As the weather is getting warmer, so many people are asking me about sunscreen recommendations. The most common factors people are looking for in a sunscreen, are: affordable, gentle (non-irritating), and hydrating. You definitely don’t need an expensive product – just because it is more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s better! I’ll show you my favorite sunscreen products, which are affordable and cost-effective, most of them are between $10 – $20, plus some of my favorites if you want to splurge a little.
Best Hydrating Sunscreen
If you’re looking for a hydrating sunscreen as dry skin can make your base and makeup go on patchy, I highly recommend these three hydrating products. They block out the sunlight really well and they also feel very gentle and moisturizing! They also work well under makeup so I usually use these ones before I go out.
MISSHA ALL AROUND SAFE BLOCK ESSENCE SUN MILK SPF50+ PA+++
A’PIEU PURE BLOCK Natural Sun Cream SPF45 PA+++
MAKEP:REM UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++
This is one of my favorite sunscreens and I use it almost everyday! It contains a cooling ingredient and feels soothing on my skin. I love this product for it’s watery consistency, hydration, and it also has excellent ingredients, so it costs a little more than the others I recommend. It is made of a gentle formula and is PA++++. Most importantly, it works very well under makeup.
Best Sunscreen for Makeup Base / Primer
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++
When you squeeze it out, the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++ has a very watery consistency in a translucent color. Because it is translucent, it doesn’t go on cakey even if you put a lot on – it also brightens up your skin tone a bit. When you apply it, the formula adds a glow to the skin at first, but it becomes matte quickly, once it’s all absorbed. So if you want a mate finish like a primer instead of a glow finish, this will be great for you.
Best Physical Sunscreen
Some people have switched to physical sunscreens because it can be better for sensitive skin and it has less chemicals. It contains active minerals and works by deflecting UV rays away from your skin. This is a downside for some, because it can leave a white cast, some people have experienced breaking out, or getting drier and more sensitive skin from it.
Physical sunscreens have an immediate impact on blocking sunlight, so I use them when I’m in a hurry or if I’m suddenly exposed to sunlight. Just remember, you have to pay extra attention on removing physical sunscreens more than chemical sunscreens, otherwise the oily residue can cause breakouts.
Missha All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk EX SPF50+ PA+++
If physical sunscreens work well for you, or if you have to use physical sunscreen, then I recommend the Missha All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk EX SPF50+ PA+++. Although it is a physical sunscreen, it’s one of the few that doesn’t have a strong white cast. It also gives you more hydration than the typical greasy feel of physical sunblocks.
Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ PA+++
Best Mixed Sunscreen (Chemical & Physical)
A mixed sunscreen usually contains pros from physical and chemical sunscreens. If you are looking for a mixed sunscreen that contains both chemical and physical sunscreens, I recommend the Innisfree Intensive Triple Care Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++
Innisfree Intensive Triple Care Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++
This one goes on soft and doesn’t feel heavy like chemical sunscreens. The Innisfree Intensive Triple Care Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ leaves my skin smooth and hydrated, and helps my makeup stay on and doesn’t become cakey – a good, gently daily sunscreen with a low price tag.
Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Cell Fusion C Post A Cure Sunscreen 100
This is definitely one of my favorite sunscreens! The Cell Fusion C Post A Cure Sunscreen 100 is great for sensitive skin, or for skin that is easily irritated, and is hypoallergenic. Plus it’s also hydrating without feeling greasy and not sticky, and feels like a hydrating essence, not a cream essence. I love that it doesn’t have a white cast or leave a heavy residue – I can put on a generous amount and it won’t affect my makeup, which is great for everyone, whether we wear or don’t wear makeup! Best of all, it has the highest protection you can get based on the national standard, perfect for everyday use or going to the beach!
Best Sunscreen for Touch Ups (it’s so hard to reapply sunscreen!)
IOPE UV Shield Sun Cushion SPF50+ PA+++
If you are looking for a good sunscreen for touch ups, I strongly recommend the GOONGBE Creamy Sun Cushion SPF40 PA++++. It is a cushion where you press down to get the product out. When you apply it, it goes on glowy at first, but mattifies after a bit. The color doesn’t have much coverage, it mostly evens out the tone. The best part is that it doesn’t get cakey even if you reapply many times, itt will only brighten up the skin tone. I love that is more hygienic than the usual sponge cushions.
Which is Best? Chemical or Physical Sunscreen?
There are two types of sunscreens: physical and chemical. Chemical sunscreens contain organic ingredients and work by absorbing UV rays and turning it into heat to block it. They also have a thinner consistency and feel lighter on the skin, making it great for everyday use. You do need to reapply them more often and it can increase the chance of irritation for people with rosacea.
I always get asked, which is better, physical or chemical sunscreens? There is no right answer, everyone has different skin types and different ingredients that can irritate their skin. My recommendation is to use physical sunscreens and to try a few and see which works best on your skin – if you are very sensitive, you can do a patch test on your neck or around your jawline.
Remember to always apply sunscreen thoroughly, everyday, all over your face and neck, and to touch up if you can! You don’t have to buy another product for touchups, you can simply use your sunscreen and pat it in with an air puff. Wishing you all health and beauty! XOXO 💕