- Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Airyfit Sunscreen. This is my go-to for every day. It’s light, moisturizing, and gives my skin a nice velvety finish. Must be purchased via YesStyle or Stylevana (or another legit Asian products importer).
- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun. Another great choice for every day, but it’s not as protective. I only use it if I will only be outdoors for a few minutes, or as a first layer under more substantial sunscreens. Light and quick-absorbing, like a light facial lotion. DO NOT buy the U.S. formulation available at Sephora and other stores, it’s terrible. Only buy the real formulation from a legit Asian products importer.
- Vichy Capital Soleil Dry Touch Face Fluid. This is my go-to if I’ll be out all day, because it lasts forever and doesn’t sweat off. It gives the skin a nice matte texture without being drying, similar to a primer. It provides great protection, too. Be careful not to buy the U.S. formulation, this is only available via legit European product importers.
- Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence. This is incredibly popular for a reason, and is my go-to for daily arm/body coverage. It has a gel texture that’s a little bit too thick for my face, but it absorbs quickly and provides great protection. Like the others, DO NOT buy the U.S. formula available on Amazon or elsewhere!
- Tocobo Vita Soft Daily Sun Lotion. Feels like a quick-absorbing body lotion, this is my other go-to for daily coverage on my arms/hands. You know the drill, DO NOT buy from a U.S. retailer, make sure you’re getting the Korean formulation from a legit Asian products importer.
- Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch 70 SPF (or CVS/generic equivalent). Perfect for long, sweaty hikes or runs, it stays put without feeling greasy or sticky. It’s cheap enough that I can put it on every inch of my exposed skin and reapply often.
- CeraVe Invisible Mineral Sunscreen. This is new, and it’s pretty great. When I’ve just had microneedling done or there are other reasons I want to use mineral sunscreen, this is the most cast-free version I’ve tried. It feels much lighter and less greasy than most mineral sunscreens (but it’s still a mineral sunscreen, temper your expectations)! Available in the U.S.
- S Select UV Aqua Mild Cut Gel. I bought this on a trip to Japan, so I’m not sure if you can buy it in the U.S. It has a great feel, similar to the Biore, but the sun protection is not as good. I use it on my arms when I don’t expect to be out in the sun much.
- Cetaphil Sun Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Face Drops. This was my go-to for mineral sunscreen before the CeraVe came along. It does leave somewhat of a white cast, but it’s less sticky and thick than other mineral sunscreens.
- Bask Sheer Moisturizing SPF Lotion. This has a strong “tropical” smell and, while I wanted a body lotion with SPF in it, this feels more like a standard U.S. sunscreen. It’s fine, I’m trying to use it up.
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen. I use it for my side gig as a mime or when I’m doing a very long, sweaty hike or training run, and will be out in midday sun, sweating heavily, for hours. It doesn’t sweat off, but is impossible to remove without oil cleanser, and leaves a serious white cast. It goes on thick like face paint. You know I’m dedicated to sun protection when I tell you I’m willing to slather this stuff on.
