There are no ifs, ands or buts about it — applying sunscreen is an absolute MUST. We’re talking a nonnegotiable skin care step that you simply cannot skip. But here’s the other (very important) part of the sun protection puzzle: Reapplication, which you really should be doing every two hours. And as militant as we are about sunscreen, reapplying that often…
8 Sunscreen Powders
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Colorescience
Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50, $65 at Dermstore
This cult classic was recently reformulated to protect your complexion not only from the sun's UVA and UVB rays but also from infrared radiation and blue light emitted by your phone and computer screens (both of which can also be damaging to your skin, FYI). Plus, the bristles are now anti-microbial and it offers the highest SPF of the bunch.
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Peter Thomas Roth
Instant Mineral SPF 45, $30 at Sephora
The matte finish of this translucent powder makes it a perfect pick for anyone whose skin veers towards oily. Also nice: It's infused with vitamins C and E for added antioxidant protection, always a good thing.
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Sweat Cosmetics
Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Translucent Mineral Powder + Twist Brush, $42 at Sweat Cosmetics
Refillable powder cartridges plus a removable, easy-to-wash brush head mean you'll have this option forever. True to its name, this powder is water- and sweat-resistant for up to 40 minutes, a great choice for using before an outdoor workout.
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Supergoop
100% Mineral Invincible Setting Powder SPF 45, $30 at Sephora
Take your pick from a translucent option or three different shades; either way, you won't be able to get enough of this silky soft powder. Matte yet non-drying, it leaves behind the perfect satin finish. Selfie queens will appreciate that it also doesn't cause any of that weird camera flashback, either.
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Tarte
Tarteguard 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $28 at Tarte
A power combo of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide deliver complete sun protection in this formula, which also has a subtle (and very pleasing) vanilla scent. Bonus points for the super easy to use click brush.
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Jane Iredale
Powder-Me SPF Dry Sunscreen, $47 at Dermstore
Thanks to a sponge-tip applicator, you can easily get a thicker and complete coating of this powder...making it ideal not only for your face but also for other exposed areas, like your neck, chest and hands.
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Eminence
Sun Defense Minerals, $58 at Dermstore
This finely milled, featherweight powder is also infused with a host of good-for-your-skin ingredients (think vitamins A and E) and has a subtle floral scent. It also comes in six shades, the most we've ever seen in a sunscreen powder.
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Derma E
Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30, $21.95 at Amazon
The most budget-friendly option in this round-up, this delivers the same protection as its pricier counterparts and also contains soothing chamomile, a smart pick for anyone prone to sensitivity or redness.
