Our ultimate guide to the top SPF and sunscreen picks that'll help you say bye to burn
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Conversations around sun protection have skyrocketed over the last few years, with some experts saying we should be wearing SPF all year round. That’s all well and good, but the real challenge is finding a formula that works for you — the market has become oversaturated, with nearly every skincare, makeup, and self-care company offering their own version of the “best sunscreen,” ranging from tinted mineral formulas to hydrating spray-on options.
What you’ll find below is a comprehensive guide to all the top options we’ve been testing, broken down into easy-to-peruse categories, so you can source picks based on your preferences, which we know vary widely depending on things like skin type and shade.
With that in mind, here’s the deal: You’ll find options for your face and body in just about any formula you can dream up on this list (including some you can safely layer over your makeup). So without further ado, awaaaaaay we go!
Facial Sunscreens
When it comes to facial sunscreens, we’re looking for three things: they need to be non-comedogenic, non-greasy, and (if possible) need to play nice with makeup. We’re also awarding bonus points if the formulas happen to have skincare ingredients, too, because we love working smarter, not harder.
Glow Recipe Dewy Defense SPF 30 Hydrating Fluid Sunscreen
@glowrecipe/Instagram
It offers all the same sweet skin bennies as their iconic Dew Drops, like heaps of hyaluronic acid for moisture and niacinamide to minimize dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Tack on broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays and a zero-pill finish, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for a true summertime essential.
Ultra Violette Preen Screen Facial Sunscreen Setting Spray
Sephora Canada
This is what we mean when we say “genius.” It’s completely transparent (no ghostly cast!), won’t pill, and doesn’t leave your skin looking greasy — win-win-win. A light misting also douses your skin with barrier-protecting power that’ll stop hyperpigmentation before it happens and keep your skin hydrated and glowing even in skyrocketing temperatures.
Paula’s Choice Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
@paulaschoice/Instagram
If hydration is your primary concern, this is the formula for you. The brand already has a cult following for its iconic (and award-winning) skin-perfecting toner, and this oil-free, soothing formula has only cemented its status as an essential in our repertoire. Reviewers say it feels so lightweight, they often forget they’re wearing it — and it’s one of the few options that doesn’t break them out.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Hyaluronic Moisturizer
Sephora Canada
If layering endless products feels like too much in the heat, consider swapping out your regular moisturizer for this sun-protecting option instead. Like the rest of PTR’s iconic Water Drench line (we are, and always will be, obsessed with the Hydra-Gel Eye Patches), you can expect a flood of moisture, beefed up with SPF to protect your visage when you’re frolicking outdoors this summer.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Fluid Face Sunscreen
La Roche-Posay
This stuff has consistently topped lists of best facial sunscreens, and for good reason. It’s completely non-greasy, leaves zero white cast, and won’t clog your pores, either. Add on the fact that it absorbs quickly, makes for a magical, makeup-gripping primer, and even mattifies skin, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for the perfect SPF (but if you’re still unsure, take a peek at some reviewer opinions).
Coola Refreshing Water Mist Sunscreen
@coola/Instagram
You’ll get a dose of broad-spectrum sun protection, on top of organic aloe and coconut water to keep your skin in tip-top shape when you’re buzzing around town. It also happens to be chock-full of antioxidants for added protection against pollution and blue light (and you can mist it on quickly and easily, both under and over your makeup).
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion
Amazon Canada
Reviewers love its ultra-light texture, saying it sinks in quickly without feeling greasy, sticky, tacky, or heavy. Thankfully, it’s also non-comedogenic, which means you can safely slather it onto your face (and head) without stressing about any breakouts. It offers broad-spectrum protection and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Body Sunscreens
Preferences for body SPFs can vary — some people prefer thicker, creamy textures, others might like a lightweight spray. That’s why you’ll find a wide spread of formulas in this category. For our purposes, body sunscreens are those created for use anywhere other than your facial skin, like your scalp, lips, and (of course) your limbs and torso.
Vichy Capital Soleil UV Sport
Victoria Kuglin/Daily Hive
Spreads like butter. Lasts through a whole afternoon of splashing around in a pool. Need we say more? In case you’re still not convinced, we also love it for its non-greasy finish and body lotion-esque feel that kept our skin hydrated during a long day outdoors.
Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Scalp & Hair Mist
Sun Bum
You’ve got protection for every other part of your body, so why not your scalp? The skin on your head is a lot more sensitive (courtesy of being covered by hair), which means it needs SPF whenever you’re exposing it. Whether that’s the sharp part on a low bun or your hairline when your mane’s pulled back, it’s a good idea to spritz those spots before heading outside.
Biotherm Lait Solaire Body Sunscreen SPF 30
Victoria Kuglin/Daily Hive
A lot of facial sunscreen formulas boast *tons* of skincare benefits, but the same isn’t always true of the ones we put on our bodies. This one offers broad-spectrum protection with a dose of vitamin E to keep your skin (from tip to tail!) safe from free radicals and pollution, leaving you looking glowing and feeling hydrated. Most important? It absorbs quickly, sinking into the skin and leaving it feeling soft and comfortable instead of sticky.
Ultra Violette Sheen Hydrating Lip Balm SPF 50
@ultravioletteau/Instagram
As it turns out, your lips need sun protection, too. So before you head outdoors, make sure you tuck a tube of this silky balm into your pocket or purse — you’ll be glad you did when your smoocher stays hydrated and protected (in turn preventing) fine lines so your pout looks plump and healthy. You can bet I’ll be tucking one of these into my bag before any and all outdoor adventures this summer.
Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Spray Sunscreen with Niacinamide
@soldejaneiro/Instagram
Is that the sound of perfect sunscreen we hear? In addition to smelling fantastic (IYKYK), this glossy stuff feels cooling on the skin, hydrates, and leaves behind a lightweight sheen so you can keep calm and glow on this summer. Since it’s an aerosol spray, reviewers say it’s infinitely easier to self-apply than any other option.
Mineral Formulas
Options that were once relegated to the healthy foods aisle at the grocery store have now made their way to the forefront of the SPF category. Those opting out of chemical sunscreens have a plethora of zinc-based formulas to choose from, but which ones are best? We have answers.
Tower 28 SOS FaceGuard Mineral Sunscreen
@tower28beauty/Instagram
Like the brand’s uber-popular SOS face spray, this SPF is designed to be extra gentle on your skin. It won’t clog your pores or burn your eyes, and we’re loving the neutral, non-greasy tint that prevents any ashiness or unwanted shine (a boon when the temperatures are soaring). We love that it plays nice with makeup — no! pilling! — but it’s the skincare-like ingredients that most caught our attention. You’ll see a boosted skin barrier, calmed redness, and a more even complexion every time you apply.
Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen
Victoria Kuglin
This has become my new favourite SPF. It glides on like a serum, leaves no oily film or white cast, and grips onto my makeup like nobody’s business. Its sheer tint is a dream for no-makeup days, but when I decide to do a full beat, it acts like a smoothing primer for everything I layer on top. That said, the controlled dispenser is also amazing — no spills or unexpected globs of product here.
Blume Sunburst Mineral SPF 50 with Niacinamide
Sephora Canada
It will not only protect your face from the sun’s harsh rays but also help fade dark spots and discolourations and smooth skin texture in the process. Because it’s free of potentially irritating ingredients (and is light as a feather), it’s the perfect option for anyone with acne-prone skin or people just looking for something silky rather than chalky.
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Amazon Canada
Reviewers love that it’s reef-safe, making it an ideal companion on your next tropical vacation. It’s also hypoallergenic, vegan, and dermatologist-approved.
Tinted Options
No white cast here! Regardless of your skin tone (seriously), we’ve picked out some fab finds that’ll blend seamlessly into your face. We’re talking extensive shade ranges, varied finishes, and different levels of coverage, so you can pick an option that works for you.
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation
@iliabeauty/Instagram
This award-winning SPF has reviewers in their feelings over its skin-perfecting powers. It soothes redness (yes, even rosacea), and you won’t need to use a brush or beauty sponge to apply it or set it with powder — unless you prefer a more matte look, that is. It offers natural coverage and a dewy finish, and lasts all day even if you skip the primer.
Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Mineral Sunscreen, Moisturizer + Primer
Sephora Canada
It’s the do-it-all mineral SPF of our dreams. Some reviewers reported experiencing stickiness, but we didn’t find that to be the case — if anything, it made any makeup we layered on top last waaaay longer. It also protects your skin from blue light!
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full Coverage Foundation with SPF 50+
@itcosmeticsca/Instagram
This bestseller is as hard-hitting as it is protective. Offering full coverage, a natural finish, plus a trio of skin-loving ingredients — hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E — it’ll even colour correct for you. Even though it’s on the pricey side, reviewers say a little goes a long way (and it happens to be waterproof, too).
Supergoop! Protec(tint) SPF 50 Skin Tint
@supergoop/Instagram
We’re all about multi-purpose products, so we’ll be turning towards this award-winning, SPF-rich skin tint this summer. It has buildable coverage, a natural finish, and plenty of protection (including from blue light, pollution, and UVB rays). Reviewers are especially fond of its easy-to-apply and non-sticky finish, saying it’s an absolute dream come true for those with oily skin.
Solid Formulas
Convenience is the name of the game here, and nothing is more convenient than a solid swipe-on SPF option. The added bonus is that these solid sticks are much more travel-friendly than their leaky counterparts, so you can tuck ’em into your carry-on, stash one in your purse, and squeeze it into your most over-stuffed luggage (because we don’t play when it comes to our sun protection).
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Stick SPF 40 Invisible Sun Protection
Sephora Canada | @supergoop/Instagram
Harnessing the same tech as the brand’s beloved Unseen Sunscreen formula, this solid SPF glides smoothly onto skin, whether you’re fresh-faced or fully made up. Its wide applicator makes swiping it on quick and easy, and the screw-on lid cleverly prevents any greasy oopsies when it’s tucked inside your bag.
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick
Sephora Canada
It won’t clog your pores and can be used both over and under your makeup, which means you’ll be able to top up your sun protection when you’re out and about without worrying about ruining your ~lewk~. It feels surprisingly lightweight, creamy, and hydrating and doesn’t require blending. The coolest part, though, is the contoured applicator — it’s specially shaped to fit the curves of your face (but you’re free to swipe it on wherever).
Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Invisible Korean Sunscreen Stick
@drjart/Instagram
What makes this option a standout in the category is the finish. It’s mattifying and pore-blurring, making it an amazing primer for all your makeup while reducing shine and oiliness. Like other K-beauty faves residing in your bathroom, the formula focuses on hydration and protection, delivering a hefty dose of hyaluronic acid in tandem with the SPF 40 sun protection.
Avène Eau Thermale SPF 50 Face & Body Stick
Avène
This is one of the few solid mineral formulas on the market, and the only one on this list. Similar to the brand’s cult-favourite Eau Thermale, it’s ultra-gentle and designed for even the most sensitive skin. Reviewers report zero greasiness or white cast and say it’s one of the few sunscreen options that never made them break out.