One of the best parts about summer is being able go outside, enjoy the warmth, and relax in the sun. But there is one important aspect to being able to relax while basking in the sun — you need to apply sunscreen. Without it, you’re bound to do serious damage to your skin. And you shouldn’t just apply it on your arms and legs, you can’t forget about your face. In the summer months, I apply a high SPF sunscreen to my face every morning after cleansing. This ritual is ensuring that I keep my skin healthy, protected, and looking youthful. Since I use sunscreen everyday, I have used quite a few different brands and types of face sunscreen on the market. As a self-proclaimed sunscreen expert, I’ve rounded up my favorite affordable face sunscreens for you so you can start your own sunscreen daily ritual too.
Bare Republic Mineral Face Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50
I chose the Bare Republic Mineral Face Sunscreen Stick for this list because it is ideal for those of you who are on-the-go and want a physical sunscreen. This sunscreen is really tiny and looks almost like a mini tube of deodorant. Although that may sound strange, the size and shape of this product is perfect for throwing in your purse and swiping on your face throughout the day.
It’s also a physical SPF, which means it contains active mineral ingredients that deflect and scatter harmful UV rays away from the skin. A chemical SPF contains organic compounds that create a chemical reaction that change the UV rays into heat on your skin and then release it. Physical SPFs are great for people with acne-prone skin, since they are less likely to clog pores, and for those of you with redness or rosacea. It also has less of a stinging effect on the skin, perfect for those with sensitive skin. Depending on your skin type, a physical SPF may be what you need and the Bare Republic Mineral Face Sunscreen Stick is a great one at the drugstore. And you’ll notice a trend with the SPF numbers. I personally only use SPF 50 or more, so this one checks all the boxes for me.
Sun Bum Face 50 Sunscreen
The most expensive out of the bunch (it’s only $12.99, so the price is nothing crazy) is the Sun Bum Face 50 Sunscreen. This Sun Bum sunscreen is great for many reasons. First, it is a very lightweight formula. With some brands, a high SPF face sunscreen can feel a bit heavy, but this sunscreen feels super lightweight. It also smells less fragrant than most traditional sunscreens, so if you don’t like the sunscreen scent (we can’t be friends), then this is a great option. I also love this product since it had never broken me out. I’ve always been skeptical about certain face lotions or sunscreens breaking me out, but the Sun Bum Face 50 treats me and my skin well.
All my vegans will love to hear that this product clearly labels its bottles and is advertised as a vegan product. And once again, it’s SPF 50. I love high SPF sunscreens if you can’t tell already. Since it so lightweight, subtle-scented, and doesn’t clog pores, this makes for a really great everyday sunscreen.
Neutrogena Age Shield SPF 55
Out of all of the sunscreens on the list, this one has been a tried-and-true for quite a few years. I first started using the Neutrogena Clear Face SPF 55 Sunscreen in high school when I was in marching band. It’s not nearly as nerdy as it sounds. We were always outside on the football field, so I picked up the Neutrogena Clear Face sunscreen to keep my skin protected and it has done just that ever since.
I always find myself coming back to this sunscreen for a few reasons. It is oil-free and doesn’t clog my pores. Check. It has the classic sunscreen smell that makes it feel like summer every time you use it. Check. It dries down to a matte finish, perfect for my oily/combination skin. Check, check, check. And once again, high SPF. It’s kinda my thing. This is a just an all-around great face sunscreen under the $10 mark.
Hawaiian Tropics Weightless Face Sunscreen SPF 30
Maybe you read the name of this sunscreen and thought “What?! SPF 30?! So unlike you!” And SPF 30 is generally not like me, but I know some people really don’t want a high SPF face sunscreen and I’m here to please the people. So if you want a lower SPF sunscreen, I recommend the Hawaiian Tropics Weightless Face Sunscreen. I am a big fan of Hawaiian Tropics’ products — my go-to after-sun lotion is from Hawaiian Tropics. The thing that Hawaiian Tropics does so well is the scent of their products. This face sunscreen will transport you to a Hawaiian beach with a coconut in one hand and a ice-cold mojito in the other. Pick this sunscreen up if that sounds like you’re dream experience.
For all things beauty, head to our beauty page.
XO –
Oak & James
One thought on “Best Affordable Face Sunscreens”