Skincare

Sunscreen is the one skincare non-negotiable that I wear every single day. 365 days a year. I even wear it when I’m at home, not leaving the house because we have a ton of windows in the home so sun can still get through. Sunscreen formulations have come a long way so if you don’t like wearing one, keep trying until you find a formula that works for you. There are so many to choose from with every texture imaginable. I thought it was time I made a dedicated post to all my sunscreen favorites, updating it as I find new formulations or stop using old ones. This post will cover face, body, tinted options and everything else in between. Hopefully you can find a new SPF to add to your collection too!

Sunscreen Formulas I Recommend

Face Sunscreens

Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50

This is one of the most beautiful sunscreen formulas I’ve tried in a long time. It feels like a nourishing hydrating serum rather than a traditional sunscreen. It wears beautifully under makeup and leaves a fresh radiant glow to the skin. A must try for mature skin!!!

Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50

There is a reason this is a top seller for Naturium!  While the name is Dew-Glow, I would say this is not overly dewy so it would work well for a variety of skin types. It’s creamy, moisturizing and leaves my skin with a natural finish. The price point is also what makes this a cult classic – $44 for 100mL which is nearly double the amount of every sunscreen in this list.

Versed Good Defense Daily Sunscreen SPF 50

If you prefer a lightweight gel-cream texture, this SPF is a must try. It’s intensely hydrating as soon as you apply it leaving my skin feeling plump and well-balanced. It’s a clear formula that leaves no white cast on the skin.

Credo Beauty Solar Limits SPF 43 (discount code: 10MAREE)

I fell immediately in love with this sunscreen serum as soon as I first tried it. It’s very lightweight and absorbs instantly. It doesn’t feel greasy or oily yet still hydrates and moisturizes my skin.

Sonya Dakar Day Drops SPF 50 Serum (discount code: MAREESYE)

If the feeling of traditional sunscreen formulas are hard for you to get used to, this is another sunscreen serum that I absolutely love. Super lightweight and hydrating formula that leaves the skin with a soft natural skin finish. This is also a great product to wear under makeup because of how quickly it absorbs while still leaving the skin nicely prepped.

OneSkin OS-01 Face SPF 30+ (discount code: MAREE15)

The OneSkin OS-01 Face SPF 30+ is one of my most repurchased skincare items. It’s a lightweight, hydrating formula that feels nearly undetectable on the skin. It absorbs instantly and wears beautifully under makeup.

Naked Sundays SPF 50 CabanaClear Invisible Water Gel Serum

If you struggle with sunscreen leaving a white case of any kind on your skin, this formulation is completely clear when applied. It feels like a watery serum that is lightweight and absorbs quickly. It’s perfect for days when the thought of putting anything on your face is too much. This feels slightly refreshing and provides amazing sun protection.

Anua Zero-Cast Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50

Because my skin is dry, I do love sunscreen formulas that feel rich and nourishing. But in the summer, I will switch to formulas that still hydrate but feel more lightweight on the skin. The Anua Zero Cast SPF feels moisturizing initially which is great for my mature skin but doesn’t feel too rich or intense. It actually makes my skin look supple and super plump which is not the case for many formulations. It’s one of the reasons it became a favorite for me. The name denotes that it won’t give a white cast to the skin but you do have to wait a minute or two for the initial sunscreen “finish” to fade. Once it settles down, it looks natural and undetectable on the face.

Sunscreen Sticks For the Face

Bloomeffects Tulipscreen Shield & Glow SPF 50 stick (discount code: Maree)

This is my preferred SPF stick to keep in my purse when I’m out and about. It is moisturizing and leaves the most natural soft glow on the skin.

Kiehl’s Better Screen UV Serum-in-Stick SPF 50

I have this in my pool bag so it’s a great formula to apply when I’m out in the sun and sweating. It’s not as glowy but goes on clear which I prefer. My son and husband also like this formula because it feels like nothing on the skin.

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Stick SPF 40

Another favorite for the pool bag because it helps to control the appearance of oil and shine on the skin. Goes on clear and doesn’t feel heavy or uncomfortable as you apply more throughout the day.

Sunscreen For the Body

OneSkin Triple Power OS-01 Body SPF 30+ (discount code: MAREE15)

The OneSkin Triple Power OS-01 Body SPF 30+ is an absolute must have for me. I hate the way most body sunscreens feel especially if I am wearing them day to day and not at a pool or beach. This one is so moisturizing and feels like I am applying a lightweight body lotion that absorbs almost instantly. It isn’t shiny or greasy but does leave my skin with a subtle healthy glow.

Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50

This is the preferred sunscreen that I leave in our pool bag for the entire family to use. It feels very lightweight, doesn’t leave any white cast on the skin and really protects my fair skin. Some body sunscreens will do a good job but if I get in and out of the pool, I will eventually get burned even if only a small bit. I never burn with this on!

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 100

A new addition to the pool bag this summer. This is a sunscreen milk with SPF 100 protection! The entire family loves this and is what I reach for when I can’t be in the shade for whatever reason. I don’t have to reapply this as frequently as my other body sunscreens but this still protects me from ever getting burned.

Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF 50 Mineral Body Cream

A new-to-me sunscreen that I’ve been testing for the past few months. I really love the way this feels and wears for an everyday body SPF. It leaves a nice healthy radiant look to the skin which I prefer for day to day. Something I can apply to my chest and arms even when I’m working from home and will only be going outside to run an errand or get the mail. I still like to have sunscreen on but something that leaves my skin looking glowy but not shiny. This is perfect!

Tinted Sunscreens

Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 (discount code: Maree)

For those with dry or mature skin types, this is truly one of the best sunscreen serums I have ever tried. It leaves your skin nourished, glowy, plump and supple. It provides protection against UVA & UVB rays, pollution, blue light and free radicals. Out of all the sunscreens in this list, the Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum gives the sheerest coverage. It can’t even really be described as coverage but more like a slight pigment that helps to even out the skin tone and color correct.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

I’ve heard so many great things about this tinted SPF so I’m not sure why it took me so long to try it – but I am HERE NOW FOR IT!!! I can now understand why this has so much buzz surrounding it because the formulation is 10/10. This is a tinted SPF that goes on white and then transforms into a skin tone shade when you blend it in. The coverage is sheer but can be built up slightly to really even out the skin tone and conceal small imperfections.

Naked Sundays BeautyScreen SPF 50 Peptide Foundation Tint

This is a thin and lightweight tint that gives sheer coverage but enough to wear as your daily makeup. It’s formulated with peptides and squalane so it delivers skincare benefits while also providing a light tint for everyday. If you have sensitive skin, this may be a great option. It has different ingredients in it to help calm and soothe the skin.

Merit Beauty The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45

This tinted mineral sunscreen is gorgeous and truly feels undetectable on the skin while still giving amazing coverage. It has some blurring properties which I immediately saw as soon as it was applied. And it makes the skin look smooth, even, and has a velvety-like radiant finish. It is extremely long wearing and looks great at the end of the day with little to no separation.

Missha M Perfect BB Cream SPF 42

Even though this BB cream gives medium to medium-full coverage, it manages to feel like I’m wearing nothing on my skin. Additionally, it is one of my longest wearing foundations! How it looks in the morning is exactly the way it will remain until the end of the day. This BB Cream is one of the longest wearing complexion products I own.

Versed Skin Multi-Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Lightweight and skin-like, this tint evens out the complexion perfectly while also providing SPF 40 sun protection. Initially this looks like it will be very sheer and provide little to no coverage just based on how thin the liquid looks when you first pump it out. I was shocked when I went to apply it and found it gave much more coverage than I was anticipating. In between sheer and medium is where the coverage falls but you can definitely build it up slightly if needed.

Lip Products With SPF

OneSkin OS-01 Lip Shield SPF 15 in Bare Blush (discount code: MAREE15)

I love everything OneSkin does so I knew I would adore this new lip launch. And I was right! But I didn’t just adore it – it immediately became a favorite. The color is the perfect neutral everyday pink that I can wear with any makeup look. It feels nourishing with no tackiness (and no weird sunscreen scent).

SPF Powder

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush On Powder SPF 50

If I do happen to get shiny throughout the day, I will touch up with this sunscreen powder. It is absolutely genius because it helps to tone down any shine while also adding a layer of sun protection. It’s small and compact so I keep it in my purse and can always have it with me.

One skin concern that was never an issue for me years ago but has slowly crept up is the appearance of dark spots. Ugh! They are among the most common skincare concerns and can develop for several reasons. Most dark spots are usually harmless, but they can affect overall skin tone and make the complexion appear uneven or dull. They can make you feel less confident because they can be hard to cover up or hide with traditional makeup. I regularly get questions from readers about ‘how to get brighter skin‘ so today’s post is going to be a guide on how to remove dark spots on the face safely and effectively.

How To Remove Dark Spots On Face

The biggest frustration with removing dark spots on the face is how long it can take to see results. It requires consistency, patience, and the right skincare approach. It’s important to combine targeted ingredients with daily sun protection in order to significantly improve overall skin tone and clarity over time. The most effective routines focus not only on correcting existing discoloration but also on preventing future pigmentation from developing. (translation: daily SPF is a non-negotiable!)

What Are Dark Spots On Face

Dark spots on the face are typically areas of excess pigmentation that appear darker than the surrounding skin. These areas of pigmentation come from excess melanin production. And depending on your skin tone can appear brown, tan, gray, or black. Some of these darker areas show up as a simple spot while other times they can be a collection of uneven pigmentation covering larger areas of the face.

What Causes Dark Spots On Face

UV exposure and sun damage

This is going to be one of the most universal and common reasons for dark spots on the face. Sun exposure and sun damage will usually show up dark spots and uneven pigmentation across the face and body. Sun damage can affect any skin tone – even people with darker skin. Skin cancer is one of the biggest results that can come from sun damage so it’s important to always protect yourself.

Acne scars and post-inflammatory pigmentation

As if having a blemish isn’t already hard enough, they can often leave dark spots on the skin once they have healed.

Hormonal changes such as melasma

One of the most challenging forms of hyperpigmentation to treat is melasma often caused by hormonal changes. It can be an ongoing battle because it is dependent more on internal triggers rather than only external.

Skin irritation or picking at blemishes

One of the side effects of picking at your skin or any skin irritations is that it can cause damage that shows up in the form of dark spots.

Aging and cumulative sun exposure

This is my main issue – sun damage from decades ago finally coming to the surface! Ugh! Also age spots are a common occurrence that develop just from getting older.

Inflammation from harsh skincare products

When the skin is inflammed or irritated from harsh products like chemical exfoliants, retinol products, etc., it can leave dark marks on the areas affected. This is often referred to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Can You Get Rid Of Dark Spots On Your Face?

The short answer is yes AND no. It all depends on the circumstances causing the spots, your specific skin type and other factors that can be hard to pin down. Results vary depending on how deep the pigmentation is and what caused it but there are ingredients and products that can help. The key to seeing results on fading dark spots is patience and time. Visible improvement may take 4–12 weeks and in some cases even longer.

How To Get Rid Of Dark Spots On Face

Use Brightening Ingredients

• Vitamin C for antioxidant protection and tone improvement
• Niacinamide to reduce discoloration and support barrier health
• Azelaic acid for acne-related pigmentation and redness
• Retinoids to increase skin cell turnover
• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) for gentle exfoliation

Wear Sunscreen Daily

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher helps prevent pigmentation from worsening
• Daily SPF use is necessary. I will often wear a regular sunscreen first and layer any of my favorite tinted sunscreens on top as my makeup for the day.
• Limit sun exposure and always have some type of sun protection on

Avoid Picking or Irritating the Skin

• Picking acne and over-exfoliating can trigger additional pigmentation
• Gentle skincare helps reduce inflammation-related dark spots

Professional Treatment Options

• Chemical peels
• Laser treatments
• Microneedling
• Prescription-strength topical treatments

Best Ingredients For Dark Spots On Face

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of my favorite ingredients to brighten because it helps to inhibit melanin production and even out the skin tone.

Niacinamide

This helps to fade current spots while also prohibiting any pigment from spreading.

Retinol

Retinol helps to stimulate cell turnover so it works wonders at helping your skin look brighter and more even toned. There are prescription strength retinoids that you can get from your doctor, but also a ton of over the counter options that deliver amazing results.

Tranexamic acid

Much like vitamin C, tranexamic acid inhibits melanin production in the skin which can help fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.

Alpha Arbutin

Known for it’s gentle abilities to brighten the skin and inhibit the enzyme needed for melanin, it’s a great alternative to hydroquinone which can be extremely harsh for certain sensitive skin types.

My Favorite Products To Remove Dark Spots On the Face

Educated Mess Golden Hour (discount code: MAREE15)

If you find that most vitamin c serums irritate your skin, this may be the one exception. The Golden Hour serum uses a gold stabilized vitamin c in their formula which allows it to remain stable and more effective for a longer period of time. In addition, there are ingredients to help hydrate, reduce water loss in the skin, gently exfoliate and most importantly brighten. It’s hard to specify “the best vitamin c serum” because there are so many but this is definitely one of my all time favorite formulas.

Currentbody Multi-Light LED Mask (discount code: ALITTLEBITCB)

My LED mask is the main reason my skin currently looks its best at 46. I have a great skincare routine but using an LED mask daily for the past 2 years has done WONDERS for my skin. However the mask I had before only focused on anti-aging concerns but this newest mask has various light settings to target different issues. There is a setting for overall anti-aging, brightening the skin, calming the skin (reducing redness), reducing breakouts and a setting that does all of them together. If there is one skincare device to invest in, this is the one!

Mother Science Molecular Hero Serum (discount code: MAREESYE)

The Mother Science Molecular Hero Serum addresses many skin concerns and has quickly become one of my most repurchased skincare items. I added it to my evening routine nearly 2 years ago using it every other night. It took nearly a month for me to begin to notice any changes. So I always advise being consistent with a new product for at least 4 weeks to determine if the product is working. The key ingredient in the formula is Malassezin, which is 10x more powerful than vitamin c in helping reduce and fade dark spots.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal

The Medik8 crystal retinal formula uses retinaldehyde which works faster than traditional (over the counter) retinol. There are various strengths depending on what your skin can tolerate and you can work up to the stronger levels over time or stick with what works for you. If you really want to target anti-aging concerns such as wrinkles, uneven skin tone and firmness, retinol products are a must have for your skincare routine.

YSE Beauty Your Favorite Ex Exfoliating Pads (discount code: MAREE15)

I love these exfoliating pads and use them three times a week to give me a nice chemical exfoliation. I’m pretty picky about my exfoliating pads not being too strong or too gentle. And this manages to be the perfect balance. It’s formulated with glycolic acid which helps to slough off those dead skin cells and improve skin texture. It also contains gluconalacotone which has anti-inflammatory properties. Even though it resurfaces, my skin still feels nicely hydrated afterwards instead of tight or irritated. I also LOVE the shape of them because they are a dual-textured pad with a pocket that you can fit your fingers into and easily swipe across the face.