There’s a fine line between skin care that makes you look dewy and skin care that makes you look (and feel) greasy. Sunscreen often straddles that fine line. Some formulas leave a powdery white cast on deeper complexions; others make your pores look like they’ve been dunked in a deep frier. Neither of those side effects are cute, but what’s really not cute is skipping out on protecting your skin from the sun — so finding the right sunscreen is crucial.
If you can’t commit to a formula in fear that your makeup will melt off midday, try opting for something oil-free. Fortunately, some of our favorite brands have mastered effective sun protection without the slick, greasy feeling. From dermatologist-approved pumps to hydrating moisturizers, we rounded up some of our favorites, ahead.
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Dermatologists (and Zac Efron) swear by Elta MD because of its no-frills approach to protection. This formula in particular has SPF 46 to shield your face from UVA and UVB rays, with a sheer finish and nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid to ensure your skin never turns pasty.
Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 , $35, available at DermStore
If dewy isn’t your jam, try a formula that sets to a matte finish. This formula has oil-absorbing powders to keep your complexion balanced, and antioxidants to defend your skin against UV rays and free-radical damage. Because of the silky, satiny effect, it’s perfect for use as a primer under makeup.
Shiseido Oil-Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen , $35, available at Sephora
Sunscreen-induced breakouts are a non-issue with this oil-free, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free favorite. The inclusion of La Roche-Posay’s proprietary thermal spring water is especially good for irritation-prone skin.
la roche posay Clear Skin Oil Free Dry Touch Sunscreen Lotion , $19.98, available at Target
Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides make this sunscreen the ideal daily moisturizer, in addition to providing strong SPF 50 defense.
CeraVe CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Face , $14.99, available at Target
The loves don’t lie: This sunscreen has been "hearted" over 60,000 times on Sephora.com, because it’s that good. The silky formula melts into even the driest skin like butter and won’t leave behind a greasy cast, leaving skin thoroughly moisturized without feeling clogged.
Supergoop! Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40, $16, available at Nordstrom
Thanks to the transparent formula, a nickel-sized drop of this formula absorbs right into the skin without rubbing it in for five minutes. It’ll never make skin look chalky, and the cooling gel texture is especially satisfying if you’ve been out in the sun.
Neutrogena Neutrogena Hydroboost Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion, $7.99, available at Target
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Source: Refinery29 – aimee simeon