The Best Sunscreens You Can Buy Right Now (And Actually Use)

If a sunscreen doesn’t work with your skin type, makeup routine, or lifestyle, it’s not your best sunscreen—no matter what the bottle claims.

Here’s what to look for in a sunscreen that fits your life.

I’ve broken things down by category—so whether you’re a glow-getter, a minimalist, or a makeup lover, you’ll find your perfect SPF match.

🧴Traditional Sunscreens (Liquid or Lotion-Style)

What to look for:
This is your daily driver—the one you apply every morning, rain or shine.  You want a formula that blends effortlessly into your skincare and makeup routine without leaving you greasy, shiny, or sticky.

Best for: All skin types, especially if you layer SPF under other products.

Look for:

• Lightweight, non-greasy textures
• Skin-type-friendly ingredients (e.g., Centella for oily/acne-prone skin or hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin)
• No white cast (especially for deeper skin tones)
• Smooth layering under makeup

Editor’s Picks:

• Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Sun Serum SPF 50 – Calms oily skin with Centella
• Murad Superactive Mattifying Oil + Pore Control Moisturizer SPF 50 – A go-to for oily or acne-prone beauties
• Vichy UV-Age Daily Sunscreen SPF 60 – Great texture + added Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid protection

 

💧SPF Moisturizer 2-in-1 Formulas

What to look for:
This category is all about multitasking.  You want hydration and protection—without sacrificing either.

Best for: Simplifying your routine, especially on no-makeup days.

Look for:

• Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid
• Barrier support (ceramides, peptides)
• Shine control for oily skin (e.g., niacinamide or salicylic acid)
• A finish that won’t pill under makeup or clash with your other skincare

Editor’s Picks:

• Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50 – A silky finish that works under makeup
• CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 – not really matte, but a great natural finish
• Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier SPF 50 – For oily and combo skin

 

🛑 Sunscreen Sticks

What to look for:
Sticks are made for on-the-go touch-ups, so the texture and glide matter a lot.  If it tugs, pills, or leaves you looking like a glazed donut (when you didn’t ask for one), it’s a no.

Best for: Midday reapplication, travel, and precision coverage.

Look for:

• Smooth-glide formulas
• Easy-to-carry packaging
• Matte or glowy finish based on your skin needs
• Bonus: Ingredients you already know work well for your skin

Editor’s Picks:

• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Stick SPF 60 – Glowy but great for dry/normal skin
• Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick SPF 50 – A fave for oily skin babes, and for good reason
• Live Tinted Hueguard Invisible Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 – Adds glow, but no tugging

 

💦 Sunscreen Sprays (for Face)

What to look for:
These are polarizing—and for good reason.  While convenient, they don’t always offer even or complete coverage.  Use sprays as an add-on, not your main SPF.

Best for: On-the-go touchups, adding glow to bare skin, or light reapplication over makeup

Look for:

• Fine mist application
• Dewy-but-not-sticky formulas
• Use with a fan or let it dry down before touching your face
• Remember: Not a replacement for a full SPF layer

Editor’s Picks:

• Vacation Super Spritz SPF50 Face Mist – Quick dry down, and a satin finish
• ELF Skin Suntouchable All Set for Sun SPF 45  – Keeps makeup on but adds a glow + adds that’s SPF boost

 

🧂 Sunscreen Powders

What to look for:
Powders are the least reliable SPF method but still handy in certain situations—like makeup touch-ups or midday oil control.  Just don’t rely on them as your only protection.

Best for: Makeup wearers who want minimal disturbance during reapplication

Look for:

• SPF powders with deeper shades (hard to find but important!)
• Fine-milled formulas that don’t leave a gray cast
• Use them to add protection—not replace your base layer

Editor’s Picks:

• Supergoop (Re)Setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF 35 – Has a Deep shade option
• Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On SPF 50 – A classic, but shade range needs work

 

 

💡What’s Really the Best Sunscreen?

The best sunscreen isn’t just a five-star product—it’s the one you’ll actually use every day.

It fits your skin type.  It matches your routine.  And it’s there when you need it: whether that’s at 7 a.m. before work or 3 p.m. poolside with friends.

Choose the SPF that fits your lifestyle—and don’t be afraid to keep a few on hand for different moments.

🏆The Sunscreen Awards

After testing and reviewing a ton of sunscreens this spring, I posted the final list of sunscreens that are so good they deserve an award…even if it means nothing and doesn’t come with a trophy.

Check out the Nubelease Sunscreen Awards below! The full post is on my Instagram page.

 

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