Little me, enjoying life before my mother would attack me with sunscreen.
Since I've emerged from my mother's womb, I have been slathered with sunscreen.
I hated it.
To this day, I despise anything sort of lubricant on my skin, but unfortunately I am cursed with the pale flesh of my ancestors. How I feel about being covered in a slimy substance that smells either like chemicals, or a flowery explosion, pales in comparison to malignant melanoma. There's also been a huge wave in the practice of skincare rituals, especially for women wishing to retain a youthful appearance. Sunscreen by far is the #1 product dermatologists recommend to keep those wrinkles away, but as someone with skin the shade of blank paper, I don't wish to prematurely die.
So, with that being said...I'm pretty picky about my sunscreens. I've truly tried them all, or at least, attempt to try them all. I want a sunscreen that has:
Good, safe ingredients.
A high SPF.
Doesn't smell overpowering.
Doesn't leave you feeling wet, or leave residue.
I believe, that I have personally found some of the best sunscreens you can buy, and I would love to share them with you. I hope these sunscreens protect and replenish your skin, bringing out that shine from within.
Facial Sunscreens
innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36
innisfree offers innovative beauty solutions responsibly sourced from Korea's pristine Jeju Island. As you know...Korean skincare is ON TOP! innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen is a popular choice among their consumers.
Water-based.
Invisible, non-white cast.
Green tea: to soothe the skin
Sunflower seed oil: lightweight moisture to the skin.
Formulated without a TON of harmful ingredients including animal products and artificial colors.
Round Lab Birch Moisturizing SPF 50+, PA++++
Another great K-Beauty brand, this sunscreen is also a best-seller! There are even several variations depending on what SPF you desire so definitely check out their array of products.
No white cast.
Easy to blend.
Great for sensitive skin.
Amazing UV ray protection.
Neon Dermatology Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen SPF 50
This lightweight sunscreen includes 20 types of plant extracts meant to soothe and hydrate the skin under harsh sunlight. Another K-Beauty sunscreen, from NEOGENLAB this sunscreen is often compared to other popular sunscreens on social media and usually comes out as the winner.
No white-cast.
Excellent sebum reduction.
Reduces greasiness.
SPF50 Broadspectrum.
Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF 50+, PA++++
I get it. You prefer a sunscreen stick. It's hassle free, you're saving precious seconds of application. Well, lucky for you, this sunscreen stick is pretty sweet.
Gives a matte finish.
Cruelty free and vegan certification.
Adheres thinly and transparently like a primer.
Absorbs sebum and oil.
Portable and easy to pack.
Great for easily sensitive skin.
COSRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+
This is my personal fav at the moment, as it's the one I use for my daily sunscreen. I love this sunscreen. Let me tell you why:
Great for outdoor activities.
No white-cast.
Slight scent, but like...I actually like the scent. It's fresh.
Formulated with Vitamin E.
Controls sebum and pores.
Body Sunscreens
EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
This is a great sports sunscreen for those who lead an active lifestyle. The most annoying part of sports sunscreen are promises that it will stay on, only for you to still get burnt. This may finally deliver.
Water-resistant (80 minutes).
UVA and UVB sun protection.
Vitamin E as an active ingredient.
Fragrance-free.
Paraben-free.
Oil-free.
Pipette Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
This sunscreen is gentle enough for babies, and its one of the highest rated for families looking to protect their little ones from the sun. However, even though it's baby-safe, people of all ages can enjoy this sunscreen's benefits.
Noncomedogenic (will not cause blocked pores).
Safe, sustainable, sugarcane derived.
Hypoallergenic.
Provides broad-spectrum coverage.
Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
This family owned brand has created a sunscreen that is one of the first sunscreens that is EWG™ certified. This means it has met the highest standards created in the interest of public health. It's also just a solid sunscreen.
Made with sunflower oil and shea butter to soothe and moisturize the skin.
Great for sensitive skin.
Water-resistant.
Fragrance-free.
Cruelty-free and animal test-free.
KUMANO COSME Reihaku Hatomugi UV Milky Gel SPF 31, PA+++
We've got a Japanese sunscreen on our list! If you search this sunscreen up online you will see tons of great reviews. What exactly is "Hatomugi"? Hatomugi (coix seed) extract, is a natural moisturizing component. So, bottom line, it's going to nourish that skin.
A lightweight formula that leaves a soft and natural finish.
Easy enough to remove with soap.
It's also a huge bottle, for a great price.
Leaves no white-cast.
Blue Lizard Australian Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
This sunscreen will always be a favorite of mine. Since I was a kid, it's been the only sunscreen in my mom's repertoire to protect my pale skin. I mean, it should. It's from Australia.
Blue Lizard’s Sensitive sunscreen contains no Oxybenzone or Octinoxate (won't poison the the water).
Paraben-free and fragrance-free.
Sweat and water-resistant (80 minutes).
SPF 50+ broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
Does leave a slight white cast.
Which Sunscreen Is Right For Me?
In the ever-evolving world of skincare, finding the right sunscreen for your needs can be a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack. We've explored various sunscreen recommendations in this blog post, from broad-spectrum protection to reef-friendly options, baby-safe sunscreens, and more. The bottom line is that while there is no one-size-fits-all solution, it's essential to prioritize sunscreen as a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a makeup lover, or someone simply looking for reliable sun protection, there's a sunscreen out there for you.
Remember, the best sunscreen is the one you'll use consistently. Experiment with different products, take note of your skin's unique needs, and don't be afraid to ask for recommendations from dermatologists or beauty experts. In the end, the most critical factor is not which sunscreen you choose, but that you choose to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. So, as you embark on your sunscreen journey, stay safe, stay radiant, and embrace the sun with confidence!
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