7 skincare enthusiasts reveal their go-to sunscreen picks for women of color
As a woman of color myself, I understand the importance of sunscreen but can also relate to the difficulty of finding one that doesn't compromise the look of my skin tone.
While formulations have come a long way, it still isn't completely easy to find a sunscreen that doesn't leave a ghostly white cast on deeper complexions.
As a curious beauty reporter, I've found formulations from brands such as Urban Skin Rx, Olay and Farmacy to rub on smooth and clear, and keep my skin protected.
Earlier this year, "Good Morning America" reported that sunscreen that's at least SPF 30 should be applied and then reapplied every two hours per the directions on the bottle.
With that said, everyone should be able to find something that allows them to feel secure while out in the sun -- no matter what their skin color is.
We turned to six skincare enthusiasts and experts of color to find out their top picks. Scroll ahead to find out their ultimate favorites.
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Felicia Walker, beauty influencer and skincare expert
Her pick: Urban Skin Rx Complexion Protection Moisturizer SPF 30
Why she loves it: Thankfully, this is no longer a stress-inducing question. Brands have really stepped up their formulations, making them more invisible and less paste-y. So, picking my favorite sunscreen actually isn’t all that easy — and that’s a great problem for women of color to have! Currently, Urban Skin RX Complexion Protection Moisturizer SPF 30 is in my skincare rotation because it hydrates and protects in one step. It applies seamlessly and doesn’t cause problems if I wear foundation over it. Women of color can wear this with confidence!
Complexion Protection Moisturizer SPF 30
- $24
- Urban Skin Rx
Deepica Mutyala, Founder and CEO of Live Tinted
Her pick: Shiseido Clear Stick UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
Why she loves it: Finding a good sunscreen is tough for skin of color because it can often leave that white or gray cast. My favorite currently is the Shiseido Clear Stick UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 50+. I can wear it alone and a sun shield but also gives my skin glow or I can wear it under my makeup. Also, I love how convenient it is for travel. Stick beauty products make life so much easier on the go!
Clear Stick UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
- $28
- Shiseido
Milly Almodovar, beauty expert
Her pick: Priori Tetra fx251 - Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50
Why she loves it: I'm super religious about sunscreen, and I'm obsessed with Priori Tetra fx251 - Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50. It blends beautifully on my skin and leaves me with a gorgeous healthy glow. I get so many compliments on my skin when I'm wearing just the sunscreen alone. Also, I recently started getting those screen time notifications on my phone, and since I work from home, it showed I spend way too much time in from of my phone. I can't even reveal how many hours because I'm so embarrassed. We now know that the blue light from our electrical devices is aging us as well, and guess what, this offers protection against blue light as well. I'm crazy about this product!
Tetra fx251 - Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50
- $90
- Priori
Dr. Michelle Henry, clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College
Her pick: CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Face Lotion with Sunscreen SPF 30
Why she loves it: It is light, very moisturizing and transparent on melanin-rich skin.
Ultra-Light Moisturizing Face Lotion with Sunscreen SPF 30
- $14.99
- CeraVe
Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton, Founder and CEO of Chillhouse
Her pick: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Why she loves it: It's super silky and makes for a great base underneath any foundation or powders.
Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40
- $32
- Supergoop!
Danielle Gray, founder and beauty expert of The Style and Beauty Doctor
Her pick: Olay Sun Shine Protection SPF 35
Why she loves it: I love this because it disappears into the skin, feels like nothing on and helps to curb shine through the day while also allowing your makeup to last longer. I tested this while on vacation in Tulum. This stuff is legit!
Face Sunscreen Serum + Shine Control SPF 35
- $26.99
- Ulta
Mabel Martinez, assistant social media manager for Maybelline New York
Her pick: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Why she loves it: Last year, before my trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico, I discovered Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen and I've been hooked ever since! I love it's lightweight, gel-like texture and it goes on clear, so it's perfect for all skin tones since it won't leave a white cast. I have oily/combination skin and this product is oil free and dries down to a matte finish. I used it every single day on my girl's trip and I never once got sunburned. My friends on the other hand, were out in the sun for the same amount of time I was and got sunburned, and yes, they were wearing sunscreen. I had them give Supergoop a try and they loved how it felt on the skin, it's Broad Spectrum SPF 40 claim, and said, "It feels like nothing once you apply it." It protects from UVA/UVB rays and blue light, so that's a plus in my book. This sunscreen has become my everyday staple — goes well alone and under your makeup. It's definitely in my beach bag for all my trips!
Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40
- $32
- Supergoop!
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Editor's Note: This story originally posted on June 24, 2019.
