The Type of Sunscreen Derms Always Recommend Now Comes in Shimmery, Body-Highlighter Form

Ask any dermatologist what the most important step of any skin-care routine is and their answer will very likely be “sunscreen.” It protects the skin against harmful UV rays (which can cause skin cancers), and can also prevent unwanted lines and dark spots. If it’s a mineral sunscreen? Even better. These gentler-on-skin formulas use filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to physically block the sun’s rays, preventing them from ever actually penetrating the dermis.

Now, if that mineral sunscreen doubles as an ethereal highlighter you can liken to sunshine in a bottle?! Plain old mineral sunscreen might have some competition…

I can vouch—Unsun Face + Body Highlighter SPF 15 ($35) does give traditional mineral sunblock a run for its money. This shimmery sunscreen might be the prettiest SPF you’ll ever squeeze, given its glittery, angelic glow. And it’s technically a mineral sunscreen, which derms like to recommend (especially if you have sensitive skin). What more could you want?

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Unsun, Face + Body Highlighter SPF 15 — Bronze Goddess — $35.00

Protect your skin while giving it a sun-kissed glow you’ll swear was the real thing. Available in Bronze Goddess, a warm bronze, and Golden Angel, a light gold.

As a professional product tester, I’ve personally sampled a loooot of highlighters and dew-promising products—this is one of the best ones I’ve recently tried. From strictly a makeup standpoint, it’s beautifully pigmented and gives you that subtle celestial sparkle. Texturally, it reminds me of Ilia Liquid Light ($42) in that a little bit goes a long way. Two or three drops on your fingertips will give you enough to shine up your facial points, like your brow bones or your Cupid’s Bow, with more to spare—something not all highlighters or shimmer sticks do. It’s not heavy or tacky, nor is it runny. The mid-weight finish spreads easily over skin, and there’s no trace of chalky, mineral sunscreen in sight.

The formula comes in two stunning sheens. There’s Golden Angel, a light, champagne-y gold that gives you a golden hour hue, and Bronze Goddess, a warm, rich bronze that’ll make you look like you just came back from a tropical getaway, minus the overpriced plane ticket. Both are natural and easy to layer, making them easy to build color depending whether you want more or less glow.

Beyond just looking good, though, Unsun Face + Body Highlighter is really a mineral sunscreen in a glittery guise. It’s blended with those two mineral blockers derms want you use: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. So when it’s on, UVA and UVB rays won’t get through. You’re free to shine safely, which is what any good makeup should do. Add on the blend of green tea—an antioxidant powerhouse—and aloe vera—skin care’s hydration hero—and this heavenly highlighter really does tick off all the boxes.

That said, since the product only offers SPF 15, you’ll want to pair it with another sunscreen in order to ensure you’re getting the daily-derm-recommended SPF 30 protection on your skin. Some of our favorites that will add even more glow to your complexion? Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40 ($20), Kinfield Sunglow SPF 30 ($28), and Cerave Hydrating Sunscreen Sheer Tint SPF 30 ($17).

“Dew” yourself (and your skin) a favor and get your hands on a bottle of Unsun Face + Body Highlighter. The 2-in-1 formula will leave your skin shining immediately while protecting it for the long haul.

Your sunscreen only works if you apply it correctly. Learn how to in the video below. 

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