This Drugstore Sunscreen Works Better Than the Expensive Ones I Own (2025)

“I often swipe sunscreen apprehensively, expecting an ashy mess to be left behind. This option promised to blend into a range of skin tones from fair to deep brown. It lived up to its promise and only took a few rubs for the cream to dissolve into a completely clear, satin finish,” says Spradley. “It’s not too shiny or matte and doesn’t feel grainy like other sunscreens. It does have a pretty noticeable sunscreen smell, but not in a nauseating way that I can smell throughout the day.”

Best Under Makeup: E.L.F. SKIN Suntouchable Whoa Glow Sunscreen

• What we love: Keeps makeup in place; gives skin a subtle smoothing tint; moisturizes
• What can improve: Too glittery for some

Several of the options here play well under makeup, but E.L.F. made a version that’s as much a makeup primer as it is a sunscreen. The glowy tint looks a bit like a liquid highlighter when you squeeze it out and comes in three shades: Sunlight, which has a pink base and a silvery shimmer; Sunbeam, a neutral champagne shimmer; and Sunburst, which is more bronzy with golden undertones. All three help grip makeup so it stays put throughout the day, and they’re laced with moisturizing aloe, hyaluronic acid, and squalene to keep skin hydrated and naturally dewy-looking.

“The wrong sunscreen under makeup can make my skin look greasy pretty quickly. This one does the opposite. The mousse-like texture of the tinted SPF blurs out my pores and hyperpigmentation before I even apply a base. After a few hours under makeup, my oily areas are in check, and my skin looks glowy and not greasy,” says Spradley.

Best Body Sunscreen: Banana Boat Mineral Sunscreen

• What we love: Blends easily; nourishing ingredients; fragrance-free
• What can improve: Nothing

Dr. Nathan also cosigns using face and body sunscreen interchangeably, but you’ll need a big tube like this one to ensure you’re applying the right amount for proper coverage. Banana Boat’s mineral option has a high SPF and an updated formula that requires way less rubbing for it to blend in quickly. Vitamin E and coconut oil help with moisture too. It also comes in a spray.

“I wore this sunscreen before running a 5K on a really hot Saturday. It didn’t feel greasy at all and it absorbed right away which was great because I was in a hurry,” says Glamour’s Calle. “It does have some white cast but not as much as other body sunscreens that I've tried.”

Best Powder Sunscreen: Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Translucent Sunscreen Powder

• What we love: Travel-friendly; translucent; helps set makeup
• What can improve: Not moisturizing

Powder sunscreens are not only ideal for helping absorb excess oil, they’re a great option for travel and touch up, particularly over makeup or midday. Hawaiian Tropic’s powder is a mineral SPF that easily dusts on like a translucent finishing powder. The finish is more matte, so if you have dry skin, consider sticking to a formula with a dewier finish.

“It has the same nostalgic smell as the brand’s other products,” says Earley, who is drawn to this product for its silky finish. “I’m very sensitive to that chalky feeling some powdered products can leave behind. This one doesn’t give me that ick factor, because what it leaves behind is actually quite smooth, albeit matte enough to serve as a setting powder on a hot summer day.”

Best Sunscreen Stick: Sun Bum Face + Body Stick Sunscreen

• What we love: Mess-free; clear finish; cooling sensation
• What can improve: Hard to reapply over makeup

A stick format is another travel-friendly option, though it’s not the best choice if you want to apply over makeup. If you’re going barefaced, however, a sunscreen stick that works for both face and body will make post-swim touch-up quick and easy. Plus, you don’t have to worry about it transferring onto your clothes, nor will it leak in your tote. This one glides on clear and leaves a cooling sensation, which feels nice during peak summer. Apply four back-and-forth passes in each area, and rub it in for even coverage.

“I love a good sunscreen stick, especially if I’m headed out to the park or beach. This compact stick fits in just about any size bag I decide to bring, is super moisturizing, and is easy to glide on when I’m in a pinch. I like that it has a clear finish (no stains on clothes) and that it feels really refreshing and cooling upon application (perfect for a hot day in the sun). The best part? It’s only $20,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.