With the weather getting warmer and summer right around the corner, sunshine is on everyone's mind. And with the sun, comes a high UV, which means sunscreen. Ideally we wear sunscreen everyday all year long, but this is the time of year to get your hands on a new one (or a better one) because not all sunscreen is the same.
Personally, I've struggled with finding good sunscreens. I've made my fair share of mistakes, like buying one from a brand I thought would be good, and then it totally left my face like I just went to a kid's face painting party and asked to look like Droopy. Or sometimes, when you finish applying and look like a total grease bomb or something gets into your eye, and you're blinded and burning for the rest of the day.
But I've done my research (as I do), and I've compiled the list of TIGG-approved sunscreens so you can safely shop knowing you'll look good, feel good, glow good, and most importantly - protect your face good (I think well is the proper word but a play on words is more important than the grammar lessons we got in eighth grade).
"A lightweight sunscreen serum with Collagen Peptide that helps protect against sun damage and helps visibly correct early signs of aging." - Kiehl's
I recently tested out this sunscreen the other day because I'm a fan of other Kiehl's products, so I wanted to see if their sunscreen would hold up - and let me tell you, it did. It was super soft and lightweight and felt amazing on the skin. It also left my face with this soft shine that was super natural and not oily at all. Plus, after using it and washing my face, I still felt great. I loved the way it sat on my skin, and the product even claims to help improve skin texture and tone. So, a sunscreen that not only protects you from the sun but improves your skin and makes you look good while doing all that? I'll take it.
"This cult beauty favorite gives your skin a sunkissed glow, without the sun damage. We created Glowscreen to mimic the warm radiance your skin gets from being in the sunshine, and we packed it with expert SPF protection and powerful ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to keep your skin looking luminous all year round." - Supergoop!
This is my go-to base during the summer because it's really all you need for a hydrated, glowy, and slightly tinted base. If you want the same effect but don't like the tinted aspect, then the Unseen Sunscreen, also from Supergoop!, is amazing as a glowy sunscreen but even better underneath your makeup. It truly is the best primer for a natural and glowy look.
"EltaMD UV Daily Broad Spectrum SPF 40 is a sheer, lightweight moisturizing sunscreen formulated with hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is ideal for daily use on normal, dry and combination skin. This broad spectrum sunscreen contains micronized zinc oxide to protect your skin from damaging UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays." - EltaMD
If you want a basic go-to sunscreen without any thought, this one is probably a safe option. It's a classic, easy to find and buy, and loved by many girls.
A nice lightweight sunscreen that doesn't leave a white cast on your skin (because that's really the basic essentials when it comes to sunscreen). If you like a super light and thin sunscreen, then this is for you. If you prefer a thicker, creamier one, I'd reach for something else. However, based on all the sunscreens on this list - this one is my least favorite.
You guys. I was recently over at a friend's house, and we were going outside, and I needed sunscreen (because, hello, UV 9, you can't go out without sunscreen). It was a predominantly boys' house, so this was what was handed to me. I didn't really care, and I was expecting to be left with an insane white cast, greasy skin, and stinging eyes, but whatever; I didn't want to ruin my skin in the long run. But oh, my gosh. I LOVED this sunscreen! It was sheer and not sticky at all and left me with such a natural and soft glow, but I didn't look greasy at all. If you told me this was Chanel's new high-quality sunscreen, I would've believed you and spent $100 on it, no problem. It's really a great example of a great product with an unappealing package, and for $10, you don't think you are getting much - but wow. Perfect for beach days or travel, or even everyday wear, this is a much purchase.