9 Sunscreens Teen Vogue Editors Swear By for Year-Round Protection
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Just because the sun is finally out and the weather is warmer doesn't mean you start applying sunscreen now. Protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays should be a year-round thing (and even indoors!), but yes, finding the best sunscreen for your beauty routine can be a tedious task.
Sunscreen needs to be effective but not feel super occlusive. It has to be as fragrance-free as can be so you don't feel like a tourist on a beach. It has to work well with your moisturizer so you don't get acne or pilling. It needs to go with your skin color or, better yet, be invisible. The list goes on. We get it: You need to check lots of boxes to include this beauty step in your routine. But we can't stress enough how crucial it is. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Since July is Ultraviolet Safety Month, we asked the Teen Vogue team to share their preferred sunscreens. Ahead, you'll find pretty affordable options you can wear 365 days a year, including tinted sunscreens to achieve the beloved no-makeup makeup look and even a few K-beauty sunscreens that can replace the Kraves and the Puritos that were on your rotation.
If you were wondering what sunscreen might work best for you, here are nine options Teen Vogue editors swear by, in no particular order:
Pick 1: Face Reality Daily SPF 30 Lotion
- Picked by: Shauna Beni-Haynes (Commerce Editor)
- Type of SPF: Chemical
- Protection: UVA, UVB, antioxidant support
“Last summer, my skin was truly at its worst. I was constantly breaking out and couldn’t seem to find the reason why I kept getting breakouts. But all that quickly changed when I refreshed my skincare routine for a less is more approach and started using my new Face Reality Daily SPF 30 sunscreen lotion more consistently. It’s one of the best sunscreens I’ve ever used — and I’ve tried plenty. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and dries down clear. I love that when I apply makeup over it, there’s no pilling or smudging. I also only have to use about two-quarter-sized pumps to get enough product all over my face. There’s no greasy residue feel, and I can go outside without worrying about my skin looking paler — this also rings true for darker skin tones.”
Pick 2: Byoma Moisturizing Gel-Cream SPF 30
- Picked by: Sara Delgado (Editor-at-Large)
- Type of SPF: Chemical
- Protection: UVA, UVB
“One of the reasons why I was first drawn to Byoma as a brand was for its cute packaging and affordable pricing, and when you add good formulations to that, you truly can't go wrong. This hydrating gel-cream sunscreen has become one of my go-tos lately. It goes on super smoothly on the skin and leaves a light glow without feeling greasy or silicone-y, which I feel is the case with most gel SPFs. While I do wish it was SPF 50 instead of 30, the formula truly is so light that I don't mind adding extra to ensure protection since it has no white cast and does not sting my eyes."
Pick 3: Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 50
- Picked by: Jillian Selzer (Social Media Manager)
- Type of SPF: Chemical
- Protection: UVA, UVB
“When I tell you this Glossier sunscreen is my new holy grail product, I cannot overstate it enough. I have been on the hunt for a solid, everyday sunscreen for what feels like an eternity now, but none have delivered all the things I’m looking for like this one. There’s no white cast, the formula is super moisturizing, *and* it has SPF 50. What more could I ask for? My only qualm is the size of the bottle. I truly have been using this every day, and it’s quickly running out. But hey, that’s a good problem to have, am I right?”
Pick 4: Shiseido Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42
- Picked by: Jennifer Nguyen (Weekend Social Editor)
- Type of SPF: Chemical
- Protection: UVA, UVB, pollution
“For those who know sunscreen is a must but despise that sticky feeling, here’s your solution! Shiseido has merged sun protection with skincare in this lightweight, serum-like product. It not only shields your face from harmful rays but also features hyaluronic acid (for hydration!) and vitamin C (for glowing skin!) for added skin care benefits. I adore its lightweight texture and how smoothly it glides onto my skin. Plus, it doesn’t leave behind that annoying white cast that sunscreens often leave. It's the kind of product you apply and forget about, and as someone who once dreaded wearing sunscreen, I find this fuss-free option truly a game-changer.”
Pick 5: Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++
- Picked by: Sara Delgado (Editor-at-Large)
- Type of SPF: Chemical and mineral
- Protection: UVA, UVB, bluelight
“Now, when I say this is my all-time favorite sunscreen… I mean it, as you can tell by my multiple-bottle stash. I first discovered this sunscreen on a trip to South Korea in 2023 and have gone through multiple bottles since. Every time I go back to Seoul, I restock since you get pretty amazing deals back there, but there are also plenty of offers online. It does not sting my eyes. It doesn't flake. The texture is light without being too watery, which makes it perfect for both cold and hot months. While it leaves no white cast, it does take a moment to sink into the skin fully, so be patient."
Pick 6: Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Mineral Sunscreen, Moisturizer, Primer
- Picked by: Donya Momenian (Fashion and Beauty Associate Editor)
- Type of SPF: Mineral
- Protection: UVA, UVB, bluelight
“I was guilty of forgetting to put on sunscreen before I put on makeup until I started using this product. Because it also works as a moisturizer and primer, I easily got into the habit of putting it on as the first step in my routine, especially after I saw the finish it gives me. Right off the bat, since it’s orange, there’s no white cast, and it also helps neutralize hyperpigmentation and dark spots. It’s not greasy either, as it’s meant to moisturize and prime. So, it also holds very well onto makeup, whereas other sunscreens sometimes pill after you apply foundation or concealer. While the price is a little steep, a little goes a long way. My tube lasted about a year, and I used it quite frequently, but I did opt for a cheaper alternative for more lowkey daily activities.”
Pick 7: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection® Face Shield Flex SPF 50
- Picked by: Mandy Velez Tatti (Associate Director of Audience Development and Analytics)
- Type of SPF: Mineral
- Protection: UVA, UVB, bluelight, pollution, infrared radiation
- Available shades: 4
“Despite the rest of my body having a relatively tan/olive tone, I have always struggled with my face paling in comparison — pun intended. Then I started using this Colorescience tinted sunscreen, and my life was changed. Skin protection that is an instant glow-up in a bottle? Sign me up. It starts off white, then changes to a hydrating tan tint that matches my face with the rest of my body. It evens out my skin tone enough for me to use it as a foundation, too, and my dry skin loves it. My favorite thing about this product, though, is that it simplifies my beauty routine. I'm able to just put this on and go. Perfect for summer days.”
Pick 8: Heliocare Ultra 90 Cream
- Picked by: Sara Delgado (Editor-at-Large)
- Type of SPF: Chemical and mineral
- Protection: UVA, UVB
“This sunscreen was my aunt's favorite for years, and I had to continue the tradition. While I don't grab this one every day, I do tend to grab it on days when my skin needs a little tone-up since it has a light tint. Now, this sunscreen has a faint peach smell. I have sensitive skin and it's never been a problem for me — and I've used it since my childhood — but it might be worth looking into if fragrance does not sit well with your skin. It has super high SPF and soothing qualities, so much so that it can almost feel like a non-occlusive balm, so I'd recommend giving it a try in person if you are planning a Euro summer (or fall) trip."
Pick 9: CNP Laboratory After-Ray Cooling Sunquid
- Picked by: Sara Delgado (Editor-at-Large)
- Type of SPF: Chemical
- Protection: UVA, UVB
“If you are looking for a lightweight sunscreen, you can't do better than the CNP Laboratory After-Ray Cooling Sunquid. This was also one of my pick-ups during a recent Seoul trip, and it's become one I tend to go to for more humid and hot days. The texture is almost like water — in fact, the bottle claims a toner-like consistency — which means it's great if you know you are going to be sweating. It leaves a super nice glow after applying, lasting a good few minutes before sinking into the skin. I usually prefer this one for no makeup or light makeup days, opting for a BB cushion or concealer on top, and the finish is so dewy. Another plus is how compact the packaging is, which makes it perfect for traveling.”
