Welcome to Sun Blocked, Refinery29’s global call-to-action to wake up to the serious dangers of tanning. No lectures or shaming, we promise. Instead, our goal is to arm you with the facts you need to protect your skin to the best of your ability, because there’s no such thing as safe sun.
As unsexy as protecting our skin from the sun used to seem, the skin-care routine staple has finally pushed its way to the front of beauty conversations. Sunscreen is sexy because it keeps our skin safe (all while slowing down our skin’s aging process). While some may retort that SPF can be unflattering, uncomfortable, or just another beauty chore, it’s ultimately critical for protecting skin from sun damage. It’s also the one product experts say we absolutely need. Gone are the days of intentionally not wearing sunscreen to the beach or accidentally neglecting our faces on the daily. Increased awareness of the importance of sunscreen, as well as more recent innovations in formulation, has meant the skin-care essential has legions of fans normalizing (and glorifying) adding SPF into their daily routines.
Also gone are the days of stressful SPF shopping. There is no shortage of great options out there, and many have lifelong fans on the R29 staff. When you find a good sunscreen — one that brings you genuine joy without a white cast — you hold on to it forever. So as sunny days inch closer and new products continue to drop, the Refinery29 beauty and shopping teams wanted to help you sift through the noise. Ahead, find the SPF formulas — from mineral sunscreens to SPF skin tints and more sun care products that won’t break you out — that never fail us.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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“Guys, do not sleep on Bubble! I’ve had the chance to review almost everything in the range and have been very impressed. The price point is relatively affordable, the packaging delightful, and the formulas right up there with the most expensive stuff in my bathroom. I’ve been especially loving this tinted mineral sunscreen, which I wear on days when I don’t feel like wearing makeup. It absorbs instantly, has never broke me out, and doesn’t have an ashy undertone. In other words, it’s an absolute gem.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Shop Bubble
Bubble Plus One Tinted Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum, $, available at Ulta Beauty
“I am super religious about wearing sunscreen and aim to always use SPF 50 on a sunny day. Finding a sunblock that doesn’t feel yucky or clog up my pores can be a challenge, though. It can be also hard to reapply as often as recommended (which is every two hours) when I have a full face of makeup on. But this face mist from Vacation is the perfect antidote to all my woes: The SPF 50 spray is the perfect touch-up product that won’t mess up your foundation, thanks to an airy, see-through formula. The finish feels satiny and matte as opposed to the oily texture of most other sunscreen products. It’s also a great protector against UV damage from blue light. The brand’s signature scent, which reminds me of a banana split, is also a big plus. I’ll be keeping this baby in my beach bag all summer long.” —Venus Wong, Senior Travel Writer
Shop Vacation
Vacation Super Spritz Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Face Mist, $, available at VacationPhoto Credit: Courtesy of Venus Wong.
“I have said it before and I’ll say it again: I support this sunscreen. I have oily combo skin on my face which meant that in order to prevent dreaded sunburnt lobster skin, I usually had to apply products that made me even more oily than normal — that was until I found this sunscreen. After learning that I have to take better care of my skin, I started experimenting with daily lightweight sunscreens recommended for Asian skin and found that I really like Bioré’s formula. It’s liquidy but then dries as lightweight coverage that allows me to apply makeup over it.” —Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Shop Amazon
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Sunscreen SPF 50+, $, available at Amazon
“On days I’m looking for a really dewy vibe, this lightweight 22.4% zinc oxide formula is my go-to. It’s hydrating enough to be worn alone layered over serum in lieu of an additional moisturizer and has a gorgeous filter-like sheen to it that wears beautifully with or without makeup.” —Rachel Krause, Deputy Beauty Director
Shop Kinship
Kinship Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen, $, available at Kinship
“I’m not picky about sunscreen from the chest down (as long as it’s SPF 30 or above and I don’t get some weird rash, I’m good), but this stuff is the best if you want to look glowy and sexy and don’t care if you get some shimmer on your swimsuit. It has the tiniest bit of skin-perfecting tint and a whole lot of illuminating particles that are noticeable, but not obnoxiously blingy for a casual beach day.” —Rachel Krause, Deputy Beauty Director
Shop Amazon
Coppertone Glow with Shimmer Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, $, available at Amazon
“A top London dermatologist recommended this sunscreen to me a couple of years ago, and I love it as much now as I did back then. The texture is more of a featherweight milk, compared to a thick cream like most sunscreens out there. It absorbs in quickly and while it does make skin feel ever so slightly tacky for a few moments afterwards (it’s a great foundation primer for this reason), it dries down matte and feels like I’m not wearing anything at all. It does have a slight tropical fragrance, but I think this adds to the enjoyment I feel when using it, especially in the dull winter months. Since my discovery, so many dermatologists I know have pinpointed it as their favorite sunscreen, especially for those who contend with oiliness and breakouts. (It’s non-comedogenic, which means it’s less likely to clog your pores.)” —Jacqueline Kilikita, Acting Beauty Director
Shop Amazon
Heliocare 360º Gel Oil-Free Dry Touch SPF50, $, available at Amazon
“I’ve been using this sunscreen from Neogen for years ever since Charlotte Cho from Soko Glam introduced me to it. It absorbs quickly into the skin, blends beautifully without leaving any trace of a white cast, and makes my skin feel hydrated and look glowy. The formula contains both chemical and mineral ingredients and provides SPFA 50/PA+++ protection, so I feel extra safe from the sun when I’m wearing it.” —Sara Tan, Beauty Director
Shop Neogen
Neogen Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen, $, available at Soko Glam
“I love this SPF 35 because it feels more like a moisturizer than a sunscreen. The formula is fluid and oil-free, so it goes on smoothly and blends easily into the skin. Some other pluses: It’s only $25 (you can also pick it up at Target!) and you can recycle the bottle when you’re done. We love an affordable, sustainable, and protective sunscreen.” —Sara Tan, Beauty Director
Shop Versed
Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35, $, available at Versed
“Just about every dermatologist I’ve interviewed in my career has vouched for this sunscreen, and it lives up to the hype. It’s fragrance-free, cast-free, and oil-free, basically making it the holy trinity of sun care.” —Aimee Simeon, Senior Beauty Writer
Shop Dermstore
Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $, available at DermStore
“Technically, this is not a sunscreen, but a tinted moisturizer with SPF built in. It’s my everyday base and feels hydrating on my skin, and evens out any redness or texture issues while looking like I’m not wearing anything at all. I like to wear one shade darker than my actual skin tone, which I find makes me look a little tan.” —Megan Decker, Beauty Editor
Shop Saie
Saie Slip Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer, $, available at Saie
“I love Glowscreen because it’s like the perfect no-makeup makeup highlighting skin tint that lives up to its name. The glow is so good; I might’ve worn it even if it wasn’t a sunscreen. I will say that I don’t love using it with full-coverage makeup: I find that when I put a foundation or tinted moisturizer over it, it gets a little pilly. But, on any old day where I’m going for just sunscreen, concealer, and mascara, it’s ideal.” —Megan Decker, Beauty Editor
Shop Sephora
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 Sunscreen, $, available at Sephora
“Nécessaire is behind some super-buzzy products (Body Serum, anyone?), but the brand’s SPF lotion is highly slept on, IMHO. Even though it’s pricey at $45 for a full-size bottle, let me be the first to say that this stuff feels *so* luxurious. The gel-cream texture absorbs readily into skin without feeling greasy, and the packaging is a solid 11/10 and looked so cute on my bathroom sink. Oh, and did I mention this is a mineral formula yet leaves absolutely no white cast on my tan skin? My lone complaint is that I wish it came in an SPF 50, but as an everyday sunscreen, it’s truly among the most elegantly formulated I’ve come across.” —Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Shop Amazon
Nécessaire The Sunscreen, $, available at Nécessaire
“This tiny stick has become one of my favorite sunscreen formulas ever. It’s lightweight, smells like vacation, and won’t tug on your face, thanks to the balmy texture. It also melts clear into my complexion, so you don’t have to worry about a white cast (or messy fingers).” —Aimee Simeon, Former Senior Beauty Writer
Shop Ulta
Sun Bum Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 30, $, available at Ulta
“After being inundated with sunscreen sticks all over my TikTok and Instagram feeds, and particularly being recommended this K-beauty one, I gave in and bought it. I have combination skin with an oily T-zone, which only gets more oily as the day goes on, so I was excited to buy this matte sunstick. While I haven’t been able to test it out in the intense summer sun yet, so far I really love the barely there feel, how it mattifies my oily complexion, and its calming scent. I’ve even successfully reapplied it over makeup to help stop me looking like a sweaty mess.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer
Shop Beauty of Joseon
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick : Mugwort+Camelia (SPF 50+ PA++++), $, available at Beauty of Joseon
“Invisible Shield is one of the first sunscreen formulas that made me a believer. It’s super lightweight, feels like silk, and goes on clear — seriously. It’s one of the only sunscreens I ever look forward to slathering on and bragging about.” —Aimee Simeon, Former Senior Beauty Writer
Shop Glossier
Glossier Invisible Shield Water-Gel Transparent Face Sunscreen SPF 35, $, available at Sephora
“Since parts of my face can get oily while others remain incredibly dry, I’m always loath to use any sunscreen I have to rub into my skin — the act of rubbing anything in seems to exacerbate all of my skin’s more irritable qualities. This sunscreen mist is extremely light, smells great, and its tiny bottle is the perfect size to fit in a purse or makeup bag. And, unlike rub-in sunscreens (or spray formulas that make you feel like you’re getting hit in the face with a fire hose), this one is so light and easy to put on that it’s one of the few I’ve found myself consistently reapplying throughout the day without having to set a reminder on my phone.” —Sarah Crow, Affiliate Director
Shop Habit
Habit N°41 Facial Sunscreen Mist with SPF 41, $, available at Habit
“This has been a tried-and-true staple for me for years. While I don’t use it year-round, it’s my go-to during the summer, especially when I’m laying out tanning. It’s so hydrating, and I swipe it on thick to create a protective barrier so my lips don’t get sunburnt or dried out. And while there are quite a few scents available, I love the OG coconut scent (and taste LOL!).” —Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer
Shop Ulta
Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30, $, available at Ulta
“I went to the dermatologist about a year ago for a skin check, and he was very disappointed in my lack of SPF use specifically on my face. I’ve made it my mission to find a product that I enjoy applying every single day. The EltaMD Tinted SPF is now my holy grail. I apply it every morning (rain or shine) over my moisturizer and have repurchased it several times. It’s not greasy at all, blush/bronzer/etc. blends smoothly over the top, there’s no ‘sunscreen’ scent at all, and it’s ever so subtly tinted — which I, personally, love because I’m not a makeup girly so it makes me feel a tiny bit put together.” —Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Strategist
Shop Dermstore
Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 – Tinted, $, available at DermStore
“I was recently given a sample of this product and I’m a big fan so far. The translucent stick swipes and glides onto my face really easily. It doesn’t give the matte look I sometimes strive for, but instead has a dewy finish. But, thankfully, it’s water- and sweat-resistant, so it keeps me feeling and looking fresh all day long.” —Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer
Shop Ulta
Live Tinted HUEGUARD Invisible Sunscreen Stick SPF 50, $, available at Ulta Beauty
“I’ve long struggled with finding an everyday facial sunscreen. Each one I’ve tried either smells too beachy (which I appreciate when actually heading to the beach) or doesn’t work well with my makeup, creating a weird mush whenever I’m applying concealer and foundation. But this Koa sunscreen, which I’ve been testing for about a month now, is the best one I’ve tried. With an SPF level of 45 and a hint of tint, it’s been a great addition to my morning routine, even on days I don’t do my makeup. While it’s a tad oily at first, I find that it works well with my combination skin, leaving my drier areas with a nice glow.” —Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Shop Koa
Koa Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF45 PA+++, $, available at Koa
“Like everything else, SkinCeuticals does — i.e., dreaming up the best vitamin C serums in the game — its sunscreen(s) came to slay. My favorite of the bunch is this lightweight mineral formula, which doesn’t aggravate my very acne-prone skin. Plus, the sheer tint and satiny finish make my skin look luminous.” —Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Shop SkinCeutricals
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, $, available at SkinCeuticals
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The Best Sunscreens For Acne-Prone Skin
Black Women Share Their Favorite Sunscreens
The Best Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin
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