The best sunscreens can be an essential part of your beauty regime, protecting you from the sun's harmful rays. But it's important to pair your favorite sunscreen with a quality powder sunscreen too, especially if you're planning on spending time outdoors while sweating or getting splashed with water.
If you don't already own one, we recommend investing in a powder sunscreen because they make it less likely that sweat or water will cause your makeup to run off your face and onto whatever surface happens to be underneath it. Having this kind of protection is especially important for those who wear contact lenses since even small amounts of moisture can cause them to become uncomfortable or lose their effectiveness if they come into contact with the eyes.
While many different types of makeup are available now that claim to protect against sweat and water (even foundation), we've rounded up some options that specifically say they're made for use in conjunction with a sunblock so that you know they'll work well together without causing any additional issues.
How We Choose
We chose the best powder sunscreen based on expert and customer reviews. Our experts recommend using a SPF 30 or higher for adequate sun protection, so we only included powders with this rating or higher in our roundup. We also prioritized formulas that are free of harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Furthermore, we made sure to choose a variety of options from different brands so you can find one that fits your needs and preferences. Some are tinted while others are clear; some offer more coverage than others; some are designed specifically for sensitive skin…you get the picture! There's definitely something for everyone in our roundup, so you can rest assured knowing you're making an informed decision when it comes to protecting your skin from harmful UV rays (without sacrificing your makeup routine).
DERMA E Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30
The Derma E Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30 is a lightweight and easy-to-use makeup and skincare product. This product provides high SPF protection, which means it blocks harmful rays from the sun.
The powder can be used alone or over makeup to give your skin a flawless look without adding any extra weight or shine. The mineral formula is non-tacky and leaves your skin looking fresh and dewy all day long. It's also perfect for those who are sensitive to traditional sunscreens as it doesn't leave an oily residue behind on the face.
Overall, this is a great pick for anyone looking for a quick and easy way to protect their skin from the sun.
Brush On Block Mineral Sunscreen Powder
If you're looking for a natural, reef-friendly sunscreen that goes on smoothly and gives you flawless coverage, look no further than Brush On Block's translucent powder. This lightweight formula is perfect for any skin type, whether you have oily or acne-prone skin or want to avoid the sun altogether.
The brush on block is easy to apply and packs well in your bag or purse so you can reapply it throughout the day without having to worry about messy fingers. The price point of this product is also very reasonable considering how much it delivers. It goes on easily with just your fingertips and blends seamlessly into the skin without leaving any visible residue or caking up like some other powders I've tried in the past.
I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for an affordable and effective sunscreen option that won't leave them feeling greasy or looking cakey all day long.
Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen
The Colorescience Mineral Powder is a great addition to any skin care routine. It's an effective and easy way to protect your skin from the sun without adding any extra weight or texture to your makeup.
The powder comes in three shades, so you can find one that matches your skin tone perfectly. I've been using this product for a while now and it has made a huge difference in my daily routine. Not only does it help keep me safe from harmful UV rays, but it also adds a touch of elegance to my look.
It's perfect for days when you want to go out and be active but still want to look put together and not like you're wearing anything special. The Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder is lightweight, doesn't cake up on your face, and gives you the protection you need from the sun - all at an affordable price point!
Supergoop! Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder
The Supergoop! Poof Mineral Sunscreen Powder is a great option for those who want a high-quality sunscreen that doesn't leave behind an oily residue. This powder provides SPF 35 protection without leaving behind any white marks or shine, making it ideal for both face and body use.
The product comes in a convenient plastic jar that contains just enough product to cover your entire head of hair. It's easy to apply with either your fingertips or a brush, and the finish is smooth and undetectable. The powder also has antioxidants which help nourish the skin, making this an excellent choice for anyone looking for a healthy alternative to traditional lotion.
The price point on this product is reasonable considering its high-quality ingredients and long list of benefits. Overall, we think this is one of the best mineral sunscreens out there - especially if you're looking for something that won't leave an oily residue on your skin or hair when you're done using it.
Nature's Apothecary Sunscreen Powder SPF 30
If you're looking for a high-performance, natural sunscreen that won't leave a white cast, then this DaySpa body lotion is the perfect choice.
It's made with shea butter and coconut oil to keep your skin smooth and moisturized all day long. It also contains zinc oxide powder which is reef safe, so it won't harm the environment if you decide to take it off at the beach. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly into your skin without leaving an oily residue or feeling sticky or heavy.
This body lotion is perfect for anyone who wants to protect their skin from harmful sun rays while still looking healthy and glowing. Whether you are running around town or spending hours in the sun at the beach, this will help keep your skin protected while still looking great!
Powder Sunscreen FAQs
It's not easy to find the perfect sun protection product, especially when there are so many different types of products on the market.
It seems like every week a new brand or type of sunscreen hits the shelves, making it even more confusing to figure out what you need. We're here to help!
We've compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions about powder sunscreen so that you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next bottle of sun protection.
Does Powder Sunscreen Work?
Sunscreens that come in a liquid form are popular because they're easy to apply and there's no mess involved. But even the best liquid sunscreens don't provide the same protection as a powder sunscreen.
No matter how quickly you put on a typical lotion-based sunblock, it won't completely blend into your skin. It'll leave behind an oily feeling and a white cast, which is why many people choose not to wear this type of formula at all times. Powder sunscreens go on clear, so you can wear them without any type of issues throughout the day if you want to protect yourself from UV damage while having good coverage.
Why Do Experts Don T Recommend Powder Sunscreen?
Sunscreens that only come in powder form have a tendency to leave behind a chalky, white residue on the skin. The result is that your face ends up looking like you just dipped it into a bowl of flour. This is why experts don't recommend powder sunscreens and feel that if you do choose this option, it's best to apply it with a makeup sponge or by gently patting it over your regular liquid sunscreen.
Because powders are more prone to leaving an undesirable finish on the skin, they're much less effective at providing protection from UV rays compared to their liquid counterparts. In fact, according to Consumer Reports tests, when applied correctly (i.e., with the right amount of water and pressed into place), many regular sunscreens provided significantly better UVA protection than one popular powder product; however, when applied incorrectly (by using too much water or not pressing in properly), no type of sunscreen fared well.
Is Powder Sunscreen Non Comedogenic?
No, powder sunscreens are not non-comedogenic because they contain ingredients that can clog pores. These include talc, which absorbs moisture; aluminum hydroxide and oxychloride, which absorb UV rays; and silicone elastomers, which provide an even finish.
Non-comedogenic sunscreens use physical sunblock ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to block UV rays without absorbing them. They usually leave a matte finish on your skin without the white cast of traditional sunscreens.
Do You Put Powder Or Sunscreen First?
It doesn't matter. Powder creates a barrier so the sunscreen won't sink into your skin and wash off as easily. Sunscreen is better at preventing sun damage and keeping you cool, though, so put it on first unless you're going to be in the water or sweating a lot. If you're worried about white streaks and caking, try mixing the two together before applying to your face.
If you don't want powder messing with your makeup, apply it after putting on foundation but before finishing off with an appropriate powder product.
How Long Does Powdered Sunscreen Last?
Sunscreens are classified by an expiration date, which is usually printed on the bottle. However, according to the FDA, that doesn't indicate when a product will stop working as well as it should; it simply tells you when the manufacturer thinks the product may start to break down and lose effectiveness. That said, if you follow some simple guidelines for storage and use of your sunscreen products (not just powders), you can extend the shelf life significantly. Store your sunscreen at room temperature in a dry place so that it doesn't absorb any moisture, which can compromise its effectiveness. Also make sure to close tightly any containers of powdered sunscreen after each use so that no powder leaks out and loses potency.
Most experts agree that sunscreens begin losing their effectiveness after about two years from their production date if they're not properly stored or used, but many people have reported getting up to five years of effective performance out of their products with proper care.
Can I Reapply Sunscreen Over Powder?
As long as you're using a non-comedogenic powder (i.e., one that won't clog your pores), it should be fine to apply the product over sunscreen, as long as you give it some time to absorb first. The easiest way to do this is not by smothering another layer of powder on top, but by blotting away any excess water or sweat with a tissue or towel first. You'll want to wait at least 15 minutes before applying anything else on top of your powder, including sunscreen.
Is SPF Powder Worth It?
There are plenty of water-resistant powders on the market that don't have SPF protection. So, why choose one with a built-in sunblock? Well, many of these powders come in matte or satin finishes (not all do), and having an SPF powder gives you the option to add a little sheen to your face if you want it. That's not always easy to do without looking like you just dipped your face in flour.
Plus, some women find it hard to reapply their sunblock throughout the day no matter how much they try and keep products handy. Using powder means they're getting at least some protection from UV rays rather than none at all. And we all know how dangerous overexposure can be!
Is Powder Sunscreen Good For Acne-prone Skin?
Sunscreens are known to clog pores, but some powders can actually help clear your skin. As long as you choose a mineral-based powder that's non-comedogenic (won't clog your pores), this should be fine for acne sufferers. Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which act as a physical barrier to block the sun's rays from penetrating your skin. These kinds of sunscreens have a matte finish and tend to be less likely to cause breakouts compared with those containing chemical ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate.
If you're looking for an even better solution for acne-prone skin, look for a powder sunscreen spray with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide added in, which are proven acne fighting ingredients. Be aware that these types of powders may be more expensive than traditional mineral sunscreen options though and will still need to be applied regularly throughout the day.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Applying Powder To Your Face?
The main disadvantage of using setting powder is that it can sometimes make your face look a little heavier, especially if you go overboard with the application. Make sure you blend thoroughly to avoid this issue. Powder can also feel uncomfortable on sensitive skin and may exacerbate acne or dryness in some cases.
It's also important to choose the right powder for your skin type so that you don't end up making your makeup look caked on or cakey instead of perfected. Finally, powders don't have the same finishing properties as other types of foundation, so they won't give you quite as flawless a look unless you use a setting spray too.
Conclusion
Choosing the best powder sunscreen can be a daunting task for those new to the concept. Before investing in any product, it's important to consider your individual skin type and needs as well as the benefits of using a powder sunscreen compared to traditional liquid formulas. Ultimately, it's about striking a balance between safety and effectiveness while also taking into account cost and convenience when making your decision. With all these factors in mind, it's possible to find an ideal powder sunscreen that meets both your expectations and requirements.
