All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through links in this article.
Now melanin may be magical, but itisn’tsun-resistant.
Illustration by Herve Kwimo
In addition to increasing the risk for skin cancer, foregoing sunscreen can also worsen anyexisting hyperpigmentation.
You’re ultimately reversing any of the dark spot-diminishing you want to happen.
Public service announcement aside, let’s face it: Not all sunscreens are made the same.
And who wants to look ghostly?
Many formulas also make skin look greasy, which is also not ideal.
Thedermatologist-approvedsunscreen utilizes physical blockers (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) to protect skin from harmful UV rays.
In fact, makeup artistDelina Medhinwas introduced to this sunscreen by her dermatologist.
“[This is] one of my absolute favorites of all time,” she says.
“It plays best under makeup a tinted moisturizer works fine.
I’ve also never experienced any flashback issues with it.”
Vanicream Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50
Vanicream
If tinted sunscreen just isn’t your jam, board-certified dermatologistDr.
Nkem Ugonabo, MD, based in NYC, suggests this non-tinted option from Vanicream.
“In fact, it blends in very easily.”
The three-in-one makeup, sunscreen, and moisturizer lends new meaning to the word multitasker.
Just remember to apply a traditional sunscreen underneath for maximum protection.
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40
Supergoop
Supergoop!
The antioxidant-rich chemical sunscreen has scored both Best of Beauty andReaders' Choice Awards.
“This is amazing for deep skin tones,” says Medhin.
Her only qualm is that the tube doesn’t come in a larger size.
Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, Canada.
“It’s a rare mineral sunscreen that leaves zero white cast.
This sensitive-skin powerhouse is also good for skin that suffers from conditions likerosaceaor breakouts.
The light tint allows it to be worn both on its own or under makeup for heavier coverage.
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
Shiseido
Not into the goopy texture of liquid sunscreen formulas?
It looks like it won’t blend in at all.
The formula is light enough to wear during the summer and still feels moisturizing in colder months.
Most I reject after one swipe,” saysAllure’s editor in chief Jessica Cruel.
Takes forever to blend?
Who has time?"
The product was createdspecifically for brown skin tonesand disappears in seconds when applied.
This product is also one of Dr. Hartman’s favorites.
Dr. Hartman also notes that it plays well under makeup.
The formula is so good that it even earned a2020 Best of Beauty Award.
“No matter what skin tone you are, you want your skin to look like your skin.
And you don’t want any layers on top,” says Williams.
That includes the Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen.
“It’s kind of a sweet, fruity scent that’s not overpowering,” she says.
“This formula is everything I want and need it to be,” she says.
It also comes in SPF 30 and 50.
Tula’s Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30 offers just the right amount of protection.
Its papaya and pineapple extracts help even outhyperpigmentation, which more readily affects darker skin tones.
Its colorless, silky texture works flawlessly on virtually all skin types and complexions and goes on completely clear.
When they said invisible, they weren’t kiddin'.
The tinted sunscreen comes in Light/Medium and Medium/Dark shade options.
StriVectin’s Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 Illuminating Cream eliminates that concern for her.
It’s got super-fine shimmer particles that impart a peachy glow all over the skin.