Looking for new ways of protecting your skin from the harmful sun rays? If you’ve been following me for a bit, then you know I love me a multi-tasker and that more than that, I love a sunscreen. A mattifying or setting powder SPF sounds like it’d fit the bill on all fronts! However, sunscreens are a tricky product category. You do one thing wrong and bam – sunburn! That is why I’m covering the very best powder sunscreens available in the cosmetics aisle. Consider these powder sunscreen options that are the best in the category.
1. Tarte Tarteguard Mineral Powder Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
You’ll be happy to pull this vegan powder sunscreen out of your bag when it’s time to apply, because the packaging is cute and the application is easy-peasy. Made with both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, it provides broad spectrum protection. The applicator is built into the container, so all you have to do is click a button a few times and the soft brush will become saturated with powder SPF. It’ll leave your skin looking matte but not dry, and smelling very faintly of tasty vanilla. It is available at Sephora.
2. Jane Iredale Powder Me Dry Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
This powder sunscreen from Jane Iredale is all-mineral, which will surely appeal to those who prefer natural cosmetics. It has a translucent finish that will work for light to medium skin tones, and a mattifying finish aided by oil-absorbing montmorillonite clay. A touch of pomegranate extract gives an antioxidant boost. At only 30 SPF, this is definitely a touch-up sunscreen for short excursions outdoors. You can buy it from Nordstrom.
3. Paula’s Choice On-the-Go Shielding Powder SPF 30
This is the best powder sunscreen formula from Paula’s Choice on our list for those wanting a more nourishing and anti-aging formula. It is made with zinc oxide to provide comprehensive protection, along with moisturizing ceramides and antioxidant vitamins. Once applied to your skin, we guarantee you won’t feel it. The shade is ostensibly universal, but it may not work for the darkest skin tones. It comes with a built-in brush that is as soft as a cloud. Order it from Dermstore!
4. Supergoop! Invincible Setting Powder SPF 45
This pre-loaded brush is full of the highest powder SPF we’ve seen so far, so if you’re in need of serious protection this is the best powder sunscreen for you. The formula is boosted with stabilizing vitamin C and nourishing ceramides, but it is still light and should work for all skin types. It comes in four colors, which is great for those who are often under-served by the beauty industry. The only drawback is that the packaging is a little finicky, but keep reading to learn the solution to that. Find it at Nordstrom!
5. Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45
This is another high-SPF formula that gives really thorough UVA protection thanks to a double dose of both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The finish of this powder sunscreen is quite matte, and despite being marketed as translucent it does have a bit of warmth that may not work for those with lighter skin tones but will be appreciated by those with medium to dark skin who are usually woefully underserved. The brush leaves something to be desired, so you might choose to decant it. Pick it up at Sephora!
6. Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 30
This is another powder SPF option that gets a lot of credit for offering enough color options to suit many skin tones. This formula contains a bit of silicone so it goes on super smooth, with a bit of a skin-blurring effect. Once again, the brush is not the best on the market, but it’s worth it for the incredible protection and color choice. It is available at Nordstrom.
7. Derma E Sun Protection Mineral Face Powder by Ash Deleon SPF 30
This gentle sunscreen powder is one of the more affordable options on this list, but it provides comprehensive protection in a convenient package. It is lightweight with a silky finish and a color that will work best for those with a medium skin tone. The formula contains a touch of chamomile and green tea extracts to give a soothing boost of antioxidants. Buy it from Ulta!
8. Arcona Nearly Invisible Dry Mineral Powder SPF 30
This sheer powder sunscreen is truly translucent, and should work for most skin tones. It comes with a built-in brush with a little button on the end for dispensing powder. The broad-spectrum formula boasts antioxidant vitamin E, smoothing vitamin A, and soothing chamomile and oat powder. You won’t feel it on your skin, and while it’ll absorb some oil it won’t make you overly matte. You can get it at Nordstrom.
9. Brush on Block Mineral Face Sunscreen Powder Broad Spectrum SPF 30
This face sunscreen powder formula includes a lot of natural skincare ingredients, including chamomile, green tea, and even moisturizing safflower oil. It has a slightly luminescent finish that is super flattering. It is quite water- and sweat-resistant, which is another benefit. It comes in two shades. Order it from Amazon!
10. Sweat Mineral Foundation SPF 30
Sweat is a brand making products with athletes in mind, so you know this powder sunscreen will hold up even through a rigorous and sweaty workout. It is both a sunscreen and a mineral foundation, offering light, blendable coverage. Beyond the sunscreen ingredients it also contains vitamin E and milk thistle extract. It is available in 5 shades at Anthropologie.
11. La Bella Donna LBD Sun Protection SPF 50
This sunscreen powder has the highest SPF on this list because it is made primarily of the sunscreen minerals, with just a touch of bismuth oxychloride for its anti-inflammatory effects and some iron oxides for color. It has a translucent color that should work for most skin tones, with a light, semi-matte finish that will work for all skin types. You can find it at Walmart.
12. Catrin Natural 100 Mineral Sun Kill RX Sunscreen SPF 46
This unique mineral sunscreen powder comes with a powder puff applicator, which you may like if you struggle with brushes. The formula itself offers both UVA and UVB protection. It does have a bit of coverage in a color that will work for lighter skin tones, as is common with Asian beauty products. Buy it through Amazon!
13. Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Pressed Powder SPF 30
If you need something small and compact for when you’re out and about, this might be the best powder sunscreen for you. Pressed powders like this one take up less space and tend to be less messy, although they do require that you also carry with you an applicator of some sort. The formula is quite nourishing, with a collection of natural extracts along with vitamins A, E, and C. It gives the skin a natural, airbrushed finish, and comes in a translucent shade that gives a bit of coverage. It is sold at Ulta.
Photos via @negin_mirsalehi, Sephora, Nordstrom