SPF is that consistent bestie you can always rely on to set you straight and protect your skin! As the transition into the colder months begins, your skincare routine may have begun to change. Using SPF, however, should always be a product that remains in your daily skin routine. The wonderful Her Campus writers and editors took the time to try dozens of SPF products, some with 50+ UV protection, for this year’s College Beauty Awards.
From sunscreen oil for your face and lips to a sheer hydrator, these options are made to protect you from even the sunniest of days and are great for every skin type. And don’t forget to apply your sunscreen down your neck — it’s just as important as your face. Here are the seven products topping the list for this year’s College Beauty Awards that you should add to your cart.
CoTZ SKincare Flawless Complexion Richly Tinted ($28)
CoTZ is for the culture! This lightly-tinted cream product is SPF 50, vegan, and cruelty-free. Eliana loves how inclusive this product is, saying, “Probably the best sunscreen I used. It’s lightweight, dark-skin friendly, and has a soft but lovely smell. It was also great for my sensitive skin!”
Clinique Moisture Surge™ Broad Spectrum SPF 28 Sheer Hydrator ($48)
SPF shouldn’t be uncomfortable on the skin. Clinique’s Moisture Surge is the perfect balance of protection and hydration. “This left my skin feeling SUPER moisturized, so it’s definitely one of the best moisturizers I’ve ever used,” Gracen says. “I loved how it smelled, loved how light it was on my skin, and loved how it made my skin feel.”
Colorescience Total Protection™ No Show™ Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen ($45)
As for me, any sunscreen that leaves a white cast is an immediate no. Colorsecience has the sheerest sunscreen, made with all mineral ingredients. The lightweight formula is Madison’s go-to. “I really liked that it had a pointed applicator so I could keep my hands — and the rest of the product — clean,” she says. “It wasn’t greasy and gave a subtle glow that easily absorbed into my skin.”
Coco & Eve Body Sunscreen SPF 50+ ($32)
It’s the adorable packaging for me! Coco & Eve Body Sunscreen is a beach lover’s dream. It’s dermatologist-tested, water-resistant, and leaves a velvety feeling on the skin. “I loved how it didn’t leave a white cast, which can be an issue with darker skin tones,” Katherine says. “I also like that it’s lightweight and doesn’t have a strong smell!”
Naked Sundays SPF50 Glow + Go Lip Oil ($22)
I love a good lip oil, don’t you? This one from Naked Sundays is rich in vitamin C and amino acids, lycopene, and vitamin E. Madison says, “The applicator is so soft and fluffy, and I LOVE that this lip product is infused with SPF to protect your lips from the sun. It’s super moisturizing and leaves your lips with a gorgeous, glossy look. After a few hours, I noticed my lips still felt extremely soft, like I just applied a layer of lip balm.”
Hero Cosmetics Superbeam Sunscreen ($20)
This sunscreen has SPF 30 and is great for protecting acne-prone skin. The pearl and apricot pigments will leave your skin super glowy! “This product was nice! I loved how it felt going onto my skin, and it left a little bit of a sheen and glow,” Tina says.
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Oil ($21)
This sunscreen oil from Sun Bum uses a lightweight formula that’s non-greasy, leaving your skin hydrated. You won’t want to put this one down! “This product has made me a Sun Bum fan. It was very much worth the price, as it helps prevent sunburns,” Leia says. “I also enjoyed the scent and appreciated that it wasn’t a very dry/greasy type of sunscreen.”