The Best Sunscreen For Your Face
Slightly tinted, this sunscreen almost acts as a BB cream, leaving your skin with a matte finish.
MD Solar Sciences Mineral Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($30)
With an old school, thick, frosting-like consistency, you know this sunscreen is working, and it rubs in surprisingly well.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Pure Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 40 ($30)
This oil-free, creamy formula disappears into the skin quickly. I tried it this winter on my pasty skin while in the Caribbean and it exceeded my expectations and didn’t sting my eyes while snorkeling.
Eau Thermale Avene Ultra-Light Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 ($28)
Anytime I’m in a pinch and caught off-guard without SPF, I grab this from the drugstore. It goes on white so you can see exactly where you’re applying it, but it rubs in easily with a light, powdery finish.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 ($9)
This liquid formula — one of my faves the past few summers — is so light it’s borderline runny, but it rubs instantly into your skin, feels like you have nothing on, and doesn’t clog your pores. Such a little amount does the job, a small bottle will last forever.
Kate Somerville Daily Deflector Waterlight Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ ($48)
This ultra-luxe formula applies like a lightweight moisturizer and has a sweet baby powder scent.
Omorovicza Budapest Mineral UV Shield SPF30 ($125)
If I’ve been out in the sun for a while and I get paranoid that my sunscreen is melting off, I apply this stick to my nose, cheeks, forehead and anywhere that tends to burn. Applying the non-waxy stick feels more like a physical barrier against UV rays and never fails me.
Murad Essential-C Sun Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 35 ($12)
This non-chemical sunscreen is a serious multi-tasker that hydrates, lightens dark spots, combats wrinkles all while protecting your skin with it’s light lily scent in a beach-friendly, rubberized bottle.
Tarte Tarteguard 30 Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($32)
Shiseido Wetforce Ultimate Sun Protection Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ for Face Water is the enemy for most sunscreens, but this innovative formula actually activates when wet. Ideal for active days in a beach, pool, or lake, this water-resistant sunscreen also includes beneficial skin ingredients.
Shiseido Wetforce Ultimate Sun Protection Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ for Face ($36)
While daily SPF is necessary year round, the strong summer rays require a more intense sunscreen protection when spending time outdoors. Many people have the same complaints: Sunscreen clogs pores, feels heavy, rubs off too quickly, stings eyes, or flat our doesn’t work the way it says it will. As someone with skin on the fairest end of the spectrum, I’m constantly on the hunt for face sunscreens that will not only prevent sunburn but also sun damage and wrinkles, with formulas so light I forget I’m wearing them. These nine formulas all pass the test.
Related: Product Saviors for Skin Condition Sufferers