7 Face Sunscreens That Feel Silky, Not Gross

“YOU HAVE TO find a sunscreen that you look forward to putting on,” said Daisy Nicole Toye. The New York makeup artist, who was responsible for longtime client Martha Stewart’s radiant complexion on the cover of May’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, ensures that the lifestyle mogul’s face is perpetually “slathered” in a high-SPF formula with sheen, namely Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40.

Even if you aren’t modeling maillots for magazines, smearing on sunscreen (and reapplying every two hours) is still a must, regardless of your skin tone or the weather. Yet only 13.5% of Americans safeguard their skin daily, according to a recent survey in the medical journal Archives of Dermatological Research. Why the aversion to protection? One theory: The noxious, chalky creams of yore were, frankly, gross. But, in our tests, some new formulas felt more like pricey serums or moisturizers than gunk. And that, as Stewart might say, is a very good thing.

To safeguard skin against cancer-causing UV light, opt for an SPF of 30 or higher, said Naana Boakye, a board-certified dermatologist in Englewood Cliffs, N.J. Since SPF (short for sun-protection factor) only indicates how well a sunscreen protects against sunburn-causing UVB radiation, Boakye recommends broad-spectrum formulas that also defend against UVA (the wavelength associated with wrinkles and dark spots).

What’s Making the Difference

Beyond adding mineral and chemical UV filters—such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone and oxybenzone—many sunscreen brands are incorporating extra elements for a luxe look and feel. These include esters, silicones and other compounds that give sunscreens a silky texture and effortless glide, said Javon Ford, a cosmetic chemist in Los Angeles. Iron oxides can also help neutralize the unsightly white streaks many old-school options leave behind, Ford added.

Other actives—including antioxidant-rich green tea and skin-plumping hyaluronic acid—are making their way into sunscreen, too. However, Boakye warns that even souped-up sunscreen shouldn’t replace your serum or moisturizer.

Easy Application—Another Good Thing

Boakye recommends applying “two finger-lengths” (your index and middle finger) of SPF to your face, neck and ears as the last step in your skin-care routine and waiting five minutes for it to fully absorb before layering on primer and makeup. 

To top up throughout the day without disturbing foundation, blot away oil and use a sunscreen spray (such as the Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50 formula below) like London makeup artist Kat Ali did on Halle Bailey while filming “The Little Mermaid” in Sardinia. 

Here, seven effective, opulent sunscreens to try.

1. Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40

Best for: Glow getters

What it feels like: Sheer, airy but still rich.

Why you’ll wear it: Toye, the makeup artist, uses this SPF on Martha Stewart because it delivers delicate sheen sans glitter. It also smooths skin and gives makeup grip.

From $22, Supergoop.com

2. Chanel UV Essentiel SPF 50

Best for: City dwellers

What it feels like: Vaguely French: silkier than the rest.

Why you’ll wear it: This gel-cream sinks into skin in seconds while delivering lasting moisture. It also contains free-radical-fighting blue ginger and gardenia extracts aimed at protecting against urban pollution.

$60, Chanel.com

3. Lesse Every Tone SPF 30

Best for: Invisible protection

What it feels like: Lush, but not suffocating.

Why you’ll wear it: Most mineral sunscreens notoriously leave unsightly white residue, but this one disappears into any complexion. Anti-inflammatory extracts from Australian super berries help too.

$85, LesseOfficial.com

4. Odacité Flex-Perfecting Tinted Mineral Drops SPF 50

Best for: A hint of tint

What it feels like: Plush and velvety without being overwhelming.

Why you’ll wear it: Available in five shades, this luminous and lightweight sunscreen doesn’t offer a ton of complexion-perfecting coverage but does lend skin a golden-hour glow that might tempt you to forgo foundation.

$48, Odacite.com

5. Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50

Best for: Easy touch-ups

What it feels like: A smattering of seaspray on a St. Barths beach.

Why you’ll wear it: The piña colada-esque scent is reason enough to reapply, but this quick-drying, makeup-friendly mist is also laced with aloe and cucumber for added refreshment.

$24, Vacation.inc

6. Neutrogena Clear Face Serum Sunscreen SPF 60+

Best for: Acne-prone skin

What it feels like: A light, cooling breeze.

Why you’ll wear it: Don’t worry about clogged pores with this oil-free serum. Bonus: Its dose of antimicrobial green tea could help battle breakouts and reduce redness.

$14, Neutrogena.com

7. EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46

Best for: Evening out skin tones

What it feels like: Nourishing, satiny, more substantial than most.

Why you’ll wear it: Formulated with niacinamide and lactic acid, this derm-favorite option helps diminish discoloration and boost cell turnover while shielding skin from future UV damage.

$41, EltaMD.com

—Additional reporting by Christina Middleton

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