But these days there’s a whole world of science that’s dedicated to creating sunscreens made more comfortable and wearable so much so that you may actually like wearing your SPF.
Here are a few that I’ve personally tested out and have come out at the top of the list for best sunscreens for face. Keep reading to see which sunscreens made the cut…
Best sunscreens for face
that you’ll actually want to wear
Overall Best Sunscreen for Face:
Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defence SPF 50
TLDR: mineral based sunblock, chemical free, paraben free, lightweight, good for oily skin, lasting UV protection, tinted, evens skin tone, non-greasy, good for sensitive skin types, light coverage.
The Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 sunscreen has a been a long time favourite of mine and one of the best sunscreens for face in my books.
It’s a tinted sunscreen with 100% mineral filter that provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and generally suitable for all skin types.
It has a serum like texture, so you don’t feel like you’re wearing any extra product. I find it to be very effective as far as a protecting my skin in the sun, and I haven’t ever burned while wearing it.
Additionally, it has a tint which provides a light natural coverage and gives my skin luminous glow.
Best Sunscreen for Acne Prone Skin:
Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer
TLDR: oil free forumla, SPF 20, medium coverage, great for acne prone oily skin, reduces the amount of products you need wear.
When you have oily skin, the fewer products you can put on your face the better. This Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer is your 3 in one sunscreen, moisturizer, and foundation.
It’s one of the best facial sunscreens for oily and acne prone skin types with it’s oil-free formulation that helps to absorb excess oil and whisks away perspiration.
Additionally it provides medium coverage this is perfect for hiding imperfections without having to wear more product.
Best Sunscreen for Under Makeup:
Dermalogica Prisma Protect Sunscreen
TLDR: Defend against UV rays, free radical damage and pollution, hydrating, boost skin’s natural luminosity
The Dermalogica Prisma Protect Sunscreen is one of my daily favourites because of how wonderful it makes my skin look.
It wears beautifully under my makeup and makes my skin the perfect canvas with light reflecting particles that make my skin glow.
It has light-activated formula that boosts the skin’s natural luminosity with a multitasking moisturizer provides broad spectrum defence while preventing future signs of skin damage.
Even during the summer, it keeps my skin balanced and not oily, so my makeup isn’t sliding off my face.
Another thing that makes the Dermalogica Prisma Protect Sunscreen one of the best sunscreens for face is that it also protects the skin from pollution and other free radicals as well.
Best Sunscreen for Dark Skin
Shiseido Ultra Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50
TLDR: completely sheer, smooth texture, hydrating formula, for both face and body, enhanced protection in heat and water
You don’t need to have a dark skin tone to love this sunscreen! The Shiseido Ultra Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50 is the sheerest sunscreen that I’ve ever used.
It comes out a pastel cream colour and just disappears into your skin when you rub it in, which makes it ideal for darker skin tones.
The texture is another thing I love about this one. It feels like a regular lotion and hydrates the skin making it great sunscreen for dry skin types as well.
The Ultra Sun Protection Lotion is for both face and body which makes it handy when packing for the beach or vacation. Additionally it has a protective veil that makes it more effective in heat, sweat and water, so bring it on summer!
Best Drugstore Sunscreen for Face:
Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer
TLDR: broad-band sunscreen, hydrating, contains antioxidants and skincare, good for sensitive skin types, oil-free, budget friendly
The Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer is one of my drugstore sunscreen favourites.
What makes it one of the best sunscreens for face is it’s formula that combines sunscreen and skincare with benefits to boot, plus it’s majorly budget friendly.
This sunscreen and moisturizer dries to a semi-matte finish, making it excellent base for your makeup or even to wear on its own.
Plus it contains skincare ingredients soy extract that helps to fade scars and discoloration over time. So you’ll get even more benefits for diligently applying your sunscreen every single day.
Best Mineral Sunscreen for Face –
Vivier Sheer SPF 30 Mineral Tinted Sunscreen
TLDR: Mineral sunscreen, tinted with sheer coverage, contain antioxidant and skincare, comfortable to wear all day, doesn’t break me out, washes off easily.
The Vivier Sheer SPF 30 Mineral Tinted Sunscreen has been my daily fave sunscreen since I’ve gotten it. It checks off all the boxes for me, but what I love best is that it feels more like skincare than sunscreen – no heaviness, no stickiness.
Many mineral sunscreens leave a white cast, but not this one. It has a sheer tint with ChromaTint™ technology that adapts and naturally blends into your skin tone.
It also enhances and evens your natural complexion to smooth imperfections and provide an instant glow.
On minimal makeup days, I just wear this and a little bronzer and blush, and my skin looks fantastic.
The Vivier Sheer SPF 30 Mineral Tinted also contains antioxidants and extracts for added hydration and anti-aging benefits.
The Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin:
EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41
The EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 Sunscreen is one of the best sunscreens for sensitive skin with a light tint that enhances the skin’s radiance and complexion.
The formula is lightweight and fragrance-free, along with being mineral based. Plus it won’t clog pores and is gentle on easy irritable skin with conditions like eczema and rosacea, so it’s an ideal sunscreen for sensitive skin.
Best Spray Sunscreen for Face:
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Mist SPF 50
The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Mist Sunscreen SPF 50 is a sheer mist formula sunscreen.
It feels super lightweight, and since it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic, you can feel confident that it won’t clog your pores or leave your skin feeling weighed down.I love the spray formulation that allows me to reapply without having to ruin my makeup. And it feels so light on my skin I often forget I’m even wearing it.
Best Sunscreen for Lips:
Softlips SLIMS Hydrating Lip Balm SPF20
When it comes to applying sunscreen, the number one area of that body people tend to skimp on sunscreen are the lips.
Lips get just as much sun exposure as any other part of the body and are a delicate area that require protection as well.
The Softlips Slims Hydrating Lip Balm is one of my go-to lip balms for everyday. I love that it also has an SPF 20 built in along with vitamin E to hydrate lips.
It’s easy to use, wear and reapply, and helps soothe chapped lips and protects against dryness all while packing in SPF too. Wearing it feels comfortable, you can easily layer lipstick on top if you want some addition colour as well.
Best Sunscreen for Body:
Coppertone Glow Sunscreen Lotion Spf 30 With Shimmer
I know this is a best sunscreens for face round up but I had to include this Coppertone Glow Sunscreen Lotion for body as well.
This drugstore sunscreen is everything you’d expect from Coppertone, while giving your skin a gorgeous glowy shimmer. I consider it more of a beauty product that also protect my skin from the sun as a bonus.
Read more from skincare:
- 25 Bio-Oil Uses You Didn’t Know About
- Laura Mercier Favorites for Flawless Skin
- Vitamin C Serum Benefits for Skin
- The Best Way to Clean Your Makeup Brushes
- How to Cover Dark Under Eye Circles in 3 Easy Steps
Rachel
June 29, 2018These all sound great. Nothing worse than a greasy sunscreen!
Danielle
June 28, 2018So hard finding a good sunscreen that doesn’t make me break out! Will have to check these out and sunscreen lip balm is a must!
Esme Sy
June 28, 2018I recently used that Aveeno Protect one and it’s true, I feel comfy that I can just have it tag along everywhere and not worry where or how to use it! I’m interested in trying the others too.
Cecilia Harvard
June 27, 2018Sunscreen is so important and it’s something I strive to put on both me and my boys daily! I will need to check out some of your recommendations (:
Ann F. Snook-Moreau
June 27, 2018Ooo, I love the SPF lip balm. I hate when my lips get all swollen and dry if I’m out in the sun too long 🙁
Kayla
June 27, 2018Living in Oklahoma the sun just feels way hotter. It’s so important to have a good sunscreen. Thank you for your review.
Holly
June 27, 2018Great suggestions. Oh so helpful!. Thank you for reviewing these…I suck at choosing the right sunscreen!
Czjai Reyes-Ocampo
June 27, 2018I love sunscreens that double as a makeup base. I have to try that Shiseido sunscreen soon! 🙂
Elizabeth O
June 27, 2018This is a great post. Wearing sunscreen daily is such an important step indeed so it’s great you have highlighted some easy to wear ones. I am a fan of the Aveeno myself.
Nancie
June 27, 2018I never go out without sunscreen, even on a cloudy day. A good one can be hard to find, so I will be checking some of these out. I like Aveeno products, but have never seen their sunscreen in Nova Scotia.
Geraline Batarra
June 27, 2018I love the content of this post and you are right that it is so important to apply a sun screen protection through our skin as our defense from UV Rays and those products really looks a good one.
kumamonjeng
June 26, 2018Glad that you have included a list of sun screen with the price. The price is quite reasonable and I think anyone should use it to prevent skin cancer.
Davindra Ramnarine
June 26, 2018I never leave home without slathering it on. I like Kiehl’s and Neutrogena.
GiGi Eats Celebrities
June 26, 2018WOO!! My husband just bought some of these the other day!
Quitterstrip
June 26, 2018It’s so hard finding a good sunscreen. It’s even harder finding a sunscreen for cancer patients. I used neutrogena so far this summer and have done well with it!