It’s always important to wear SPF on your face, but come the summer months, it’s essential. Frankly, I can’t be bothered with any with an SPF of less than 30 and if it has added anti-aging benefits, all the better! A facial SPF must go on seamlessly under my makeup and then I need to forget about it (unless I’m swimming of course). I tested over 20 and I adored so many for different reasons, it was hard to keep the list to my originally planned 10. So here are a dozen SPF’s over 30 for the faces of those of us who are over 30.
1. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Dark Spot Sun Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen, $42
If you have sun spots you are trying to get rid of, while at the same time preventing more, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Dark Spot Sun Defense is for you! It’s a hydrating, anti-aging sunscreen that reduces the appearance of dark spots, uneven skin tone and aging around the face and delicate eye area while decreasing the risk of skin cancer. It’s formulated with a breakthrough complex featuring melatonin as well as three forms of vitamin C and vitamin E. The non-greasy, white formula does on evenly and smoothly and seeps into the face and neck quickly. Makeup then applied like a dream.
2. M·A·C Prep + Prime Face Protect Lotion SPF 50, $30
You can usually count on MAC for beauty products that get the job done at affordable prices. Now MAC offers this new formula which is a sun-shielding primer infused with antioxidants for advanced protection and has an SPF of 50! M·A·C Prep + Prime Face Protect Lotion SPF 50 is a blend of mineral-rich nutrients, including red and brown algae extracts and iron and potassium which helps cells to retain moisture. The lightweight formula (a little goes a long way) absorbs instantly with a non-greasy finish. It’s suitable for all skin types and protects against harmful broad-spectrum UVB and UVA rays, preventing dark spots, discolorations and premature skin aging. My MAC waterproof foundation obviously applied seamlessly.
3. Supergoop!® ‘City Sunscreen’ Serum SPF 30+ PA+++, $42
Don’t let the name fool you, Supergoop is anything but goopy. Supergoop City Sunscreen Serum is a multitasking broad spectrum SPF 30+ daily repair serum for skin that has been exposed to the sun, both in the past and the present. This flesh-toned, ultra-light formula is almost watery so very little is needed to cover the face and neck. Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ simultaneously protects skin, moisturizes and combats premature aging. The formula has Antioxidants E and B5 to optimize skin health, promote nutrient absorption and cell renewal and HYDROVOTIN 24 simulates the skin’s natural moisturizing factor. Use it as a primer under your makeup.
4. Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer for All Skin Types, SPF 50, $13.79
Leave it to drugstore favorite Cetaphil to bring it home for under $15! The white lotion goes on a little heavy but absorbs quickly and is suitable for all skin types, including those with acne, Rosacea and Eczema. It has 5 filters and is formulated with micronized Titanium Dioxide so it nourishes and moisturizes for up to 8 hours. Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 50, is fragrance-free, non-irritating and non-comedogenic. Be sure to apply every 2 hours if you are poolside.
5. DNA EGF Renewal Sheer Defense Medium SPF 50+, $65
This new tinted formula (also comes in light) offers a smoothing and perfecting effect while fighting photo and cellular damage. DNA EGF Renewal Sheer Defense Medium SPF 50+ contains the optimal blend of tested ingredients to absorb, hide, prevent and block a broad spectrum of damaging UV rays while replenishing the skin’s supply of naturally-occuring DNA Repair Enzymes. It also works to repair previous sun damage by diminishing and preventing sun/maturity spots. Not only did I love the cool test-tube packaging, I needed very little additional makeup to look flawless.
6. Kate Somerville Daily Deflector™ Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ PA+++, $48
7. iS Cosmeceuticals Innovative Skincare Extreme Protect SPF 30, $68
Pack this one for the pool! Innovative Skincare Extreme Protect SPF 30 is proven to help protect against the harmful effects of sun exposure and aging. It goes on a little thick so it feels like one your dermatologist would recommend, yet it’s an ultra-moisturizing sunscreen that also helps repair previous solar damage by reducing redness and inflammation associated with sunburn (it provides unprecedented multi-level broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection). It’s clinically proven to protect and repair DNA, diminish sunburn-induced redness and irritation. Microfine zinc oxide and micro-encapsulated sunscreens combine with potent botanical Extremozyme antioxidants to provide the most innovative protection that exists. If you have skin problems like hyperpigmentation, reddness, Rosacea, Melasma, Dyschromia, or have just had a procedure iS Cosmeceuticals Innovative Skincare Extreme Protect SPF 30 will have you protected as will a hat.
8. La Prairie Anti-Aging Emulsion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $225
La Prairie Anti-Aging Emulsion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is a lightweight, anti-wrinkle, protective emulsion that feels as luxurious as one would expect from La Prairie. It shields skin from harmful UV rays and free radicals and guards against environmental and premature skin aging. If you prefer your moisturizer on the lighter side this anti-aging sun protection is ideal. Anti-Aging Emulsion prevents moisture loss by forming an invisible film on the skin that locks in moisture and provides controlled hydration. The advanced formula also helps prevent fine lines and wrinkles so you maintain healthy, ageless skin. Use after cleansing on your face, neck and décolleté. It’s heaven.
9. Clinique ‘Sun’ Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Face Cream, $21.50
I’ll admit this sunscreen for the face has been a constant in my beach bag for years. It’s innovative SolarSmart technology (a unique blend of photostable sunscreens designed to help protect skin from the aging and burning effects of UVA and UVB rays) offers high-level protection and triggers repair that helps prevent signs of aging. Clinique ‘Sun’ Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Face Cream has solar-activated antioxidants that prevent visible signs damage. As one would expect from Clinique, it’s dermatologist tested and gentle enough for sensitive skin.
10. Korres Suncare Yoghurt Nourishing Fluid Veil Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $35
I probably adore this one so much because I love Greek yogurt and it smells faintly of coconuts. For centuries, Greek grandmothers applied real yogurt to soothe and heal sun-damaged, so Korres figured out a way to bottle the benefits. Yogurt, rich in skin-repairing proteins, helps keep skin nourished and protected from the sun’s harmful rays while a blend of rice and camapu extract provides deep hydration and calming properties to soothe skin during sun exposure. Provitamin B5 helps reduce inflammation and supports natural cell regeneration while jojoba oil seals in moisture. Korres Suncare Yoghurt Nourishing Fluid Veil Face Sunscreen is ultra-sheer, nourishing and silky fluid provides daily broad-spectrum UV coverage while wearing beautifully under makeup.
11. Olay Complete Daily Defense All Day Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 30 for Sensitive Skin, now $11.89
Even if you don’t have sensitive skin I highly recommend this non-greasy, oil-free sunscreen moisturizer from Olay. It’s formulated with Vitamin E, soothing Aloe and antioxidant rich Green Tea Extract. SPF 30 provides 97% protection against harmful UV Rays and it’s light enough to wear every day and beautiful under makeup too.
12. Murad ‘Invisiblur™’ Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++, $65
Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield brings provides flawless skin in one easy step. This invisible (clear) skin-perfecting shield replaces your serum, primer and SPF to immediately blur and correct while combating signs of aging. Mushroom peptides treat lines and wrinkles by helping aid regulation of collagen and elastin while a soft-focus complex smooths and blurs imperfections for improved tone and texture. The gel-like texture applies thinly and evenly so it’s sublime under makeup. Use on your face, neck and chest and wipe the years away.
Honorable mention:
dermalogica Age Smart SkinPerfect Primer SPF 30, $48
I could not complete this list without mentioning one of my favorite primers which also happens to have SPF 30. I reviewed Age Smart SkinPerfect Primer years ago and still find myself reaching for it. Especially in the winter months. I guess I consider it more of a primer than I do a sunscreen, yet technically it is both. It smooths fine lines on contact, brightens, tightens (with peptides) and makes skin flawless for makeup application and is formulated without artificial fragrance or color. Velvety silicones combine with Soy Protein to even out skin texture, creating an instantly smooth surface while pearl powder and natural minerals provide a neutral tint to help balance skin tone and enhance luminosity and radiance. What can I say? I love it too.
– Lauren Dimet Waters
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