The Best Sunscreen For Your Face | My Top 5
Yes, people, it’s that time of year when Vancouver has been hit by a heat wave and I am miserably hot. Consider it classic Pacific North West syndrome; It rains here most of the year but when the temp gets over 25 (that’s the high 70’s for my Fahrenheit friends) I get a little cranky. So naturally, sunscreen is extra important right now (I say extra because you make sure to wear it all year long… right?). I’ve got 5 of my favourite face SPF’s to keep you safe from those UVA/UVB rays, that are comfortable and easy to wear!
Top 5 Face Sunscreens
What my skin type is: I have normal to dry skin that is dehydrated.
What I am looking for: I prefer a hydrating formula that doesn’t dry down matte nor leave the skin feeling tight. I need something that wears well under makeup without pilling or feeling silicone-heavy.
*Side note: I won’t get into the merits of physical or chemical sunscreen in this post – that is a personal choice for you and your family. I use and like both in my sunscreen formulas.
Chanel UV Essentiel SPF 30/50*
Available at Nordstrom | Feel Unique | Selfridges
Depending on where you are in the world, this will be available in an SPF 30 or 50. It’s the most liquid formula of the five I’ve got and goes on incredibly lightweight so it’s great for someone who has preconceived notions about sunscreen feeling ‘icky’. It’s sweat and humidity resistant and leaves a silky finish, but does have a subtle classic Chanel scent.
Are the active ingredients physical/chemical: Both. Octinoxate 7.5% Titanium dioxide 1.6% (nano) Zinc Oxide 17.1%
Does it leave a white cast: Of all the sunscreens I have in this post, I find this one can leave a slight white cast if I have a bit of a tan, so it would be the least suitable for tan-deep complexions.
Packaging/Volume: The slimmest profile by far making it a great choice for a purse or pocket. You get 30ml/1 fl oz of product.
Tarte Tarteguard 30*
Available at Tarte Cosmetics | Sephora | Amazon US
If you’ve got dry skin or love a glow, this is a great option for you! It’s incredibly hydrating and feels like putting a regular old face lotion on. Unlike many non-chemical sunscreens, it doesn’t have that thick pasty feel. It’s paraben and phthalate free, vegan and cruelty free.
Are the active ingredients physical/chemical: Physical. Zinc Oxide 4.13% and Titanium Dioxide 3.36%.
Does it leave a white cast: In my experience, I have never seen a white cast, which is quite rare for a physical sunscreen. This might be due to the other skincare ingredients such as Maracuja, soybean, and red algae
Packaging/Volume: The bulkiest packaging here with the rubberized covered glass, but also the only one with a pump. You get 50ml/1.7 fl oz.
IT Cosmetics Anti-Aging Armour SPF 50*
Available at Ulta | It Cosmetics
This is the only tinted option in my list and it does a fabulous job of cancelling out any ashy cast. The tint doesn’t really stick around intending to have coverage, FYI. I find this hydrating, smoothing and makes an amazing primer under makeup! Paraben, Phthalate, Sulphate and cruelty-free.
Are the active ingredients physical/chemical: Physical. Titanium Dioxide 12.1% Zinc Oxide 6.3%
Does it leave a white cast: None.
Packaging/Volume: Slim plastic, though not as slim as Chanel. You get 30ml/1 fl oz.
Avene Mineral Ultra Light Hydrating Lotion SPF 50*
Available at Dermstore |
This is the SPF I’ve managed to convince the Mr to wear that doesn’t smell tropical! It leaves no white cast, and sinks in quickly, therefore, no “sunscreen feel”. This lotion is hydrating and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth without any tackiness. It’s water resistant which makes it a great option for summertime as well. I’ve always loved Avene skincare, so it’s no surprise to love their SPF as well. Paraben, Oil afragrance-freeree.
Are the active ingredients physical/chemical: Physical. Titanium Dioxide 4%, Zinc Oxide 6%.
Does it leave a white cast: None.
Packaging/Volume: Slim profile plastic packaging, but larger than the IT Cosmetics and Chanel. You get 50ml/ 1.7 fl oz.
Indeed Labs inDefence 30 Dual Action Moisturizer with SPF 30
Available at Indeed Labs | Look Fantastic
The newest SPF on the market and holds the high standard I’ve come to know Indeed Labs for! This is a creamy texture that could be suitable as a moisturizer on its own if you aren’t dry, but sits well on any other moisturizer I have. This sits beautifully under makeup and feels hydrating and rich on the skin. Paraben, fragrance and cruelty free.
Are the active ingredients physical/chemical: Both. Octinoxate 7.5%, Zinc Oxide 7%
Does it leave a white cast: None.
Packaging/Volume: You get 30ml/1 fl oz.
What is your favourite sunscreen to wear? Have you tried any of my favourites?
