5 SPF products I swear by
I’ve said it before, but I am always happy to say it again. If you are going to do one thing for your skin every day, make sure it’s wearing SPF. You could do a million treatments, use all of the serums, but if you are not wearing SPF, then it’s all worth nothing. SPF is the most crucial ingredient in any skincare routine, and I don’t think it’s worth it to do anything else if you aren’t protecting your skin.
This post is a long time coming, and (clearly) something I am super passionate about. While I will be honest and say I don’t wear SPF on my body as often as I should, wearing SPF on my face is something I do daily, and most days, I layer. If you’re stepping outside of the house, or have natural light in your home, it’s so critical that you put some SPF on your face. It’s also important that you wash SPF before bed, and double cleanse, as many of them can clog your pores.
Which is where my inspiration for this post comes in. Given that it’s summer season, and you’ve now heard about my issues with acne since I came down to the beach, the SPFs that I choose to use in my routine are very specific. Any time I try something new, I find myself breaking out, just like I did last week when I tried something new. If you have acne-prone skin, then this is the post for you! I’ve put together five of the SPF products that I absolutely swear by, that haven’t broken me out, and continue to give me the protection from the sun that my skincare routine requires!
How much sunscreen should you be wearing every day? For your face, there’s an easy two finger rule! Pump the product onto the lengths of two fingers, and that is the amount that you should be applying to your face, neck and chest. Personally, knowing that that’s a lot of product to apply under makeup, I love to layer up my SPFs in my skincare and makeup routine to hit that rule. Here are a few of my favorites, ranging from skincare to makeup, so there’s something for everyone, or you can mix and match for finish.
01 ❘ If you’re looking for a moisturizer to incorporate into your daytime routine, and you don’t want the second step of layering sunscreen, then I highly suggest checking out this SPF/moisturizer from Fenty’s new(ish) skincare line. I saw lots of positive buzz about this product before the launch, and loved the idea of cutting a step from my skincare routine. This has a super thin texture, doesn’t leave a white cast, and has a bit of a shimmery finish without being tinted. An added bonus that I appreciate? Sustainable packaging! Instead of throwing out this plastic tube when you run empty, buy a refill insert instead.
02 ❘ One of the more recent products that I have tried is this Glow Screen from Supergoop. I have been a fan of this popular line since I tested some of their products two years ago when I got serious about sunscreen, and this year decided to try their Glow Screen for face, an area where I typically experience more sensitivity. This product has the most shimmer out of any of the products, so you have to like a glowy finish. It is also a tinted product, but it does melt into the skin well without leaving any visible tint on my lighter skin tone, for note. If you aren’t a fan of the shimmery finish, which sits beautifully under makeup or gives you a glow on its own, you can try their matte finish or sheer products instead.
03 ❘ This product from EltaMD came dermatologist recommended for my acne-prone skin when I talked to my doctor about how I noticed I was breaking out from suncreens, and after a nasty allergic reaction to one a few years ago. And this product is my top recommendation for anyone with sensitive or acne-prone skin, hands-down. I personally prefer their tinted product, but they also make a non-tinted product that is equally as wonderful without leaving a white cast. This sunscreen also includes niacinamide, which is one of the best ingredients for acne-prone skin or skin more apt to hyperpigmentation or discoloration.
04 ❘ Moving more into the makeup end of my favorite products is this Slip Tint tinted moisturizer with SPF. I grabbed this product after seeing it’s gorgeous finish on Helena from Brooklyn Blonde and Kristina Zias, and am so pleased with this product for a lighter-coverage makeup base, especially during the warmer months. I wear shade Three + Half in this product, but I find the shades pretty forgiving. I love the dewey finish that isn’t sticky- I actually feel it finishes with a glow but more of a velvet texture. It is a lighter coverage product, so I do finish with a bit of concealer if I am going out or to work, but I think this product is perfection for anyone who wants their SPF combined with another step, or looking for added protection. Simple and beautiful – I really love this product and will be repurchasing.
05 ❘ This final product is a hero product from Ilia Beauty that I have mentioned multiple times on this blog, so if you’re sick of me talking about it, feel free to move along (unless you still haven’t tried it – get it!!!). If you are looking for a makeup product with SPF, this is SPF 40, and includes skincare ingredients. It is also oil-free, so it’s great for acne-prone or oily skin, despite it’s liquid-like texture that may confuse you. Both my sister and I, who do struggle with acne and sensitive skin, swear by this product for our regular makeup routine. It’s got hyaluronic acid, and the serum really just seeps into the skin throughout it’s wear like a skincare serum, which leaves you radiant and refreshed, another positive for almost all skin-types. There’s a reason this super serum skin tint has won some best in beauty awards – it’s the real deal, and I could not recommend it enough.
Whether you are looking an SPF ingredient in your skincare or makeup wear, finding ways to build SPF into your regular beauty routine is so important, regardless of age. I wish I had learned this at a younger age! SPFs can be tricky, and finding one that works for your skin can take some trial and error. These five products have worked for me, and I love that I can play with a range of products to get the finish I want every day by combining. No matter what, I find a way to have at least one element of SPF in my morning routine, and hope you use this post as a chance to do the same for your skin! There’s no better way to maintain the integrity of your skin and prevent signs of aging, discoloration, and more. Promise you’ll try?
