Summer may not be the only time we think about SPF but it’s the time of the year we think (and talk) about it the most. After all, we’re exposed to more hours of direct sunlight during the summer months, not to mention we’re just coming off of Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May. As a result, June has unofficially become let’s talk about S-P-F month.

You already know about the need for SPF to protect your skin from skin cancer risks and burns, but any dermatologist will tell you that the best thing you can invest in if you really want an anti-aging routine is a good sunscreen or SPF product. If you find yourself asking, “what is the best SPF?” or “what is the best sunscreen?” you might give a huge eye roll to my answer: It depends. 

The best sunscreen for acne-prone skin might not be the best sunscreen for mature skin, which might not be the best sunscreen for dark skin tones aka sunscreen that won’t leave a white cast. You see where I’m going with this? But, we can all agree that the best sunscreen for you is one that you’re inclined to wear daily and apply properly. Ease of use is a big factor and any SPF that fits into your routine seamlessly (extra points if it doesn’t break the bank) is setting you up for a win. 

So I’m sharing some of my favorites below to help you find the best SPF to help keep your skin healthy and damage-free throughout the summer and year round.

Note: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater, and applying it at least 15 minutes before exposure to sun.

Naked Sundays CabanaGlow™ SPF50 Mineral Glow Serum Drops, $35

Whether you prefer to go makeup free in the summer or you like a few light layers to enhance your glow, these drops will easily become a regular part of your routine. Not only is everything from this brand rooted in SPF, but each product is packed with the type of nourishing skincare ingredients we want in our cosmetics. These drops are infused with antioxidants and offer a luminous glow that you can apply with a brush or with your fingers. They also include pink algae, hibiscus extract and jojoba, so they feel hydrating.

Pros: The glow drops are buildable, so you can make sure you apply enough SPF without a greasy or heavy feeling. 
Cons: All shades are not created equal, especially if you have a darker skin tone — be sure to get the right one for your complexion.

Vacation® Orange Gelée SPF 30 Sunscreen Gel, $23

This updated version of the classic Orange Gelée has one of the best upgrades a beauty product can get: much-needed SPF 30. With the same favorable features of the original — same yummy smell, same velvety feel — it melts into the skin and leaves an enviable glow. Slather it on from head to toe and let the balm-to-oil formula work its magic throughout your day.

Pros: It goes on clear and absorbs quickly, making it ideal for all skin tones.
Cons: It constantly sells out so you have to be quick to snag your tube.

Brush on Block SPF 50 Translucent Mineral Powder Sunscreen, $46

One of the biggest issues beauty lovers have with reapplying SPF is layering it on top of makeup. This powder SPF targets exactly that problem and offers additional sweat relief for those extra hot days. After you blot, simply brush on some powder and you’re done. It’s paraben free, gluten free and safe for sensitive skin.

Pros: It’s lightweight and gives your skin a matte finish that doesn’t feel dry. The SPF powder also comes in a sleek, travel-friendly tube so you can reapply while you’re on the go.
Cons: Those with darker skin tones will really need to bake it in to prevent the translucent powder from leaving a layer of white cast on the skin (but it does blend once it’s in). The top is also difficult to replace once you open it because of the built-in brush.

e.l.f. SKIN Suntouchable All Set For Sun Sunscreen – SPF 45, $14

The beautiful thing about a sunscreen setting spray is that you can use it to prime skin for makeup, to keep your look in place for the day, and you can still use it even if you go makeup free all summer. This quick-drying SPF mist makes sun protection application super easy, especially since you can spritz it on after makeup if you forget to put on sunscreen during your skincare routine. The bonus: It’s made with hydrating ingredients like watermelon extract and prickly pear seed oil.

Pros: The spray form and lightweight formula makes reapplication quick, easy and mess free.
Cons: Avoid getting it on your lips; it’s not a taste you’ll enjoy.

COOLA Face Sunscreen Mist SPF 50, $32

This sunscreen is a love letter to my fellow bald beauties out there. In addition to offering sun protection for face, the SPF mist is ultra lightweight, non-greasy, doesn’t clog pores and offers scalp protection, too. It dries quickly so you can move through your routine without interruption. Put it in the fridge if you want a refreshing skin pick-me-up when you put it on.

Pros: It’s perfect for on-the-go reapplication and travels well — no plastic bag storage necessary to keep your bag mess-free.  
Cons: It’s a bit pricey for such a small bottle and face mist goes fast when you’re spraying generously (as most people do).

Naked Sundays SPF50 CabanaClear™ Water Gel Serum, $25

If you love a good serum, then this sunscreen serum with a high SPF is exactly what you need in your beauty wardrobe. The clear gel is water-based (hello hydration) and silicone free (bye bye pore clogging), and dries down with no white cast. While it’s typically used as the last step in your skincare routine, it can go over cream and liquid makeup when you need to reapply in a pinch.

Pros: It’s pretty tiny, so you can take it everywhere (even in your small bags) if you know you’ll be outdoors all day.
Cons: It’s pretty tiny, so you will use it up pretty quickly.

​​Undefined Beauty R&R Sun Elixir SPF 30 Facial Glow Oil, $22

If you’re on the hunt for a sunscreen oil to mix things up, you’ve met your match. This facial oil with SPF 30 is made with vitamin C and rosehip, known for brightening, moringa, which can help balance the complexion, and a slew of skin-loving ingredients for moisture and repair. Feel free to use it on your hair and scalp (and body too) for head-to-toe UV protection.

Pros: The elixir was made with all skin types in mind, so oily skin types and those with acne-prone skin don’t have to feel like they can’t give it a try.
Cons: It can feel sticky if you cocktail it (which I don’t recommend you ever do with your serums) or layer it too quickly. Be sure to let your other serums sink into the skin before you apply this.

IT Cosmetics Hello Sunshine Invisible Sunscreen for Face SPF 50, $35

The only thing I love more than a two-in-one product is a three-in-one, and this sunscreen is putting in triple the work. Hydrating serum? Check. SPF 50? Check. Makeup primer? Check! It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and B5, which are great for long-lasting hydration and moisture. It layers so well under liquid, cream and powder makeup and doesn’t feel oily or heavy on the skin.

Pros: It tackles the job of serum, moisturizer, SPF and primer, cutting down the steps of your morning beauty routine significantly.
Cons: Because of its consistency you can’t use this primer to reapply SPF, you’ll need a sunscreen powder or SPF spray for that.

Alastin Skincare ​​SilkSHIELD All Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, $70

A mineral sunscreen that blends in quickly and dries down sheer is a summertime dream. Make it your reality with this sunscreen lotion. The fragrance free formula is non-comedogenic so you don’t have to worry about it clogging your pores and it feels light on your face. It’s also made with technology to block infrared radiation that can cause premature skin aging and potential skin cancer risk. Layer it on before your makeup routine without worrying about foundation pilling.

Pros: The silky cream SPF glides onto the skin like a chemical sunscreen and absorbs in seconds. 
Cons: At $70 for less than two ounces, it’s on the pricey side for sunscreen.

Unsun Everyday Face + Body Mineral SPF 30 Lotion, $15

With aloe vera (for soothing and moisturizing), sunflower seed oil (moisture retention and calming) and lavender oil (repairing and detoxifying) this head-to-toe, broad spectrum sunscreen can replace your daily lotion during the warm weather months. It spreads smoothly and evenly, and leaves the skin feeling soft.

Pros: It’s affordable, vegan, and safe for children to use.
Cons: It can feel greasy for some skin types, so if you already have oily skin you may be wary about putting it on your face.

Cocokind Daily SPF, $25

This fragrance-free sunscreen lotion leaves skin looking dewy and feeling soft, not slick or sticky. It’s no wonder so many social media creators constantly include it on their summer must-haves list. Formulated with good-for-skin ingredients, such as blue spirulina extract, it doesn’t feel heavy or occlusive, making it reapplication friendly.

Pros: It leaves the skin with a natural radiance.
Cons: It is very much a physical sunscreen, meaning it isn’t completely void of a white cast — you can get rid of it but it takes some rubbing.

Everyday Humans Resting Beach Face Sunscreen Serum – SPF 30, $19

This SPF serum leaves skin with a natural, slightly dewy finish that’s never greasy. It feels really light on the face, probably because it’s fast-absorbing. Made with hyaluronic acid and leafy greens rich in antioxidants, acne wearers have professed their love for its non-oily texture. It’s the perfect companion for powder foundation as it won’t pill upon application.

Pros: The serum melts into the skin so beautifully, never leaving a white cast or residue. It doesn’t have a bunch of synthetic fragrance in it (just a slight sunscreen smell), so if you have a sensitive nose this shouldn’t irritate you.
Cons: If this mixes with sweat and that mix gets into your eyes, it will sting. It’s a small price to pay for that no white cast coverage that plays defense against UV rays. Also, the tube is tiny, which may tempt you to use very little at a time — but that’s risky. Use the recommended amount of sunscreen for face daily, no matter the formula.