The Best Sunscreens, Tested and Reviewed

I pride myself on being an avid sunscreen user. It’s a non-negotiable in my everyday skincare routine and is one of my can’t-live-without products.

Aside from the obvious protection against skin cancer, using sunscreen regularly can help limit the number of fine lines and sun spots you get. It’s an underrated (but arguably the most important) anti-aging hack.

With that being said, many people start searching for the best sunscreens as the seasons start to shift and the weather begins warming up. Whether you’re heading on a beach vacation or you’re looking for a great everyday SPF (that’s good under makeup!) I’ve got you covered.

I’ve tested several sunscreen brands over the years and have nailed down a list of some tried-and-true favorites. Regardless of your skin type, budget, or lifestyle, these are what I consider the best sunscreens for women.

Best Sunscreens for Women

Best Everyday Face Sunscreen: Kosas DreamBeam Mineral Sunscreen

There isn’t a day that goes by when I’m not wearing sunscreen (yes, I even wear it during the winter!) If you’re not used to applying SPF on the daily, my top tip would be to look for a makeup product that has sunscreen in it. This takes one less step off of your plate and makes it easy for you to incorporate into your routine.

Tinted moisturizers and foundations are aplenty, but I have found myself reaching for this pick a lot lately. I love that it offers a pop of color and deep hydration. It does a stellar job at blurring minor imperfections and providing a clean, glassy look.

Other perks: It’s SPF 40, water resistant, and applies to your skin smoothly and evenly.

Best Sunscreen With Vitamin C: Caudalie Vinosun Protect Brightening Daily Mineral SPF

While this pick isn’t necessarily a makeup product, it does leave you with a glowy and healthy look. This would be my top recommendation for the gals who are craving a brighter and more even complexion.

With SPF 50, it does the heavy lifting to protect you from the sun; however, it also contains skincare ingredients like niacinamide, which help to brighten your overall skin tone.

I love that this has an ultra lightweight texture and that it somehow makes makeup apply more evenly if you use this first.

Best Body Sunscreen: Soleil Toujours Clean Conscious Body Sunscreen Mist

I don’t know about you but I prefer to use a different sunscreen on my body than what I use on my face. With a much larger surface area to cover, a mist SPF comes in really handy. This brand has quickly become a favorite of mine. While powerful against harsh rays, the formula is gentle and non-irritating.

Another bonus: Many spray bottles can be wonky but this one is easy to use! This would be a great pick to bring on a beach vacation or to tote along with you on active outdoor days. It also has cleaner ingredients and it’s waterproof.

Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Sunscreen

If you follow me on Instagram or you read the blog regularly then you likely know I have a deep rooted love for this sunscreen. I have a history of moody skin that leans toward the sensitive side, so it’s imperative that I use an SPF that doesn’t exacerbate things.

I’m a big fan of all things Summer Fridays and this sunscreen is no exception. It has a milky consistency and almost feels like a primer that you can use before applying makeup. It’s also easy to reapply to your face throughout the day if needed.

Best Sunscreen for a Glow: Colorescience Sunforgettable Face Shield Glow Sunscreen

While I haven’t personally tested this sunscreen, it has been on my list to try for quite some time. I have heard amazing things about it from friends and know that it will be in my next skincare order.

Colorescience makes a variety of sunscreens (including a powder option that you can apply over makeup) and is known to be an MVP in the SPF department. This specific product is noted to leave you with “a pearlescent, illuminating glow that delivers a healthy, lit-from-within look to skin.”

If you wanted to forego makeup on a beach or pool day, this would be a good go-to option. Reviewers love that it feels weightless on their skin and like that it’s really blendable.

Best Sunscreen for Travel: Kopari Sun Voyage SPF Set

For the gals who travel as much as I do, this SPF set is a no-brainer. The travel sized products are easy to toss in your toiletry bag and tote along with you on a warm-weather trip.

The set comes with three different finds: 1) A sheer SPF stick 2) A sheer setting mist and 3) A body sunscreen. This is a great way to test out the brand without committing to full-sized products. Plus, these would be perfect to bring along in a beach bag or purse.