Sunscreen is one of those products that’s a staple in my skincare routine. Anyone can end up with sun damage no matter how dark (or light) your skin is, so having a sunscreen that works for you is crucial! Here’s my quick thoughts on the 5 sunscreens I’m rotating through this summer (spoiler alert: I only like 4 of them)
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Black Girl Sunscreen Kids
I’ve tried almost every Black Girl Sunscreen product out there, and the kids version is my favorite. For just $10, you get a full 3oz of SPF 50 that comes in a lightweight cream texture with NO WHITE CAST! It’s also fragrance free, made with sensitive skin in mind, and great for use on both face and body. Definitely a sunscreen I recommend to everyone, and one I’ll keep in my collection from now on.
SHOP: Target | Ulta | Walgreens | BlackGirlSunscreen.com
Inkey List Polyglutamic Dewy Sunscreen
This is one of the newest products from the Inkey List, a brand I’ve loved for years now, and it’s a great addition to their line. This sunscreen is SPF 30, comes in a lightweight cream texture that blends into the skin easily, doesn’t leave a white cast, and is only $15 for 1.7oz. The small size makes it easy to travel with, but I do wish they offered a larger version as well. Another great option if you’re looking for a sunscreen that will work on both face and body.
SHOP: Sephora | InkeyList.com
Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen
This product from Trader Joe’s is one that I tried to find for over a year before it was finally available in my local store. I’ve seen it talked about as a dupe to the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen, another great product but one that may be outside the price range for some people. They’re both SPF 40, clear gel textures that easily blend into the skin, and can act as a primer underneath makeup. Neither one leaves a white cast, but the TJs version feels a bit grittier and not as smooth on first application (it rubs in smoothly so I don’t mind the texture personally). The biggest difference to me is the price: $9 for 1.7oz at Trader Joe’s vs almost $40 for 1.7oz of Supergoop. In my opinion they’re both good sunscreens (not dupes), but you decide which price point is best for you.
SHOP: Trader Joe’s in-store only
[RELATED POST: Sunscreens that Work on Dark Skin]
Trader Joe’s Spray Sunscreen
While shopping at TJs looking for the facial sunscreen, I saw this spray sunscreen and had to pick it up. This is $6 for 6oz of an aerosol SPF 50+, great for application on the body but not so great for the face FYI. (If you want to apply this on your face, spray some in your hands and apply from there; I wouldn’t recommend spraying directly in your face) There was no white cast after I applied this SPF, and it left my skin looking really glowy and hydrated which I loved. The aerosol form isn’t my preferred way to apply sunscreen since I tend to do it inside, but this is an amazing option for a product you apply outside. Definitely one I’ll be repurchasing for beach trips!
SHOP: Trader Joe’s in-store only
Neutrogena Mineral Tint Sunscreen
Last and my least favorite of this group, this Neutrogena tinted sunscreen. This product is a good idea for people who are looking for a mineral SPF but don’t want the white cast that usually comes with those. The darkest shade my store sold was Medium-Deep and it looked like that might have been ok for me based on the box, but I was wrong. For $17 for 1.1oz of SPF 30, this was a thicker cream texture with a tint too light on my skin tone that left me looking pretty ashy after application. It does come in a shade darker that this so maybe that one would work better, but I’m honestly not interested in spending another $17 just to test it out. There’s way better sunscreens out available that work really well for me and aren’t as expensive price per ounce, so I’ll stick with those instead.
SHOP: Target | Ulta | Walgreens
SPF Swatches
For comparison, here’s what each of these sunscreens look like when swatched on my arm. Note this isn’t the correct amount of SPF being applied, so the final finishes are a little off.
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