I Finally Found a Water-Resistant Face Sunscreen That Also Makes My Skin Look Great

The perfect water-resistant face sunscreen has eluded me for years, which is annoying but makes sense considering the special requirements involved. Avoiding a white cast (or any other shade drama) and a super-shiny (or too-dry) finish is extra important for this particular body part. Facial skin is also more sensitive and prone to breakouts and irritation. Plus, when you add the sweating (or swimming) factor to the mix, you have to worry about stuff like stinging eyes and weird streaks.

So when I discovered Clearstem’s YouAreSunshine Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+, a mineral sunscreen that checked every single one of my boxes (including ones I didn’t even know I had), I was thrilled—and felt like it was my duty to spread the word to the masses (you).

A couple of my favorite things about the formula: It doesn’t break me out (the brand was actually created with acne-prone people in mind) and it holds up when I splash around in the lake and sweat my face off on a run (it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes). I also just look…good when I wear it; it evens out my skin tone and has a blurring effect that’s much appreciated when I need sun protection but still want to feel cute. All of these perks would be enough to impress me, but keep reading to learn why this unassuming little bottle isn’t just talented; she’s a true star.

The application

I usually apply a light moisturizer before using this sunscreen—though I sometimes skip this step (especially in the summer when I’m short on time) because the formula is hydrating enough when my skin isn’t feeling particularly dry. I use a generous quarter-size blob (that’s how much sunscreen you need for your whole face, neck, and ears, FYI) and dot it around before rubbing it in. It looks kinda thick when I first pump it out, but it’s easy to spread and quickly sinks into my skin.

If I’m just going for a solo run or walk, I usually leave it at that and head out the door. But if I’m trying to look put-together (like for a workday or pool hang), I often add a little concealer and blush. This stuff also works great as a makeup primer (zero pilling!), but I’ve been favoring a more natural look these days, so I’ve only worn it under foundation a handful of times.

The finish

This is where my new SP-BFF really shines. Or doesn’t, actually: It gives me a bit of a “glow” but it’s not at all shiny or shimmery. The brand describes the finish as “velvety” and I cosign on that. It also delivers on its “blurring” promises—my skin tone and texture look much more even when I wear it. That’s how I first realized this SPF was special: I walked past the bathroom mirror a few hours after applying it and thought, Damn.

An important note: While Clearstem says this sunscreen’s subtle tint is universal and inclusive of all skin tones, I’m a white woman with a light complexion, so just because it’s a perfect match for my face, doesn’t mean it will be for everyone’s. That said, I combed through reviews and saw that many people with darker skin than mine said the tint worked for them too. (And you can always return it if it’s not a winner.)

The results

The cosmetic benefits—namely, the blurring effect and even tone—set this sunscreen apart from others I’ve tried (and as a beauty and lifestyle editor, I’ve tried a lot). But the main reason I wear it is to, of course, block UV rays, and I can attest that it protects as well as it perfects. I’ve worn it on countless super sweaty runs and relied on it while swimming for hours (making sure to reapply it every 80 minutes, per the label), and I’ve never noticed any signs of sun damage (like sunburn or tanning).

It’s also never irritated my relatively sensitive skin or left me with new zits to contend with (I don’t deal with chronic acne, but I have broken out from many oily sunscreens in the past). Since everyone’s skin is unique, though, I also asked Susan Massick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center to vet the ingredients. Dr. Massick confirmed that YouAreSunshine is generally good for finicky complexions, but advised that everyone—and especially people with reactive skin—should do a patch test before trying it (or any new product, for that matter).

Oh, and speaking of, I also asked her to weigh in on the brand’s “calming” claims, specifically: “This sunscreen contains green tea extract, which has been shown to reduce inflammation,” Dr. Massick tells SELF. “This may be helpful if you have sensitive skin or struggle with redness and inflammation from rosacea.” She also calls out ascorbic acid, a form of vitamin C, which offers some protection against UV damage and can also prevent and minimize hyperpigmentation (that’s why Clearstem touts minimizing dark spots as another skin care benefit).

Bottom line

If it wasn’t $42, I’d wear this sunscreen every day–whether I was planning to sweat or swim or not. Not only is the price the only con in my eyes, but it has more pros than any other face sunscreen I’ve slathered on. It’s lightweight, it gets along with my skin, it stands up to UV rays and sweat, it doubles as a primer, and it makes me do a double-take in the bathroom mirror. I got my first bottle for free, but I will continue to pay for it as long as I can. I’m not exaggerating when I say I would shed a tear if they ever stopped making it.