The Best Sunscreen Brands You Will Want To Wear Every Day
It’s (Always) Sunscreen Season
With summer right around the corner and with May being Skin Cancer Awareness Month, I thought this would be a great time to talk about the importance of sunscreen. Even though we all know that theoretically we are supposed to wear sunscreen 365 days a year… The truth is that for many of us, it’s not until the weather starts getting warmer that sunscreen becomes top of mind.
I have to say that in years past I’ve been guilty of this as well. I’d avoid sunscreens unless it was summer and I was outdoors because I hated wearing them on my face. I know now that this was a big mistake on my part.
That was until I finally found a sunscreen I liked. A sunscreen that felt sheer, had a high enough SPF (at least 30), and most importantly didn’t mess up my makeup or make me break out. Good news - I will share this unicorn below.
And in the same breath, sunscreens, like skincare in general, are very personal. What I love may not work for you. And what you love may not work for me. But nonetheless, I always find it helpful to go by recommendations when it comes to things like this.
I asked both my dermatologist and my revered facial Plastic Surgeon (Dr. Diana Ponsky) for the BEST sunscreen to use. Both answered my question with the same line: “The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use, every day.”
So the question becomes, how do you find the sunscreen that ticks off all of the boxes to be perfect for you? And one you’ll actually use everyday? Well, I’m happy to share what I’ve tried, what I’ve liked, and then what I’ve loved.
Why You Need To Wear Sunscreen Every Day
I didn’t really know about sunscreen growing up. As a kid my mom would try and slather me in a PABA sunscreen - which itched and burned - partly because it was all chemical and also I was allergic. So that was a miserable experience. In my mind I was anti-sunscreen.
And then as a teen it was all baby oil and record albums covered in tin foil in an effort to get burnt to a crisp - because in my adolescent mind, it would turn to a tan and I’d look like the girl in the Coppertone ad! F*cked up in hindsight, but at the time it made perfect sense.
Well, fast forward and I’m now combating the skin damage I did then. Ohh if only I knew then what I know now. So I preach to my kids and the girls that work for me - sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!
Last week, my gorgeous client who is in her 80’s and I ganged up on my assistant Sydney (who btw, is like 24 and has baby, porcelain skin) and gave her a full TED talk about sunscreens. And during the lecture, I actually learned something new too. Dr. Irwin is a dermatologist that has an entire site (SkinTour) dedicated to skin! It’s chock full of well-researched information. And SkinTour is one of those rabbit holes you’ll be happy you fell down.
Facial Sunscreens
In the last decade (since I came to my skin senses) I’ve tried a bunch of facial sunscreens. I’m not going to talk about the total failures, the ones I hated. And instead focus on those I liked and then the one I LOVE and have used faithfully for the last 3 years - everyday. Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall - it’s now part of my routine. It’s a habit. And that’s the goal - I literally don’t leave home without it!
Face Sunscreens I’ve Tried and Liked:
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
It’s a bestseller. Definitely lightweight and clear. However, for me, I broke out when using it.
Neutrogena
I tried this because my hubs uses it - it’s fine for a drugstore brand but made me feel greasy.
Arcona Reozone 40
I use Arcona skincare exclusively and love it. When I tried their sunscreen it was a few years ago and it left a white/gray cast. I believe they’ve reformulated since but I have not tried the new formulation yet.
BeautyCounter Countersun
I love that this is clean beauty, like all BeautyCounter products. And reef friendly. I am sensitive to vitamin E so this one didn’t work for me.
SkinCeuticals UV Defense 50
A tinted mineral sunscreen. It is nice and light and I got it from my dermatologist. But I didn’t like how my makeup went on over it.
The Face Sunscreen I LOVE:
EltaMD Broad Spectrum Tinted SPF 46
I am completely obsessed with this stuff. I use the tinted version and a bit of concealer for everyday wear. And then it works great under foundation as well. There is hyaluronic acid so it gives a bit of plump and glow.
I originally tried it after a treatment at Dr. Diana Ponsky’s office and have been hooked ever since. It’s been 3 years and counting of using it 365 days! It also comes in a 2 pack with savings. Dr. Ponsky likes the clear version as well. This face sunscreen is my #1!
Sunscreens I’ve Heard Good Things About and Might Try:
Chantecaille Mist
This can be used on the face or body and has been getting rave reviews.
Supergoop! ReSetting Mist
I like the idea of using this as a way to reapply throughout the day.
Shiseido
Sun Dual Care
Water-resistant and protects from pollution too. It was an Elle Magazine editors pick.
Colorscience Sunforgettable Brush On Shield SPF 50
I used this years ago and liked it for reapplication during the day. Bonus, it got rid of the greasiness too.
Body Sunscreens
It’s not only about the face - we need sunscreen on our bodies too. And when it comes to body sunscreens, I also like to be aware of reef friendly ingredients. Meaning, some sunscreens, while good at protecting our skin from the harmful rays, can negatively impact the ocean’s environmental balance. Which isn’t good for any of us. I’m sharing this not to make you crazy, but as a point to keep in mind as you’re selecting what sunscreen to use.
I also prefer an oil or spray body sunscreen - maybe because it reminds me of my youth, but also because it doesn’t leave white streaks in my bathing suits.
Supergoop! Glow Oil
This is my current goto. When we went on Mother/Daughter spring break I turned the other moms to it. SPF 50 and no white streaks on your suit.
Sun bum SPF 50 Spray
I love this for the kids and around the house - it’s less expensive than the Supergoop and really great. Smells yummy too!
Protect Your Skin With Clothes, Hats and Sunglasses
Yes, sunscreen is the base layer of protection, but it doesn’t stop there. Hats with brims (the bigger the better), sunglasses (to protect the delicate eye tissue - and to look cool) and SPF clothing all provide protection. And an additional way to express your personal style in the sunny months.
SPF Makeup
There are a few SPF makeups that I use all the time. I use these as an adjunct to my sunscreen, not in place of, but I think SPF makeups are a great way to incorporate sunscreen into your daily routine.