Let’s talk SPF: favorites + recommendations
Written By Jenny Wu on
If there is one skincare product I couldn’t live without, it’d be sunscreen. My skincare routine has gone through phases where sometimes I’d use 10+ products, and sometimes I’d use just 3. But it’s never been without sunscreen. So today, let’s talk about some of my SPF favorites and recommendations.
When it comes to any skincare product, even sunscreen, I can’t stress enough how important it is use products that are right for you. The best sunscreen for dry skin probably won’t be the best sunscreen for oily skin. I have combination-normal skin in the summer and combination-dry in the winter, so I use different products depending on the season:
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer with Sunscreen – I used this one during my bachelorette party in Vegas, and it held my makeup on all day while preventing any sun damage. This is my go-to when I know I’ll be outdoors all day with makeup on.
- Cremorlab Sun Protective SPF35 PA++ – I mentioned this in my 2014 Beauty Favorites post. It’s perfect for the winter time and I love that it has hydrating + brightening properties.
- Biore AQUA RICH Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ – This is my go-to sunscreen for the summer. It’s super lightweight, yet has incredible UVA and UVB protection, no wonder it’s a beauty blogger favorite!
- Any type of spray sunscreen – I don’t have a preference for any particular sunscreen, as long as it’s in a spray format, because they’re perfect for all-over application. Bonus points if they also have cooling properties!
To get the most out of your sunscreen, make sure you apply it at least 20 minutes before you head outdoors, make sure you apply enough, and make sure you apply it everyday! UV rays can still penetrate through windows, and some indoor lighting emit UV rays as well, so unless you plan on locking yourself in a closet, lather up!
Hope you found this post helpful, and have a wonderful, sun-safe weekend!
Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.
Skin profile: 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨
Comments & Questions
Krystal
I never go outside without sunscreen! I use the Missha BB cream most days for quick and light coverage, which has SPF 45++. Sometimes if the sun is going to be extremely strong or I know I'm going to be outside for most of it I wear extra sunscreen and even bring it with me to top up if I need it. Sunscreen is definitely a must wear everyday!
Thanks for sharing your list. I'm going to check out those products :D
Jenny Wu
I love Missha BB creams, especially the one in the pink/mauve bottle (can't remember the name)! I carry a small tube in my makeup bag for touch ups as well!
Elena
Thank you for this post! I am so bad at buying new sunscreens. I really need to get one for my face, and La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer with Sunscreen sounds great.
Jenny Wu
You're welcome Elena! I hope you like the La Roche-Posay sunscreen as much as I do!
Liv
Ooo I'm so glad you wrote this post because I was looking for a sunscreen and not sure which one to get! Sunscreen is definitely essential for better skin, especially since most people probably don't realize they need it. (I realize it's terrible I don't wear it yet.) I'm going to order the Biore one now since we seem to have a similar skin type.
Jenny Wu
Glad to hear this post helped!! Biore Japan makes some seriously incredible sunscreens, they also have a SPF35 one which is really good for mostly indoor use.
Michelle
I'm looking for a very good sunscreen at least with SPF 30 because I burn easily. Thanks for the recommendation. Skin care is very important in the summer.
Jenny Wu
You're welcome Michelle, hopefully you'll find a product that works well for you! One thing I'd definitely recommend is to reapply the sunscreen regularly (every 2 hours or immediately after you've been in water) - this helped me stay tan-free and burn-free during my Vegas trip last summer!