TONAL Beauty Blog

As a young girl, I never appreciated the concept of sunscreen. I remember always fussing at my mom when she continuously drenched me in sunscreen before I went to play outside. Instead of trying to protect my skin from the harsh UV rays, I was too busy trying to rub the white goop off of my face and body. However, as I have grown older and developed a deeper love for skincare and maintaining healthy skin, I have become more fond of sunscreen and incorporate it into my daily routine. 

Wearing sunscreen is one the best, and easiest, ways to protect your skin’s appearance and health at any age or stage in your life. The usage of SPF can help prevent premature aging and damage of the skin. As harsh UV rays work to contribute to the breakdown of collagen within your skin’s barrier, resulting in the appearance of harsh, fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging of the skin, sunscreen can help prevent this by overall boosting the appearance and health of your skin. Not only can harsh UV rays contribute to diminishing the healthy look and glow of your skin, but it can also contribute to skin cancer, a form of cancer that can easily be decreased in terms of risk if you apply sunscreen on a daily basis. 

Even though it is October and the weather is starting to get colder, it is a common misconception that our skin is not at risk during the colder seasons as we experience less sunny and hot days. However, it is important to understand that sun rays are able to pass through the clouds, ultimately making your skin more vulnerable and susceptible to damage. Sunscreen, and other products containing SPF, are one of the best preventative measures you can take to ensure you maintain healthy, glowy skin. However, I have struggled to find the best sunscreen that caters best to my skin without leaving me with that white, ashy-looking cast once it dries. Through lots of trial and error, as well as product testing, I have discovered some of THE BEST sunscreens that help to protect my skin by leaving it healthy and glowy- and of course, they’re all Black-owned! Keep reading to learn more about my sunscreen holy grails.

TONAL Beauty’s Top Picks

Black Girl Sunscreen- SPF 30, 45, 50

Retail Price: $18.99 – $21.99

Why You Should Buy: Black Girl Sunscreen’s lightweight, gel formula protects against sun damage leaving no white residue and a matte finish. Its sunscreens are  specifically crafted for women of color with a formula infused with ingredients such as aloe, squalene, and shea butter that help moisturize, soothe and heal your skin.

FENTY SKIN Hydra Vizor Fragrance Free Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

Retail Price: $38

Why You Should Buy: This fragrance-free invisible SPF 30 moisturizer feels like nothing but delivers on everything—it locks in fresh hydration, fades the look of dark spots and defends against pollution. Instantly smooths while treating pores and dark spots over time.

Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Moisturizer SPF 45

Retail Price: $32

Why You Should Buy: “The best moisturizer you’ll ever use to prep your makeup.” This antioxidant-packed SPF is lightweight and pearlescent to instantly illuminate all skin tones for an instant island glow. It blends quickly and seamlessly with no visible white cast – just that healthy-looking, dewy glow that makes you look your best while staying protected from the sun. Illuminates your foundation or concealer, but also brings out your best skin on no-makeup days.

Cover Art: @nikssartt