Our Favorite Sunscreens for Summer (Esthetician-Approved)

Let's be honest — if you live in Arizona, sunscreen isn't optional. It's survival. But beyond just protecting you from a burn, the right SPF can be the single most anti-aging, skin-preserving product in your entire routine. We say it all the time: retinol is great, but SPF is forever.

As summer heats up, we wanted to share the sunscreens we're actually reaching for — the ones that sit beautifully under makeup, don't leave a white cast, and make you want to reapply.

Why Sunscreen Is Non-Negotiable (Even on Cloudy Days)

UV damage is the #1 cause of premature aging — we're talking fine lines, dark spots, uneven texture, and loss of elasticity. And here's the thing: up to 80% of UV rays pass right through clouds. So yes, you need it every single day, not just when you're at the pool.

We recommend SPF 30 at minimum, applied every morning as the last step in your skincare routine, and reapplied every 2 hours if you're spending time outdoors.

What to Look for in a Summer Sunscreen

Before we get into our favorites, here's what we look for when recommending an SPF:

• Broad spectrum — protects against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays
• Lightweight texture — especially important in summer heat; heavy formulas = skipping reapplication
• No white cast — because nobody wants to look like a ghost
• Skin-friendly ingredients — no unnecessary irritants, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin
• Bonus points for antioxidants like Vitamin C or niacinamide built in

Our Current Favorites

1. KRX Tinted SPF

If you've been searching for a sunscreen that doubles as a light foundation, this is it. The KRX Tinted SPF has become one of our most-talked-about products — and for good reason. It blends seamlessly, evens out skin tone, and feels weightless even in the Arizona heat. Perfect for everyday wear.

2. Korean SPF Formulas (Generally)

Korean sunscreens have completely changed the game. They tend to be far more elegant in texture than traditional American formulas — think watery serums, silky milks, and invisible finishes. If you've avoided sunscreen in the past because of the feel, a Korean SPF will change your mind.

3. Mineral vs. Chemical — Which Is Right for You?

• Mineral (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide): Great for sensitive, rosacea-prone, or post-treatment skin. Sits on top of skin and physically blocks rays. More likely to leave a slight cast but gentler overall.
• Chemical: Absorbs into the skin and converts UV rays to heat. Lighter texture, better for darker skin tones. Not recommended immediately after treatments like peels or microneedling.

How to Actually Apply Sunscreen Correctly

Most people use way too little. For your face alone, you need at least ¼ teaspoon (or two finger lengths) of product. Apply it as the last step of your morning skincare routine, before makeup.

And don't forget: ears, neck, décolletage, and the back of your hands — these are the areas that show age first and get skipped most often.

Our Sunscreen Collection

We carry a curated selection of SPFs for every skin type — from oily and acne-prone to dry and sensitive. Browse our full Sunscreen Collection and find your summer match.

Not sure where to start? Reach out — we're always happy to make a personalized recommendation.

Here's to protected, glowing skin all summer long.

Amethyst Skin Clinic is a licensed esthetician-owned skincare clinic. Our blog is written to educate and empower — not to replace professional advice. Have questions about your skin? Contact us.