I came to sunscreen begrudgingly. As a kid, my only memories of it were greasy sprays reluctantly applied by the pool or the beach—nothing I’d ever want to put on my face. As a beauty writer, though, I’ve had many opportunities to try a myriad of sunscreen formulas over the years. After much research, I’ve narrowed it down to four I actually look forward to wearing. They range from $20 to $45, aren’t slick, have great textures and pair well with makeup, including foundation and blush. Below are my thoughts, good, bad and ugly. (But mostly good.) 

How I Chose My Favorite Sunscreens

This guide is focusing on face sunscreen, and I am always looking for one that won’t cause breakouts. In the past, I’ve dealt with cyclical acne, so now I assiduously avoid any product that doesn’t get a bill of approval from my favorite esthetician, Emme Diane, and her pore-clogging ingredient database. (In one frenzy, I eliminated 90 percent of products on my vanity. The upside is that I haven’t had a real breakout in almost a year.) 

Once the sunscreen passed her criteria, I was really looking at texture and feel. I hate anything that makes me feel greasy, especially in the summer, but being chalky is worse. Thus, I typically opt for chemical sunscreens, which tend to feel less gritty, though over the years I’ve tried everything. A PA rating (i.e., the level of protection it offers against UVA rays) was a bonus. (And if you’re curious, I did a whole breakdown on chemical vs. mineral sunscreens and what PA ratings actually stand for here.) Lastly, I prioritized picks that were under $50, with my favorite coming in at $20.

I Tested the New Augustinus Bader Mineral Sunscreen—Is It Worth the Money?

SPF 45. Tinted. Mineral. Merit’s The Uniform Sunscreen Nails It for Combo Skin, My Own Included