The best glowy sunscreens of 2022: while I usually want a more matte finish in sunscreens, these were the ones that stood out for me this year.
Y’all know my taste in sunscreen: I want a demi-matte finish that’s as dry-touch as possible. In my routine, sunscreen often has to double as a base for makeup, and therefore, has to be as undetectable as possible.
But: I also know that a lot of you do enjoy the glowy life. And here’re my fave sunscreens to give just that.
2022 started a bit meh, sunscreen-wise (and otherwise, but let’s not go there). I felt that a lot of new releases run together in my head, because they were all somewhat similar. By no means bad, but also – mediocre. The following sunscreens changed that.
I generally look for SPFs without alcohol denat., although I’ve since learned that it depends on the sunscreen’s overall formulation. As you’ll see, one of those mentioned below include alcohol, but I can still wear it. No fragrance, though, please. Everything else, honestly, is debatable (even filters), although of course I prefer a decent UVA protection and modern filters.
Garnier Super UV Face Fluid SPF50
Caveat: your skin should be able to deal with both alcohol denat. and the L’Oreal patented filters (Mexoryl XL and Mexoryl SX). My skin can tolerate both when it’s happy, but when my skin barrier isn’t, the filters/alcohol combo makes my skin sting. When I then use it for a longer period of time, instead of rotating through my sunscreen stash, my skin starts to look uneven and, well, unhappy. But that’s only me.
- Chemical filters
- I love that I can just pop into my local drugstore and get 40ml of a rather good SPF for around 10€. It’s easily available in drugstores and pharmacies in Europe, and the UK. In the US, try Lookfantastic.
- Initial review
This one gets high points from me for its accessibility, price and high UVA protection. It’s undoubtedly a very good sunscreen.
The finish is glowy, but don’t believe the marketing that it’s “ultra-light”. It’s definitely not. But: while the very liquid formula might feel tacky for me (with my matte-base-fetish), I think it’s a very pleasant and user-friendly formula for a wide range of skintypes.
Oh, and: it’s AWESOME when you want to reapply it on the go. I’ve written a whole post about that, in fact!
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF50
So, so SOOOOOO hyped. And sensitive or dry-skinned people, rejoice! This one is for you.
- Chemical filters
- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF is available at your usual K-Beauty retailers. 50ml are around 14-18€. (Stylevana, Jolse, YesStyle)
- Initial review
BOJ call their finish “moist and non-sticky”, and whaddayouknow, it absolutely is. It’s formulated without fragrance, alcohol denat. and essential oils, but includes some nice skin-soothing and brightening ingredients like Niacinamide, rice extract and green tea extract.
If you want a sunscreen that feels like a moisturizer and yields a slight glow, AND then works very well under makeup, too, this one is for you. It’s definitely one of the best sunscreens I’ve tested this year – the hype is very well deserved.
So there you have it: my fave sunscreens of 2022 with a glowy finish. Are you looking for rather a glowy or a matte finish in your SPFs, and what are your faves?
Please note that this post is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods or money for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
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