New face sunscreens are emerging that aim to overcome previous limitations of greasy textures, chalkiness, and eye irritation. Beauty editors have tested a range of these new formulations, focusing on products that offer high protection while also enhancing skin's look and feel.
The latest wave of sunscreens includes featherlight fluids, skin tints, and invisible gel formulas. These products are designed to provide effective sun protection without the drawbacks often associated with traditional sunscreens, such as pilling under makeup or leaving a white cast.
Journalists evaluated these new SPFs across various skin types and ages, assessing factors like finish, wearability, white cast, makeup compatibility, and eye sting. The goal was to identify sunscreens that are not only protective but also enjoyable to incorporate into a daily skincare routine.
Several products received high marks. One tester described a rich, oil-based formula with zinc oxide as leaving mature skin feeling plump and protected, offering a dewy and silky finish with no white cast. Another highly rated product was a super light, easily spreadable formula that absorbs quickly and provides a subtle glow without a white cast, making it undetectable under makeup and worth its price point.
A creamy, foundation-like formula was praised for its ability to act as a substitute for foundation, providing a dewy and glowy finish. This product was noted for keeping dry skin hydrated and offering a sun-kissed look without pilling, with one tester calling it "like a glowy skin tint, SPF and holiday filter in one."
For those with sensitive skin, a clear, weightless gel formula was highlighted for disappearing into the skin in seconds, offering SPF 50 protection without stickiness, greasiness, or white cast. While its finish is more natural-matte, it subtly blurs pores and smooths texture, making it suitable for hot weather and travel.
Another tester found a lightweight formula that absorbed well and layered nicely over moisturizer without pilling, providing a dewy, glowy finish without looking greasy. This product was noted for its radiant effect, though it was suggested it might feel heavy on oilier skin types.
Products with ultra-lightweight and fluid textures were also reviewed positively for being virtually invisible on the skin, offering a natural-looking finish without a white cast or greasy sheen. These formulas stayed comfortable and lightweight throughout the day, though some preferred wearing them over moisturizer for added hydration.
One reviewer noted a thin, fast-absorbing liquid formula that dries to a matte finish, which was described as tolerable for daily wear in hot weather, particularly for those who dislike sticky sunscreens.
However, not all products were without drawbacks. One lightweight formula, though offering a nice dewy finish and comfortable wear, was described as very runny, leading to messy application and a slightly oily feel throughout the day. Another product, while offering a matte finish and smelling pleasant, was noted for feeling almost papery initially and still allowing some oil to show by the end of the day.
Overall, the tested sunscreens represent a significant improvement in formulation and user experience, offering various finishes and benefits to suit different skin types and preferences.