14 Sunscreens That Actually Make Your Skin Look Better
By now, you know that wearing sunscreen every day is non-negotiable. But, are you aware that some sun-protection products can do more than shield your skin from harmful rays? From tinted formulas that give gorgeous glow to those with unreal skin-care benefits on the side, the newest and greatest sunscreens are major multitaskers.
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Don’t just take our word for it: We got some of our favorite makeup artists, aestheticians, and dermatologists to spill the SPFs they rely on for multiple benefits. Scroll through to peep their picks.
Oclipse Smart Tone, SPF 50
Talk about revolutionary: Not only does this baby contain microbeads that burst open to tint virtually every skin tone, it also reaps a number of killer benefits besides SPF. Argania spinosa kernel oil moisturizes and aids skin in repairing itself, while a healthy dose of vitamin C brightens. Oh, and did we mention it was created by dermatologist Zein Obagi? This is stuff you can trust.
Oclipse Smart Tone SPF 50, $70, available at Zo Skin Health.
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Dr. Jart+ BB Radiance Beauty Balm, SPF 30
You know a product has major beautifying potential when a stellar makeup artist reps it. “I use Dr. Jart+ BB Radiance Beauty Balm for skin that needs just a boost of correcting and evening out,” says celebrity makeup artist Shannon Grey Williams. “Such a pleasant surprise to see the amount of correcting this sheer cream can handle. It’s a very lightweight formula that settles into the skin with no telltale signs of ‘makeup.‘”
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Dr. Jart+ BB Radiance Beauty Balm, $42, available at Sephora.
Kate Somerville IllumiKate CC Cream Broad Spectrum, SPF 50+
Sunscreens often have obnoxious scents, but we’re loving this one’s citrus tinge. “With shades ranging from light to medium, you can protect your skin with SPF 50 and smooth out the look of imperfections with one step,” says makeup artist Nicole Walmsley. “The formula has buildable coverage and contains arbutin, chicory root, and licorice extract, which help to moisturize and brighten the skin.“
Kate Somerville IllumiKate CC Cream Broad Spectrum, SPF 50+ PA+++, $48, available at Kate Somerville.
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Goldfaden MD Sun Visor, SPF 30
Another one of Walmsley’s picks: this standout Goldfaden sunscreen. “I love Sun Visor by Goldfaden MD for its multipurpose function,” she says. “It not only provides sun protection with SPF 30, which helps prevent dark spots and wrinkles, but it also includes organic red tea, an antioxidant which has skin-renewing and rejuvenating properties. The ultra-light mist is translucent and oil-free, making it great for all skin types.”
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Goldfaden MD Sun Visor SPF 30, $45, available at SpaceNK.
Elta MD UV Clear, SPF 46
“This oil-free sun protection helps calm and protect sensitive skin types prone to breakouts, rosacea, and discoloration,” says Amanda Sanzone, a medical aesthetician with Matthew Schulman Plastic Surgery in New York City. “It contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid, ingredients that promote skin health. It’s also very lightweight and silky, great for those who hate the feel of traditional sunscreens.”
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Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $32, available at DermStore.
Lumixyl MoistureLock Sunscreen, SPF 30
If you have to apply sunscreen — and, trust us, you do — it better be easy. According to Kerry Benjamin, owner of Kerry Benjamin Skincare, this product is that and more. “This is one of my favorite SPFs,” she says. “This unique formula uses micronizing titanium dioxide that goes on completely invisible, feeling more like a moisturizer than SPF.”
Lumixyl MoistureLock Sunscreen SPF 30, $51.75, available at Amazon.
Clarins Sun Care Milk-Lotion Spray, SPF 50+
Makeup artist Robert Sesnek’s sunscreen rec is pure gold — he does, after all, tend to the visages of Chrissy Teigen and Kate Upton. “It’s been a favorite of mine for years,” he says. “It’s light and non-greasy, and blends easily into the skin, but best of all is the way skin looks and feels after sun exposure. Skin looks healthy and hydrated, not dry and damaged.”
Clarins Sun Care Milk-Lotion Spray SPF 50+, $36, available at Nordstrom.
For the rest of our sunny skincare faves, visit Refinery29.
By: Kate Foster