The 9 Best Powder Sunscreens for Quick and Easy SPF Reapplication

Stay In The Know
Select the newsletters you’d like to receive. Then, add your email to sign up.
By submitting your information you agree to the
Terms & Conditions
and
Privacy Policy
and are aged 16 or over.
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Want to add more newsletters?
An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
(Image credit: Getty/Supergoop/Tarte)
Jump to category:
Why Trust Marie Claire
Meet the Expert
Facebook
X
Whatsapp
Pinterest
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter
You apply one of the
best sunscreens
to your face every day—amazing, good for you, your skin
loves
you. But are you reapplying every two to three hours? Now, before you go rattling off a list of excuses (read: cream sunscreens mess up my makeup, it’s too much work, it looks cakey), allow me to introduce you to the best powder sunscreens in the game. With brush-on
mineral formulas
that offer an extra layer of defense against the sun’s harmful rays and elegant textures designed to work with your makeup (I promise, no smudging in sight), these pocket-sized protectors are an easy addition to your pre-existing
sun care routine
.
“I don’t recommend powder sunscreen as a sole face sunscreen, but rather as a reapplication product,” explains board-certified dermatologist
Julie Russak,
MD, FAAD. “Reapplying sunscreen in a powder form creates an extra layer of protection throughout the day and is cosmetically more appealing than applying cream or lotion on a face that already has makeup on.” While there are certainly pros to a powder sunscreen, making sure you apply the right amount can be a little tricky. There’s no true way to quantify
exactly
how much of a brush-on formula you’re going to need to ensure full protection, so Dr. Russak suggests aiming for an even layer over your face,
neck
, and chest.
Interested? Keep reading, because I've rounded up the best powder sunscreens on the market. From our personal favorites that have been tested in the summer sun to dermatologist-approved formulas and industry go-tos, here are the top brush-on formulas that need to live in your bag this summer (and really, all year round).
Latest Videos From
Watch full video here:
Supergoop!
(Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 35 PA+++
If you’re one to skip
foundation
altogether in the summer, don’t sleep on this ever-so-slightly tinted formula. “It has several shades to choose from and can be matched to different skin tones,” says Dr. Russak. While it has loads of selling points (smoothing! mess-free!), it’s probably not the best bet for
drier skin types
. The formula is
mattifying
and designed to
control oil
.
ISDIN
Daily Skin Protection Mineral Brush Powder
Just because you’re sitting at your computer Monday through Friday doesn’t mean you get to skip reapplication. Not only can the sun’s rays penetrate the window (it’s
a proven fact
), but you’ll also want to
defend against the blue light
coming through your screen. With this Dr. Russak-approved blocker, you can cover both your bases. Plus, the super fine powder feels entirely weightless upon application.
iS Clinical
PerfecTint Powder SPF 40
If you have
dry skin
, powder formulas can be a little, well, intimidating. But rest assured, this glycerin-packed formula will provide a decent dose of hydration without accentuating dry patches. While SPF protection is certainly the main draw, I love this formula as a
setting powder
for dry skin, too.
Tarte
Creaseless SPF 30 Mineral Powder
Oily skin types
, come to the front. Sweep this beloved formula over your face to eliminate
oiliness
and feel safe from UV rays. Pro tip: brush the powder along your scalp and hairline to make sure every inch is protected.
Brush On Block
Mineral Sunscreen Powder
If your day is going to be filled with dips in the ocean or
swimming
by the pool, reach for this
waterproof
powder. It lasts up to 80 minutes, so you can enjoy your beach day without a worry. The product has racked up nearly 3,500 five-star reviews, with one user calling out the eco-conscious packaging, complete with cardboard refills.
Colorescience
Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder
For
acne-prone skin
, sunscreen can exacerbate
clogged pores
. Instead of layering on thick formulas, reach for this uber-lightweight option for all your reapplication needs.
Jane Iredale
Powder-Me SPF 30 Dry Sunscreen
With SPF 30 and enough refills to last the entire summer, this powder works to prevent an uncomfortable
sunburn
. With titanium dioxide and clay minerals, it's designed to calm and
soothe the skin
. If you want to get a bit of a
dewy finish
on top, just spritz a
hydrating mist
after the powder has settled.
bareMinerals
Original Loose Matte Talc-Free Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 15
For powder foundation fans, this formula is a win-win. It offers beautiful coverage—and sun protection. I never recommend wearing makeup-infused SPF as your only sun protecti

Book Your Appointment

Ready to transform your skin? Visit Candy Beauty Skin Care at 32 Pell St, Chinatown, NYC.

Call (646) 691-8273 or book online at candybeauty.store.

Our expert estheticians are ready to create your personalized treatment plan.

Source: https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/g35432038/best-powder-sunscreens/

About Author