Back when my face was full and my hair was fuller, I enjoyed being photographed with a face several shades lighter than my neck. There I was, picture after picture, blissfully unaware that my face and my neck appeared to belong to 2 different people. These days, I like my face and my neck to match. And I don’t want either of them to appear chalky. I’m picky like that.
Since my skin is olive, I have to be super selective about my choice of face sunscreen, especially since I wear it on my face, neck and chest every single day. The perfect sunscreen for the face, in my mind, feels like the last luxurious step in a skincare routine, and not a gloppy mask with a strange odor. Ideally, I don’t want to know it’s there. I want anti-aging properties, but I don’t want to break out. That’s a tall order, but every single one of these sunscreens passes my test. I’ve tried – and loved – them all, and each is slightly different but exceptional in some way. Here, my picks for the 10 best sunscreens for the face, in no particular order.
1. Coola Mineral Face SPF30 Sunscreen
This sunscreen-primer hybrid delivers organic protection in an unscented formula that leave skin fresh and matte while providing a little coverage.
2. Colorescience Sunforgettable Primer, $50
One of my all time favorites, this luxurious silky formula leaves skin smooth, perfected, and protected. Love!
3. Rodan + Fields Unblemish Oil Control Lotion
Lightweight and fresh smelling, this lotion won’t clog pores or gunk up under makeup.
4. Yes to Carrots Nourishing Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF15
With an SPF of only 15, this is best for every day, and not beach days, but it’s lightweight, moisturizing and affordable.
5. June Jacobs Oil Free Sunscreen Mist SPF15
June Jacobs Oil Free Sunscreen Mist SPF15, $38, Ariva.com
This mist is so light and weightless, it’s hard to believe it’s a sunscreen. It leaves virtually no residue, making it great for oily, breakout-prone skin.
6. Osmotics Cosmeceuticals Age Prevention Protection Extreme
This antioxidant packed sunscreen feels more like an elegant anti-aging cream than a sunscreen, but offers serious protection.
7. Lavanila The Healthy Sun Screen Face Cream SPF40
I love absolutely everything from Lavanila – the natural fragrance alone is enough to make me a fan. This light, creamy formula offers organic protection that works well under makeup and won’t make you break out.
8. Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster
Portable protection that you add to your regular moisturizer – this is perfect for travel!
9. Jan Marini Physical Protectant SPF45
Jan Marini Physical Protectant SPF45, $49, Amazon
Light and undetectable under makeup, in spite of its high SPF, this is a great pick from a skincare pioneer.
10. Elta MD UV Clear SPF46
This best selling formula is loved by doctors. Serious protection in a very wearable clear formula.
And that’s my list! With so many amazing options available, there’s no reason not to protect your skin every single day. Is your favorite on this list? If not, I’d love to hear what it is!
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