8 Types Of Sunscreen You Might Not Consider

When it comes to sunscreen, we’re constantly stressing the importance of wearing it daily, year round. That emphasis on protecting our skin from the sun has never been felt more than this summer with the eagerness to get outside and indulge in activities that were unavailable to us this time last year. And while you’re likely familiar with traditional sunscreen lotions, there are other forms of SPF you may not be aware of, each with its own benefits. If you’d like to explore some of the other options out there, keep reading for eight types of sunscreen you might not have considered (but should) to keep you protected all year long!

1. Powder Sunscreen

First up, let’s talk about powder sunscreen. Yes, sunscreen comes in powder form! One of the pros of using powder sunscreen is that, just like face powder, they typically offer a light amount of coverage. This makes them a great option for applying sunscreen to your face, not to mention the powder formula will keep your face from appearing shiny if you begin to glisten from sweat. Other benefits include that they’re easy to use for reapplying your sunscreen throughout the day, and they can be used on hard to protect spots, like your hair part.

How to use it: Powder sunscreens can be swept over your skin just as a face powder would be. Typically, this type of sunscreen comes with an applicator brush attached, so you won’t need to carry around a separate makeup brush. We love using powder sunscreen for touch-ups. Think of it as using a setting powder over your foundation—or in this case, a liquid sunscreen!

2. Foundation

If you prefer your sun protection to come with coverage you can use a foundation with SPF. There are quite a few options to choose from, but we’re partial to the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation, Lightweight, which contains broad-spectrum SPF 25 and the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Radiant Serum Foundation with SPF 50. They both offer lightweight, buildable formulas that can provide full coverage.

How to use it: Apply using a foundation brush, your fingers, or a makeup sponge. We’re partial to the latter. Try using the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender to buff and blend the formula for even, seamless coverage and sun protection.

3. Primer

Foundation isn’t the only makeup product that can be formulated with SPF. If you want to wear sunscreen under makeup, you may find that makeup primer is the sunscreen option for you. Primers with SPF help to blur lines and imperfections, increase your makeup look’s lifespan (if you’re wearing any), and protect your skin from the sun.

How to use it: Smooth on with your fingers as the first step in your makeup routine.

4. Sunscreen Setting Spray

If you’ve ever wondered how to apply (and reapply) sunscreen over makeup, sunscreen setting spray may just be the easiest option out there. Exactly as it sounds, this sunscreen option is a setting spray formulated with SPF. So, you can set your makeup look to ensure it stays put, all while protecting your complexion from the sun’s harmful rays. It’s a win-win!

How to use it: Close your eyes and hold the setting spray five to eight inches from your face, then mist a few times over your complexion. Sunscreen setting spray is another great option for quick reapplication throughout the day.

5. After-Shave

The products in your regular skin care routine can also double as sunscreen. We bet you never thought after-shave could provide sun protection, but spoiler alert: it can! After-shave balms can contain broad-spectrum SPF to soothe and moisturize your skin post-shave while also protecting it from the sun.

How to use it: After every shave, pump a dime-size dollop of product into your hand. Then rub between your palms and apply all over your face—not just where you shave.

6. Moisturizer

Speaking of skin care products that can double as sunscreen, moisturizer is another option to consider. Moisturizer with SPF provides the two-in-one benefits of hydrating your complexion while also protecting it against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Try the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30, which contains SPF 30, Pro-Retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid to reduce wrinkles and firm and brighten skin in one week. If you want an SPF moisturizer with coverage too, try the L’Oréal Paris Skin Paradise Water Infused Tinted Moisturizer which contains aloe vera, witch hazel and SPF 19.

How to use it: Smooth over face and neck every morning as the last step in your skin care routine.

7. Sunscreen Oil

The opposite of powder sunscreen, this type of sunscreen comes in an oil form. Much like body oil, it’s typically ultra-hydrating and will leave your skin with a moisturized glow. Thanks to its format, it’s a lot easier to blend onto your skin than many other formulas. It’s also a great option if you’re looking for a sunscreen that won’t leave a white cast.

How to use it: Using sunscreen oil is easy. Simply dispense a bit of the oil into your hand, rub your palms together, and massage the oil over your skin.

8. Sunscreen Gel

Last but not least, turn your attention to sunscreen gel. As you can imagine, this sunscreen comes in gel form, similar to the aloe vera you apply after a sunburn. This type of sunscreen has a clear formula, making it another option ideal for those who don’t want to deal with a white cast. The gel texture goes on smooth and easy, seamlessly blending onto your skin. Sunscreen? What sunscreen? They’re also great for hairy areas like the chest and scalp, according to the Mayo Clinic.

How to use it: Squeeze the gel into your hands, rub between your palms, and apply.

Next: Why Some Sunscreens Cause Breakouts

Photography: Chaunte Vaughn, Senior Art Director: Melissa San Vicente-Landestoy, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist: Adriana Perez-Bell, Digital Tech: Paul Yem, Model: Kaitlyn Fitzpatrick