As a biracial child with tan skin, I was always told that I never needed to wear sunscreen. Thankfully, I never listened to that dumb advice and I would apply SPF 70 all over myself whenever I went to the beach as if I was the color of Casper. I always applied a lot of sunscreen because I have burned in the past and skin cancer runs in my family but it wasn’t until the past two years that I’ve truly understood how important applying sunscreen is. People think that you only need to wear sun protection when it’s sunny but even on a cloudy day it’s just as important to apply and reapply your sun protectant. Summer is over and we are transitioning into fall, we might be putting away our shorts and swimwear but not our sunscreen. Here are the best sunscreens that I have found through my personal use and recommended to me through others!
1. SuperGoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
SuperGoop is a sunscreen brand that I don’t doubt you’ve heard about. They are completely sold out when I go to Sephora. Tthe salesperson will tell me “They flew off the shelves!” One of the things that I love about SuperGoop is that it is non-comedogenic, invisible, and super lightweight. SuperGoop also has great products such as the CC Cream, Glowscreen, and SPF setting powder that are considered makeup but have high sun protection.
2. Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Multiple people with a more medical background i.e. dermatologists and estheticians have recommended this to me. Elta MD has a few different kinds of sunscreen but the Clear SPF 46 is the most popular product. What makes this product special is that it also helps protect against skin discoloration and acne.
3. UnSun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen
If you know me well you know that I am Frank Ocean’s #1 fan. Of course, I know everything about him so when his mom dropped this sunscreen line specifically made for Black women, I knew I had to check it out. UnSun sunscreen is perfect for various skin tones because it leaves no residue and is tinted, . UnSun only sells a few products but they’re highly rated and in fact, won an Allure Beauty Award in 2019.
4. Sun Bum Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Sun Bum is a classic drugstore sunscreen brand. This product is waterproof, sweat-proof, and infused with Vitamin E. If I am ever going on a trip and need sunscreen last minute, this is my go-to body sunscreen to grab off the shelf at a Duane Reade.
5. Coola Mineral Body Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 – Fragrance-Free
Coola is a brand that focuses solely on skincare and sunscreen products. Their Fragrance-Free Mineral Body Sunscreen is a great choice for super hot, sticky days. It is vegan, paraben-free, NON-GMO, as well as water-resistant up to 80 minutes and packaged in 100% recyclable plant-based tubes. This is my favorite from Coola because added fragrances in skin products can end up dehydrating your skin and also cause irritation.
6. CeraVe 100% Mineral Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50 for Sensitive Skin
CeraVe is not a new but recently popular drugstore skincare brand (shoutout SkincarebyHyram). A lot of their moisturizers have SPF built-in which is great but their Mineral Hydrating Sunscreen is perfect for those that want extra protection. This product is dermatologist-tested and approved by the National Eczema Association which means it’s suitable for people with sensitive skin. It’s important when putting sunscreen on your face that you choose one specifically made for your face and not just use what you put on your body. It also has hyaluronic acid in it which we love, helping keep the skin naturally hydrated.
7. MD SolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50 Body
This sunscreen is a perfect product to use for your body to protect your skin from the harsh rays. MD SolarSciences uses a 100% mineral formula and ceramides to retain the skin’s moisture and multiple antioxidants as well. This product also does not leave a white cast when applied to the skin.
8. Vanicream Lip Protectant SPF 30
Most people put sunscreen on their faces and forget a lot of other body parts that need protection from the sun as well. One of those forgotten spots is always the lips. Vanicream’s Lip Protectant made with SPF is a perfect chapstick. One of the biggest takeaways from a chapstick is preventing moisture loss which then makes your lips dry up faster and that’s what this product does along with protecting your lips from UV rays.
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