02-06-2025
This Powder Sunscreen Is My Secret for Midday Touchups
I've tried just about every type of sunscreen—spray, cream, gel, you name it—and I've never been loyal to one format. (What can I say, a girl likes options!) For me, the most important thing is that the product checks these boxes: SPF 30 or higher, blends easily, water-resistant, and easy to reapply.
I'm newer to the powder SPF game, so I was excited to try the just-launched Eminence Organics Sun Defense Minerals sunscreen, which at first glance seemed to meet my criteria and then some. This category of SPF is typically lightweight, mess-free, and can be reapplied without ruining your makeup—a major plus. I took Sun Defense Minerals along with me on a recent bucket-list vacation to Kenya, and let's just say it was the MVP of my toiletry bag. Read on to get the full scoop.
It's a featherlight mineral sunscreen in powder form. According to quadruple board-certified Mohs skin cancer and cosmetic surgeon Hooman Khorasani, MD: "The main benefit of powder sunscreen is that you can reapply it over makeup nicely. I also recommend using powders on and around the hairline or thinning areas because they can be applied without making hair greasy."
Sun Defense Minerals provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection and a buildable, silky matte finish to help manage shine and perfect the complexion. In comparison to other powder sunscreens on the market, Dr. Khorasani likes that this one doesn't leave a cakey finish. It's water- and sweat-resistant for up to 40 minutes and comes in six shades, including Sheer. I chose Medium, which has a warm beige undertone. The built-in brush is soft, and the twist-up design makes on-the-go touch-ups easy.
Another reason Dr. Khorasani recommends Sun Defense Minerals is its formula, which contains natural ingredients that he says are typically well-tolerated for different skin types including sensitive. In addition to zinc oxide for sun protection, it also has green-tea extract and buriti oil to nourish and hydrate.
Activate the brush before your first application by twisting the tube and removing the inner blocker at the center of the brush. Then replace the cap and tap until the product comes out. Once the brush is activated and the bristles are filled with product, press it firmly on skin and evenly dust it over the desired area in circular motions.
As with any other sunscreen, apply it as the last step in your skincare routine. For touch-ups, it can go right on top of makeup (the Sheer shade is especially great for this).
I never skip sunscreen—whether it's sunny or cloudy, or even when I'm indoors most of the day. I'm not afraid of aging, but I credit my consistency with sun protection with keeping my skin healthy, resilient, and fine-line-free.
After using this powder for a couple of weeks, I've given it a well-earned spot in my daily regimen—and it's now a bag staple. I reach for it constantly—on long walks with my dog, when running errands, and most recently, of course, during my trip to Kenya. It's my new go-to for midday reapplication, especially for park and pool hangs. It gives my complexion a filter-like, blurred finish that's even without ever feeling heavy or messing up my makeup. And as someone who loves to travel, I really appreciate that I can pack it without stressing about TSA limits or spills in my carry-on.
