I’ve often heard dermatologists say that sun care is not only important for helping reduce the visible signs of aging, but also for protecting against skin cancer. 

“Wear sunblock every single day, even when it is cloudy. No exceptions,” says Dr. P. Daniel Ward, double-board certified plastic surgeon at Ward MD in Salt Lake City, Utah and founder of Form Spa.“ The more sun exposure, the greater the risk of skin cancer. Reapply after getting wet or perspiring.”

Sun exposure can lead to a variety of issues. Dr. Ward says, “These range from short-term consequences like sunburns, to longer-term and more permanent issues, such as pigment formation, wrinkling of the skin, loss of facial elasticity, and DNA damage in the cells of our skin, which can lead to cancer development.”

Dr. Ward suggests looking for a sunblock that you like wearing — one that offers UVA and UVB protection which is typically found in products that have either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.“ These components allow the sunscreen to act as a barrier, reflecting the UV rays. Think of it like a layer of tinfoil over your skin,” says Dr. Ward.

Do higher SPF numbers offer greater protection? Dr. Ward explains that despite popular belief, higher SPF numbers offering greater protection is mostly a myth. “Unfortunately, sunblock efficacy does not necessarily improve with a higher SPF,” says Dr. Ward. 

While sunscreen may offer a range of benefits, no one wants to wear one that is unflattering or makes you break out. Who hasn’t had the embarrassing experience of leaving the house and missing a few streaks that weren’t fully blended? Thankfully, the latest sunscreen launches are perfect for wearing under (or over) makeup without dulling your glow. Read on for our list of the best face sunscreens.

Best Face Sunscreen Picks

Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin (Chemical): COSRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50 + ($23)

This is my personal favorite sunscreen pick and I wear it under my makeup every day. Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50 + is a daily sun protector formulated with chemical-based SPF ingredients that are paired with a vitamin E (Tocopherol) to protect all skin types, even sensitive skin. This sunscreen features a lightweight texture that leaves no white cast on the skin and with a semi-matte finish. This sunscreen is formulated with ingredients linked to alleviating irritated skin. It is hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and reef-friendly. 

Best Brightening Mineral Sunscreen: OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 ($35)

This product’s Vitamin C and banana-inspired ingredients help illuminate the facial complexion, even the skin tone, and hydrate the face, while giving you the sun protection you need.

Best Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: Kate Somerville Daily Deflector Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 ($54)

Daily Deflector Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 works like a protective shield, with non-nano Zinc Oxide remaining on skin’s surface to deflect harmful rays and shield against blue light. With a PA++++ rating, this hydrating broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection works immediately on application and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It’s clinically formulated with a proven blend of skin-restoring, sun-protecting, ultra-hydrating ingredients without added fragrance.

Best Glowy Tinted Sunscreen: Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40 ($22+)

This sunscreen primer and SPF in one comes in four shades designed to give you a glowy lit from within look. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin B5 to hydrate and provide a gorgeous dewy base.

Best Supergoop Dupe: Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 ($9)

This oil-free sunscreen is super lightweight and goes on with a soft and silky matte finish. It makes a great sunscreen primer and fans compare it to Supergoop at a more affordable price.

Best Sunscreen Primer: Saint Jane Luxury Sun Ritual Pore Smoothing SPF 30 ($38)

This pore-smoothing, invisible sunblock has an innovative, skin-blurring texture. The SPF primer is inspired by flower petals and their resiliency against sun, heat, and environmental stressors. The smoothing SPF contains antioxidant-rich blooms like desert rose, hibiscus, and jasmine to help deliver deep moisture and a flawless, sheer finish.

Best Water and Sweat Resistant Tinted Sunscreen (Mineral): La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Sunscreen ($34.99)

This 100% mineral tinted face sunscreen is formulated with cell-ox shield antioxidant technology, vitamin E, and La Roche-Posay thermal spring water. This sunscreen is a fan-favorite from La Roche-Posay, the official sunscreen partner of the US Open, and is water/sweat resistant for up to 40 minutes. On a personal note, I find that the texture is non-greasy, provides a nice glow, and doesn’t cause me to break out. 

Best Tinted Sunscreen (Mineral) for Light Dewy Coverage: ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 ($48) 

If you’re looking to streamline your routine with light dewy coverage and sunscreen in one, ILIA Super Serum is a great option with 30 shades to choose from. This product is designed to be lightweight and leave your skin looking natural. ILIA Skin Tint features active levels of hyaluronic acid, plant-based squalane, and niacinamide for added skincare benefits. It’s also silicone-free, fragrance-free, chemical screen-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic, and safe for sensitive skin. 1% of Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 sales go toward our Ilia’s goal of planting 1 million trees by 2023 with 1% for the Planet.

Best Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Foundation for Buildable Coverage: SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen ($32)

This mineral sunscreen also acts as a foundation with light to medium buildable coverage. Tower28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen is free from alcohol, fragrances, and gluten, while also being vegan and cruelty-free. This 2-in-1 sunscreen has the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance and is safe for sensitive skin. On top of that it comes in a range of 17 shades to help you find the perfect finish for your skin tone.

Best Sunscreen Mist for Face and Body: Pixi SunMist SPF 50 ($15)

This light, invisible broad-spectrum SPF 50 is made with nourishing ingredients including aloe vera, vitamin E, and avocado oil. It’s paraben-free and light enough to use under or over makeup.

Best Sunscreen to Wear Over Makeup (Mist): Naked Sundays SPF 50+ Hydrating Glow Mist Top Up ($30)

Australian sunscreen brand Naked Sundays is known for their best-selling SPF 50+ Hydrating Glow Mist Top Up Mist, designed for reapplying your SPF over makeup. Infused with radiance-boosting hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-filled watermelon extract and vitamin C-rich kakadu plum, it can be worn over your makeup or naked, perfect for carrying in your handbag and using on-the-go. 

We’re also fans of SPF 50 Clear Glow Radiant Sun Serum ($36) which is a lightweight, silky sun protection that goes on invisibly under makeup and is designed to replace your serum, moisturizer, and primer. 

Samantha Brett, Founder of Naked Sundays shares the story behind her inspiration for the brand and sunscreen mist:

I came up with Naked Sundays after working as a television news reporter for a decade out in the sun. I started to notice more and more people having to get skin cancers cut out of their faces, and it got me thinking about sunscreen that I was wearing. I was putting on sunscreen in the mornings (I’d be out the door by 4 AM) but I wasn’t able to top up my sunscreen throughout the day over my makeup. There was simply nothing out there! And sunscreen only lasts on the skin for about 90 minutes before you have to reapply, which not a lot of people think about. 

I set about creating an SPF 50+ “mist” that could be applied over makeup. It was no easy feat, but once I had a formula that I was happy with, I realized that there wasn’t a sunscreen brand on the market that actually catered to makeup lovers. I created Naked Sundays to fill the gap in the market when it comes to SPF that plays well with makeup, can be easily reapplied throughout the day, is infused with Australian antioxidants and botanicals, and is good for your skin too, with zero whitecast. No easy feat! — Samantha Brett, Founder and CEO of Naked Sundays

Best Sunscreen to Wear Over Makeup (Powder): Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50 ($69)

Powered by EnviroScreen® technology, this all-mineral skin shield provides sun protection that can easily be applied on-the-go. Thanks to its brush-on formula and packaging, this powder sunscreen is convenient to use alone or as a last layer of protection over makeup to help even skin tone or reduce shine. Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50 comes in four neutral shades: fair, medium, tan, and deep. This hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic SPF is Skin Cancer Foundation-approved and water/sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Best Sunscreen Stick: Shiseido Clear Sunstick SPF 50 +  ($29)

This award-winning, ocean-friendly broad spectrum SPF 50+ is an invisible and lightweight silky SPF sunscreen stick that is designed to work over or under makeup. 

Makeup artist Aaron Barry shares that he recently used Shiseido sun protection products on models during a shoot in Laguna, California. “During multiple outfit changes and water exposure over a 2 day period of direct sun exposure, none of the models got sunburned which is always a worry of mine. I applied the sun stick to the face prior to applying the foundation, then I applied the body sun lotion all over the body. Midway through the day I reapplied the sun body lotion. I reapply the sun stick in areas that catch the most sun –the ears, neck shoulders, and décolletages. The sun stick is so convenient for a quick reapplication. The formula glides onto the skin which I love.”

Best Moisturizing Mineral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen ($30)

This sheer, 100% non-nano zinc reef-safe sunscreen is designed to keep skin deeply hydrated and blends in fast with no white cast. Sugarcane-derived squalane helps lock in moisture, leaving skin with a soft, dewy finish. Multi-talented Spa & Beauty Today writer Tara KP Troszak who is a professional makeup artist (and lawyer) says, “As someone who has dealt with skin cancer, SPF is a non-negotiable for me. I love this because it wears beautifully under makeup, doesn’t irritate my skin, and gives me peace of mind knowing I’m protected.”

Biossance is committed to transparent clean, nontoxic skincare and offers products that are EWG verified. 

Best Mineral Sunscreen for Face with Correcting Treatment (Serum): Murad Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45 | PA ++++ ($69)

This 100% mineral-based UV protection features a 2-in-1 formula that includes a treatment serum for brightening/correcting and a satiny smooth SPF. The sunscreen serum is a 100% mineral zinc oxide sunscreen with UV-responsive carotenoid technology and beet root extract for hydration. This product has been clinically tested on Fitzpatrick skin types 1 to 6. It’s formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, gluten, animal-derived ingredients, mineral oil, formaldehyde, oxybenzone, or petrolatum.

I regularly use this sunscreen serum and find that this sheer formula invisibly melts into skin and doesn’t clog my pores or make me break out. 

Best Mineral Sunscreen for Face (Lotion): Necessaire The Sunscreen SPF 30 PA+++ ($35) 

This hydrating SPF 30 lotion is infused with skincare actives and formulated with an advanced zinc dispersion technology for easy application and minimal cast. 

“I’m a true believer in mineral sunscreens for many reasons, but mainly for their anti-acne skin protecting properties,” says Omayma Ramzy, editorial makeup artist and founder of Omayma Skin. 

“The way that mineral sunscreens differ from chemical sunscreens —mineral sunscreens bounce the UV rays off our faces, whereas chemical or traditional sunscreens encapsulate the rays which still allows the rays to be absorbed by our skin. This means that chemical sunscreens still heat up the skin which can still trigger melanin and melasma or dark spots to develop. On top of that, most mineral formulations are zinc based, which is an incredible anti-acne ingredient,” says Ramzy.

“I really love the Necessaire sunscreen. It’s for both face and body. I had the pleasure of doing makeup for their launch campaign on this product, and so I got to get familiar with it and use it before it came out. I absolutely love that the formula has Hyaluronic Acid in it, and you can really tell! It really is quite lightweight. When applying skincare under makeup I use The Bedouin Elixir Facial Oil as the final step before sunscreen. It really locks in every serum or cream beneath it, whilst giving a ‘glide on’ base that prevents your skincare or the SPF peeling. Not only that, but the Bedouin Elixir Facial oil is jam packed with anti-oxidants, which will give even more oxidative protection throughout the day to your skin,” Ramzy shares.

Best Sunscreen for Oily Acne Prone Skin: Image Skincare Daily Matte SPF Moisturizer ($48)

This physician formulated oil-free sunscreen provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 sun protection in a mattifying, antioxidant-rich base that’s designed for oily and acne-prone skin types.

“Another SPF I love is the Image Skincare Matte SPF Moisturizer 30. I use it on myself every day as part of my morning skincare routine,” says Omayma Ramzy. 

“Currently my morning routine consists of cleansing with the Curology cleanser, using a Hyaluronic Acid Serum from Prism Botanics, then the Versed Skincare Squalene moisturizer, The Bedouin Elixir Facial Oil to lock it all in, and I seal the deal with the Image Skincare Matte Moisturizer SPF 30. To avoid a white cast with any sunscreen, I use The Bedouin Elixir Facial Oil underneath to get maximum absorption and to give a really glide-able base,” says Ramzy.

This hydrating moisturizer can be used daily under makeup for protection and moisture. It features zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to shield from UVA and UVB rays.

“The Mineral Sun Defense SPF 30 is perfect for wearing alone or under makeup! Infused with nourishing avocado oil, Argan oil and shea butter, it leaves your skin feeling hydrated and smooth. The universal tint blends effortlessly into most skin tones for a flawless-looking finish with no white cast,” say Sarah McNamara and Rochelle Jacobs, Co-Founders of Naturally Serious. 

Best Tinted Sunscreen (Chemical) for Blurring Fine Lines and Wrinkles: FormRX Complete Sun Protection Tinted SPF 45 ($59)

Dr. Ward is also the founder of FormRx, an extensive line of luxury, medical grade skincare products. Formulated as an all-in-one sunscreen and foundation, FormRX Complete Sun Protection Tinted SPF 45 is a tinted protector with titanium. It moisturizes and provides sheer color coverage, helping to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

[Images courtesy of brands]

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A University of Michigan graduate, Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. Her work has appeared in publications including Beauty Launchpad, Nailpro, DAYSPA, CNET, Entertainment Tonight, and more. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA, and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @zillizy, @zillizy16