Glow, Don’t Fry: Our Hot List of SPF MVPs
- By: Meera Rathod
Your perfect beach armor…
Summer skin rules change fast but one thing never wavers. You need sunscreen every single day. The right formula should disappear under makeup, survive sweat and deliver a little extra something, whether that is blue-light defense or an instant glass-skin glow. We test-drove beach classics and brand-new drops to build a kit that works for city commutes, pool hangs and sunset dates alike. Meet the SPF all-stars you will actually look forward to reapplying.
Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40
A pearly lotion that acts like a highlighter and a broad-spectrum shield in one. Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide pull double duty by quenching dry zones and smoothing texture while tiny mineral pigments leave a champagne sheen that makes foundation optional.
Glowscreen SPF 40
$38
Vacation Classic Whip SPF 30 Sunscreen Mousse
Picture Reddi-wip but for SPF. This airy foam smells like banana daiquiri and spreads cloud-light across skin then sets to a velvet finish that never feels waxy. Reef-safe filters and coconut oil keep the formula fun and functional.
Classic Whip SPF 30
$22
The Ordinary UV Filters SPF 45 Serum
A silky water-based serum spiked with antioxidant vitamin C and city-smart pollution blockers. It sinks in like your favorite lightweight moisturizer yet still brings high UVA and UVB coverage thanks to modern chemical filters. Zero white cast even on deeper tones.
UV Filters SPF 45 Serum
$19
Tower 28 SOS FaceGuard SPF 30
If sunscreen usually makes you break out, start here. This minimalist mineral formula leans on non-nano zinc oxide plus the brand’s skin-soothing hypochlorous acid complex to calm redness while it protects. Featherweight, fragrance-free and safe for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
SOS FaceGuard SPF 30
$32
Beauty of Joseon Daily Relief Sunscreen SPF 40
A K-Beauty cult favorite that feels more like essence than SPF. Rice extract and probiotic ferment lighten dark spots over time while chemical filters create broad-spectrum defense. Dewy, never oily and layers happily under cushion foundation.
Daily Relief SPF 40
$18
Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50
Beach days demand extra muscle. This water-resistant lotion packs SPF 50 and a shot of antioxidants yet dries to a true matte so body and face stay shine-free. It even doubles as a gripping primer under sweat-proof makeup.
Extra Care Non-Greasy
SPF 50
$26
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Face Sunscreen SPF 60
Dermatologist love in a bottle. Patented Cell-Ox Shield technology pairs high SPF with antioxidants to neutralize free radicals. The fluid texture shakes up watery then sets invisible making it a go-to for oily and acneic skin types.
Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Face Serum SPF 60
$33.99
Supergoop Glow Gloss SPF 40 Lip Balm
Your lips burn too. This glossy balm delivers SPF 40 via beeswax-free chemical filters and a hit of shea butter. Swipe once for a subtle vinyl shine or layer up for full glass effect with built-in sun defense.
Glow Gloss SPF 40 Lip Balm
$22
SPF with muscle…
Even the best SPF cannot save you if it lives at the bottom of a tote. Pick a few of these formulas so you have one in the bathroom one in the purse and one in the beach bag. Reapply every two hours and bask in the compliments about how your skin still looks radiant at last call.
