Sunscreen That Feels So Good I'll Actually Wear It
(Mostly Korean.)
It’s hot and I have had SPF on my mind a lot lately. So I’m going to put together this list that I wish someone would have put together for me, now that I’m constantly slathering stuff on my bare skin and cannot stand the feeling of most sunscreen.
A lot of these are Korean sunscreens (they’re cheaper, more comfortable, and the filters are more advanced1). Some I bought off Amazon from the brand’s store itself (careful of imposters with names like xkfsldkfj), some from Stylevana2 (which takes a lot longer but is more reputable) and some I bought or tried in person (I recently went to Palace Beauty in K-town and nearly lost my mind from giddiness).
Most are SPF 50 and leave no whitecast. I cannot comment on the water resistance of any of this, because I have not dipped a toe inside a body of water since waaaaay before the pandemic.
ETUDE Sunprise ($14) — This goes on milky and dries to a non-sticky finish, but has a slight scent. Good for body parts and is also one of the few mineral options on this list.
TOCOBO Bio Watery Sun Cream ($18) — Similar to the above, but no scent (as far as I could tell). Also cruelty-free and vegan-verified.
IsNtree Hyalauronic Acid Water Sun Gel ($18) — non-greasy and doesn’t burn the eyes.
SKIN 1004 Madagascar Centella ($19) — This might be my ideal SPF. Every time I put it on I’m impressed that it’s not just a luxury moisturizer. It’s absolutely everything I want in my skincare. Why I’m not buying just a dozen bottles of this every year I dunno… I guess because I get bored (witness this blog post).
Naturium Dew-Glow ($21) — I pick this up often whenever it’s on sale at Target and think it has such a thick and rich texture (perfect for wintertime).
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen ($38) — This is the first SPF I ever used that I liked the feeling of but man is it expensive in comparison to everything else on this list! I love that it is clear too, which I often use under makeup when I’m going to be on camera. This one is SPF 40, not 50. I’ve heard the Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen ($9) is identical, but it’s never in stock whenever I look for it.
Supergoop! Glow Oil ($18/$40) — I’ve rebought this many times over the years, and find that I only need to purchase the smaller 1 oz. size because it does get really greasy. But I vastly prefer the feel of this on my bare legs on a sweaty day than most lotions.
JMsolution Luminous Sun Spray ($14)— The mist on this is gorgeous! I use it to reapply over makeup. It feels refreshing and is also a bit moisturizing.
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Moist Sun Serum ($21) — I got this on a whim because it’s like a combo serum/SPF but may have fucked up… it felt AMAZING on the back of my hand, but I found at home that it definitely stings slightly on my face. Like, a slight burning sensation (others have reported it too) that goes away — but is still concerning. So I’ve been putting it on my arms instead. Not sure if the same would happen with their original sunscreen, which may be the most hyped/beloved Korean SPF amongst beauty influencers. I did try the original in-store and was impressed but the serum was the same price. Again, I think I fucked up.
Bloomeffects Mineral Sunstick ($32, gifted) — This is the other mineral SPF on this list — it looks exactly like deodorant. It glides on smooth and doesn’t have a strong scent or any stickiness, which is incredible considering I’ve been trying many different mineral sunscreens lately due to some unexpected skin irritation from perimenopause (like how I casually dropped that?!? More on all of that drama in a future post). I’ve been using it on the back of my hands, neck, ears, and anywhere I need quick re-application without getting too messy. It’s also water resistant for up to 80 minutes. FYI I love it, but I do think it is kinda small for the price (even though I didn’t pay for it). Bloomeffects also sent a bottle of their mineral sunscreen which I do like (especially for mineral) but it’s tinted and gets a little messy when I’m lazy.
Supergoop! Glow Stick ($30) — Similar to the above sunstick, but this is a chemical formula. It feels kinds like jelly and I always am tempted to bite down on it (don’t do that).
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