Sunscreen, especially on the face, is a non-negotiable, but finding one that doesn’t feel sticky and gloopy or look chalky has been a nearly impossible task. Trust me, I have tried tons, and many have failed my test. Yes…I have a test…a bit crazy, right?!

More on that test later. First I want to talk a bit about the formulations:

Mineral vs. Chemical

Mineral sunscreens form a physical barrier on your skin against UV Rays. They are great if you go for more natural products, and work well on more sensitive skin. My mom is definitely one of the people that benefits from a mineral sunscreen! There are some drawbacks. Mineral sunscreen can leave a white cast on the skin (I remember running around Myrtle Beach every summer as a child an even starker shade of white than normal because my mom had slathered me from head to toe in the thickest sunscreen she could find! Thanks mom! No I really mean it…my skin is better for it!) It can also feel heavier and more uncomfortable. Mineral sunscreens can also be harder to find in stores.

Chemical sunscreens use chemicals to filter out UV light. Chemical sunscreens are my jam because they are lighter weight and just feel so much more luxurious on my skin. With thicker sunscreens I feel like I want to immediately run and take a shower. My dermatologist has said that the best sunscreen is one that I will wear, with the highest SPF possible, and I will happily wear chemical sunscreens. This list consists of 4 chemical sunscreens. If you would like for me to give some tips on mineral sunscreen I have some great ones that I have used in the past, and my mom currently loves. We cannot forget that these chemical formulations can cause irritation and are not as environmentally friendly as their mineral sister.

Now that you know a bit more about sunscreen, here is my personal test for finding the right one. There are 4 factors to consider: feel, smell, formulation, and price. I really want to give you options from surprising steals to spa-worthy splurges. Let’s start with the splurges, shall we? And then we will make our way to beautiful formulations that can be found at the drug store or my beloved Target! All of these products work wonderfully under makeup.

Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Day Cream SPF 30

I discovered this fancy pot of pure luxury during a facial at a cruise ship spa. Spendy, but worth it in my book! It brings me back there every time I use it. It resurfaces gently, and uses shea butter and vitamin C.

-Feel: A lightweight, almost gel like consistency. This goes on with a smooth cooling sensation.

-Smell: fresh, clean, and mild

-Formulation: Chemical

-Price: Originally Purchased for $132 but get it at walmart for $68.13. I am in serious shock at this deal!

Supergoop Every. Single. Day. Watery Lotion SPF 50

I have been using this one for a few weeks now, and it has risen steadily to the top of my favorites list! This one feels like a treat to put on and leaves your skin dewy and ready for the day.

-Feel: A white watery cream that goes on clear and leaves behind a moisturized, cool sensation.

-Smell: Very light citrus scent

-Formulation: Chemical

-Price: $34 for 1.7oz ulta

La Roche-Posay SPF Body and Face Anthelios Melt in Milk Sunscreen SPF 60

This is another newer find, and is on the top of all of the beauty website lists for best drugstore sunscreen. Very similar look and feel to the Supergoop, but with no fragrance. Lovely and luxuriously french. I love anything French…especially if I can get it at the local big box store or Amazon!

-Feel: A white, thin cream that goes on clear and soaks in quickly.

-Smell: no fragrance

-Formulation: Chemical

-Price: $25.99 for 3oz Target

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluranic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50

Neutrogena is an iconic brand that I have loved for decades! Whew that makes me sound old…but with age comes wisdom, and now I have the wisdom to know that this is great sunscreen with a luxurious feel but low price point.

Feel: A mid-thickness white sunscreen that very quickly turns clear when massaged into the skin.

Smell: No fragrance

Formulation: Chemical

Price: $19.88 for 1.7 ounces walmart