We hear about the importance of sunscreen all the time. This year, this topic is even more pertinent to me personally. I had basal cell carcinoma on a spot on my face last year and it was such a wake-up call. It was a reminder to be diligent about wearing sunscreen every single day and to regularly see my dermatologist.
We can’t (totally) undo our past decisions, but we can change our habits once we learn new information. As we look ahead to the summer season, a time when many of us spend a lot of time outdoors, we’re sharing an updated version of a favorite post from last year.
Here are the eleven best sunscreens our team has tried.
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40
Recommended by: Kate and Jackie, Editorial Director
$22 – $48
Kate: This is my go-to summer sunscreen. I like the glow/shimmer of it best when I have a bit of a tan. It also has a bit of a tint to conceal any redness or blemishes, which I appreciate!
Jackie: This is my daily face sunscreen all year round. It’s moisturizing (hi, hyaluronic acid!!), goes on smoothly, and (the best part, IMO) has an INCREDIBLE sheen that makes me feel extra glowy both with and without makeup.
Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 35
Recommended by: Carolyn, Graphic Designer
$25
This product feels more like putting on moisturizer than traditional sunscreen. It’s very smooth (without being oily) and it’s tinted (instead of white) so I don’t have to spend forever rubbing it in.
EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
Recommended by: Kate and Greta, Content Creator
$38
Kate: This tinted sunscreen is my go-to for most of the year (except for summer). It’s great for providing a matte finish with just enough coverage to minimize any redness or blemishes. It also has a great smell.
Greta: This blends super nicely, doesn’t make me feel greasy or oily, and doesn’t have an off-putting sunscreen-y smell! It acts as a nice base or as an alternative to foundation on days when I want a lighter look.
Supergoop! PLAY SPF 50
Recommended by: Kate and Jackie
$21 – $68
Kate: I’ve been using the mist version of this product lately. It’s lightweight, easy to apply evenly, and stays on your skin really well. It’s a great throw-in-your-bag product for the pool!
Jackie: This is my go-to sunscreen for my face before I head out for a run! I also used it on my body multiple times a day on a recent warm-weather trip. Unlike some active sunscreens, it actually melts into my skin when applied (rather than leaving behind that unfortunate white sheen) and keeps me protected, even during sweaty outdoor activities.
Aveeno Protect & Hydrate Sunscreen SPF 60
Recommended by: Jackie
$11 – $22
I use this sunscreen on my hands all year whenever I’m outside, and I also apply it to my arms and legs in the summer months whenever I’m going out for a walk or run, running errands, or having drinks outside with friends. I like that it feels like a lotion (rather than the sticky sensation of certain body sunscreens), that it’s an affordable drugstore option, and that it also comes in a 12 oz pump bottle!
Supergoop! Glow Oil SPF 50
Recommended by: Greta
$15 – $38
I love this sunscreen for beach days or whenever more of my skin is going to show. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and doesn’t leave a sticky film. It’s easy to apply and I usually just keep it in my purse because it’s perfect for on-the-go!
Dr. Jart Every Sun Day SPF 50
Recommended by: Kate
$42
This is the sunscreen I use when I know I’m going to do a full face of makeup. It sinks in so well and provides a great base for layering.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Recommended by: Erin, New Business Director
$41
This is my desert-island beauty product. I love that it absorbs really well, like a lotion, and that it doesn’t smell like sunscreen! It also layers incredibly well with other products.
Supergoop! Glowscreen Body SPF 40
Recommended by: Kate
$42
This is a great, moisturizing body sunscreen that provides an incredible all-over shimmer. I started using it last summer and absolutely love it!
NARS Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
Recommended by: Kate
$46
I found this tinted moisturizer recently when I was also searching for a new primer. Together with the RMS Beauty primer, this makes a great replacement for a heavier foundation. I use a shade darker than I usually would and use a damp sponge to apply it. It’s a moisture bomb approach to foundation. P.S. Even if your tinted moisturizer has SPF, don’t skip your usual sunscreen!
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Recommended by: Nancy, Executive Assistant
$22 – $48
This is my go-to everyday sunscreen. It’s really hydrating and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin!
Editor’s Note: This article contains affiliate links. Wit & Delight uses affiliate links as a source of revenue to fund operations of the business. Have a question or want to learn more about how we use affiliate links? Shoot us an email.
Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
BY Kate Arends - May 11, 2022
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Thank you for being here. For being open to enjoying life’s simple pleasures and looking inward to understand yourself, your neighbors, and your fellow humans! I’m looking forward to chatting with you.
Hi, I'm Kate. Welcome to my happy place.
My favorite for face is La Roche-Posay Antioxidant Serum SPF 50. It’s dewy at first but dries like velvet on the skin.
Thanks for sharing!!
That’s good to know, thank you for sharing!
Some of your recommendations have oxybenzone in them, which my dermatologist says to avoid altogether because it’s an endocrine disrupter. The Environmental Working Group avoids it too. Next summer could you please do a round up of your fave oxybenzone-free, reef-friendly, zinc or titanium dioxide-based lotions? Think Baby is popular but super thick and hard to spread, as is Sun Bum’s baby lotion. I’m on the hunt for a natural lotion that lathers on as well as the conventional ones, if they exist! Thanks so much for your great content.
This is a great request, thank you for bringing it to our attention! We’re adding the post to our list.
Is there any update on a post containing all natural sunscreens for this summer?
Right now we’re only sharing sunscreens we’ve actually tried ourselves, but thank you for this reminder! I’ll chat with the team about this idea!
I highly recommend Supergoop’s Cloud 9 100% Mineral Sun Balm SPF 40. I have very sensitive skin and have zero reactions to the balm. It’s so easy to tuck the tin into your bag to encourage reapplication throughout the day.
This is good to know, thank you for sharing!