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Review: 11 editor-approved sunscreens worth buying in 2025

Review: 11 editor-approved sunscreens worth buying in 2025

Daily Mail​03-06-2025
This just in — wearing sunscreen is hot! Over the last decade, skincare as we know it has changed from basic pimple care to a full-circle approach that is as much preventive as it is reparative. Younger generations have begun to prioritize skin health over aesthetics, leading to the rise of a skincare trend we know oh too well — SPF ! As a loud and proud Gen Z born in 2000, I am among the future that has started asking, 'What will happen?' rather than just letting it happen.
BEST OVERALL SUNSCREEN - Naked Sundays Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 ($25)
Drum roll, please! Our top pick after years of being an avid SPF wearer has to be Naked Sundays. The viral SPF-focused brand is known for its top-tier products from bronzers to setting sprays and beyond. My personal favorite (though I've tried nearly all of their products) has to be this Collagen Glow lotion. It has SPF 50, a seamless shade, and I seriously love the smell! Unlike some products, this one acts as your moisturizer and SPF. It deeply hydrates my skin, leaving a soft, fresh face glow with active ingredients (aka an all-in-one).
BEST TINTED SUNSCREEN - Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 Sunscreen ($38)
Supergoop and I have a long history, and it is safe to say that after years of use, it remains my absolute favorite. This was the first face SPF product I ever tried, and the weightless application shocks me to this day! The formula is thin, not oily, and completely blendable with other skincare. (Pro-Tip: Mix it in with your moisturizer for smooth, even application!). Packed with protection, this glowy little bottle gives my skin an effortless sun-kissed effect that has become a staple in my daily skin routine.
BEST BUDGET SUNSCREEN - e.l.f. Cosmetics Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30 Sunscreen ($14)
You don't need full pockets to get flawless SPF-protected skin, and this e.l.f product proves it. I first tried this hidden gem as a freebie while attending a music festival years ago, and now I can't imagine life without it! The priming SPF goes on incredibly thin and leaves a very subtle glow. It comes in three different glow shades, but our personal favorite continues to be Sunbeam. For only $14, this find is easily worth it for the price and makes it the most affordable option we've yet to try that made our cut.
BEST LIP SUNSCREEN - Lanolips Sun Balm SPF 30 Untinted ($14)
News flash! Even your lips need UV ray protection, besties. This is a recent launch I tried from Australian brand Lanolips, and to say I was SHOCKED is an understatement. I typically dislike SPF-infused lip products, but this one had a summery vibe and kept my lips moisturized for over an hour after application. It is tropically flavored, and you can even shop for a cute phone accessory that will hold it on your case!
BEST SPLURGE SUNSCREEN - Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50 ($55)
What CAN'T Charlotte Tilbury do?! The makeup icon recently debuted this primer that is packed with SPF, and much like her other products — it's good. The formula is scentless, invisible, and minimizes pores for a seamless finish. After giving it a try for a week, I am convinced it is the perfect blend of makeup and SPF. We would be foolish not to mention the price tag, though... At $55, this is the most expensive buy on our list, and thus it falls lower on the scale. Is it amazing? YES! Is it worth the money? Yes, but you can find more affordable (but just as effective) options.
THE SHORTLIST - Lancôme UV Expert Defense SPF 50+ Primer & Moisturizer ($48)
Lancôme is a trusted skincare and beauty brand that I grew up knowing of through my mom! As I matured and began becoming more interested in appearance, I dabbled with the luxe brand and in doing so found this SPF. If you ignore the steep price tag, this primer is one hundred percent worth it. I have very few negative comments on this SPF, and if anything find it to be one of my favorites. It is light-weight, has a whopping SPF 50, and the vitamin-rich formula packs on hydration. I love how my skin feels even during hot, dry days while wearing this product.
Caudalie Vinosun Protect Brightening Daily Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50 ($39)
All right beauty besties... I have to be honest, this SPF is not high on my list. Although I am a HUGE fan of the brand their SPF let me down. The consistency is more serum like (runny at times) even after shaking and it doesn't leave the 'clean girl' glow I'd expect. But that all being said it has SPF 50 which is super protective and makes it great for vacationing in the sun! Plus, the brand is known for its quality French skincare.
Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen SPF 30 ($36)
From their viral Lip Butter Balms to their SPF — it seems Summer Fridays is the talk of the town. I tested out the best-selling ShadeDrops, and my review is simple: good but not great. I enjoyed the thin texture, but at times feared it veered a bit too liquid for my taste. The shade of the product overall was lovely on the skin, however, my skin did not feel deeply hydrated (which for me is a must!). If you are a fan of the brand, I do think it is a definite 'add to cart' still, but if you were to ask me at $36, it would not be my first pick.
Kosas DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 ($40)
Kosas has been a favorite beauty brand of mine for some time now because their products are ultra-hydrating! This cutie SPF and highlighter duo is on rotation here and there in my routine. It leaves a good glow and comes in two shades. However, for the greasy gals, it leaves a small trace of residue, which for me was a deal breaker. Also at $40, this pint-sized pick leans more towards the high end of our range.
Sun Bum Face Mist SPF 45 ($21.49)
My beach go-to! Sun Bum is known for their tropical must-haves that smell faintly like banana, and this facial mist is my absolute Holy Grail. I love the scent, adore the bright packaging, and appreciate the ability to mist it instead of rubbing it all over my face. Plus, this bad boy can double as a makeup setter during hot, sweaty days.
Glossier Invisible Shield Priming Sunscreen SPF 50 ($32)
If you are looking for an invisible SPF(literally!), this Glossier one is for you! The small bottles pack an SPF 50 punch and, unlike many sunscreen products, are completely clear. What I like is that the formula is incredibly thin to wear and has an aloe-infused base for skin calming. My only grievance was that I found my skin felt a bit greasy, as if it could not fully absorb the product! But given my dry skin, it is entirely possible the see-through sunblock just did not jive with me. Overall, this was a nice change from the average white-cast lotion forms I have tried, and I think I will keep it on deck for the future.
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