If you’re anything like me, you’re probably spending a lot of time in the sun right now.

Living in Canada, we only get a few months out of the year to really enjoy hot weather (although I feel like this year it started to warm up in March).  Although you should be wearing sunscreen on your face year round, it’s more important (well, it’s always important) to wear sunscreen on your face.

I apply my sunscreen as the last step in my daytime skincare routine, but if you don’t have a dedicated sunscreen in your collection, there are tons of moisturizers out there that also contain SPF.  I have used some of these myself, but as a creature of habit, I will still apply a dedicated SPF for some extra sun protection.

Looking for a facial sunscreen but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry girl, I got you.

Skinceuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50

When it comes to medical-grade sunscreens, Skinceuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 (C$49) ranks high on my list.

I have been using this sunscreen for years now and it’s an ultra-sheer and transparent sunscreen that provides SPF 50 and is formulated with a plankton extract to help boost skin’s natural defences to UV and heat-induced stress.

It contain 100 per cent physical filters Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide and spreads evenly on the face. It’s also on the thinner side, making it lightweight, with a little going. along way.  All skin types can use this, including sensitive.

Tula Protect + Glow – Daily Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

So the Skinceuticals sunscreen was my go-to until Tula released a formula of their own.

The Tula Protect + Glow – Daily Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen (US$36) is a broad spectrum sunscreen that gives you SPF 30 protection, while also giving you blue light protection and coverage against damaging pollution.

The formula is non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores or leave a white cast on skin. Like all of Tula’s ingredients, the sunscreen is powered by probiotics, as well as pineapple and papaya, which will help promote even skin tone. It also includes wild butterfly ginger root, which helps to protect it against blue light.

I apply this to my face as my last step in the morning. The sunscreen is yellow and blends out really nicely on the skin (it doesn’t make your skin yellow either… in fact it’s quite refreshing to apply). It doesn’t have that chemically sunscreen scent either and leaves you with a really pretty glow.

Unfortunately Tula isn’t available in Canada at the moment but if you are in the states or have a forwarding mailbox, I highly recommend picking this up. Don’t forget, score 15 per cent off your Tula order with code SHAYNA.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen

If you are looking for something on the affordable side that is also easy to find, then take a look at Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen (C$17.99).

This sunscreen is formulated with their Helioplex technology and provides broad-spectrum, photostable production against UVA and UVB rays.  It is available in both SPF 45 and SPF 60, the latter of which I have in my collection.

This one I do find to be on the thicker side, but it does blend out nicely and is fast absorbing.  It also gives you 80 minutes of water and sweat resistance.

Between all the sunscreens, I would go with the other two over this one, but Neutrogena is such an affordable brand and you can find it anywhere, so it’s super easy to pick up if you need something stat.

Lancome UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50

If you are looking for a sunscreen that double as a primer and moisturizer, then take a look at Lancome’s UV Expert Aquagel Defense Primer & Moisturizer SPF 50 (C$42). Containing SPF 50, this sunscreen is good enough to use on its own and under makeup for more hydrated and smoother-looking skin.

The formula contains vitamin E, moringa extract, and Edelweiss extract, which are potent antioxidants that helps to improve skin’s appearance. When I use this one, I do tend to use a moisturizer still, but I like to layer under makeup for some extra protection as I love the fact that it’s also a primer. The formula is also lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin.  All skin types can use this one and you’ll notice more hydrated and glowing skin with regular use.

Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 45

Okay, so you apply your sunscreen, then your makeup, but need some extra sun protection a few hours into sitting in the sun?  That’s where these mineral sunscreen brushes come in handy.

I’ve tried a few formulas of these but the one I’ve been using this summer is by Peter Thomas Roth.  The Instant Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 45 (C$36.84) is a mineral powder sunscreen that gives you SPF 45 protection all in the form of a finishing powder.  This ones in a brush packaging where you gently shake the container to dispense the powder into the brush.

The formula has Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide for UVA and UVB protection. It also doesn’t leave any white cast and since the packaging is all-in-one, it’s great for taking with you anywhere you go.

These brushes are great since it’s good for touch ups throughout the day, or if you suffer from oily or greasy skin, then it will help to tame down any shine, as well as provide sun protection all day long.

Of course, there are a million other sunscreens out there to try as well, but these are just some of the ones I have on rotation at the moment that I have been using and loving.  As I mentioned, you can also pick up moisturizers or BB and CC creams with SPF in them to get your SPF fix, but there really isn’t anything like a tried and true sunscreen to really give you the sun protection you need.

What’s your favourite sunscreen?

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