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To maintain the health of your skin, it’s imperative that you wear sunscreen daily. You also need to learn to layer it properly with your other products (and re-apply consistently)…even when your only plans are to sit on the couch and binge-watch your favorite TV shows. Let’s be real, though: It’s been historically hard (understatement) for people with darker skin tones to find a sunscreen without white cast being an issue.
The good news: More brands are finally formulating options with darker complexions in mind in order to avoid this problem. Below are eight options that all passed our test by going on sheer, offering broad spectrum protection, and giving us a glow.
The best sheer sunscreens for every skin tone
Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 — $16.00
This sunscreen can be used both on the face and body and protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays. It doesn’t have that old-school sunscreen scent and goes on 100-percent sheer.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 — $41.00
Dermatologists love this sunscreen for all skin types and complexions and rightfully so! This cult-favorite is oil-free and great for people with sensitive skin and discoloration caused by acne and rosacea.
Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen SPF 35 — $25.00
If you’re someone who doesn’t like sunscreen, this one will change your mind quickly. It’s a lightweight, water-gel formula that essentially feels like nothing when applied to the skin, plus, it’s makeup-friendly.
EleVen by Venus Williams Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35 — $50.00
If you’re someone who likes to wear makeup, this serum will work as a great base, helping your foundation go on smoothly and providing a semi-matte glow.
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen — $38.00
Give your skin the luxury it deserves with this two-in-one moisturizer and sunscreen. It promises “light-as-air hydration” while also reducing the appearance of pores. It’s a great option for those who like to wear makeup as it won’t pill or cause flashback (aka a white cast on your skin in photos).
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ — $36.00
Here’s a great option no matter your skin concerns or complexion. We’re filing this one under “provides protection and feels and smells like nothing.”
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA+++ — $30.00
Finding a mineral sunscreen that doesn’t create a white cast can be tricky for darker complexions, but this one goes on completely sheer—we promise! Not to mention, it will hydrate, cool, and calm your skin due to the water lily and sugarcane-derived squalane.
Bea Skincare Solar Defence SPF 30 — $31.00
If your skin concerns include discoloration, photo-aging, and hyperpigmentation, this sunscreen was made with you in mind. It’s so good that finding it in stock is almost impossible.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50 — $145.00
These sun drops are 100-percent worth the investment and your skin will thank you. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid for hydration; green tea leaf extract to protect from free radicals; and a combination of cassia extract, vitamin E, and beta glucan to protect against premature aging and support the skin’s regeneration of damaged cells, which all means one thing: Your skin is going to be glowing.
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer™ Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 — $34.00
In addition to being ultra sheer, this lightweight sunscreen has sunflower shoot extract, algae extract, and raspberry seed oil for antioxidant and free radical protection. It has no chemical screens, silicones, or fragrances, and is suitable even for sensitive skin.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen — $8.00
You’ll get good bang for your buck with this drugstore pick. The sunscreen uses Dry-Touch technology that’s fast absorbing, non-greasy, and blends in without leaving white streaks. It’s oil-free and non-comedogenic so you won’t have to worry about breakouts after wearing it all day.
Want to learn more about sun care for darker complexions? Check out this video:
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