave a white cast — plus, it soothes irritated skin (I see you, aloe!) and sits super well under makeup. It's pretty much the golden standard of sunscreens!
2. Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen smells like a luxurious island vacation on your skin and applies like buuuuuutter, thanks to actual shea butter, vitamin E, and mango fruit extract in its formula! Stay protected *and* luminous, my friends!
3. Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence is my personal ride-or-die sunscreen and I've written about it a few times already, recommended it to countless friends, and it's one of the few products I use up on the reg — it goes on lightweight and clear as can be, feels like my other skincare products (hence the "essence" in its name!), and absorbs quickly without any of that tacky nonsense.
4. EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 gives sensitive, hyperpigmentation- and acne-prone skin a healthy dose of sun protection without feeling thick, greasy, or overall unpleasant — and ~3,500 reviews (with an average of 4.3 stars and 75% five-star) don't lie, bb. The magic is in its physical-chemical hybrid formula!
5. Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face Mineral Lotion is a great bet if you're looking for a reef-safe sunscreen. It takes a bit of rubbing, but it really does dry down to a lightweight, matte finish, and even provides a bit of coverage if you go for the tinted version.
6. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen SPF 60 absorbs excess, pore-clogging oil, even in super hot and humid situations, and leaves your pretty face lookin' matte and shine-free all day.
7. Blue Lizard Sport Mineral-Based Sunscreen combines mineral and chemical UV filters for full-performance, water-resistant (for up to 80 minutes!) action — plus, the bottle turns ~blue~ in harmful UV light, so you also know when to apply and reapply.
8. MAKE P:REM UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Gel is one of the best chemical sunscreens out there — well, according to me and many other fans. It'll disappear into your skin without leaving any signs of residue or white cast behind. And! This formula counteracts any overheating you experience from hot infrared waves and radiation! Science!!
9. Eucerin Daily Protection Face Lotion SPF 30 is a fragrance-free and non-comedogenic option that people and derms probably consider as a staple option for your SPF because it moisturizes and protects without irritating delicate, sensitive skin.
10. Cotz Non-Tinted Gentle Zinc Oxide SPF 40 checks every dang box when it comes to finding the perfect sunscreen — it's 100% free of oils, chemicals, fragrances, and preservatives, and becomes transparent once you rub it in, even on non-pale tones (which we all know is the true test).
11. MDSolarSciences Mineral Beauty Balm SPF 50 primes your face, provides light coverage, and helps reduce the appearance of redness or discoloration, so you can say hello to an even-toned face — if only your other problems could be solved in just one step!
12. Beauty by Earth Tinted Facial Sunscreen SPF 20 doesn't leave your face looking chalky, which is a major concern for darker skin tones, thanks to its built-in tint. It's formulated without mineral oil, which means there are zero chances for greasiness (as it should be!) and *with* organic cucumber, aloe, and argan oil for soothing properties.
13. Julep No Excuses Invisible Facial Sunscreen Gel SPF 40 absorbs pretty instantly thanks to its essence-gel formula that uses ~macro-emulsion technology~ to encapsulate SPF actives and preserve its efficacy up until you apply it — and it contains a bunch of skin-loving ingredients, like rosehip seed oil, melon extract, camellia seed oil, and vitamin E to help keep skin smooth and collagen production up!
14. Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+ is a physical sunscreen that leaves your face totally matte and free from unnecessary T-zone oiliness, so you can live your life without worrying that your SPF is letting your makeup and excess oil run free.
15. Chances are you've heard about the wonders of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen (which comes in a boatload of SPF amounts), so I don't need to tell you how great the non-greasy, lightweight, and fast-absorbing finish is (it's actually dry to the touch!) and highly recommended by derms everywhere — including a derm interviewed for the post linked at the beginning. But I will anyways.
16. Sun Bum Original Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion and Sunscreen Spray both rub in beautifully, aren't greasy, don't transfer or leave residue — from vacation in Mexico to a picnic in the park, this could very well be your go-to!
17. Supergoop! Everyday SPF 50 Sunscreen keeps skin lookin' fresh, hydrated, and protected — along with natural extracts of sunflower, citrus, basil, and bois de rose for a scent that's subtle but not irritating or overwhelming. Because let's face it: we can all do without the typical sunscreen smell.
18. Coola Mineral Face SPF 30 Sunscreen Matte Tint has a delightfully whipped, mousse-like formula that *fully* rubs in, doesn't leave a white cast, and dries down to a matte, never-greasy finish that's perfect for any makeup you might put on afterwards — and it's especially clutch if you're sensitive to chemical-based sunscreens, so apply (and reapply) away! Sunny days, meet your match.
19. Cosrx Shield Fit Snail Essence Sun Cream SPF 50+ is a hit with snail lovers — that is, people who love snail mucin in their skincare products because of its soothing and redness-calming abilities. Just like the name suggests, the texture is similar to that of a lightweight essence, so no tackiness/heaviness here! Your skin is gonna look healthy and glowing!
20. MyChelle Sun Shield Liquid Tint SPF 50 can be worn alone for light, even coverage and a ~healthy glow~ or as a oil-absorbing, barely-there primer under makeup. Either way, all it takes is a few shakes, a few drops, and voila — a fresh and protected face ready to take on just about anything!
21. Alba Botanica Pure Lavender Soothing Sunscreen SPF 45 works wonders for sensitive skin because it has a long list of soothing and repairing ingredients like green tea, vitamin E, aloe vera, lavender, and chamomile, so applying sunscreen doesn't have to hurt! The way it should always be, ladies and gents.
22. Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF Dry Sunscreen SPF 30 makes it a breeze to apply sunscreen *without* the greasy mess that usually comes out of it. Just tap on the sponge or use a brush, and you got yourself a nice, mattifying setting powder with sun protection — as well as an easy way to reapply on top of makeup!! Problem. Solved.
23. A'Pieu Pure Block Natural Sun Cream SPF 45 acts pretty much like a lotion that melts easily and smoothly into skin, and sits under makeup wonderfully. It's a lovely, hydrating base and even leaves a slightly citrusy scent, if you're into that.
24. Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ has been both top-rated by EWG (which has far more rigorous standards than the FDA) and the first sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Body Care requirements, thanks to 20% zinc oxide and a boatload of natural ingredients (like aloe and sunflower oil) that treat sensitive skin just right — and true to its name, it's safe for babies and pregnant ladies!
25. Dr. G Brightening up Sun Cream SPF 50+ offers sebum control (thanks, tannin!), hydration (thanks, hyaluronic acid and grape seed oil!), hefty sun protection, and ~tone-up~ benefits, which is just a fun term for a slight brightening, evening-out, and mattifying effect. A true multitasking product, I tell ya'!
26. Olay Regenerist Whip with SPF 25 has the same light-as-air finish as the original Whip moisturizer and liquifies upon contact with skin for a soft, breathable, and practically weightless finish, so you're protected but don't feel a damn thing. And! It holds 1000x its weight in hydration and active ingredients right until it's applied onto skin, so you really know it's pulling its weight.
27. Eau Thermale Avène Antirougeurs Day Soothing Cream SPF 25 protects against UVA/UVB rays like the rest of the sunscreens, BUT its star power comes from its light green color that neutralizes and stops redness (present and future!) in its tracks. Doesn't your skin feel calmed already?
Repeat after me: All year 'round, rain or shine, you need...SUNSCREEN.
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