Black Girl Should Wear Sunscreen Too: The best SPF for our skin
I’ll never forget the day my former boss (who was racist) came up to me completely out of nowhere and said “You know, black people can get skin cancer too. You aren’t exempt from wearing sunscreen”.
I was shook and very offended frankly. Even though I was already aware of the fact that we should, I didn’t believe that we needed to wear sunscreen. About six months later, I went into CVS looking for baby powder, and a Black woman sales associate was educating me on health and beauty products that are best for our skin. We discussed sunscreen and she told me why we should, but again don’t have to wear it, and some of the best products for us to wear.
It is important for us brown girls to use SPF not only to avoid becoming sunburnt but also to battle skin problems like hyper-pigmentation and uneven skin tone.
Now working at Sephora, I have gained even more knowledge on the best sunscreens and SPF foundation products for us, and I am here to share them with you.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer
“A multitasker with SPF 30 protection that provides 12 hours of soothing hydration, imparts a natural, luminous finish and reduces the look of visible imperfections.”
Perfect for dry to combination skin, this Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer is one of my personal favorites. This tinted moisturizer not only provides you with protection from the sun, but is also tinted with color to give you the perfect skin coverage for you long day at the beach. It comes in 10 shades and its light formula ensures that you will barely even feel it on your face, but still be able to enjoy its protection and coverage.
You can purchase it here
Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15
“A comfortable and non-caking formula powered by Amazonian clay for vegan, oil-free coverage that lasts up to 12 hours.”
This full coverage foundation from Tarte is perfect for that day where you want to pop out with a full-coverage foundation look and protect your melanin skin from the sun while doing it. The clay formula gives you a light, weightless feel without caking, and lasts up to twelve hours. What’s not to love?
You can purchase it here.
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer™ Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
“A sheer, physical sunscreen that delivers powerful broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and helps aid in the prevention of free radical and oxidative damage.”
This three-time award winning sunscreen is one of our most popular products at Sephora, especially among Black women. Its formula is safe and protecting for sensitive skin. It is a sheer sunscreen so no foundation in it. But you can always wear it with a natural, makeup-free look or wear it under your foundation. It works for your face as well as your body.
You can purchase it here
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
“Sunscreen made by women of color for people of color, because we get sunburned too. We have created a sunscreen for every day use. We’ve worked to create a product filled with natural ingredients that will protect your skin from the sun and doubles as a moisturizing lotion. BlackGirlSunscreen drys completely clear so it’s perfect to use before any outdoor activity or even under your favorite makeup products.”
The explanation is in the title. “Black Girl Sunscreen”. Made BY us and FOR us. Do I need to say more?
You can purchase it here
it Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+
“IT’S YOUR #1 BEST-SELLING*, AWARD-WINNING BEAUTY MIRACLE! Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream + Anti-Aging Hydrating Serum + SPF 50+ UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum Physical Sunscreen”
Their #1 selling product, the it Cosmetic color correcting, full coverage sunscreen is perfect for dual protection and coverage. Its thick formula is sure to provide you with full coverage and full protection to the max! It has SPF 50 which is one of our most sun-protecting product on the list. Add foundation to it and you’ve got the perfect product for your all-day fun in the sun.
You can purchase it here
Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist
“Infused with antioxidant-rich rosemary, this weightless spray locks in your morning makeup, helps absorb oils throughout the day and leaves a natural finish. Reapply it throughout the day for added protection and an invigorating pick-me-up.”
Sometimes we need to apply sunscreen multiple times in one day. That’s where this bad gal comes in handy. This setting mist is perfect for your throughout the day application of sunscreen in a super easy and refreshing way. With an SPF of 50, this powerful mist is a guaranteed win.
You can purchase it here
Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45
“Use this powder sunscreen anytime for immediate SPF45 protection. Works as a finishing powder with SPF45. Can be used for SPF45 touch-ups throughout the day without having to reapply your makeup. Convenient pocket-size applicator.”
Oily skin? Hot sweaty day? No problem! This finishing powder is perfect for all skin types, doubling as a finishing powder and a skin protectant. It contains SPF 45 and comes in a easy-to-travel with packaging as well, giving you the ultimate product for a hot day when you’re on the go.
You can purchase it here
Most products listed are also available for purchase at Sephora, Ulta, Amazon and your local drugstore.
