After years of beauty reporting and countless conversations with dermatologists and estheticians, I’ve learned that sunscreen is a nonnegotiable, year-round thing. It’s a daily must-do, right up there with washing your face. Nearly every skin concern... This can be tricky, though, especially if you’re prone to breakouts or have sensitive skin. To find the best facial sunscreens, I’m testing out several different formulas over the next few months. You’ll find results from those hands-on trials belo...
In addition to being fragrance-free and noncomedogenic, EltaMD’s sunscreen is especially effective because it’s rich in antioxidants that help protect against skin-damaging free radicals,The EltaMD utilizes both chemical and physical SPF, so you get ...
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
If your skin-care routine is already packed with AHAs, BHAs, retinoids, and the like, it’s good to pick a sunscreen that simply moisturizes and protects. This lightweight sunscreen from Cetaphil fits the bill. It has a moisturizing, lotion-y consiste...
Cetaphil Daily Oil Free Face Moisturizer
My recommendation for this is the ultra-lightweight La Roche-Posay Anthelios sunscreen, which manages to be whisper-light and moisturizing at the same time. As soon as you apply it it sinks into the skin and you forget it’s there. Strategist contribu...
Mineral Sunscreen - La Roche-Posay
It offers beautiful coverage and is lightly moisturizing,”
Total Protection® No-Show™ Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Mineral sunscreen may sound ideal for acne-prone skin, but it’s not as good at protecting skin from UVA and UVB rays unless there’s a high concentration of zinc oxide — at least 20 percent. Chemical sunscreens offer better protection thanks to filter...
For a long time, the pinnacle of gel, silicone-y sunscreens was Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen, but after using Glossier’s recently reformulated Invisible Shield for the past few weeks, I stand corrected. Billed as “a sunscreen for people who hate wearin...
Invisible Shield SPF50 - Glossier
Best mineral sunscreen for dry skin. Shanna Shipin at The Cut is also a fan: “It’s so effective at hydrating like a barrier-protecting moisturizer that it feels like the 40 SPF is a delightful by-product rather than the whole point.”
Universal Glow Daily Defense Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 40
Best chemical sunscreen for dry skin. The ingredient combination, says Nussbaum, “helps the skin repair itself.” The consistency is like a lightweight lotion, thinner than my Dieux Instant Angel but thicker than a serum. It’s also completely sheer an...
SPF 50 Face Sunscreen: Organic & Fragrance-Free - COOLA
Best sunscreen for nature skin. It works well for all skin types and most skin tones.It disappears into my skin and doesn’t make me oily
Eryfotona Actinica Sunscreen with SPF 50+ - ISDIN
This lightweight sunscreen from Supergoop! is a favorite for everyday wear, especially if I’m applying some kind of tinted moisturizer on top. It melts into my skin almost instantly and leaves behind a noticeable glow. In addition to a high SPF of 50...
If you’ve ever put on sunscreen before a run, you’re probably familiar with the stinging sensation in your eyes as the sunscreen drips down your face
PLAY 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 - Supergoop
Proven to be water resistant for up to 40 minutes (around the time you’d want to reapply after swimming anyway), SkinCeuticals’ physical sunscreen comes recommended by both Nussbaum and dermatologist Dr. Jared Jagdeo, the medical director of Ever/Bod...
Physical Fusion UV Defense Tinted Mineral Sunscreen - SkinCeuticals
This powder sunscreen from Colorescience can be used under or over makeup. The brush-on formula comes recommended by Engelman, who says it “can absorb excess oil and be used throughout the day.” It’s available in a handful of shades to blend with you...
Sunforgettable® Total Protection® Brush-On Shield SPF 50
Best sunscreen stick, Another good way to reapply (provided you’re not worrying about disturbing face makeup) is using a sunscreen stick. This one from Shiseido is a favorite of Strategist writer Ambar Pardilla, who likes that it’s not “gloopy,” like...
Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ - Shiseido
You need an easy product to reapply your sunscreen throughout the day over makeup or bare skin and don't mind a slight glow.
The Shimmer One SPF 45 Mineral Glow Stick - Hello Sunday