I get it. Reapplying sunscreen over makeup is a huge pain. You can’t just slather a cream on top without turning your face into a goopy mess. That’s why I started using powder sunscreens. They’re my secret weapon for staying protected all day long without ruining my makeup.
A good mineral powder sunscreen can soak up oil, set your foundation, and add a fresh layer of SPF in about 30 seconds. I keep one in my car and one in my purse at all times. It’s just the easiest way to reapply on the go.
After testing a bunch of them, I’ve figured out which ones are actually worth the money. Here are my picks for the best powder sunscreens that I’ve tried myself.
The Colorescience brush costs a steep $69. It’s definitely an investment, but I think it’s the best powder sunscreen out there if you can swing it.
This is the one I see dermatologists recommend the most, and for good reason. The powder is so finely milled that it sweeps over makeup without caking or looking chalky. It has a high SPF 50 and even protects against blue light and pollution, which is great for days I’m stuck in front of a screen.
It’s water-resistant for 80 minutes, so I feel comfortable using it on beach or pool days. It just works exactly like it’s supposed to, every single time.
The Downside: The price is the biggest hurdle. It’s one of the most expensive options available.
At $35, the Supergoop! powder is a much more accessible choice. I reach for this one on days when my skin feels extra oily.
It’s fantastic at mattifying my T-zone without making my skin look dull or flat. The powder is truly translucent and disappears into my skin, so there’s no weird white cast or flashback in photos. Plus, the brush is refillable, which feels less wasteful.
The Downside: The SPF 35 is a little lower than I prefer for a primary sunscreen, so I think of this more as a touch-up product.
Brush On Block comes in at $36. It’s a solid choice if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin that reacts to everything.
The formula is really gentle and never irritated my skin or caused breakouts. It provides a nice, natural matte finish that helps set my makeup in the morning and keeps shine away in the afternoon. It’s also reef-safe and water-resistant.
The Downside: I found I had to spend a little more time buffing this one in to make sure it was completely blended and even.
The ISDIN Mineral Brush is priced at $54. This one feels very high-tech and is perfect for city life.
It has a high SPF 50 and protects against pollution, which I appreciate when I’m out and about. The powder itself is invisible and gives a soft-focus finish that blurs minor imperfections. It’s also fragrance-free, a big plus for my sometimes-sensitive skin.
The Downside: There aren’t many shades to choose from, so it might not work for a wide range of skin tones.
You can get the Jane Iredale powder for $59. I liked this one for all-over use, not just on my face.
The powder is incredibly fine, making it great for dusting over my face, chest, and even my hair part. It’s water-resistant and feels really comfortable and light on the skin, so it’s a good one for active days. It does a decent job of keeping oil under control, too.
The Downside: Trying to pour the refill into the brush applicator can get really messy if you’re not careful.
The Eminence powder is $58. This is the one I’d recommend for friends with drier skin who are usually afraid of powders.
Somehow, this powder feels almost hydrating and never settles into fine lines or emphasizes dry patches. It blends beautifully and you can build it up for a little extra coverage over your makeup. It also has blue-light protection, which is becoming a must-have for me.
The Downside: It can be tricky to find your perfect shade match without trying it in person first.
For just $20, the Hawaiian Tropic brush is an absolute steal. This is the perfect entry-level powder sunscreen.
It gets the job done without a big price tag. The translucent formula works well for quick touch-ups over makeup, taming shine without looking heavy. I also use it on my scalp and part line when my hair is pulled back. It’s a great, affordable option to just throw in your bag.
The Downside: It is not water-resistant at all, so this is strictly for casual, dry days, not for the beach or a workout.
This is the priciest of the bunch at $78. The iS Clinical powder is a luxury product, but it delivers a beautiful, polished look.
The tinted shades are amazing, especially for medium to deep skin tones. They blend seamlessly and provide a bit of coverage that evens everything out. It feels hydrating and mattifying at the same time and contains antioxidants for extra skin protection. I love dusting this along my hairline where cream sunscreens can make my hair greasy.
The Downside: The cost is very high, making it more of a splurge item than a daily staple for most people.
So, which is the best powder sunscreen for you? It really depends on your skin type and your budget. If you wear makeup daily, the Colorescience is hard to beat for its performance and high SPF.
But if you’re just looking for an affordable way to cut down on midday shine and add some protection, the Hawaiian Tropic or Supergoop! options are fantastic. No matter which you choose, having one of these makes reapplying sunscreen a million times easier.
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