The 10 Powder Sunscreens You Need in Your Bag

They won't mess up your makeup.

by Alicia Cesaro
Updated 10/08/19

 Stocksy

We’ve all been there­­⁠—you’ve dutifully applied the right organic, mineral, non-toxic sunscreen in the morning as your last skincare step, then, fast forward a couple of hours, and it’s time to reapply. Only problem is, you’re not in the mood to mess with your carefully-applied makeup or rub a thick lotion on your face in the midday heat. Enter powder sunscreen, an easy-to-apply broad-spectrum formula that immediately protects your skin from those harmful UV rays (because skin cancer, sun spots, and general skin degradation are real) without all the greasy aftermath of a lotion-based SPF. 

Most powder sunscreens come in super easy-to-use, self-dispensing brushes that are small enough to stash in your purse and tote around pretty much everywhere (we like to keep extras in our car, desk, and beach bag, too). Their convenient packaging makes it so you’ll never have an excuse for not reapplying every two hours whether you’re swimming at the beach, touching up your T-zone at a summer wedding, or just commuting to and from work. When it comes to application, simply dust a translucent formula straight onto bare skin or use a tinted version as a setting powder over makeup. (Just remember to swipe on enough product to cover the skin and reapply every two to three hours like you would any other sunscreen.) Below, we’ve rounded up our top 10 favorites. Keep scrolling so you can find your favorite and stock up.

01 of 10

Supergoop! 100% Mineral Invincible Setting Powder SPF 45

Supergoop! 100% Mineral Invincible Setting Powder SPF 45
Supergoop! 100% Mineral Invincible Setting Powder SPF 45 $30
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A mineral, translucent, sweat-resistant formula that gives your skin a beautiful soft-focus matte finish and UV protection. The brush also detaches easily from the base so that it can be cleaned, which is ideal.

02 of 10

ColorScience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50

Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
ColorScience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 $65
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An OG formula that provides immediate and powerful UVA/UVB protection that’s water-resistant (perfect for your beach bag) and comes in a variety of shades that can be used alone or over makeup.

03 of 10

Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45

Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45
Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45 $30
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This transparent powder sunscreen from skincare favorite Peter Thomas Roth comes in a pocket-size applicator and blocks out the sun's harmful rays to prevent premature aging, skin cancer, and sunburn with a matte finish. 

04 of 10

Paula's Choice On-the-Go Shielding Powder SPF 30

Paula's Choice On-the-Go Shielding Powder SPF 30
Paula's Choice On-the-Go Shielding Powder SPF 30 $29
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A silky loose formula with zinc oxide that adds sun protection reduces shine and minimizes the look of pores with a few swipes of powder while you’re out and about. Plus it has added vitamins C & E to strengthen skin. 

05 of 10

ILIA Moondance Radiant Translucent Powder SPF 20

ILIA Moondance Radiant Translucent Powder SPF 20
ILIA Moondance Radiant Translucent Powder SPF 20 $34
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With a hint of luminosity, this SPF contains a blend of organic powder and oils with good-for-your-skin ingredients like aloe, passion fruit, and rosemary, for a dose of soothing skincare with natural sun protection. 

06 of 10

ISDIN Mineral Brush 50

ISDIN mineral sunscreen
ISDIN Isdinceutics Mineral Brush $55
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This colorless mineral SPF is packed with ingredients to protect against air pollution and UV rays, plus some pretty light-reflecting particles for a bit of glow on any skin type.

07 of 10

Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF Dry Sunscreen

Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF Dry Sunscreen
Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF Dry Sunscreen $47
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Jane Iredale’s reef-safe sunscreen comes in a jar with a puff so apply alongside your morning makeup instead of on-the-go. Formulated in four shades, it’s also recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation for everyday use. 

08 of 10

Brush On Block SPF 30 Invisible Mineral Powder Sunscreen

Brush On Block SPF 30 Invisible Mineral Powder Sunscreen
Brush On Block SPF 30 Invisible Mineral Powder Sunscreen $26
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An easy-to-apply SPF 30 that’s invisible and sweat- and water-resistant so it’s perfect for outdoor activities (even brunching) and sports since it won’t run into your eyes. 

09 of 10

Tarte Tarteguard Mineral Powder Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Tarte Tarteguard Mineral Powder Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Tarte Tarteguard Mineral Powder Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 $28
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Tarte’s version of brush-on SPF is vegan, non-chemical, and our pick if you're looking for a clean formula to brush on over makeup without a chalky finish. 

10 of 10

Brush On Block Kids Brush On SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Mineral Powder Sunscreen

Brush On Block KIDS Brush On SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Mineral Powder Sunscreen
Brush On Block Kids Brush On SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Mineral Powder Sunscreen $25
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A hypoallergenic mineral sunscreen that dispenses from a fun bright purple brush without any greasy texture, messy hands, or white residue. It’s specially formulated for kids and sensitive skin but works well for any age and skin type. 

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