In which we point you towards some skin-and-makeup-friendly sunscreens for year-round protection.
While we feel everyone looks better with a tan, we were alarmed to learn via an informal survey of our South Asian friends and family that many of them only wear sunscreen when they plan to spend prolonged periods in the sun. While having more melanin may mean we’re less likely to burn than our Caucasian friends, we’re not immune to sun damage. It’s no secret that sun exposure can cause premature aging of the skin (and who wants to court wrinkles?) or potentially even cancer (ditto!), so we wanted to get to the bottom of why our friends and family, who we care about deeply, continue to skimp on the SPF.
Common reasons for shirking sunscreen:
“It makes my skin feel and/or look greasy.”
“My makeup doesn’t go on as well.”
“It makes me break out.”
“It’s an extra step I have to take in the morning.”
For those of you with similar complaints, here are some of our favorite, tried-and-tested formulas:
Skinceuticals Daily Sun Defense in SPF 20 has been a mainstay in our medicine cabinets going on nine (!) years, and for good reason. It provides a light moisturizer and effective sunscreen in one, but doesn’t leave our faces feeling or looking greasy (somehow it actually makes our skin look better) and makeup stays put. And no breakouts!
More recently, Skinceuticals released the much-lauded Sheer Physical UV Defense 50, part of a newer crop of light-as-air liquid formulas hitting the market. Whereas the Daily Sun Defense feels like a light lotion, this is a liquid you have to shake first. It feels like nothing is on the skin and has a pleasing, mattifying effect that lasts all day. Makeup goes on like a dream.
Come summer, however, the Sheer Physical UV Defense tends to leave a slightly whitish cast on our sun-bronzed skin, so we swap it out for Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Daily Face Shield SPF 40. Like the Skinceuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense, it’s a liquid formula. It goes on like silk, looks and feels invisible, and doesn’t seem to absorb makeup. While some of us prefer the more matte look of Skinceuticals and will continue to use it in on our paler winter skin, the Laura Mercier is a summertime staple.
For body, we like moisturizers with SPF for double duty, but for prolonged sun exposure we love the water-resistant La Roche-Posay Anthelios 40 — a cult favorite of beauty editors long before it finally became available stateside. It doesn’t come cheap, but the first summer we used it, none of the usual freckles appeared on our upper chest or hands, so it’s definitely a winner. We’re eager to try the Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizer next.
Have a favorite sunscreen? Do tell.
Desi Betty 