(Skin)

I Tried 7 Popular SPF Sprays So You Don't Have To — Here Are My Honest Thoughts

There’s one for every need.

Aug. 16, 2023

Courtesy of Khera Alexander

We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

When my skin was in its most challenging condition, I was combatting both acne and hyperpigmentation simultaneously. I remember my dermatologist telling me that wearing sunscreen was integral to preventing further scarring and dark spots. The only problem? I couldn’t find one that I liked. At the time, every single SPF I tried either made me look ashy or exacerbated my oiliness, so, I went without one for years. Today, I know skipping sunscreen is a huge misstep. From delaying signs of aging to preventing skin cancer, wearing SPF daily is one of the most crucial steps in a beauty routine, and thankfully, the product category has come a long way. Forward-thinking brands continue to push the SPF boundaries, improving upon traditional formulas or introducing innovative products that simplify — or upgrade — our current staples. Take sunscreen sprays, for example.

Not only are they a breeze to apply (and reapply), but today’s sprays blur the lines between skin care and makeup. Some are formulated to work as SPF-infused setting sprays, some are straightforward sunscreens, and some are ideal for skin prep. Always in pursuit of products that streamline my beauty routine, I tested out seven of the most popular sunscreen sprays, curious to see if any one would be worthy of earning a permanent spot in my lineup.

Ahead, I break down specific products and share whether or not each item is worthy of repurchasing. Keep reading to find out which spray is right for your skin concerns and will best fit into your routine.

Milani Cosmetics

Make It Last SPF 30 Setting Spray

$17

An SPF and setting spray in one, the Make It Last Sunscreen Setting Spray SPF 30 by Milani Cosmetics provides broad-spectrum protection while keeping makeup in place for up to 16 hours. As a fan of Milani for its accessibly priced, high-performing makeup products, I wanted to see if this vegan, cruelty-free, chemical SPF would be another product I’d love. Trying it with and without makeup, Make It Last was easy to use and reapply, giving my skin a natural finish, and felt just as lightweight as traditional setting sprays. At $17 for 2.02 fl. oz, Milani’s SPF spray is top tier for such a reasonable price, but the only drawback is the scent — I think it would be too strong for anyone that’s sensitive to fragrance.

La Roche-Posay

Anthelios Spray Lotion Sunscreen SPF 60 Spray

$27

The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Lotion Spray Sunscreen SPF 60 is an alcohol-free, fragrance-free, chemical sun protectant that provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Visible when you first spray it, the sunscreen is undetectable once absorbed and has an airy, comfortable, weightless feel. I really liked using this SPF on my body, but I found that the spray made my skin look a bit too shiny — especially on hot, humid days. In the future, I would probably use this sunscreen on my body exclusively. At $27 for 5 oz, this SPF has a lot of value, but dry skin types or those who don’t mind the extra sheen may fare best with it.

An image of a hand that has been sprayed with the Milani Make It Last SPF 30 Setting Spray

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The Milani Make It Last SPF 30 Setting Spray swatched.Khera Alexander

A look at a hand swatched with the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Spray Lotion Sunscreen SPF 60 Spray

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The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Spray Lotion Sunscreen SPF 60 Spray swatched.Khera Alexander

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EltaMD

UV AOX Mist

$45

One of the brand’s most recent launches, the EltaMD UV AOX Mist Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 is an aerosol, water-resistant, mineral sunscreen spray that promises to deliver a completely sheer finish. Spraying the sunscreen into my hands to apply it to my face and spraying it directly on the rest of my body, the mist is white when it goes on initially but blends in well — I tested the spray on a couple of family members with richer skin tones, and the mist dried transparent. Formulated with vitamin C, aloe vera, and coconut, the sunscreen felt hydrating, lightweight, and comfortable each time I wore it. Priced at $45 for 5 oz, I could see myself using the UV AOX Mist on a regular basis.

A photo of a hand wearing the EltaMD UV AOX Mist.

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The EltaMD UV AOX Mist sprayed on my skin. Khera Alexander

A woman with bare skin with the EltaMD UV AOX Mist on.

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A look at my skin with the EltaMD UV AOX Mist on.Khera Alexander

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Cay Skin

Isle Nourishing Body Mist SPF 50

$26

Supermodel Winnie Harlow’s Cay Skin is a skin care brand that has made an impressive debut with vegan, silicone-free formulas and beautiful, minimalist packaging. The Isle Nourishing Body Mist SPF 50 is a broad spectrum, hydrating chemical SPF formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and sea moss. This spray has a gorgeous, silky feel when sprayed onto the skin, it doesn’t take as long to absorb as others, is completely transparent, and has a pleasant, beachy scent that isn’t overpowering. For 6 oz at $26, I would repurchase this sunscreen.

Supergoop!

(Re)setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40

$34

As one of the most beloved sun care lines, Supergoop! is a brand responsible for helping me look forward to wearing SPF daily. Its (Re)setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40 is a chemical, broad spectrum sunscreen that is also water- and sweat-resistant. Using this sunscreen in place of my typical setting spray was effortless; its super fine mist helped lock in my makeup application and my skin always felt hydrated and comfortable when I wore it. A setting spray as well, my skin had a natural matte finish after each use, which I found refreshing, and on hot days, much needed. Priced at $34 for 3.4 fl. oz, the (Re)setting Mist is a reasonably priced sunscreen.

A image of a hand swatched with the Cay Skin Isle Nourishing Body Mist SPF 50.

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The Cay Skin Isle Nourishing Body Mist SPF 50 swatched.Khera Alexander

A look at a hand wearing the Supergoop! (Re)setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40.

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The Supergoop! (Re)setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40 swatched on my skin.Khera Alexander

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Sun Bum

Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray

$19

Making waves as an accessible sun care brand found in your local drugstore, the Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray is a vegan, reef-safe, and cruelty-free moisturizing aerosol chemical sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection. Priced at $19 for 6 oz, I think this spray is the perfect vacation SPF: It feels completely weightless, is water-resistant, and has a lovely coconut scent. The SPF took a little time to absorb into my skin, but once it did, I had a dewy finish that made me look refreshed. Though using the SPF was a pleasant experience overall, it’s a little too heavy for my combination skin for daily use. Instead, this would be my vacation SPF or I’d use it on days when I don’t plan on wearing makeup.

e.l.f. Cosmetics

Suntouchable! All Set for Sun SPF 45 Spray

$14

E.l.f. Cosmetics is a brand that consistently delivers, and I think the Suntouchable! All Set for Sun SPF 45 Spray is another stellar product. Affordably priced — for about $14, you get 2 fl. oz — and completely translucent, this chemical SPF spray will prime the skin and refresh makeup while providing broad spectrum protection. I found this sunscreen easy to use and felt comfortable on my skin. It was also compact and easy to take with me on-the-go for touchups. While it feels a touch filmy and has a strong, alcohol-like scent when you first spray it on your skin, Suntouchable absorbs quickly, leaves our complexion with a natural finish, and isn’t formulated with added fragrance.

A look at a hand wearing the Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Continuous Spray.

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My skin wearing the Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Continuous Spray.Khera Alexander

An image of a hand with the e.l.f. Cosmetics Suntouchable! All Set for Sun SPF 45 Spray on it.

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Wearing the e.l.f. Cosmetics Suntouchable! All Set for Sun SPF 45 Spray on my hand.Khera Alexander

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