The Best Sunscreens For People Who Hate Sunscreen

Looking for the best sunscreen for your face that feels like you aren’t even wearing one? Me too, always!

I never leave my house without applying SPF (I would burst into flames) and I hate heavy, greasy sunscreens that ruin my makeup, sting my eyes or make me look even whiter than I already am. The perfect sunscreen for your face, in my opinion, also feels lightweight on the skin, blends quickly, works well under makeup and has a minimum SPF of 30 with broad spectrum protection. But which one to choose? Should I use a chemical sunscreen vs. a mineral one? How much should I apply?

I’ll share my favourite sunscreen picks with you for your perfect SPF BFF, plus answers to your burning sunscreen questions to get started.

*this post contains affiliate links*

 

But First….What Is A Chemical Sunscreen?

Chemical sunscreens act like a sponge and absorb the sun’s rays and convert harmful UV rays into heat. Chemical sunscreens usually contain one or more of the following active ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, or octinoxate.

Benefits of chemical sunscreens? These sunscreens tend to be easier to massage and blend into your skin without leaving a white residue. They usually have a lightweight, lotion-like consistency.

Cons of chemical sunscreens? These sunscreens need about 20 minutes to fully absorb into the skin to the point where they can protect your skin from the sun, so you need to wait before you expose yourself to the sun. Some people also find themselves allergic to chemical sunscreens, so finding the right one or switching to a mineral sunscreen might be required.

 

What Is A Mineral Sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, contain one or more of the following active ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, or octinoxate. Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin and reflect harmful UV rays away from your skin, like a mirror reflecting light.

Pros of mineral sunscreens? These sunscreens allow you to go into the sun immediately after they are applied; you don’t have to wait for them to absorb, unlike chemical sunscreens. They also have less potential for skin reactions, unlike chemical sunscreens. 

Cons? Mineral sunscreens tend to feel heavier and often greasier than their chemical counterparts. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t lightweight options out there, but you may need to do a bit of testing to find the right one. They are also more prone to leaving a white cast on the skin and take longer to absorb fully into skin. If you’re afraid of a white cast, consider trying a tinted mineral sunscreen, like the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Sunscreen.

 

Must Know Skin Care Tips For Sunscreen

Some quick tips about sunscreen:

-you should double cleanse your face to fully remove your sunscreen at the end of the day; a single cleanse is not enough.

-you need to the recommended amount of sunscreen on your face and neck to get full protection (see the picture posted below for the three-finger method)

-sunscreen is always the last step in your skin care routine

-apply sunscreen to your face and exposed skin every day, rain or shine, summer or winter and if you sit in front of an uncovered window to keep your skin protected from UV rays!

 

5 of the Best Sunscreens For Your Face

1 . La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Fluid Mineral Sunscreen SPF60

Best For: Dry to Normal Skin

I’ve reviewed this mineral sunscreen in more detail here, but all you need to know is that this sunscreen absorbs well into the skin and provides broad spectrum UV protection. Anthelios Ultra-Fluid spreads easily onto the skin and feels a touch greasy at first, although it quickly begins to absorb and takes that greasy feeling with it as it does.

It doesn’t sting my eyes and I don’t notice any white cast left behind either (although I’m quite pale, if you have darker skin, do a patch test before purchasing). If you’re really worried about the white cast situation, you can try the tinted formula from the brand that is skin-tone coloured. This sunscreen also works well under my makeup and keeps my skin hydrated but not oily.

BUY IT: AMAZON | KOHL’S | ULTA | 

 

2. Biore UV Aqua Riche Watery Sunscreen PA++++ (SPF50)

Best For: Normal to Oily Skin

If you love lightweight, barely there sunscreens that absorb in seconds, the Biore UV Aqua Riche sunscreen will be your new best friend. This is a chemical sunscreen from Japanese skin care brand Biore that is especially amazing for oily skin. It works amazingly under makeup, as it dries quickly to a matte finish. I reviewed this sunscreen in detail here, but if you have oily skin you really MUST try it out. 

Biore is constantly revamping and improving upon their products and from what I’ve read,they’ve made this sunscreen even better. Just be aware, this sunscreen does contain alcohol, which helps it to absorb more quickly. If alcohol in your skin care bothers you, avoid this one – although many skin care enthusiasts who hate alcohol in their products have said that they still love this sunscreen and suffer zero irritation!

BUY IT: AMAZON

3. Rovectin Aqua Soothing UV Protector SPF50(PA++++)

Best For: Oily Skin

I received the Rovectin Aqua Soothing UV Protector to try out from Wishtrend.com and this stuff is seriously amazing if you are looking for a SUPER matte, mineral sunscreen. Containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, this mineral sunscreen has a slight greasiness to it, but fully absorbs into the skin after massing it for a good minute. 

It has no added artificial fragrance or colouring and the entire Rovectin line is cruelty free and vegan, if that floats your boat. I’ve really been enjoying the Rovectin range of products, which are geared toward oily, acne prone and sensitive skin. 

BUY IT: WISHTREND

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Angela | Beauty & Lifestyle (@blushandpearlsblog)

 

4. Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF50 PA++++

Best For: Normal to Oily Skin

Another amazing Asian sunscreen is the Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence. This unscented, white lotion absorbs fast with no white cast to a soft, matte finish. It doesn’t burn my eyes and works amazingly under my makeup for a flawless finish. Probably my favourite of this group, this chemical sunscreen is a Holy Grail for me and a must have if you have combination/oily skin. 

BUY IT: WISHTREND

 

5. Etude House Sunprise Mild Watery Light SPF50 PA+++

Best For: Normal to Dry

This chemical sunscreen from Etude House that I grabbed from Amazon has a light lemon scent and worked really well on my skin once it started to move from oily to normal. It provides just enough hydration for me not to be too greasy and works well all day under my makeup. It blends well and doesn’t sting my eyes or leave any white cast on my pale self, making it one of the best sunscreens for your face.

BUY IT: AMAZON

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Angela | Beauty & Lifestyle (@blushandpearlsblog)

Have you tried any of these sunscreens for your face?