With all the focus we put on face creams and anti aging treatments, it’s sometimes easy to forget one of the easiest steps in preventative skin care – daily sun protection! The sheer number of sunscreen choices can be overwhelming, so I wanted to share some that I’ve used and loved over the years, all of which offer both UVA and UVB protection, are fragrance free, and work with my daily makeup. 

While writing this post, I also tapped into Tara Foley, the founder of ="https://rstyle. me/+J9_Lt9w-YdPF3ejwZ-haDA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Follain, for her insight. She’s an expert on all things clean beauty and helped educate me on some things to look for (see a brief overview at the end on physical vs. chemical sunscreen). Working on this post also served as a gentle reminder to apply sunscreen daily, not just on my face but also on the back of the hands (especially if you drive to/from work)!

Let’s Get Into It: sunscreens that I love

1. ="https://rstyle. me/+5_47mMW9KhxIrgW6tHRGVA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Babo Botanicals Tinted Sunscreen (="https://rstyle. me/+vu9bWvfK50qiYZV6lDy4Sg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Non-Tinted Version)

KEY FEATURES: Physical Sunscreen, SPF 30 to 40, moisturizing

GREAT IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR: 

A more natural option from a clean-focused brand that passes Follain’s ="https://rstyle. me/+987q-SDTSC58nF37m6UmCA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">product approval standards and stringent ="https://rstyle. me/+JpypswcurF4IyEr9WaoHJg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">restricted ingredients list. I was able to get code extrapetite15 for 15% off ="https://rstyle. me/+VlbIDCKpIxUCLzLKXms_Lw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">their store which has been a slight obsession of mine lately.  A gentle, non-tinted option safe to use on babies and children. I would opt for the lightly tinted version if you have slightly darker skin or if you plan on wearing it with makeup.

Note: Slightly thicker texture than Elta MD.

2. ="https://rstyle. me/+tL4uR-_A6Jq0VwfqKE96oA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Elta MD UV Clear Sunscreen (="https://rstyle. me/+u5lep6tC-Wqe0L48l37UPw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tinted version) 

KEY FEATURES: Physical + Chemical Sunscreen, SPF 46, moisturizing, oil free 

GREAT IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR: 

A formula to calm sensitive or acne prone skin (the UV “Clear” collection stands for clear skin).  A physical sunscreen that glides on silkily and leaves almost no white cast. Update: Thank you to those of you who messaged me about UV Clear being a combo with both physical and chemical active ingredients. Elta MD also makes a tinted ="https://rstyle. me/+kJP5scxEbtx435FZyiM4ow" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">UV Physical and a non-tinted ="https://rstyle. me/+dGR9NOIeylKHbPWkmC3-4A" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">UV Replenish, both of which are listed for extra sensitive facial skin and are purely physical options.

Note: As seen above, the tinted Elta MD is a little darker than the tinted Babo. 

Product comparisons after a few quick strokes of blending. A little more working the product in helps the Babo non tinted blend in more.

3. ="https://rstyle. me/+fYLNKMb9pt1ZhwvNk2JbsA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen (Also at ="https://rstyle. me/+lsZlJJ7T9XDRvG_Sm_zKHA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Anthro and ="https://rstyle. me/+bGkfWFl0plvf_HpLsHYafw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nordstrom)

KEY FEATURES: Chemical Sunscreen, SPF 40, oil free, makeup-gripping.

GREAT IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR: 

A velvety matte finish that doubles as an awesome primer under makeup. A completely clear formula that’s 100% invisible once applied.

Note: This may not be the best for breakout prone skin based on some of the reviews I read.

A note about Physical vs Chemical SunscreenS

Physical Sunscreen sits on top of the skin and reflects the sun’s rays. The minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the main active ingredients. Some say these formulas are less likely to clog pores and may help to reduce redness caused by the sun as it deflects heat from the skin. If you plan to be wearing under makeup or in photos, physical formulas are typically white and can cast an underlying white tone. 

Chemical Sunscreen absorbs into the skin and then absorbs UV rays, converts the rays into heat, and releases them from the body. These formulas are good for under makeup as they are typically clear, lighter in texture and easy to spread. Usually chemical sunscreens are a little more water resistant but it’s important to keep in mind that they take about 20 minutes on average to activate after application. I also want to caveat that chemical sunscreens are more controversial regarding impact to the environment (when products wash off swimmers into the ocean) and there are not a lot of studies done to date on the safety of the ingredients.

I would love to hear your sun protection recommendations!

Is there a favorite product that you love and live by?

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