The Top 6 Powdered Sunscreens For 2021

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This year, 2021, is the year of sunscreen. This is because awareness of the effects of harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun are becoming more and more mainstream. Dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen every day, making it the key product in your skin care routine. However, many people think that liquid sunscreens, which can be messy and goopy and mess up your makeup, are the only way to go. And if you're oily skinned, you know the struggles greasy sunscreens can bring to your pores, along with that pesky white cast. Fortunately, there are other options when it comes to sunscreen.

Powder sunscreens are a godsend when it comes to those with oily skin who need a little mattifying. Note, however, that while powder sunscreens are helpful, they are not the end-all, be-all and typically do not offer enough sun protection to be worn on their own. "In general, people do not apply a thick enough layer of the powder to offer the protection that is on the label," dermatologist Marisa Garshick told Elle. "This is why powdered SPF should generally be layered on top of liquid sunscreen."

Although they are more ideal for touch-ups throughout the day, powder sunscreens are still worth it to carry in your purse for that extra layer of protection to keep your skin looking young and vibrant. Here are the top six powder sunscreens of 2021 for our oily skinned friends.

Best powdered suncsreens for those on a budget

Tarte's Sea Set and Protect Mineral Sunscreen Powder in SPF 30 ($28) comes in a formula that lasts up to 12 hours. It glides on your skin smoothly, without ever feeling chalky or cakey. It is good for sensitive skin, and can be used on the body as well (via Martha Stewart). Better yet? It has a subtle vanilla scent. 

Supergoop! is the brand that is leading the sunscreen industry with their innovative products (via Elle). Their (Re)setting Mineral Powder ($30) in an SPF 35 comes in four shades, translucent, light, medium and dark, that will match a range of skin tones.

Brush On Block's Mineral Sunscreen Powder in SPF 30 ($32), meanwhile, in both translucent and tan is a lightweight formula that is also sweat-resistant (via Cosmopolitan). Its main perk is that it is also refillable, and comes with a convenient self dispensing brush.

Best powdered sunscreens for those who don't mind a splurge

The Flow-Thru Radiant Translucent Powder by Ilia ($34) in the shade Moondance comes in a clear color that matches any skin tone in SPF 20. Unlike many mattifying products designed for oily skin, this product gives a luminous finish (via The Hollywood Reporter). It is made with hibiscus extract and rosemary leaf, ingredients that are designed to soothe the skin as well.

The Eminence Organic Sun Defence Minerals in SPF 30 ($58) comes in a wide range of six hypoallergenic shades: translucent, Honey Apple, Cherries and Berries, Peaches and Cream, Calendula Spice, and Cinnamon Bronzer. It also comes with both vitamin A and E to help with anti-aging (via Elle).

Although Colorescience's Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield ($69) comes at a hefty price, it may be worth it due to its SPF 50 quality, a rare find that offers higher protection than most powder sunscreens. Its water-resistant formula also protects against blue light that emits from electronic devices (via Good Housekeeping).