Editor’s Picks: Massive Sunscreen Recommendation Post 2023

We are truly living in the golden era of sunscreen. Before, sunscreen was merely a beach-day essential, but it has now seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of our daily routines. However, the staggering variety of options can be daunting. Allow me to simplify this process in this comprehensive recommendation post.

If you prefer a sunscreen that is lightweight, comfortable on the skin, and leaves minimal white cast, then this list is for you. Here's a curated selection of sunscreens that I have personally tried, tested, and loved!

Kiss Me Sunkiller Perfect Water Essence N SPF50+ PA++++ (P495 / 50g at Beautybox Corp). This is my ultimate, go-to sunscreen at the moment. It's an impressive blend of essential features - a supremely light gel sunscreen that is free of potentially drying alcohols, leaves no white cast even under the intense scrutiny of flash photography (making it an ideal base for makeup), and serves a hydrating function as well. In fact, it eliminates the need for a separate moisturizer! A delightful sweet orange fragrance enhances the application experience. What's more, its affordability means I can apply it generously every day without thinking twice about it.

Anessa Moisture UV Sunscreen Mild Gel SPF35 PA+++ (P1,490 / 90g at Shopee). If you've often found yourself grappling with breakouts triggered by sunscreen, this is the product you should turn to. Designed specifically for sensitive skin, it minimizes potential irritants compared to other sunscreens. Its lightweight formula moisturizes without leaving a white residue when it dries. Though it's on the pricier side, it's well worth the investment if your skin appreciates it.

Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Gold Spray SPF50+ PA++++ (P1,490 / 90g at Lazada). Ideal for long, sun-drenched days, this sunscreen allows you to refresh your protection without having to remove and reapply your makeup. This is also a beach day essential - I can vouch for its efficacy in preventing sunburn when layered over a standard gel sunscreen. Unlike many sprays on the market, it doesn't leave an oily, greasy residue, instead, it settles into a dry touch finish.

Oxecure Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ (P549 / 30g at Lazada). This is a good everyday sunscreen option, particularly suitable for sensitive skin. I personally favor it as a body sunscreen. Its formula is non-greasy, and like the others on this list, it dries without leaving a white cast. I would love a bigger, more affordable size for the body!

I call these two sunscreens “priming sunscreens” because they have an instant brightening effect on skin, and wears especially well under makeup.

Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying SPF50+ (P2,050 / 50ml at Sephora). This product has earned its stripes as a celebrity favourite. It stands out on my list as the sole purely physical/mineral sunscreen, eschewing chemical screens altogether. While I don't have a particular preference for physical/mineral sunscreens, those who do will find this an irresistible pick. It boasts a very subtle tint that lends a brightening, translucent glow to the skin. Although it might seem a tad thick upon application, it dries to a comfortable finish, leaving behind no white cast.

Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV Sunny Yellow SPF 50 PA++++ (P790 / at Lazada). The Mermaid Skin series is a cult fave at this point, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover they offer a Vitamin C-infused variant. The Sunny Yellow version utilizes a Vitamin C derivative to brighten skin over time. What's more, it leaves behind a luminous finish augmented by ultra-fine golden shimmer particles, reminiscent of a tone-up cream. It's stunningly radiant on the skin, but a word of caution - if you're tanned, applying too much might lend a pale appearance. As you might expect, this too is a lightweight gel formula!

These ones are my beach or pool sunscreen recommendations because they are more water-resistant than the average city sunscreen. Always go for formulations that don’t easily come off with water to maximize sun protection.

Kiss Me Mommy! UV Aqua Milk SPF50+ PA++++ (P525 / 50g at Beautybox Corp). Comprising 90% food-grade ingredients, this sunscreen is safe enough to be used by babies and toddlers. However, adults can certainly use this too! Its standout feature is its ability to adhere to the skin, making it highly resistant to water. Plus, it doubles up as a primer!

Sunplay Ultra Shield UV Body Mist SPF130 PA++++ (P616 / 165ml at Lazada). This is my go-to choice for body sunscreen re-application. When at the beach, I always advocate for a layered sunscreen approach: start with a gel or cream sunscreen, and then follow up with a generous spray to ensure you remain burn-free. An additional perk of this Sunplay offering is its ability to add a stunning glow to your legs, shoulders, and arms.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++ (P673 / 88ml at Lazada). This one's an absolute classic! Although it might feel slightly heavy and thick on the skin, it is one of the few sunscreens I trust to endure a day at the water's edge. If not blended properly, it can leave a minor white cast, but overall, it performs excellently.

And there you have it, folks! I hope you find my curated list of sunscreens helpful. Should you have any requests for other lists or product reviews, do let me know!