Don't Forget The Sunscreen! 16 SPF Products To Keep Your Skin Safe

Apr 19, 2022

Sunscreen is quite literally the number one skincare product you should be using in your routine. Although not every skin type may be as vulnerable or as immediately show the effects of sun damage, we all know they can be severe — from unwanted signs of aging to devastating skin cancers. So why is it still so difficult to make a habit of applying? If you've been scarred by miserable smells, uncomfortable stickiness, and pasty residue in the past, it's time to revisit the SPF aisle. With innovative new formulas on the market, finding products that are clean, oil-free, non-comedogenic, mineral-based, invisible and truly scent-free has never been easier. You no longer need to find a one-size-fits-solution to your sun protection. Whether you're in need of a daily face coverage, a water-proof spray, or skin-tone-friendly options, there's likely a product for each of your specific concerns and use cases. Consider this your handy guide to the best SPF products for summer (and year round!) application.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops ($50): Dr. Barbara Sturm's products are the holy grail of skincare, so if you're ready to invest in your sun protection, start with the Sun Drops. The next-level sunscreen serum combines SPF 50 protection against aging and burns with active ingredients to support skin regeneration, and can be incorporated into your morning routine under your moisturizer.

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible SPF 30 Moisturizer ($35): Another way to start your day with SPF is to incorporate it directly in your moisturizer. This lightweight moisturizer is make-up friendly, and the smell alone will make you want to apply every day.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50 ($30): For sensitive skin, La Roche-Posay makes an award-winning favorite sunscreen and moisturizer that can also be applied before makeup. They have an equally loved formula for combination skin, so you have no excuse not to be applying.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($47): If you prefer an all-in-one option, this cult favorite tinted moisturizer nourishes, protects, and perfects your skin for everyday wear in one simple application.

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint Foundation SPF 40 ($48): Not only does ILIA's Super Serum contain SPF 40, which is nearly unheard of in a foundation formula, but it also stays put in heat, sweat, and humidity, which is essential for both foundations and sunscreens. A personal favorite, it's the only makeup I trust to truly protect my vulnerable skin.

Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF 35 ($30): If your favorite foundation or moisturizer doesn't contain SPF, try adding a setting powder as your final step before you head out the door. I like Supergoop!'s in particular because at SPF 35, it provides more substantial protection than most powders. It's also a two-in-one solution for mattifying and protecting oily skin throughout the day.

Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF Makeup Setting Spray SPF 50 ($40): Finding a setting spray with substantial SPF protection can also be a challenge, which is why I highly recommend this Kate Somerville option with SPF 50. Keep a bottle at your desk so you can reapply throughout the day without that sunscreen smell.

Supergoop! Body Butter Sunscreen SPF 40 ($38): I actually want to apply this body butter every morning, which even I will admit is rare for a full-body sunscreen product. But it's incredibly hydrating on my dry skin, and most importantly, doesn't have that obvious sunscreen smell.

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30 ($9): Whenever my skin is feeling irritated, I always turn back to Aveeno products to help soothe it. Especially after a sunburn or skin flare up, Aveeno stocks the most nourishing sunscreen for when you need protection most.

Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 ($16): Formulated by and for people of color, Black Girl Sunscreen eliminates the white residue other sunscreens can leave behind on dark skin tones. Plus, it combines sun protection with natural ingredients to hydrate, heal, and protect skin all at once.

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion SPF 30 ($12): Even I'm still guilty of laying out to tan during the summer, and this lotion is by far my favorite for a session in the sun. It truly smells like paradise, and has a slight shimmer to enhance your glow while you tan.

Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Sol Oil SPF 30 ($38): If your skin is less susceptible to sun damage, an SPF oil like this beloved Sol de Janeiro formula is the perfect option to provide the protection you (still) need when laying in the sun, while bringing out your natural glow.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Spray SPF 70 ($12): Lotions and oils doesn't always cut it — sometimes you need an easy to apply (and reapply) spray. I prefer this lightweight yet fool-proof Neutrogena formula when I know I'll be out all day and don't want to worry about rubbing or residue. Stash a bottle in your car or your day bag so you're always prepared.

Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50 ($32): Once sweat is involved, it's essential to upgrade your sunscreen to a waterproof formula. Another cult favorite, Supergoop!'s Play Everyday line is still nongreasy and fast-absorbing, despite the extra strength. Plus, it comes in a lotion, a pump, and a spray, so you can apply however you prefer.

COOLA Liplux Organic SPF 30 ($10): It's easy to remember chapstick in the winter when your lips are extra dry, but finding a hydrating lip moisturizer with SPF for the summer is just as important to protect against more cracks and burns. You can also try their lip tintfor added subtle color.

COOLA Scalp & Hair Mist Organic Sunscreen SPF 30 ($26): Don't forget your hairline! We often do, which can lead to painful sunburns and extra dandruff. COOLA also makes a great hairline sunscreen you can carry for on-the-go application.

Send us all your sunscreen recs @BritandCo and follow us on Pinterest for tons of summer inspo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

The 7 Best Foundations For Acne-Prone Skin, According To Reddit Users

Acne-prone skin can be as moody as it is sensitive, and finding makeup that doesn't clog your pores can feel maddening. Luckily for us, some finely skilled Reddit users know how to weed through the BS and find just about anything you might need — including the best foundation for acne-prone skin. While other foundations seem to send out a bat signal to inflammation and breakouts, trust me when I say these won't.

Seriously, so many people had the best recommendations, from weightless to full coverage options. Still, it's important to note that not every option will work for everyone. If you want to best understand what foundation fits your skin best, this Master Esthetician (hi, Theonlytruesavage!) commented, "Only an isolated test of that one product can really tell you what works. And I mean 1 isolated product." They suggest trying a single foundation and changing "nothing else in your routine for 30 days at a minimum."

So, if you're looking to make a change and finally find the best foundation for acne-prone skin, look no further! From drugstore to more luxury options, here's what you should try, per our BFFs at Reddit.

Sephora

Tower 28 Broad Speactrum SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation

As a huge Tower 28fan, I'm actually surprised I haven't tried this tinted SPF yet. But, after seeing how much the Reddit community loves it, I have complete confidence that it's safe for acne-prone skin. Some important things to note about this fan-favorite are that it's:

Fragrance-free
Non-Comedogenic
Marked safe for people who have acne
Has natural coverage and light finish

You're essentially getting a lightweight foundation that offers protection from the sun with ingredients like non-nano zinc oxide, prickly pear extract, and white sage extract.

Sephora

Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation

This community-loved on Sephora — and Reddit — may be the best foundation for acne-prone skin because of it's weightless formula. Also, the botanical blend of lotus, gardenia, and water lily ingredients treat the skin from the inside out. Other important things to note are that this foundation:

Offers medium coverage
Has a natural finish
Is great for oily, combination, and normal skin

Sephora

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation

Here's another weightless foundation you can pick up at Sephora. The formula is a little thinner than most because of it's "serum-like" finish, but that's nothing to be scared of! It has Vita-Serum Complex as well as Diamond Core Powder Technology in it — two things that not only champion hydration, but also creates a "burring, illuminated effect."

Sephora

Nars Soft Matte Complete Foundation

This foundation is for my full-coverage girlies who want to get a glam look that doesn't irritate their skin. This option from Nars got SO many shoutouts on Reddit — probably because it doesn't have things like parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, or mineral oil in it, making it an optimal choice. The bio hyaluronic acid, micro-algae extract, and anti-oxidation complex make me want to give it a chance this weekend!

Sephora

Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation

Weightless foundations can be long-wearing, too — just look at the beloved Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation. It features light-diffusing pigments, blurring spheres, and more antioxidants that work overtime to keep your skin healthy. If you're still on the fence about trying it, a Sephora survey indicates 87% of people who tried it feels like it "gives a soft-focus finish." Yes please!

Sephora

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation

This full-coverage foundation for acne-prone skin is going to keep things matte when you wear it. Apparently the formula was changed so that it became breathable and healthier due to not having any mineral oil in it. This option is:

Fragrance-free
Long-wearing
Matte

Plus, this contains hyaluronic acid — always a plus to get that sweet, sweet serum love!

Sephora

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter Foundation

Out of all the foundations we've listed, none of them have claimed to be a "complexion booster" like Charlotte Tilbury's formula. Truthfully it's all in the name — with milled powders and porcelain flower extract, you'll appreciate the glow this foundation adds to your skin.

If you need more beauty recs, follow our Amazon Storefront for everything we love to keep stocked.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Not Close With Your Family? Here's How To Have a Joyous And Connected Holiday Season

Last year, some of us celebrated the holidays apart from our families for the first time. COVID has brought with it many changes, some of them arguably positive (like increased flexibility to work from home), some difficult (such as the realization of vastly different political and social views between family and friends), and some horrible (obviously, the health implications of a global pandemic). However, for some of us, celebrating the holidays without family members isn't exclusively due to COVID. In addition to so many of us living in different areas than our families of origin, some of us simply don't have close bonds with the people we grew up around. Sometimes, this can cause loneliness.

If you're not close with your family members, the holidays can be a difficult time. This is doubly true if you don't have a close circle of friends to call upon. But make no mistake, if this sounds like your situation, you're not alone — there are thousands of other people going through the same struggles you are. We sat down with Irad Eichler, founder of Circles, a website that connects people who are sharing similar struggles, like heartbreak, grief, or loneliness. Here are some of Eichler's tips for coping — and even thriving! — during the holiday season when you're not planning on spending it with your family, for one reason or another.

Don't Fall For "Perfect Families" On Social Media

Laura Chouette

The first VERY important step to having a joyous holiday season when you're going it alone is to stop believing the narrative that others' family situations are perfect, Eichler says.

"Remember people only post a moment in time, and only the moments when they look their happiest and best."

In addition to the fact that everything you see on social media is curated for the 'gram, it's also important to remember that by focusing on what others have and you lack, you risk failing to see the great things at play in your own life.

"These holiday periods can become a time of focusing on who and what we don't have, rather than who or what we do, and can cause a negative spiral into depressing and dreadful feelings of inadequacy," says Eichler.

Gratitude is the reason for the season, after all. So instead of only seeing the negative, try some gratitude journal prompts to help you focus on what's actually really wonderful about your life right now.

Make An Effort To Deepen New Connections

Joel Muniz

While it may seem like everyone has friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, that doesn't mean no one is available for deepening a blossoming relationship or new friendship.

"Make a list of people you can or would like to connect with, and try to reach out to at least one of them," advises Eichler.

Reaching out doesn't have to mean a big plan or an hour-long conversation. Even a quick text letting a friendly coworker know you're thinking about them can go a long way toward deepening the relationship and moving it in the direction of closer friendship.

Don't have an acquaintance in mind? Then it's time to make new acquaintances. What's more in line with the Christmas spirit than attending a Meetup or event full of people eager to make new friends?

"Join groups with similar interests to yours, such as hiking, baking, or games. Push your boundaries and be brave - you might find new people who have much in common with you."

Give Back

Priscilla Du Preez

The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back to your community, and coincidentally, acts of generosity and kindness are known to reduce loneliness and help people feel happier. One study found that knowing a few of your neighbors and doing small acts of kindness for them — such as cheering them up, listening to them, mowing their lawn, providing advice about local business recommendations and job opportunities, and chatting over the fence — was statistically correlated with feeling less lonely and having a lower risk of depression.

Helping out elderly neighbors can be a particularly gratifying way to give back.

"Notice older lonely people in your neighborhood or community who might have no family at all, and offer to help them," says Eichler. "These can become mutually meaningful connections, and help you 'adopt' a grandparent."

Connect With Others Online

Thought Catalog

Finally, use the Internet for its highest and best purpose: to connect people. Whether you're using Meetup to find in-person events, digital forums for having conversations about special interests, or programs like Circle for getting support from others in your situation, the opportunities to create new connections are practically endless.

"There are many interest groups that can be found digitally, where or any person can connect with others in the same life stage, going through the same challenges, or who would like to explore the same interests," Eichler states. "Meaningful connections can be formed easily in these circumstances. The Internet enables us to find and connect to people all over the world who fit this, and to whom we can become more easily attached, as we are able to find people with the exact interests that energize us."

If you're struggling with loneliness, you're not alone. Connect with our digital community of makers and creatives here at Brit+Co by following us on IG and signing up for our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

relationship advice wellness friendship relationships holidays

I Found The Best Drugstore Lipstick — & I Already Bought It 3x In A Row

Move over expensive MAC haul — I've discovered the best drugstore lipstick that rivals my $20+ purchases. I love finding dupes for my beauty lovers who can't continuously drop a huge amount of money on new products that eventually expire. Since I'm 100% against using old makeup, I'd rather chat your eat off about the affordable drugstore finds I'm using consistently these days.

IMO, the best drugstore lipstick is the Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Lipstick! Coming from one of the OG beauty brands, it's formula was surprising because I almost expected it to fail. It sounds silly, but trying drugstore brands used to be a hit or miss before social media started demanding that all makeup products stop being subpar.

Since this lipstick passed the test, here's everything you need to know about it — including why I l keep buying it and all the other best drugstore lipsticks I love!

What is Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink used for?

Jasmine Williams

Anyone can say that their lipstick is THE BEST, but that's not always true. So, what's the tea on the Super Stay Matte Ink formula? According to the brand's notes on Amazon, here's what you can expect to this lipstick to do:

Glide on easily because of the "unique arrow application"
Provide a "perfectly matte" finish
Remain "smudge-free" for up to "16 hours"

It sounds like a lot of fluff if you've never tried the formula before, so I scrolled through the comment section to see what other customers think.

What are other customers saying about it?

Maybelline

Most of the customer reviews I read through on Amazon are extremely thorough so here are the ones that stood out the most:

"I am really hooked on this lipstick! It's very long wearing and it's super gentle on my lips...Let me address some common complaints among other reviewers and why I think they're wrong...Oil takes this stuff off quite easily, so do some makeup wipes...Secondly, I do agree that this product is very sticky. I have found that I can put my Mac lipgloss on over top and now it's not sticky anymore!"
"I’ve purchased this longevity wand type lipstick a few times and I like the texture and staying power. Sometimes I put another glossy lipstick over if it seems drying however it stays very nicely for the day."
"This is my first time purchasing this brand. When I say it last all day, it doesn't come off until you take it off! Some might see this as bothersome, but having it stay on until I need it off is the greatest thing."
My Favorite Review: "I put it on at around 3:30 pm and fell asleep with it on cause it was a busy night, it was still on the next morning. I had to use multiple makeup remover wipes and wash my face with a good makeup remover to get it off."

My Review For Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Lipstick

Jasmine Williams

I used to be terrified of wearing 'nude' lip colors because I thought they would be too much of a contrast against my complexion, but watching a few YouTube tutorials nipped my fear in the bud. I make the 'Seductress' shade work for me by lining my lips with a dark brown liner. Once I did that, I immediately fell for the way it looks on me. It's to the point where I actually can't stop wearing lip combo — it's so easy to apply and takes less than two minutes to set!

How long does Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Lipstick last?

Before I started applying gloss over my nude lip combo, I wanted to test two very important things:

If this matte lipstick could pass the smudge-proof test. I've tried other brands, and they haven't always stayed in place — especially when eating or drinking something — so I was skeptical.
How long it actually lasts, smudge-proof or not. I mean, who among us hasn't gotten home after an evening out to find their lipstick basically nonexistent?

Like one of the customer reviews suggests, this lipstick has come off a little while eating things like pasta or pizza, so it's not 100% "smudge-free." Given that, I only had to reapply this lipstick once throughout an 8-hour day — which isn't a huge deal to me because it takes less than 30 seconds to reapply it. The best way I get it to stay put is by applying lip gloss and a teeny amount of setting spray over it.

Target

Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Lipstick

Lately, I've even been adding the Maybelline Lifter Gloss in the shade 'Stone' as a way to truly lock in the color. It highlights the 'Seductress' shade of the Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Lipstick which is a huge plus for me.

For less than $12, I think it's absolutely worth buying multiple times!

More Best Drugstore Lipsticks

Target

The Lip Bar Vegan Matte Liquid Lipstick

When I'm in the mood for a universal red lipstick that has the best color payoff, I always turn to The Lip Bar's 'Bawse Lady.' She's a gorgeous blue-red that highlights all undertones without making anyone looked washed out.

Target

Revlon Colorstay Limitless Matte Lipstick

I discovered Revlon's Colorstay formula while browsing for a deeper lipstick for fall and it does not disappoint! It's another vegan product that has triple hyaluronic acid and upcycled cranberry extract in it so it literally feels like you're not wearing anything on your lips!

Target

Milani Color Fetish Matte Lipstick

The word 'Fetish' may be off-putting, but don't write this lipstick off because of the name — ha! I typically wear this when I don't want to wait for a liquid lipstick to dry. It's super velvety and also contains hyaluronic acid in it to help keep lips moisturized.

Target

Nyx Professional Makeup Smooth Whip Matte Lip Cream

Last but not least, Nyx has never let me down in the lip department before. If I'm truly shopping on a budget, I'll reach for the Smooth Whip Matte Lip Cream because it glides on my lips like butter. That's not to say I know what it feels like to rub butter all over my lips, but you get what I mean! It's soft and has a gorgeous color payoff that makes me feel like it's comparable to the best lipstick I swear by.

Have you tried Maybelline's Super Stay Matte Ink lipstick before? Let us know in the comments and subscribe to our newsletter for more beauty finds!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

lip gloss lipstick beauty beauty products makeup

Zach Bryan & Brianna Chickenfry's Break Up Is COMPLICATED — Here's What To Know

Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry

On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."

He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."

To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"

The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"

Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"

The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."

Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA

Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."

After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."

Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."

Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.

And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations

On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:

After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again

Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.

I figured it was about time I released it.

Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.

Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.

High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"

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celebrities celebrity news celebrity breakups celebrity couples

83 Budget-Friendly Finds Under $30 That'll Have You Gifting Ready This Season

Discover 83 Amazon products under $30 that are nothing short of pure gold. From stylish fashion finds to the latest beauty trends, these steals offer exceptional value without compromising on quality. We always ask, what's better than the perfect gift? Well, it's the gift that also doesn't break the bank! We're confident you'll find something in here to at least appease a few loved ones this holiday season.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.