Any dermatologist will tell you the best sunscreen is the one you'll wear every day. But until I discovered EltaMD, I couldn't find a formula I truly wanted to keep in my routine. I was the freakin' Goldilocks of sunscreen: This one was too chalky. That one pilled under makeup. Another one gave me breakouts. They all felt greasy and heavy.
As a longtime beauty writer, I'm well aware of the importance of applying SPF. It not only protects against cancer-causing UV rays, it also helps ward off premature fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Still, I had pretty much resigned myself to never finding The One.
Then a dermatologist friend recommended EltaMD. I didn't have high hopes, but I gave it a shot. And holy sh*t, I'm glad I did. It's everything I could ever want in a sunscreen brand and more.
EltaMD first launched 30 years ago as a brand that created wound-care products for hospitals and burn centers, so it's safe to say it really understands sensitive skin. Every suncare product is free from parabens, fragrances, and dyes, and they're all hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. This is huge for me, because I have rosacea and my skin is sensitive AF.
After settling on my holy grail (it's the brand's UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46), I decided to level up my SPF game and create a whole sunscreen wardrobe. Keep reading for the five EltaMD products I now keep in heavy rotation.
The Totally Transparent Face Sunscreen My Sensitive Skin Loves
My fondness for EltaMD's UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 runs deep. It protects against both UVA and UVB rays with zinc oxide, and doesn't leave behind even a hint of a white cast—with no major rubbing required, either. No matter what kind of foundation I apply over it, this sunscreen has never once pilled.
It's also formulated specifically for people with rosacea or acne-prone skin (though it works on all skin types). Since I developed rosacea a few years ago, my skin is perpetually red and inflamed. It's a fun time, let me tell you. A lot of skincare products make my condition worse, but not UV Clear, which contains niacinamide to help reduce the appearance of blemishes and discoloration.
I'm not exaggerating when I say I buy this product in bulk. I keep one in my bathroom, one in my bag, and one in my car, so I'm never without it.
The Tinted Sunscreen That Protects, Hydrates, and Evens Out My Complexion
On days when I don't feel like doing a whole makeup routine, EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 40 is my saving grace. I'm usually not comfortable going out completely bare-faced, thanks to the aforementioned rosacea situation, but this tinted sunscreen evens things out just enough to make me feel confident. The sheer color blends seamlessly with my fair-to-light skin tone and doesn't make me look orange, like other options I've tried.
This is also the sunscreen I reach for when I need an extra boost of hydration. It contains hyaluronic acid, which helps skin retain moisture and—bonus—makes the fine lines around my eyes and on my forehead less noticeable.
EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
The Stick Sunscreen I Use for Touch-Ups
I'm obsessed with products in stick form. They're easy to apply and travel so well. You will pretty much always find me with a blush and bronzer stick in my bag. Recently, I've added the EltaMD UV Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ to my arsenal, which lets me touch up my sunscreen on the go without a mess or sticky hands. And I love using it for some extra protection on my ears, the bridge of my nose, and my lips, which all seem to burn more easily than the rest of my face.
One of my favorite beauty-editor hacks is to use it as a brow gel. It goes on completely clear and will protect the skin underneath while keeping hairs in place.
The Spray Sunscreen That Protects My Whole Body
As good as I am about applying facial sunscreen every day, I don't have a great track record when it comes to protecting the rest of my body. I know that sun damage can happen during the small moments of everyday life—running out for a coffee, walking the dog, driving to work—but I usually don't think about body sunscreen unless I'm going to the beach. EltaMD's newest launch, the UV AOX Mist, just might change my approach. It's not a traditional aerosol; it uses air-powered technology so I can spray it in any direction for quick coverage—even in hard-to-reach areas.
It goes on white, so you can see where you're applying it, but then immediately rubs in clear. As someone who once got "cow spot" tan lines from a sheer spray sunscreen, I deeply appreciate this feature. And it's formulated with vitamins C and E, both proven to reduce signs of premature aging. The 100 percent mineral sunscreen can be used on both face and body, but I've been incorporating it into my morning routine specifically to give the skin below my neck some TLC.
The Sport Sunscreen That Never Gets in My Eyes
TBH, I don't love most waterproof and water-resistant makeup products. They tend to be heavy and, understandably, hard to remove. But with sunscreen, it's a different story. If I'm going to be swimming or sweating, an SPF that stays put is essential. The mineral-based UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 absorbs super-quickly but is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It doesn't rinse off in the pool or at the beach, and most importantly, IMO, it never gets in my eyes. I'm not a big outdoor exerciser, but when I do, this is my ride-or-die sunscreen.
