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This $20 Sunscreen Leaves My Skin Looking Like I Just Got A Facial

Plus priming and anti-aging benefits.

by Hannah Baxter

Updated: Feb. 20, 2024

Originally Published: April 10, 2022

We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Summer is just a few tantalizingly close weeks away, which means trips to the beach and lazy afternoons at the park are on the horizon. But with the days already getting longer and the amount of sunlight (finally) increasing, that means it’s the perfect time to take stock of your face sunscreens and see what’s serving you, what’s expired, and what new formulas you’d like to add to your skin care lineup.

Finding a face sunblock that feels not only comfortable on the skin but also doesn’t pill under makeup, doesn’t leave a white cast — if it’s a mineral formula made with zinc — and doesn’t irritate your complexion can seem almost impossible (there are a *lot* of options out there). That’s why team TZR is more than willing to share what SPFs they’re loving year-round, but especially as the weather warms up across the country. Remember — using a daily sunscreen is the best way to prevent sun damage and minimize signs of premature aging like dark spots, fine lines, and uneven skin texture. Consider it the ultimate anti-aging product in your beauty arsenal.

From cult-favorite classics to buzzy new releases, these are the 18 face sunscreens we’re applying (Every. Single. Day.) until the bottles run dry.

We at TZR only include products that have been independently selected by our editors. We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Annie Blay, Associate Beauty News Editor

Sunscreen on black skin

Annie Blay

Anthelios UV Correct Sunscreen SPF 70

Anthelios UV Correct Sunscreen SPF 70

The newest sunscreen offering from La Roche-Posay is an anti-aging chemical formula that is oil-free and fragrance-free making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. I love how lightweight and moisturizing it feels and the addition of niacinamide is always music to my ears, considering I have oily skin and dark spots.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Feels cliché to claim this as one of my favorite SPFs because who doesn’t love the Unseen Sunscreen from Supergoop? But it truly is that good. One of my biggest fears when I started regularly wearing SPF was not being able to find one that wouldn't leave a white cast but also one that wasn’t too greasy, and this sunscreen checks both those boxes and more.

Amanda Ross, Beauty News Writer

Amanda Ross

Amanda Ross

Mineral Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen

One of the creamiest, dreamiest mineral sunscreens ever, Vacation’s version absolutely melts into the skin — and leaves it looking post-skin-care-routine moisturized and glowing. As someone just starting to make progress on their aggressive melasma, robust mineral sunscreen is my saving grace and this is such a perfect all-rounder. The white formula dissolves into a clear, watery (in a good way) finish upon rubbing it in, and even acts as a pretty damn good makeup primer, too.

Josie Maran sun milk sunscreen

Get Even Sun Milk SPF 33

This is a newer addition to my ever-growing mineral sunscreen collection but I would not hesitate to engage in hand-to-hand combat should you try to take it away from me — that’s how lovely it is. So silky, so sheer, and the perfect amount of protection for strolling around outside, it’s ideal for layering under other products while the argan oil-infused formula boosts your dewy, flushed glow.

Neutrogena baby sunscreen

Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 50

Life philosophy: good enough for a baby, good enough for me. This zinc-based sunscreen from Neutrogena is technically for the recently born, but the baby-safe, dermatologist-approved formula means it’s also great for sensitive skin like mine. It’s a little bit starker and harder to blend than my more cosmetically inclined favorites, but in Texas, where summertime temperatures exceeding 100 degrees are just another Wednesday, bulletproof sun protection is the most important factor — and this one always delivers.

Hannah Baxter, Deputy Beauty Editor

best face sunscreens Hannah Baxter

Hannah Baxter

Tatcha Silk Sunscreen Mineral SPF 50

The Silk Sunscreen

I’m making a real effort to only wear mineral/physical SPF formulas since I’m prone to melasma (especially in the summer when heat activates it). That’s why I’m so obsessed with this new Tatcha sunscreen, which boasts a hefty SPF 50 and contains soothing and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. The subtle peach tint also leaves my skin free of white-cast and so glowy.

Clark's Botanicals Invisible Hero SPF 30

Clark's Botanicals

Invisible Hero™ SPF 30

I want to feel like the final step in my skin care routine (aka SPF) is leaving my skin healthier than ever, sort of like icing a cake, and this 15% Zinc Oxide PA+++ Clark’s Botanicals formula does just that. The niacinamide and hyaluronic acid fight inflammation and boost hydration, while grape leaf and arnica extracts protect against pollution (which can actually cause premature aging faster than you think). It also blends in completely sheer and leaves you with the type of radiance that will have people asking for your facialists’s number.

Murad Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45

Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45

Serum sunscreens are the future of sun protection in my opinion, and Murad nailed it with this new launch. It barely feels like you’re wearing SPF at all, and blends so seamlessly you’ll be shocked that it’s a 100% mineral formula. If you’ve yet to find a physical sunscreen that blends in sheer, I can’t recommend this highly enough. Plus, the carotenoid technology adds a boost of antioxidant protection to help fight unwanted pigmentation and keep your skin protected from free radical damage.

Kathy Lee, Editor-In-Chief

woman wearing sunscreen

Kathy Lee

SUN PROTECTOR SPF30

SUN PROTECTOR SPF30

I’m ashamed to admit that it took me a long time to start wearing sunscreen consistently; it’s a recent development. The product that helped me get here? Maelove’s mineral sunscreen, although it feels nothing like a typical physical sunscreen. It feels (and is) super hydrating on the skin, without the greasy, oily layer that some sunscreens may leave behind. Plus, this one is also a primer, brightening and smoothing the texture of my skin and giving it this taut sensation that wakens my skin in the morning.

Cellular Swiss UV Protection Veil SPF 30

Cellular Swiss UV Protection Veil SPF 30

I know this one is pricey, but hear me out. I use this in the winter and on days my skin is extremely dry. It not only acts as a sun protector but also as a second layer of cream to add some much-needed extra moisture. It stays on all day (a normal routine without a workout or beach time, which is still no small feat), and keeps my skin feeling plump and hydrated. So, if I calculate the cost of a day cream and a sunblock, the price tag doesn’t seem so outrageous for this skin care aficionado.

Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid SPF30 1.7

Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid SPF30 1.7

If I were to take just one sunscreen on my summer vacation, it would be this one. Considering that I spend more time outdoors and the solar rays are more intense this time of the year, it’s important that I protect my skin during the daytime. But, like most mineral sunscreens, it does take some effort to properly blend in. Even after, there is a faint white cast. But that has become less of an issue for me over time because the sun protection factor trumps all else. I used this for four weeks straight, everyday at the beach during the peak of summer, and I never got burned or was left with dry skin. The texture wasn’t too thick but I would recommend mixing it with a moisturizer for easier blending. I actually appreciate that my skin doesn’t absorb it because it feels like it’s doing its job as a physical sunscreen.

Taylor Jean Stephan, Beauty News Writer

sunscreen on fair skin

Taylor Jean Stephan

Made with green tea and hyaluronic acid

Dr. Barbara Sturm

Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50

These SPF 50 glow drops are certainly on the more expensive side, no argument here. Still, I love the experience of using them. The lightweight serum-like drops have a velvety soft texture and come in the brand's signature glass bottle. I like that there's hyaluronic acid for moisture and green tea leaf extract for fighting free radicals.

protect against the damaging effects of the sun, pollution, and blue light, all while giving a gorge...

Tula Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30

On a more wallet-friendly note, this SPF is a heck of a multitasker. It's made with probiotics to nourish, pineapple and papaya to help exfoliate. and wild butterfly ginger root that not only protects skin from pollution but blue light, too. The non-greasy formula blends in smoothly and always leaves me with a dewy glow that looks so good under makeup.

Faith Xue, Executive Beauty Director, BDG

Faith Xue

Faith Xue

Plumscreen

This sunscreen is my newest obsession. The light cream texture comes out white, but melts in seamlessly after you rub it into the skin. I love the light (not overpowering) scent, which feels soothing, and more important, I love the way it seems to filter out my pores and leave my skin feeling silky and hydrated.

The Multimodal Defender Sunscreen SPF 30

The Multimodal Defender Sunscreen SPF 30

This SPF from U Beauty is more like a treatment for your skin. It has a thick, paste-like texture that melts into a rich oil as you blend it in. The slightly dewy, healthy finish it leaves behind is *chef’s kiss* — every time I use this sunscreen, I get compliments on my skin. Plus, it lasts forever and it’s made with ingredients that actually help decrease the appearance of dark spots over time.

Watermelon Glow SPF 50

Watermelon Glow SPF 50

This sunscreen has been going viral on TikTok, and for good reason — it’s silky-soft, light-as-air, and doesn’t leave any sort of white cast behind. Using it feels like a treat each morning, and the niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and aloe help soothe your skin over time.

Angela Melero, Executive Editor

best face sunscreens

Angela Melero

Umbra Tinte™ Physical Daily Defense SPF 30

Umbra Tinte™ Physical Daily Defense SPF 30

I’ve had a love affair with this SPF for years now. In addition to its broad spectrum coverage, this formula features a lovely, subtle tint that gives my skin a glow. In fact, I often skip foundation or concealer when I use this sunscreen as it gives my skin natural radiance. Yes, please!

Glow Stick SPF 50

Glow Stick SPF 50

During the hot Los Angeles summers, consistent reapplication is key when it comes to SPF. I like to keep this handy little sunscreen stick in my handbags while I run around to ensure I reapply every couple hours to keep my fair skin protected and in check. In addition to being convenient, this Glow Stick also leaves a lovely natural sheen to my skin, giving it a sun-kissed glow, sans highlighter!

This article was originally published on April 10, 2022