Hate Wearing Sunscreen? These 4 Products Will Change Your Mind
Skin care-sunscreen hybrids? High-performing formulas that won’t break the bank? We’ve got you covered—so you can cover up, too.
When I was still starting out in publishing as a young editor, I was always stretching what came in every payday, and the practice gave me a hunter’s instinct for beauty bargains. Probably knowing I didn’t have anything to shell out for lasers or Botox, a dermatologist gave me this advice: “Your sunscreen is the closest thing you have to a vaccine against aging.”
Ten something years later, we’ve (thankfully!) developed a much healthier perspective on aging—yes, it’s something we can embrace—but the nugget of truth from the dermatologist still holds. Prevention is better than cure; prevention is also cheaper than cure.
And that’s why, ten something years later, you will not find me anywhere (yes, even inside the house) without sunscreen. I credit it for people’s surprise when they find out how long I’ve been working, and for the relative lack of sunspots you see dotted across my face.
But when skies are overcast like they are now, we get a little more lazy with application—even if Allure Philippines previously reported that “overcast [weather] blocks only about 20 percent of UV rays.” Your workaround? Use sunscreen that you’ll actually want to use. Here are four that work with every need and budget.
1. Belo SunExpert Dewy Sunscreen
Because you’re going to be applying—and reapplying every day—it makes sense to go for a sunscreen that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. At less than PHP 500, Belo makes sun protection more accessible, without sacrificing performance. It has broad-spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ (meaning it meets the minimum of 30 and protects against both UVA and UVB rays), doesn’t leave a white cast, and doesn’t have any off-putting fragrance.
This, however, is a reformulation of their OG SunExpert Face Sunscreen and is meant to leave an extra layer of hydration on the skin. Dry skin types will love it, but oily girls might want to check out a tester at the counter first.
2. Shiseido Urban Environment Triple Beauty Suncare Emulsion
If there was a texture reference for this product, it would be water. I can only imagine the developers thinking, “If we get the feel as close to water as possible, more people will be likely to use sunscreen.” In a way, they’re right. Board-certified dermatologist Jella Garcia, MD previously shared with Allure Philippines that “it’s more comfortable to use gel or liquid types in our tropical weather.”
So if you’re not a fan of how sunscreens are like creams, this emulsion-like SPF 50 PA++++ sunscreen will have you reconsidering. After applying using the two-finger rule, do wait for a couple of minutes to wait for the product to be fully absorbed by the skin—and when it does, it leaves a lit-from-within sheen.
3. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence
Another sunscreen-meets-skin care hybrid, the watery essence from Biore’s cult-favorite Aqua Rich line is your go-to if you want a 100 percent-guarantee that your sunscreen will offer SPF 50 PA++++ protection without a white cast. That’s because this product is a 100-percent chemical sunscreen, meaning it doesn’t contain any physical or mineral blockers like titanium dioxide, which can leave a translucent trace on the skin. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to try it first, because alcohol is listed second on the ingredients list. But if what you’re after is a nearly invisible finish, you’ll like this.
4. Luxe Organix Panthenol Therapy Sun Lip Essence
In our efforts to keep our face protected with sunscreen, we often miss out on application on our ears and lips, cautions Dr. Garcia. While your ears can make do with whatever sunscreen you’re using, your lips will need its own product, and that’s where this SPF 50 PA++++ balm comes in. Our lips easily dry out, and that’s why it’s a nice little touch that this product comes with panthenol—a known humectant that attracts water, and therefore, more hydration. What’s also surprising about this lip treatment is its high gloss payoff—something that can rival popular lip peptide treatments at a fraction of the price.
A final layer of advice
Wondering how to start building a sunscreen habit? Start by looking at formulas that have at least SPF 30, are broad-spectrum, and are within your budget. The best sunscreen isn’t the one everyone’s telling you to apply—it’s the one you’ll actually want to use every day.
