Editor’s note: Our beauty contributor Rio Viera-Newton wrote this roundup in May 2020, but all of her favorites are back on sale, as part of Supergoop’s latest sale, so we’re republishing her recommendations (and updating the prices and dates of the sale, accordingly).
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: Sunscreen should be worn daily, no matter how cloudy the forecast or how indoors-y your plans are. Taking a quick walk around the block? Put on some sunscreen first. Spending the day sitting in a windowless room watching Netflix all day? I’m afraid you should still wear sunscreen — the blue-light rays that emanate from laptops and cellphones (known as HEVS) are very real and are capable of damaging your precious, carefully cared-for skin.
Here’s the good news: Through Tuesday, everything at Supergoop, one of my favorite brands for all things SPF-related, is 20 percent off (just apply the code SUPER20 at checkout). I love Supergoop because their products are extremely effective, never cause me to break out, and generally do two (or more) things at once (they make SPF-infused highlighters, moisturizers, and setting powders). Below, a list of my very favorites.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++$27This totally transparent, chemical sunscreen (no white cast!) is SPF 40 and has a weightless, velvety finish. It might feel kind of dimethicone-y and waxy at first, but it blends into skin beautifully and works really well as a primer — your makeup will glide on top of it without any pilling.
$27at SuperGoopBuywith code: CYBER2021 Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer$38
I have dry, sensitive skin and therefore very high standards when it comes to picking my daily moisturizer. So I was surprised by how much I genuinely adored this SPF-infused cream. It has an SPF of 40, and is also incredibly nourishing and hydrating. Whenever I use this, my skin looks glow-y and moisturized — and it has never caused me to break out.
$38at NordstromBuySupergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50, 5.5 Ounces$32$32Probably my all-time favorite Supergoop product is this massive tub of face and body sunscreen. It’s fast-absorbing as well as sweat- and water-resistant — I generally slather it all over my arms, legs, and shoulders. But somewhat surprisingly, it’s also a genuinely wonderful sunscreen for the face, as well. Though it’s not a moisturizer, it’s nongreasy, doesn’t leave a white cast, and has never made me break out. And my makeup goes on nicely on top of it — it gives a nice kind of glow-y sheen to the skin that makes for a great base.
$32at SuperGoopBuySupergoop! Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40From$20From$20This is the sunscreen for all the dewy-skin, highlighter obsessives. This chemical formula has a beautiful pearlescent (but not sparkly) sheen that, when applied, makes it look like a lightbulb is glowing beneath your skin. On no makeup days, Glow Screen adds a luminosity to your skin without all the fuss of concealer or foundation.
From$20at SuperGoopBuy Supergoop! Defense Refresh (Re)setting Mist SPF 40$30$30The Supergoop setting spray is one of my favorite ways to touch up my SPF throughout the day — every one or two hours or so, if I’m outside. It allows you to re-up your coverage without disturbing your makeup or (even better) having to touch your face. A brilliant product, in my humble opinion.
$30at DermstoreBuySupergoop (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF 35$30$30If you’re on the oilier side and you can’t imagine showering your face with a spray on a hot summer day, this SPF setting powder is another excellent choice. With just a few swipes of a brush, you can give yourself an added boost of (also SPF 35) protection while simultaneously matte-ifying your (perhaps sweaty-shiny) face.
$30at SuperGoopBuySupergoop Glow Stick Sunscreen$25$25To be clear: You cannot use this glow stick as a full-on sunscreen (I know people who have tried, and those people got burnt). That being said, this natural-looking, translucent highlighter is beautiful — ideal for no-makeup makeup days. After applying my traditional sunscreen, I’ll tap this glow stick along my cheekbones, brow bone, tip of the nose, and chin for perfectly dewy skin with some added protective benefits.
$25at DermstoreBuySupergoop! Shimmershade Illuminating Cream Eyeshadow SPF 30$24Even if these eye shadows weren’t infused with SPF to protect the delicate skin on your eyelids, I would still love them! They give the lids a perfect twinkly wash of color and are very easy to apply. All four of their golden and bronzy tones naturally (and understatedly) brighten up and define eyes.
$24at SephoraBuyThe Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.