These Sunscreen Formulas Help.
I’m not going to pretend this is brave or controversial, but here goes: I still struggle with facial sunscreen re-application. It’s not a habit, it’s a hassle—and I know I’m not alone. The reality? Most of us aren’t topping off our SPF with influencer-like consistency. And the ones who do? Often suspiciously poreless and aggressively rehearsed. Reels of people swiping on glistening sticks are giving “content,” not commitment.
Am I jaded? Perhaps a little? I’ve tested enough midday SPF touch-up formulas to know which ones are theater and which ones are usable. Case in point: the Glow Recipe Dew Balm SPF stick. So slick it felt borderline suffocating. Every time I see it lovingly applied on camera, I just… know better.
And full disclosure: my texture preferences and how products behave on my skin have changed recently. Moving from the soupy Connecticut summer humidity to the bone-dry Madrid heat has completely shifted how I layer—and what I even want to layer. That, plus turning 45 this week (which officially classifies me as “mature skin,” I guess?), means I’m rethinking longtime staples and embracing new finds with a lot more scrutiny.
Here’s what I’ve learned: re-application is easiest if you’re not wearing much face makeup. Foundation wearers? I see you. I respect you. But no, you’re not actually reapplying sunscreen poolside over your full beat. You’re doing performance art.
So here’s the deal. These four chemical sunscreen formulas actually work with real-life skin. I keep them in rotation for midday and early evening re-ups—especially when the Madrid sun feels less “golden hour” and more sun’s out, pores out. And yes, the bag that keeps them cool matters just as much.
Allies of Skin The One SPF 50 Invisible Sunscreen Gel
The texture? Genius. A clear, silicone-based gel that glides on like skincare and dries down like nothing. It’s grippy but not sticky, slick but not shiny. I don’t know how Allies did it, but the dimethicone doesn’t leave that dreaded “primer slip.” Instead, it disappears—leaving behind broad-spectrum protection plus a buffet of antioxidants and Niacinamide. Bonus points for the chemical filter transparency (more of this, please). Since my move to Madrid, I’ve found myself craving this kind of breathable finish that doesn’t clash with the dry air or my evolving skin needs. A rare re-application that actually improves how your skin looks. $45 (50ml) at us.allies.shop—use code OMGBART for 20% off.
ISDIN Invisible Stick SPF 50
I came to Spain with low expectations and SPF stick trauma, courtesy of Supergoop and Live Tinted—two formulas that left my face looking like a glazed donut (one way to trigger me on viral ‘looks'). This one from ISDIN, though? Shockingly great. It glides on without tugging, leaves no shine, and sets to a smooth, satin finish—completely touch-free and genuinely invisible. Made with chemical UV filters, castor oil, and beeswax, it somehow feels weightless and dry, never greasy or pore-clogging. It’s also packed with vitamins and essential fatty acids to support the skin barrier. No stinging, no smearing, no rubbing in. I’ve made peace with the stingy 10g size—and with the loss of ISDIN’s brush-on SPF—because this little stick gets it right. 20 € at ISDIN.com, Amazon.es, and most Spanish pharmacies.
Bioderma Photoderm XDéfense Ultra-Fluid SPF 50 Invisible
Of all the local pharmacy sunscreen finds, this one feels the most made for real-life reapplication. Bioderma’s newest launch is an ultra-lightweight, almost runny fluid that disappears into the skin and layers beautifully—yes, even after the third round. Despite being alcohol-free, it still feels breathable and fresh in the heat, which is rare. The scent is subtle, clean, and vaguely green; the color is milky white with a hint of yellow; and most importantly, it doesn’t sting my eyes. It also comes in three tinted versions, but for reapplication throughout the day, I always stick with the clear. Prices vary slightly by location but expect to pay between 15–20 € for the 50ml bottle. Look for it at El Corte Inglés or your nearest Euro pharmacy.
Garnier Delial Sensitive Advanced Face Mist SPF 50
This is the budget-friendly overachiever I didn’t see coming. Found it in a Madrid drugstore and now it never leaves my bag. The nozzle delivers a fine, even cloud of clear SPF that dries instantly and doesn’t disturb makeup (if you’re wearing any). It’s more pressured air spray kind of delivery vs. spritz of actual mist droplets, by the way. This Delial formula won’t irritate the eyes, and will play well with sensitive skin types. Spray responsibly and do not forget your ears. Just don’t go full fog-machine—it can and will get greasy-looking when overapplied. P.S. The scent is very faint. Around 10 € at lookfantastic.com or check local drugstores/supermarkets like Carrefour, etc.
wellinsulated The Performance Pouch
If you’re going to reapply SPF, it helps if your sunscreen isn’t overheating in your bag before it ever hits your face. Enter: the only zip pouch I use daily. Wellinsulated’s Performance Pouch is lined with NASA-grade insulation and keeps everything—sunscreen, skincare, fragrance—cool and protected, even in 100º heat. It also spares my phone, Kindle, and Jones Road Miracle Balm from melting or warping on the go. Sleek and surprisingly roomy, it solves the very real issue of products breaking down or textures shifting in the sun. Bonus: it keeps the black tube of Allies of Skin from feeling like it just came off a stovetop. $78 at wellinsulated.com. (11.5” L x 7.75” H—yes, it fits a full-face emergency kit.)
Bottom Line
Sunscreen re-application doesn’t need to be a personality. It just needs to be practical. And maybe even… kind of pleasant? These formulas are the closest I’ve come to actually sticking with it. Whether you’re SPF stick-shy, spray-curious, or just over the glow-hacks that don’t work IRL, this list won’t let you down.
