Finding the perfect sunscreen can be tricky. You want protection from the sun, but you’re not always willing to settle for white streaks or sticky spray (common complaints we hear about many formulas). But, as warmer weather approaches, a new SPF should be on your shopping list. Here, our editors share their top picks to make your search a little easier.
SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50
Carolyn Hsu, Digital Managing Editor
“While not an allover sunscreen, this product is genius and deserves a spot in everyone’s makeup bag. This sunscreen is formulated specifically for the eye area with ultra-gentle ingredients that pack SPF 50 protection and are safe to use from the brow bone to the cheekbone (even on your eyelids!). Plus, it comes in a universally flattering tint that helps even the skin tone around your eye area while protecting the delicate skin.” $30, skinceuticals.com
Clé de Peau Beauté Refreshing Protective Emulsion SPF 22
Elise Minton, Executive Beauty Editor
“I’m a big fan of Clé de Peau sunscreens, especially the Refreshing Protective Emulsion SPF 22. It’s more of a fluid than your traditional thick cream and never leaves a white cast on my skin—a plus for layering under makeup.” $130, neimanmarcus.com
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Foundation Full Coverage Moisturizer SPF 50+ UVA/UVB
Anna Jimenez Lyle, Senior Multimedia Editor
“It’s hard to find a good foundation with an SPF of 15, let alone 50. I love this formula because it covers, corrects and gives me the daily sun protection I need. The fact that it’s a physical sunblock also gives it major bonus points for me.” $65, itcosmetics.com
Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 50
Liz Ritter, Executive Managing Editor
“I am terrible about reapplying sunscreen during the day and I’ve recently made a promise to myself that I am going to do it every day at noon. This powder sunscreen makes it supereasy—it goes on over makeup, doesn’t disrupt it and gets rid of oil.” $64, colorescience.com
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Cooling Water-Lotion Sunscreen
Brittany Burhop, Senior Editor
“This antioxidant-packed sunscreen is the best one I’ve tried in a long time. It feels so cool and refreshing on my skin (the texture is incredible) and it hydrates like a body lotion while protecting me from the sun. No white streaks and no sticky mess—it’s just an all-around great product that I would recommend to anyone.” $36, laroche-posay.us
COOLA Unscented Sport Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Margaret McGriff, Senior Web Editor
“Between outdoor festivals and many trips to the beach, I spend a lot of time outdoors in the summer. I love this sunscreen from Coola because it hydrates skin with organic ingredients like cucumber and strawberry extracts and protects it with an SPF of 50. It’s also water-resistant, so I don’t have to worry about sweating it off. It’s also unscented, so my whole family can use it!” $32, nordstrom.com
Shiseido Ultimate Protection Spray SPF 50+ for Face and Body
Alison Abbey, Special Projects Editor
“To keep things simple, I prefer a one-spray-fits-all product and this sunscreen is the best! It provides serious sun protection and I can use it all over—even on my face—without worrying about doing damage to my skin. In fact, it even has skin care ingredients like Xylitol to keep my skin looking and feeling great.” $36, macys.com
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Leah Goldblatt, Editorial Assistant
“As someone who spends a lot of time in the sun, it’s important for me to have a sunscreen that not only covers evenly, but also feels light and nongreasy. This one is superlightweight and smells amazing.” $10, ulta.com
