When it comes to skincare and beauty, there’s a dynamic duo that reigns supreme for me: sun protection essentials and skin tints. These two products can be very hit or miss for melanated people. Many sunscreens on the market can leave a white or purplish cast that looks especially bad on darker skin tones. Many skin tints, BB, or CC creams can also miss the mark on the shades they offer, leaving many deeper-than-beige skin tones looking chalky and gray. I wanted to share the top 5 products I love and use that complement my brown skin.
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen: The Invisible Shield
As its name suggests, this sunscreen is completely clear, making it perfect for all skin tones. I don’t ever have to worry about a cast. Its lightweight gel formula glides effortlessly onto the skin, leaving a slightly matte finish that feels weightless. Dare I say, it feels like a velvety matte primer on the skin, and I often use it as one underneath a skin tint or foundation.
One of the standout features of Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is its broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection, shielding the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. It’s formulated with antioxidants to combat environmental aggressors and prevent premature aging. Whether worn alone or under makeup, this sunscreen provides reliable protection without any greasy residue.
Black Girl Sunscreen: Protection with Purpose
Black Girl Sunscreen is a game-changer and doesn’t burn my eyes if I sweat at the gym! Created with melanin-rich skin in mind, this sunscreen is specifically formulated to address the unique needs of Black people and people of color. Unlike traditional sunscreens that often leave behind a chalky or purple cast on darker skin tones, Black Girl Sunscreen applies smoothly and blends seamlessly. I find this to be very moisturizing. I get compliments on my bare skin when I wear this particular sunscreen. Its SPF 30 protection is infused with natural ingredients like avocado, jojoba, and cacao to nourish and moisturize the skin. This sunscreen is also reef-safe and free of harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, making it an eco-conscious choice.
Round Lab’s Birch Sunscreen: Versatility in Form
Round Lab’s Birch Sunscreen offers versatility with its lotion and stick formulations. I bought both. I wanted to try this Korean skincare brand, and I needed sunscreen in stick form because I was going on an overseas trip and wanted a sunscreen option that would lessen the number of liquids in my luggage. They offered a duo with the sunscreen lotion and stick, and I love both.
The Birch Sunscreen Lotion is lightweight and absorbs quickly, keeping the skin hydrated and protected. Enriched with birch sap extract, it delivers intense moisture while shielding the skin from sun damage with SPF 50+ PA++++ protection. On the other hand, the Birch Sunscreen Stick provides on-the-go convenience with its portable design. I loved having this on me during my travels. It glides on so smooth. It comes as a stick, similar to how you would use chapstick or deodorant. Whether hiking, swimming, or running errands, this travel-friendly sunscreen stick ensures effortless application and reapplication throughout the day. Both formulations are gentle enough for my sensitive skin.
Nars’s Radiant Tinted Moisturizer: Effortless Elegance
I have been using this product for years! It’s a tinted moisturizer. If you are anything like me, you probably don’t care to wear a full-coverage foundation every time; you want a little “my skin but better” moment. This helps me because I’m also a bit dry on specific areas of my face, so the fact that it moisturizes is a plus. They seem to have a decent shade range as well. My shade is called “Seychelles”.(MED/DARK 2) This product is sheer, buildable coverage with a natural, dewy finish. I’ve gotten away with building this up to a point where it is just as good as a foundation, and I’ve worn it in photoshoots.
It offers hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, nourishing the skin while offering SPF 30 protection against UV damage. Whether you’re aiming to even out your skin tone or enhance your natural beauty, Nars has your back with this one!
Danessa Myricks’s Yummy Skin Serum Skin Tint: Radiance Redefined
Danessa Myricks’s Yummy Skin Serum Skin Tint is pretty new to me. I noticed the impressive shade range, which made me want to check it out. I picked it up while grabbing some things at Sephora before traveling last year in 2023. It redefines radiance with its nourishing formula and skin-enhancing properties.
Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalene are excellent for the skin, and this lightweight serum offers buildable coverage and a luminous finish. It blurs imperfections, evens skin tone, and enhances the skin’s natural glow. It does not seem to have any SPF, but I’ve placed this on top of the Supergoop and Round Lab stick sunscreen without any texture issues.
Combining superior sun protection and complexion perfection is a winning formula for a healthy and radiant glow. You can enjoy the best of both worlds: adequate sun protection and a flawless complexion. Embrace the power of this dynamic duo and elevate your skincare and beauty routine to new heights this Spring and Summer!
Featured Image by: gstudioimagen on Freepik