Anything labeled ‘anti-aging’ has my immediate attention for obvious reasons. Who wouldn’t want that damage reversing, clock stopping, gravity fighting serum to actually work, right? Truth is, ‘reducing the appearance’ is sort of a copout and the only thing that can prevent future skin trauma is religious use of sunblock. Highly refined and elegantly formulated, the SPF options available today give you absolutely no excuse to skip sunscreen as part of your daily regimen. Catering to the pickiest, most demanding complexions and personalities, my top five come from Sunday Riley, Dr. Dennis Gross, Goldfaden MD, La Mer, and Japan. The country.
Luxurious and practical, Sunday Riley Cashmere SPF 30+ serves 100% mineral sunscreen realness in a lightweight moisturizing base. Firming, toning, and hydrating, it blends anti-aging botanicals with superb protection to fight pollution and harmful UV rays. Fueled by the brand’s signature NV-5 AGELESS COMPLEX and skin softening Cashmere Protein, it also includes Wheatgrass, Ricegrass, Stone Root, Squalene, Ginseng, and rich in Ellagic Acid Pomegranate. Truly matte, this traceless formula absorbs without pilling and is 99% Paraben Free. Insanely decadent and ideal on my combination skin, this cult favorite is a great investment for anyone over 30. (5% Titanium Dioxide) $125 – 50ml available at Sephora.com, Nordstrom.com, Dermstore.com, Barneys.com, SpaceNK.com, CultBeauty UK, etc.
One of my favorite Manhattan residents, Dr. Dennis Gross, just launched a brand new Dark Spot Sun Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen and it’s kinda sorta perfect. A hybrid comprised of a daytime moisturizer and a hardcore sunscreen, this light lotion features Melatonin Defense Complex (a blend of Antioxidants, Melatonin, 3 forms of Vitamin C and Vitamin E) that guards against free radical damage, which results in hyperpigmentation. Driven by Glycolic, Oleanolic, and Hyaluronic Acids as well as conditioning ceramides and plant extract, this seriously anti-aging treatment also offers both UVA and UVB protection. Lightly and pleasantly scented, quickly absorbent, it has no chemical filters and is gentle enough to be used around the eyes. (4.9% Titanium Dioxide, 4.42% Zinc Oxide) $42 – 50ml available at Sephora.com, dgskincare.com, Nordstrom.com, Dermstore.com.
The Goldfaden MD Sun Visor Ultralight Oil-Free SPF 30 Mist is probably the most intriguing sunscreen ever made. With absolutely no scent and no color, this dermatologist developed ultra fine mist is straight up sunscreen without any baggage. Brilliant and innovative, Sun Visor is an excellent choice for any skin type and everybody who struggles with traditional sunblock. If you’ve been skipping SPF because your skincare or makeup didn’t offer it, you no longer have an excuse. Highlighting built-in antioxidant protection courtesy of Organic Red Tea Extract, this year round must-have is also oil and PABA free. (2% Titanium Dioxide Micronized, 3% Octinoxate, 1% Bonzophenone-3) $45 – 80ml available at GoldfadenMD.com, Beauty.com, SpaceNK.com.
Silky and opulent, the La Mer Broad Spectrum SPF 50 UV Protecting Fluid lives up to being part of the iconic brand with every application. Probably one of the best sunscreen options for daily use under makeup, this lightly hydrating lotion is also infused with the healing Sea Kelp ferment known as the ‘miracle broth™’. Enriched with botanicals and minerals, this skin-renewing formula addresses past and future damage caused by sun exposure. Sleek and portable, the La Mer Fluid makes for the quintessential travel companion. From the decadent texture that glides on and sinks right in through the clean scent, this all-around luxe SPF is a perfect complement to your morning ritual. (3% Avobenzone, 5% Homosalate, 5% Octisalate, 2.7% Octocrylene, 3% Oxybenzone) $85 – 50ml available at cremedelamer.com, Nordstrom.com, Barneys.com, NeimanMarcus.com, etc.
Lately, I’ve been collecting (read: hoarding) Japanese sunscreens from Amazon. Not surprisingly, the culture obsessed with achieving and maintaining flawlessly porcelain complexions offers remarkable options in the SPF department. Sadly, I have absolutely no idea what the packaging says so I rely strictly on online forums and Instagram comments. My ultimate favorite is a yellow tube from Shiseido that reads SPF 50+ PA++++. A very kind soul online mentioned it’s for more mature skin — which is probably why I like it so much. The Bioré UV AQUA Rich SPF 50+ PA+++ is slightly thinner in consistency and has a faint alcohol scent without the sting. The NIVEA Sun Protect Water Gel Super SPF 50 PA+++ is similar to Biore but even more weightless. Resembling a magic trick, every one of these sinks in within seconds, making each a perfect addition to already elaborate Asian skincare routines. Beyond affordable at $10-$12 per tube, experimenting with these won’t break the bank (100% of no idea) available at Amazon.com
Each recommendation in this review is easily washed off with any gentle cleanser and requires no special removal instructions. Prior to using it, make sure to shake your sunscreen well as even the fanciest formulas may separate and need to be perked up. Avoid the scorching sun between 10am and 2pm and treat yourself to a generous layer of SPF about 15-20 minutes before heading out. Reapply if necessary throughout the day, so you obviously need the Goldfaden MD Sun Visor. You’re welcome!
Thanks for sharing your Asian sunscreen finds, after I’m done with my Paula’s Choice, I’m planning to give one of those a try!