There are, however, a few holy grail sunblocks that truly get the job done. Below, our editors share a few of their all-time favorite sunscreens for guarding their pores, without any consequences.
Jennifer Hussein, Beauty Editor
When it comes to sunscreen, I don’t play games. I apply every. Single. Morning. Yes, even in winter, even when the rain is heavy, even when there’s not a single hint of sunshine to be seen—UV rays are sneaky, y’all.
In the morning, I use the Aesop Avail Facial Lotion with Sunscreen SPF 25. It’s thick enough to act as my moisturizer, so it’s a two-in-one product for me (perfect for when I’m running late, which is every day). Plus, instead of that usual sunscreen scent, it smells like green tea.
Once I’m done with my skincare and makeup routine, I’ll set everything in with Supergoop!’s Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50. I have mini bottles of this miracle spray within hand’s reach at all times (in my purse, on my desk, even an extra one in my bathroom) so I can reapply in a jiffy.
Alix Gutierrez, Associate Art Director
As someone who is new to sunscreen (I know! Don’t @ me!!) I’ve yet to find one I truly stan. But, I do quite like the Glossier Invisible Shield. It’s super lightweight and doesn’t leave a freaky cast like others do.
Jessica Teves, Editor In Chief + Co-CEO
I do not leave the house without sunblock—ever. My husband jokes that if I could sleep with it on, I would (I don’t, BTW). Here are my two favorites for summer: For sports and extended outdoor activities, I layer on Eryfotona Actinica—its staying power is enough to last a few hours in direct sunlight, and I love the silky non-tacky feeling on my skin.
For day-to-day, and when I’m in the office, I like Nivea’s Super Water Gel. It was recommended by my facialist Sofie Pavitt, and I can’t get over how smooth and protective it feels on the skin—it’s also amazing under foundation.
Callia Hargrove, Social Media Director
My favorite is Supergoop!’s Unseen Sunscreen. As a woman of color, I struggled for a long time to find a sunscreen that doesn’t give me the dreaded Casper the Ghost ‘white cast.’ This one goes on invisible and as a bonus, leaves my skin prepped and primed for makeup.
Beatrice Hazlehurst, Deputy News Editor
“I hate to be cliché, but Supergoop! has quite literally changed my concept of what sunscreen is and can be. Clear and super lightweight, it’s non-greasy and makes me feel as though I’m wearing nothing at all. My friend’s boyfriend used all of mine during a beach day and I was in an extremely awkward position because I didn’t know him well enough to tell him to stop when, really, that’s all I wanted. No one take away my Supergoop! from me again, please, or I may cut you.”
Heartleigh Little, Editorial Director
“I just started incorporating sunscreen into my skincare routine like a month ago…sorry! BUT, I’ve always been an avid wearer at the beach, the pool, the park, wherever. I love Avene’s spray version. It’s easy to apply, smells like well…sunscreen. And doesn’t leave a greasy film all over your body. I’ve already stocked up!
Alyssa Hardy, Senior Fashion Editor
“If I’m being honest, I am always forgetting to put on sunscreen. I know, I know: that’s very bad! When I do remember to put it on, it’s because I moisturized with Mario Badescu’s Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Moisturizer. It’s lightweight and fits into my morning routine easily. I promise I’m going to get better!”
Erin Cunningham, Managing Editor
“Anyone who knows me knows I’m bad with products, but I’m always careful about wearing sunscreen while outside for extended periods of time. For things like playing tennis or laying by any body of water, I love this Drunk Elephant sunscreen, which I actually need to buy more of since I accidentally left it in Miami. It smells good and is soft, not sticky, which is what I’ve always hated about sunscreen. For days I’m not excessively sweating, Glossier is my go-to, but I’ve also started wearing (okay fine, only on the days I actually put on makeup) Beautycounter’s Dew Skin, which has SPF 20.
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