I Put the “Best Sunscreens for Every Skin Type” to the Test…Let’s Talk

After testing over 100 sunscreens, I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and what might be the best sunscreen for YOU!

I have combination oily skin type.  I get oily in my T-zone and drier around my mouth area, so I’m always looking for sunscreens that strike a balance – something that won’t leave me greasy, but also won’t dry me out.  Basically I’m a good test dummy for sunscreens! (lol)

Because of that, I’ve tested a wide range of formulas; lightweight K-beauty sunscreens, hydrating formulas, sunscreens for oily skin, acne prone skin and sunscreens that supposedly work well under makeup (more on that below).

This post is a breakdown of the sunscreens I’ve tested and how they perform based on their different claims. Click on each image to see the full wear test and review + follow @nubelease on all social media platforms.  I will always be testing new sunscreen formulas!

 

Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin Types

If you have oily skin, the goal is simple: protect your skin without adding extra shine.  From what I’ve tested, the best sunscreens for oily skin tend to be: k-beauty style serum sunscreens, silicone-based or sunscreen sticks.  These apply easily, don’t overload your skin, act as a good primer before makeup and are easy to re-apply.

Murad Super Active Moisturizer SPF 50

This is one of the best SPFs for oily skin because it really does control oil while still giving you that primer/moisturizer feel.  It has a whipped texture that smooths out your skin and helps control oil throughout the day. I reviewed this sunscreen last year, and I still love it!

Watch my Murad Super Active Moisturizer SPF 50 review here

 

Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick SPF 50

This is one of the best matte sunscreen sticks you can get, especially for oily skin.  It goes on really smooth and keeps your skin in that beautiful soft matte stage. I reapply this over makeup and it doesn’t tug or take off your makeup. A total winner!

Watch my Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick SPF 50 review here

 

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

This is one of those products that gives a smooth, primer-like feel on the skin.  It doesn’t mattify, but it keeps your skin neutral and works really well if you’re wearing makeup. She’s the OG of primer like sunscreens.

Watch my Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 review here

 

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50

One of the best sunscreens I’ve tried overall because it gives you a smooth, natural finish that works whether you’re wearing makeup or not. It doesn’t get greasy or heavy and just sits really well on the skin.  For oily skin babes, this is a great every day sunscreen.

Watch my Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50 review here

 

Best Sunscreens for Dry Skin Types

For dry skin, it’s all about hydration and added formula benefits. A lot of products claim to work for all skin types, but dry skin babes know that doesn’t always mean moisture.  Look for hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides to get the most out of your sunscreen product.

 

Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 Vanilla Creme

This is a really nice sunscreen for dry skin because it’s very moisturizing and gives your skin a glowy finish that lasts throughout the day.  It doesn’t feel heavy or greasy, but it definitely adds that extra hydration that dry skin needs.

Watch my Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 Vanilla Creme review here

 

e.l.f. Skin Suntouchable All Set for Sun SPF 45 Spray

This is a really glowy sunscreen spray, so if you like that hydrated, dewy look, this is going to be perfect for you.  It’s easy to apply and gives your skin a noticeable glow that lasts a long time.

Watch my ELF Skin Suntouchable Spray review here

 

NYX Buttermilk Glaze Skin Tint SPF 30

This tinted sunscreen gives you coverage and glow at the same time.  It’s definitely for beauties who like a glowy finish because it adds that shine while still working as your makeup base for the day. Its not that buildable but it does give a light coverage that never feels greasy.

Watch my NYX Buttermilk Glaze Skin Tint SPF 30 review here

 

Best Sunscreens for Combination Skin Types

This is where balance matters the most.  With combination skin, you want something that won’t make you oily but also won’t dry you out.  From everything I’ve tested, this is where K-beauty style sunscreens really shine. They’re thin and hydrating without being greasy.  A lot of American brands have started to follow this formula too, which is why we’re seeing more sunscreens that feel like nothing on the skin.

 

Kiehl’s Better Screen UV Serum Sunscreen SPF 30

This is one of my favorite sunscreens because it’s super thin and lightweight and just feels really comfortable on the skin. It doesn’t get greasy, doesn’t feel heavy, and works really well for balancing the skin overall.

Watch my Kiehl’s Better Screen UV Serum Sunscreen SPF 30 review here

Check out the blog post: Kiehl’s Better Screen UV Serum Review

 

IT Cosmetics Hello Sunshine SPF 50

This SPF is very similar to the Kiehl’s sunscreen and has those extra hydrating benefits without the added shine at the end of the day.  It’s one of those sunscreens that just works really well no matter what your skin is doing at the time.

Watch my IT Cosmetics Hello Sunshine SPF 50 review here

Check out the blog post: IT Cosmetics Hello Sunshine Sunscreen Review

 

Vichy UV Age Daily Sunscreen SPF 60

This is one of the best formulated sunscreens because it’s serum-like.  It gives you hydration without making your skin greasy, which is perfect for combination skin. I consistently wear this under makeup and have never experienced pilling or extra shine.

Watch my Vichy UV Age Daily Sunscreen SPF 60 review here

 

APLB Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50

This is a k-beauty sunscreen that somehow combines a thin consistency with ingredients that troubled skin beauties like me really love like niacinamide.  Why yes APLB,  I would love to get SPF protection and treat my dark spots & uneven skin texture!

Watch my APLB Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50 review here

 

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50

 

This is one of the best sunscreens out there, especially for the price.  It’s super thin, feels like nothing on the skin, and gives you hydration without adding any heaviness or oiliness.

Watch my Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50 review here

 

Best Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin Types

For acne-prone skin types, ingredients matter more than anything.  A sunscreen can say “for all skin types,” but that doesn’t mean it won’t irritate your skin.  Look for calming ingredients like Centella Asiatica (often called Cica or tiger grass), or even salicylic acid to protect and treat the skin.

 

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Sun Stick SPF 50

Its one of the best sunscreen sticks on the market, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin.  It has calming and hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Centella, basically a powerhouse for acne skin babes.

Watch my Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Sun Stick SPF 50 review here

 

My #1 Sunscreen Tip

The best sunscreen for your skin type isn’t always the one with the most hype, it’s the one that actually fits your routine.

Whether you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin, the goal is to find something you’ll use consistently.  A formula that feels good on your skin and works with your lifestyle. If it doesn’t, you wont wear it!

After testing all of these sunscreens, one thing is clear: there’s no one-size-fits-all option but there is something out there that will work for you.

Want more real sunscreen reviews and beauty breakdowns?

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