Fighting back against the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays, a layer of SPF is arguably the single-most important step in a skin-care regimen. But from greasy texture to chalky residues, too often it’s the most fraught. But as hard as it may be to believe, reliable sun protection and a luminous complexion aren’t mutually exclusively. Better yet, the two can happily coexist. Now, cutting-edge formulas are the secret weapon behind glowing skin.
Here, five breakthrough sunscreens that will protect you against premature aging, give your skin a celestial boost, and inevitably make you more proactive about slathering it on in the first place.
Coola Full-Spectrum 360-Degree Sun Silk Drops Organic Sunscreen SPF 30, $46
Photo: Courtesy of ulta.com
These holographic pink drops shield the skin from the sun and other environmental damage, also adding a veil of warm radiance while supercharging the skin with an infusion of plant stem cells, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid.
Spiked with equal parts soothing and rejuvenating matcha green tea, this hardworking moisturizer blocks UV rays while light-activated components take skin to supernova status.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40, $32
For those looking to ensure their makeup stays put, uncompromised, and extraluminous, this fast-absorbing primer defies the odds, gliding on smooth and invisible while hydrating the skin with illuminating meadowfoam seed oil.
Make P:rem Blue-Ray Sun Gel SPF 50+, $32
A cult K-Beauty favorite, this milky gel dries clear and counteracts the sun’s hot infrared rays by cooling the complexion before it helps mitigate the tell-tale signs of sun damage with antioxidant-rich chia seed and Centella Asiatica.
Tatcha Silken Pore-Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35, $65
There’s simply no pore clogging on this sunscreen’s watch. Its Japanese wild rose helps shrink the appearance of pores while Hadasei-3, its bioactive trinity complex comprised of rice, green tea, and algae, reinvigorates the skin for a lit-from-within finish.