I’m going to be honest: For glowy skin, I’ll try just about anything. I have my skincare routine down to a science. I use prescription retinol every other night. I’ve gotten a slew of in-office treatments for the best skin possible—Botox, lasers… You name it. Recently, I even got an InstaFacial (a celeb-approved treatment for instantly rejuvenated skin that involves micro-needling your own plasma back into your face) and have been using the new products designed to mimic results at home. You could say I’m pretty serious about good skin.
No matter what I do to my face, though, the one thing I do that gets the most compliments takes me two seconds flat. It’s also one of the best possible things you can do for your skin. My secret? Glowy sunscreen.
SPF is always a nonnegotiable for me. “Sunscreen is key to helping protect the skin against UV radiation, which can contribute to skin cancer, sun damage, and skin signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. “It is important to remember to wear sunscreen every day and make sure to reapply every two hours.”
Using sunscreen with an added glow is the best way to protect your skin while also making it look absolutely ethereal. Don’t just take my word for it—derms agree. “Given the importance of wearing sunscreen every day, it’s important to find a formulation that is easy and enjoyable to wear. With sunscreens offering hydrating and glowy finishes, some people are even using sunscreen in place of makeup,” Garshick adds.
Count me as one of those people. My favorite thing to do, particularly in the summer when makeup tends to slide right off my face, is use a glowy sunscreen as my base and spot-treat the rest of my skin with concealer or a lighter foundation on days that I want a bit more coverage. Ever since I started doing this, the number of “What’s your skincare routine?” questions has increased tenfold. Keep reading for the best glowy sunscreens out there and what makes them so good.
SPF: 40. Tinted? Yes. Shade range: Four shades. Scented? No. Glow level: Pearly shimmer. Supergoop!’s Glowscreen is my be-all, end-all sunscreen. This is one of the very few products on Earth that I would hoard if it were to ever go out of stock. It delivers the dreamiest, dewiest glow, all while protecting skin with SPF 40. Since it comes in four shades, it can be used on every skin tone, which is a big deal for sunscreen in general. My favorite shade is Dawn, but I also like the OG shade Sunrise on days when I want to look a bit more bronzed.
SPF: 30. Tinted? No. Shade range: N/A. Scented? Yes. Glow level: Radiance-boosting shimmer. This is one of those products that I didn’t expect to like quite as much as I do. Once I put it on, though, it was game over—this sunscreen delivers the most immaculate glow. It’s not tinted, but it rubs into skin easily and looks incredible once it’s on. It’s a shimmer, but it looks more dewy than anything else on skin, so it’s wearable for all occasions.
SPF: 30. Tinted? Yes. Shade range: One shade. Scented? No. Glow level: Bronzy sparkle. This is the perfect glowy sunscreen if you’re planning on spending a day at the beach. It gives skin a subtle radiance without being too shimmery, and it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It has a bronzy tint that rubs in easily on everyone.
SPF: 30. Tinted? No. Shade range: N/A. Scented? Yes. Glow level: Barely-there sparkle. Hawaiian Tropic’s new serum-sunscreen hybrid surprised me in the best way possible. It smells like classic Hawaiian Tropic lotion, so keep that in mind, but it didn’t irritate my skin. Instead, the scent brings me back to the pool days of my youth every time I put it on. The sparkle on this one is super subtle, but it gives skin a healthy glow.
“Revealing a dewy finish, this mineral sunscreen also contains antioxidants to protect against free radical damage and helps to reduce dullness,” says Garshick. “[It’s] great for daily use, [and] it can be worn alone or under makeup.”
EltaMD is a favorite among both celebrities and derms. This physical formula has a rosy tint that makes skin appear luminous, and it rubs in easily with virtually no white cast.
If you love highlighter sticks, these are about to be your new favorite products. This trio works to swipe on a pearly radiance while imparting a flash of color to your skin. Throw it in your bag for a glowy boost on the go.
Coola’s Illuminating SPF Serum is essentially your one-way ticket to glass skin in a bottle. Infused with Blue Screen, it protects skin against every aggressor you may encounter.
Not only does this sunscreen gel go on smoothly, but it’s also infused with yummy ingredients like pineapple and papaya to help even out your skin tone. The opalescent sheen is just a perk.
Kinfield’s glowy formula is peach toned and has tons of wearable sparkle. It’s glowy without leaning into glitter territory, and it moisturizes your skin while it protects.
