Finding the perfect sunscreen for your skin type can be quite confusing. There are so many options to choose from! Do you need mineral or chemical? Is a spray better than a liquid, or should you just use a stick? And just what do all the SPF numbers mean, anyway?
As a beauty writer (and a freckly, green-eyed blonde from Florida), I’ve got you covered. I’ve dedicated hours to reviewing and researching the best chemical and mineral sunscreens. To keep my own skin safe in the sun, I know it’s essential to choose an SPF formula that suits your skin type, tone and application preference. After all, the best sunscreen is the one you apply the most. Keep reading for my fail-proof picks!
1. Best Liquid Sunscreen: I love this viral French sunscreen from La Roche Posay, which is beloved by shoppers for its “non-greasy feel.” The “lightweight” liquid formula that never leaves a white cast makes this many shoppers’ “favorite tube of sunscreen.”
2. Best Face Sunscreen: Shoppers love that this water-resistant face sunscreen is oxybenzone-free, octinoxate-free, vegan and cruelty-free, calling it the “perfect sunscreen” for “on-the-go.” The petite packaging easily fits in your purse, too.
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3. Best Lightweight Sunscreen: A-listers and everyday people alike love Supergoop! This weightless gel sunscreen with SPF 50 is particularly loved, and it has a straight five-star rating on Nordstrom.
4. Best Luxury Sunscreen: Augustinus Bader’s Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is an investment, but shoppers say it’s worth the price. One beauty-lover called it “the best sunscreen I’ve ever used.” Its thick texture leaves the skin glowing without feeling greasy, and it has just a touch of luminosity to make you look luxe as you lie by the pool.
5. Best Tinted Sunscreen: The formulation of the Suntegrity Impeccable Skin Moisturizing Face Sunscreen is so smooth that one customer called it a “perfect tinted moisturizer sunscreen.” Many love how it “gives the face such a healthy glow,” making it a top-rated tinted moisturizer.
6. Best Mineral Sunscreen Stick: The Kopari Pure Protect Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ has vitamin E to help protect skin against damage from free radicals. Meanwhile, Bisabolol helps calm and soothe skin after UV exposure.
7. Best Celeb-Loved Sunscreen: Brooke Shields and Kyle Richards are just two stars who adore the EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46. It’s a fan-favorite pick because it’s made to prevent breakouts. It’s also ideal for sensitive skin and soothes issues like acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation. It can be worn alone or under makeup, making it perfect for oily skin.
8. Best Sunscreen for Lips: I love the Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30, and shoppers say it’s a “fresh and clean lip balm.” It’s formulated with natural ingredients into a “very soft, high shine” gloss that still protects you from the sun. Plus, that vanilla brown sugar flavor? Call me obsessed!
9. Best Brush-On Sunscreen: The Colorescience Powder Sunscreen SPF 50 comes in a convenient brush-on tube that can be thrown in your beach bag or back pocket. The handy, mineral formula is perfect for midday touch-ups!
10. Best Bronzing Sunscreen: Shoppers love the sunkissed color of the Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40. The bronzy color works on all skin tones, and the clean, silicone-free mineral sunscreen is packed with peptides and ceramides.
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