In years past, sunscreen had a bad rap for not being very user-friendly. Many formulas would clog pores, leave a white cast, pill on the skin and interfere with smooth makeup application. Fortunately, the best sunscreens of today are not only elegantly formulated but offer superb sun protection. They protect skin from the sun and provide skin-perfecting benefits like anti-aging, hydration and more. Before we share our favorites, let’s discuss why a go-to sunscreen is one of the most important components of any beauty arsenal.

Why is it important to wear sunscreen every day?

Wearing sunscreen everyday (and we mean every single day, rain or shine) helps prevent sun damage and wrinkles, but most importantly protects your skin from developing skin cancer. LovelySkin CEO and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joel Schlessinger offers this advice:

“I always tell my patients that not all sunscreens are created equal. By wearing a good sunscreen, not just any sunscreen every day, especially on your face, you can prevent unwanted skin conditions that are costly to fix and, in some cases, severely dangerous to your health. It’s key to find a sunscreen that works with your skin type, so you actually want to wear it every day. That's why I recommend specific products for each sun-related issue.”

Even though summer is nearing its end, don’t pack away your sunscreen with your swimsuits and sandals. While many think wearing sunscreen during the summer months alone will suffice, it won’t. Our skin encounters UV rays every single day in situations you may not even consider, like driving your car, sitting inside next to a window or on a cloudy day.

What should I look for in a good sunscreen?

Finding a sunscreen you actually want to wear doesn’t have to be difficult. First and foremost, make sure it provides optimal sun protection. We recommend it possesses a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and protects against UVA rays (the rays that age your skin) and UVB rays (the rays that burn your skin). Both rays contribute to skin cancer. Those that do this are usually designated as broad-spectrum sunscreens.

Next, make sure it’s compatible with your skin. If you have acne-prone skin, choose an oil-free formula that won’t contribute to breakouts. If you have sensitive skin, make sure it’s fragrance-free, so it won’t cause irritation. If you wear makeup, choose a formula that you can easily reapply without messing up your look.

Here are a few of the best sunscreens that are so easy to wear, you won’t want to skip a day.

The Best Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 - Untinted

This facial sunscreen is hands down, the best sunscreen for acne-prone skin and is probably the most “un-sunscreen” sunscreen available. A favorite of Dr. Schlessinger, it provides superior broad-spectrum sun protection while actively improving and preventing blemishes. Niacinamide calms inflammation and lactic acid clears pores of dirt, oil and debris that contribute to pimples. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin E moisturize skin without clogging pores.

Why our customers love it: “I could seriously write an ode to EltaMD Clear! I have been faithfully using this sunscreen since first trying it. It is everything it claims to be AND SO MUCH MORE! It is a dreamy lightweight lotion, and thanks to the generous amount of niacinamide it contains, my skin actually looks better now than it did six months ago! EltaMD Clear is hands down the best sunscreen in the world!” – Anna S.

The Best Oil-Free Sunscreen for the Face

SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50

This oil-free sunscreen uses all mineral actives like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to shield skin from damaging UV rays and features a universal tint to even skin tone. Ideal for oily skin, this sunscreen applies without leaving a white cast, minimizes pores and mattifies skin. Aerated silica, which can hold fifteen times its weight in oil, balances skin and reduces shine throughout the day.

Why our customers love it: “I have a hard time finding sunscreens that don't irritate my sensitive, acne-prone skin and won’t leave me looking shiny. This is prefect for me to use in the daytime alone because it blurs pores and reduces the appearance of redness. It doesn't flake on dry patches or acne spots. It also doesn't streak when sweating or roll off the skin.” – Bridgit P.

The Best Sunscreen for Under Makeup

jane iredale Powder-Me SPF 30 Dry Sunscreen

If you are looking for a sunscreen for under makeup or over makeup, this dry sunscreen brush is the perfect choice. Formulated with titanium dioxide to protect skin, this unique powder sunscreen features refillable cartridges that brush onto the skin like a lightweight finishing powder. Boron nitride diffuses light and blurs imperfections on the skin, leaving the complexion protected and perfected.

Why our customers love it: “This sunscreen brush works as a great touch-up if you work in an office and can't easily reapply sunscreen after a long day. I always carry it in my bag; it’s easy to apply and gives a nice matte finish.” – Amber S.

The Best Tinted Sunscreen

Revision Skincare Intellishade TruPhysical SPF 45

This multipurpose tinted sunscreen moisturizer does so much more than simply protect the skin from sun damage. Designed to act as five products in one, this multitasking formula smooths wrinkles with twenty anti-aging active ingredients, brightens dull skin with white birch and plankton extract and perfects with a flattering universal tint.

Why our customers love it: “A fabulous new short cut to great looking skin. This is a one step "fix" for skin. It has sun protection and is moisturizing while it masks dark spots and under-eye circles. Plus, it blends well on my skin!” – Judy S.

The Best Sunscreen with Moisturizer

Epionce Daily Shield Lotion SPF 50

If you’re looking for a sunscreen with moisturizer, look no further than this elegant, hydrating sunscreen lotion. It protects skin with physical actives and features a universal tint that enhances the radiance of any skin tone. Rice bran, apple extract and argan oil provide intense moisture. The best part? It doubles as a primer, allowing for smooth, long-lasting makeup application.

Why our customers love it: “This sunscreen goes on really smoothly without pilling when applied over other products. I like the tint, and it makes my complexion look really refined. I don't even normally wear a primer, but I can tell this serves that purpose. I simply apply mineral powder over this and call it a day. I love the way it makes my skin look!” – Rene K.

The Best Sunscreen with Bronzer

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 PA+++

Available as a sunscreen with bronzer, this daily formula provides powerful protection in a luxurious texture. Fortified with antioxidants to boost efficacy, this zinc oxide sunscreen prevents sun damage and neutralizes damaging free radicals. It’s offered in bronzer tint, glow tint and universal tint, all of which create the appearance of an even skin tone and provide just a hint of youthful glow.

Why our customers love it: “I love how it feels and looks! It’s great sun protection for every day, even when I do not wear makeup. I have fair, olive-toned skin, and it looks good on my complexion.” – Gina T.

What sun protection questions do you have for Dr. Schlessinger and the LovelySkin experts? Let us know in the comments below!