Read ALL about my review process including how I take swatches, photos, and more here.
One of the reasons some of us with deeper skin tones aren’t getting down with sunscreen is that some of them leave us looking like we rolled around in baking powder. I’ve been listing sunscreens that won’t make you ashy for a while so make sure you check out the archives to see even more, but I recently came across some more for you to check out, so let’s go…
Note: Keep in mind though you want to use the recommended amount (if listed) on the SPF to make sure you’re getting the full SPF listed on the packaging. What I mean by this is if you only use a teeny tiny amount of something listed as SPF 30, you won’t be getting the full SPF 30. Typically the recommended amount is about a nickel-sized amount for face and about a shot glass full for the entire body.
Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50
I love how lightweight yet hydrating this formula is plus it gives the skin a nice radiance. I would say this would be better suited for my oily skin during cooler temperatures (I would say spring and fall, but we know how the weather can be dicey in between seasons…lol). I tested this out in 70 degree May weather and while it didn’t feel heavy, it did give more of a dewy finish that I know will run more “greasy” in even hotter weather. I’d say this one is a nice summer/warm weather moisturizer for normal to dry skin and better suited for oily/combo skin when it’s cooler out.
Price and where to buy: $33 at paulaschoice.com
Video demo:
(there are no sounds on these videos, so feel free to watch from almost anywhere)
Paula's Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Demo from Danielle Gray on Vimeo.
See all of the non-ashy sunscreens I’ve covered in the past here
Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 45
I’ve mentioned this product a bunch of times in the past on this blog, but recently came across it again for some work I’m doing in collaboration with ULTA. I like that you can touch-up during the day with this powder (it won’t interfere with your makeup unless you practically bathe your face in it…lol). This also helps with the “how do I reapply my SPF every 2 hours as suggested when I have makeup on” issue.
Price and where to buy: (see widget below)
Video demo:
(there are no sounds on these videos, so feel free to watch from almost anywhere)
Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Demo from Danielle Gray on Vimeo.
Paula’s Choice Smoothing Primer Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 30
This is an option if you have a moisturizer you love to use during the day that doesn’t have SPF in it. It’s your last step in your routine before you apply makeup (you can also wear it without makeup, but just make sure it’s the last step in your skincare routine). It gives the skin a bit of a dewy finish, so this might be something I would wear in spring/fall maybe even in winter as I would prefer something more mattifying for summer. If you have normal/dry skin, you might like this for summer.
Price and where to buy: $30 at paulaschoice.com
Video demo:
(there are no sounds on these videos, so feel free to watch from almost anywhere)
Paula's Choice Smoothing Primer Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Demo from Danielle Gray on Vimeo.
Wink Defend SPF 30 CBD Sunscreen
No, this won’t get you high (no THC) but it is a lightweight non-ashy sunscreen for both face and body. It would be more of a spring/fall facial sunscreen for me, but feels like it would be a nice hydrating but lightweight formula during the summer for normal to dry skin.
Price and where to buy: $34 at wink-wink.com
Video demo:
(there are no sounds on these videos, so feel free to watch from almost anywhere)
Wink Defend SPF 30 CBD Sunscreen from Danielle Gray on Vimeo.
Cover FX SPF 30 Booster Drops Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
This is a product that you can add to any liquid beauty product to give it some added sun protection. This means your moisturizer, your liquid/cream foundation, etc.
Price and where to buy: $45 at Sephora
Video demo:
(there are no sounds on these videos, so feel free to watch from almost anywhere)
Cover FX SPF 30 Booster Drops Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Demo from Danielle Gray on Vimeo.
See all of the non-ashy sunscreens I’ve covered in the past here
Olay Sun Shine Control SPF 35 Broad Spectrum Facial Sunscreen
This is my summer jam! I’ve done a number of wear tests and demos with this—check them out below. I love to wear this on its own, but you can also wear it with your favorite moisturizer. It also helps to keep makeup intact.
P.S. I’ve covered these before, but if you watched my recent IG story on the Olay Regenerist Whips and Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, both SPF versions of these are also non-ashy.
Price and where to buy: (see widget below)
Video demo:
(there are no sounds on these videos, so feel free to watch from almost anywhere)
Olay Sun Shine Control SPF 35 Broad Spectrum Facial Sunscreen from Danielle Gray on Vimeo.
