This 2-in-1 Serum and Sunscreen Is Already Saving (And Brightening) My Skin—And It Works on Every Skin Tone

I’m that person who preaches the needs of wearing sunscreen every. single. day, rain or shine. But even I can admit that when it comes to my face—the most important part of the body, you might argue, to protect from the sun in terms of preserving your aesthetic and promoting safety—I tend to hesitate before applying any type of SPF. What if this product clogs my pores? What if it gives a weird cast on my skin? What if it smells, and I can’t stop thinking about it? What if I mess up and forget what step it is in the skin-care progress, was it all for nothing? I’ve rotated through product after product with my concerns in mind, trying to figure out which would protect me (particularly more than, say, just a quick spray with an aerosol SPF), while also not wreaking havoc on my skin.

Murad Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45 — $69.00

For context, I have a medium, olive-tone complexion that’s a bit reactive, and I deal with adult acne (fun!). My goal with a facial sunscreen is two-fold: To protect my skin and make me look good (i.e., not break me out or make me look like a ghost), ya know? Well, as it turns out, Murad does know. The brand just released one of the best products I’ve used in a long time (and I’ve been covering this beauty biz for more than a decade): Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF, which is basically two products in one, and is pretty incredible.

As a serum, it nourishes and hydrates the skin (it comes out in a very light consistency, goes on silky smooth, and, thanks to beet extract in the formula, it sinks into the skin fast). And, as a sunscreen, it clocks in at SPF 45, is mineral-based, doesn’t leave a white cast on the skin (even though it looks like it will, due to its white color), and it includes carotenoid technology that reflects UV light.

When using sunscreen on your face, derms agree that applying a liberal amount is ideal, which is key to keep in mind since most adults aren’t wearing enough sunscreen. (And don’t forget your neck!) For your face and neck, a good guideline to follow is to use an amount that’s close to a small bean in your hand. “I’d recommend about 1/3 to 1/2 teaspoon of sunscreen for your whole face and neck to ensure coverage. Or, the size of a single edamame bean up to a lima bean,” dermatologist Libby Rhee, DO, previously told Well+Good.

When I tried the product for the first time (after giving it a shake and using the dropper applicator), I instantly loved it—there’s barely a fragrance, and to me, when putting that on your face for the day, that’s ideal. But as I’ve been using it for the past month, my skin looks glowier and bright. Which apparently makes sense, since that same carotenoid technology that reflects UV light apparently also acts as an antioxidant to brighten and reduce discoloration. And while $69 isn’t cheap by any means for a skin-care product, the two-in-one nature of this one makes the price tag worth it in my opinion.

Glowy skin that’s hydrated, protected, and evening out as you go about your day? Win-win-win.

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