The Best Sunscreen Mists To Keep On Hand All Summer
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Gone are the days when people stayed out in the sun for hours to get a healthy glow. Now people know better. God bless the sun, but too much fun in the sun doesn't do your skin any favors. According to WebMD, the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause skin cancer, premature aging, and even sun sensitivity. Therefore, the daily application of sunscreen can protect you from it all. You need to apply irrespective of the weather because the sun's rays still affect your skin, whether it is sunny or not. Sunscreens can be divided into two broad categories: chemical (where the active ingredients "absorb" the UV rays and stop it from getting deeper into your skin) and mineral/physical (where the active ingredients reflect the radiation).
Jennifer Stein, a dermatologist at NYU Langone Health, recommends choosing a sunscreen with broad-spectrum coverage that protects you from both UVA (that causes aging) and UVB (that causes burning) rays (via The Strategist). When choosing a sunscreen, look for SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher and reapply every two hours. While most people are pretty disciplined about applying sunscreen at the beginning of the day, most don't reapply sunscreen as needed. It can get messy, and you might not want it to ruin your makeup. Sunscreen mists are awesome because all you have to do is spritz it all over to provide continued protection without the hassle.
Here are some of the best sunscreen mists for easy reapplication throughout the day.
Sun Bum Face Mist SPF 45
Even people who do not burn need to use sunscreen to protect their skin, because everyone's skin ages and could get skin cancer. InStyle recommends Sun Bum Face Mist SPF 45 as an affordable pick because it's light-weight and provides enough coverage for protection.
According to Sun Bum, this sunscreen is sheer, so you don't have to worry about messing up your makeup. This chemical sunscreen is infused with witch hazel and is reef friendly. Plus, it smells like bananas that can remind you of summer, and it is super easy to carry around in your purse.
Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen
Sunscreen is available in cream, spray, and powder, and when it comes to reapplication, sprays are the easiest. Dermatologist Mona Gohara told Allure, "The convenience and light-weight, airy application of a mist makes it very easy for reapplication." Plus, they feel refreshing on a hot day.
Allure recommends Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen. According to Kate Somerville, this triple-threat spray protects you from the sun, sets your makeup, and gives you flawless skin without shine. And, this chemical sunscreen has hyaluronic acid for extra hydration.
Supergoop Defense Refresh (Re)Setting Mist SPF 40
Supergoop is known for making quality sunscreen, and they keep coming up with new and innovative ways to continue using sunscreen in many finishes and forms like powder and even spray. Marie Claire loves Supergoop Defense Refresh (Re)Setting Mist SPF 40 because this non-greasy spray can set your makeup, eliminate shine, and protect you from the sun.
According to Supergoop, this ultra-fine mist is perfect for all skin types and has a hydrating matte finish. Bonus, it smells like rosemary and mint. Not ready to invest in a full-size bottle? It is also available in a mini, so you can carry it around with you all day for easy-access spritz.
Pacifica Set & C Protect SPF 45 Matte Sheer Setting Spray
Many people think the SPF in their makeup is enough, but in reality, it is not. Board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi told Who What Wear, "You need about seven times the amount of traditional sunscreen when you are counting your makeup as sun protection." That is A LOT of makeup. That's why a sunscreen spray is a way to go, so you can wear your makeup and keep your skin happy and healthy long-term with the sunscreen mist.
Who What Wear is a fan of Pacifica Set & C Protect SPF 45 Matte Sheer Setting Spray because this 2-in-1 spray is a hydrating SPF mist with sun protection and a makeup setting spray. Pacifica claims it helps control oil and protects you from blue light. This affordable mist is infused with vitamin C to help brighten the skin.
Coola Make-Up Setting Spray SPF 30
If you have an event where you don't get the chance to retouch your makeup, or are out and about on a super-hot day and forget your primer, your makeup might be running all over your face, and that is when a good setting spray does its magic. When infused with SPF, it can keep your makeup in place and your skin looking younger for longer.
Stylist loves Coola Make-Up Setting Spray SPF 30 because this spray will not let your makeup budge all day, and it has SPF 30. According to Coola, this sheer sun protection lasts all day and is infused with aloe vera to soothe and cucumber to keep you cool the entire time. It has the subtle smell of green tea and has the hydrating benefits of hyaluronic acid.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Body and Face Sunscreen Spray SPF 60
Did you know there is a proper way to use sunscreen mist? Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, told Oprah Daily, "Spray sunscreen should be applied like spray paint, not perfume." Make sure to cover all your skin and not just here and there.
One of Oprah Daily's top picks is what dermatologists recommend the most. It is none other than La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Body and Face Sunscreen Spray SPF 60 because it is light-weight, oil-free, and perfect for sensitive or acne-prone skin. This sunscreen spray is loaded with antioxidants to protect you from free radicals and has a beautiful silky finish, so it doesn't feel like traditional sunscreen. It's an excellent pick for those not a fan of fragrances.
Pixi Beauty Sun Mist SPF 30
Our face is the most exposed part of our body, so protecting it daily with sunscreen is essential and this step should always be included in your skincare routine. Celebrity dermatologist Ellen Marmur told Cosmopolitan, "Your face captures over 50 percent of your daily sun exposure, and it doesn't forget it." Forgetting sunscreen on your face can speed up the aging process and, worse, lead to skin cancer.
If you want a sunscreen mist to give you a dewy glow, you need to try Cosmopolitan's recommendation of Pixi Beauty Sun Mist SPF 30. They love this spritz with skin-loving ingredients like "chamomile, bamboo, and aloe leaf extracts that calm, condition, and soothe your skin." According to Pixi Beauty, it works on all skin types, is non-greasy, and gives you the prettiest glow along with sun protection.
Ultrasun Face & Scalp UV Protection Mist SPF50
If you are a fan of anti-aging skincare, you might use active ingredients like retinol and exfoliating acids like alpha-hydroxy acids to fight fine lines and wrinkles. The truth is these ingredients make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it is vital you not forget sunscreen (via Refinery29).
Of course, you might not want to mess up your makeup with a sunscreen spray, and that's why brands come up with SPF face mists that protect you and keep you looking flawless all day. Refinery29 loves Ultrasun Face & Scalp UV Protection Mist SPF50 because it is moisturizing, so those with dry skin will love it. Some sunscreens can sting, but this doesn't burn your eyes. According to Ultrasun, you can also use it on your scalp, and it's great to prevent sun allergies for those who are prone to it.