We all know the importance of sunscreen by now—it’s the #1 thing dermatologists and estheticians recommend for protecting skin against harmful UV rays and preventing fine lines and wrinkles. It’s the one product we should all be using everyday above anything else, and deserves a permanent spot in your skincare regimen. Now not all sunscreens are created equal and that’s especially true for facial SPFs. We’ve probably all experienced a bad one by now, leaving white residue on your face and causing your makeup to ball and clump unevenly across your skin. There are some brands, however, who have nailed their formulas and offer complete sun protection while also moisturizing your skin and allowing your makeup to go on smoothly. And since summer is approaching and we’re (hopefully!) going to be spending more time outside very soon, we thought outlining the 5 best face sunscreens would be helpful. Below are the 5 sunscreens that won’t leave you feeling greasy or leave behind white residue, just perfectly protected skin to use as your makeup canvas.
1. Drunk Elephant
Photo: Drunk Elephant
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Defense Sunscreen SPF 30
Drunk Elephant’s Umbra Sheer SPF is everything you want in a sunscreen—a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly with nontoxic ingredients. It also leaves behind no white residue and never feels greasy.
2. Supergoop!
Photo: Supergoop
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Supergoop! is one of the most popular sunscreen brands for a reason. They offer many different formulas to suit your personal needs and preferences that also includes zero toxic ingredients. One of the best for under makeup is the Unseen Sunscreen for its quick absorption and barely-there formula.
3. Shiseido
Photo: Kate Pierogi
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen
Shiseido’s Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion offers maximum protection (SPF 50!) that’s virtually invisible. This water-resistant formula also heat-sensing technology that forms an even stronger barrier when exposed to intense sunlight.
4. Elta MD
Photo: Elta MD
Elta MD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
Elta MD’s UV Clear Face Sunscreen is one of dermatologists’ favorites—it’s lightweight and oil-free so it won’t clog your pores or cause acne, which also makes it ideal for sensitive skin. It protects against both UVA and UVB rays and contains sodium hyaluronate to moisturize skin while protecting it.
5. SkinCeuticals
Photo: SkinCeuticals
SkinCeuticals Physical FusionUV Defense SPF 50
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion is a lightly tinted formula that not only protects against harmful rays but also evens out skin tone. The lightweight formula is ideal to be worn under makeup or alone without any white residue left behind.
What’s your favorite sunscreen?
Let us know in the comments below!
