I've been wearing sunscreen every day since I was 14. Freak behavior, if I'm being honest, but it also means that I've tried so many that I've lost count of how many different tubes I've been through. If I've learned anything, it's that good sunscreen is expensive. So if you're going to spend the $18-$25, it might as well be for a product that's worth it.
This is my quick list of favorite sunscreens (that I usually send to my friends, so welcome to the club!). As a girl with medium toned olive skin, anything with a white cast will show on me.
So, every sunscreen on this list has:
No white cast!
Moisturizing ingredients, which help them glide onto the skin
No fragrance, with either very little or no detectable scent
The ability to be layered with other products, or on top of itself for reapplication later in the day
Prices are listed, but may not be completely accurate as these prices change on the daily :)
(This post is not sponsored, no matter how much I wish it was.)
Here's the list!
Honorable mention: ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ ($25)
Star ingredients:
Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice
Glycerol Glucoside
Hyaluronic Acid
I've tried quite a few sun sticks, and so far, this is the one that wins the prize. It's small enough to fit in a clutch, has no white cast or odor, and- get this- is able to apply smoothly over makeup. To be fair, I don't typically wear a "full beat" every day; most days, I opt for a light foundation, mascara, and lip gloss. But, even with foundation on and a few swipes of this sunscreen, very little comes off onto the stick and my makeup looks untouched.
5. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face Sunscreen Serum - SPF 60+ ($18.29)
Star ingredients:
Vitamin E
Note- this is the only American sunscreen on my list. I tend to prefer Korean sunscreens, but this one is really great for when your sunscreen runs out while on vacation and you have to run to Target to grab a new one. This one leaves a very dewey finish and is incredibly moisturizing. The vitamin E leaves my skin healthy and glowing, but do note that this sunscreen slightly sticky! I thoroughly enjoy the pump, it keeps the product sanitary with minimal spillage. However, there is no cap, so be wary when storing this one in a bag or purse.
4. Krave Beauty Beet The Sun SPF 40 PA+++ ($20)
Star ingredients:
Beetroot Extract
Hyaluronic Acid
Vitamin E
Propanediol
I love Krave Beauty as a brand; they're incredibly transparent about their business practices and products, and their dedication to sustainability is admirable. This particular sunscreen is on the thinner side, which means it doesn't feel thick or sticky (one of my most common complaints with facial sunscreens).
3. THE LAB by blanc doux - Oligo Hyaluronic Acid Sun Essence ($21.49)
Star ingredients:
Hyaluronic Acid
Blanc Doux is a Korean brand, and this sunscreen follows in the footsteps of the others listed here: it layers beautifully, leaves no white cast, and has a light but pleasant smell that dissipates within a couple of minutes. The consistency is exactly what you would expect with a sun essence: more viscous than a sun lotion, but not runny. This one is slightly thicker than #1 and #2 , but still a great option.
2. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++) ($18)
Star ingredients:
Rice Extract: vitamins B, C, and E, amino acids, and minerals
Grain Fermented Extracts
This is one of TikTok's most well-loved sunscreens, and for good reason! I've used Beauty of Joseon products before, and every single one has been a pleasant aesthetic experience— high quality packaging, pleasant scents, and creamy products. This sunscreen is no exception(with no detectable scent of course); it spreads seamlessly and leaves no white cast behind. It's a nice light consistency that is perfect for layering without caking.
1. ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen (SPF50+ PA++++) ($20)
Star ingredients:
Niacinamide
Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice
Hyaluronic Acid
This beauty is reef safe and my most repurchased sunscreen. It glides over the skin, blends seamlessly and leaves no tacky feeling behind. The consistency is a perfect balance between watery and thick, and it leaves behind a subtle, healthy glow. This sunscreen is also perfect for layering— no matter how many times I reapply throughout the day (sometimes up to every 2 hours!) my skin still looks and feels flawless. No buildup, no white cast, and no stickiness.
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xoxo,
Emma
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