Top Sunscreens of 2024
IN THIS ARTICLE
Hello, everyone and welcome back to But More Importantly. It’s going to be an emotional ride as this is the last chapter of the best skincare of 2024. If you've been keeping up with the series, kudos to you! We've journeyed together and now we've arrived at the concluding piece – the Best Sunscreens of 2024. I must admit that this article excites me immensely as this time, it's all about sunscreen.
In this grand finale, I am going to introduce you to the crème de la crème of sunscreens in 2024. This year, we have two exciting new categories I’m excited to share. First, we'll cover a sunscreen that you, my readers, have shown immense interest in. Second, we'll look at a budget-friendly sunscreen under $20, because good skincare should not have to break the bank. All the products discussed in this article will be linked for your convenience.
Best Sunscreen for All Skin Tones
So, to kick things off, the first product that completely won me over this year is the Beauty of Joseon SPF 50 stick sunscreen. Despite my initial reservations about stick sunscreens, this product has changed my perspective. This Korean sunscreen uses sunscreen filters that are yet to be approved in the USA, but trust me, they're superior. Its magic lies in its ability to leave no white cast on the skin, making it suitable for all skin tones, especially those with darker complexions.
The lightweight consistency of this sunscreen is truly remarkable, giving your skin a nice matte finish. You all know how applying greasy sunscreens on top of other skincare products can make your skin overly shiny, but not this one. Applying this sunscreen repeatedly throughout the day is a breeze, with no concerns about looking shiny or greasy. It’s versatile enough for any skin type, but it's especially beneficial for those with oily skin. It contains green tea oil to soothe redness and sensitivity, turmeric to help brighten dark spots, and numerous vegetable extracts rich in antioxidants to shield your skin from free radical damage during the day.The formula is what makes this product truly stand out. I haven't come across any other sunscreen, stick-based or otherwise, that performs at this level. It's earned its viral status for a reason – it's simply spectacular.
Astonishingly Lightweight Sunscreen
Another sunscreen that has impressed me, albeit for different reasons, is the CōTZ Mineral Sunstick SPF 45. I've encountered quite a few mineral sunscreens and sunsticks, but most tend to leave a greasy, white cast on the skin. But this one is different. The main advantage of a sunstick is its convenience - just swipe it on and you're good to go. This particular sunstick does just that, with no need to rub it in to eliminate a white cast. It contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, along with ginger root oil, a powerful antioxidant. It feels great on the skin and offers a bit more moisture, which I find helpful when in dry areas or traveling. It has a slight tint, offering a sheer base and a hint of glow, and a bit of color correction. It may not work for all skin tones, but CōTZ does offer options for different shades. The sheer volume of this $24 sunscreen is another reason I like it. Many similar products offer less for more money, but this one lasts a long time, provides protection and a bit of coverage, and stands out among the majority of mineral sunscreens that fail to impress.
The Charm of SCINIC SPF 50: Exceptional Sun Protection at an Affordable Price
While I've talked a lot about stick sunscreens, which are great for reapplying, I typically use them as a supplement to a base of cream sunscreen. Cream sunscreens provide the most comprehensive coverage and protection. That's why one of my favorites is the SCINIC SPF 50 sunscreen, a Korean product that's a steal at just $7.
The reason behind my inclusion of this product is largely due to the user experience it offers. A common woe for many in the US is the application of conventional sunscreen - a thick, white, often heavy formula. This product stands as the very antithesis of that experience with its light, fast-absorbing gel texture that feels far from typical sunscreens. But what truly sets it apart is its affordability. At a mere $7, it offers great value for money. I loved it so much that I bought two more bottles during my visit to Korea.
Bliss Block Star SPF 30: The Drugstore Sunscreen You've Been Waiting For
Shifting gears, I'd like to mention another one of my favorites - the Bliss Block Star SPF 30l. It's the top of my list when it comes to drugstore sunscreens. The reason? It does a brilliant job at mattifying the skin without the greasiness. It's tinted, so it gives a correcting effect, similar to a tinted moisturizer, without being too heavy, which I am not a fan of. The tint caters to a wide range of skin tones and is not overwhelming. You can find this $25 sunscreen at Target, Ulta, and other drugstores.
A quick note: it does include lavender essential oil, which generally is not very irritating as far as essential oils go. However, if you have very sensitive skin, you might want to take note of this ingredient.
CōTZ Face Prime and Protect SPF 40: The Perfect Balance of Makeup and Sun Protection
Next, I'd like to introduce you to a tinted sunscreen that's been on my regular rotation - The CōTZ Face Prime and Protect SPF 40 Mineral Sunscreen. This one is a bit different; it's more like a primer with noticeable coverage. If you're not a fan of primer-like or tinted products, this might not be for you. But if you are, I strongly recommend this $27 sunscreen due to its impressive performance on the skin.
I am not into makeup myself, but this product is perfect for that balance between makeup and SPF. It provides coverage almost like a tinted moisturizer and does a great job controlling excess oil due to its primer base. It helps create a mattified look, so your sunscreen application doesn't look greasy or heavy. Also, it's worth mentioning that CōTZ offers multiple shades for different skin tones - a rare find in a mineral sunscreen company.
Beauty of Joseon SPF 50: The Most Loved Sunscreen of the Year
Finally, I want to mention the sunscreen that you, my audience, loved the most this year - the Beauty of Joseon SPF 50 sunscreen. The numbers clearly show that this was the most clicked on and purchased product. It's an $18 sunscreen featuring a whopping 30% rice extract, which is great for skin hydration, in addition to niacinamide and green tea extract. For those of you seeking a glowier look, this might be the sunscreen for you.
Its South Korean origins ensure no uncomfortable white residue – a feature that's been drawing massive attention on platforms like TikTok. Not only does it offer a radiant, healthy glow to your skin, but it does so while maintaining a light consistency to allow your skin to breathe comfortably. I can confidently recommend this for anyone with combination to dry skin types. The formula is a masterpiece and it's overwhelming to see the love it's garnering. It didn't surprise me seeing it as a favorite among users, given its exceptional formula. It deserves all the hype and praise for being a transparent sunscreen that also imparts a delicate glow to your face.
I hope you appreciate this compilation of the top sunscreens of 2024. It resulted from rigorous testing of numerous formulas, a considerable amount of money, and occasional disappointments. But, it's all worth it for identifying the best formulas for you. I’m happy to see that most of my top picks are reasonably priced, considering how challenging it used to be to find an affordable, quality sunscreen. Don't miss the other 'Best of 2024' articles, all linked below. I had a ball creating them and testing numerous products to identify the finest for you.
If you're still here, I'd like to express my gratitude for your support and trust. It's an honor to test all these products for you, despite the occasional skin sensitivity and breakout episodes due to extensive product testing. I hope these articles assist you in developing a reliable skincare regime and staying radiant!
About the Author: Caolan
With over a decade of international experience, Caolan's passion lies in simplifying the complex. Now, as the founder of But More Importantly, he applies these talents to the world of cosmetics, aiming to unmask marketing hype and provide readers with the truth about beauty products. His mission: to help you make informed choices and discover what truly enhances your beauty routine.
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