At the tail end of our interview, Paloma Elsesser gently instructs me to feel her arm. I can confidently say she has the softest skin I’ve ever touched, somewhere between velvet and a baby dolphin. But if you were familiar at all with the model’s content, you would know this—in every Get Ready With Me video or “Soft Obsessions” TikTok she films, she stresses her elaborate bodycare routine. You would also already know that she smells amazing, which makes sense as we’re there to discuss her role as ambassador for Miu Miu’s latest fragrance, Miutine.

But it’s not just her love of fragrance that makes her the perfect face for Miutine. Never one to stick to the rules, she perfectly capture’s the brand’s rebellious and playful spirit. Case in point? Her outfit for the Miu Miu show, a gray layered ensemble complete with moto boots and futuristic sunglasses, which flips the brand’s signature girly identity on its head.

“My relationship with Miu Miu is quite close now, they’re very familial,” she tells me in a cozy hotel suite ahead of the brand’s Paris Fashion Week show. “I’m acquainted with every corner of the team, and I feel really connected to who this girl is. Doing the campaign and being an ambassador feels not only like a pivotal and monumental part of my career, but also something that was a really natural organic development. I’m really grateful to be a representative of the brand, and feel very comfortable [in the role].”

Ahead, Elsesser fills me in on everything Muitine, as well as her current favorite reads, Fashion Week essentials, and more.

How Miutine Makes Her Feel

“The fragrance makes me feel really playful. It has a nostalgic tone that I appreciate. It’s really adaptive. That’s important in a scent, that it smells a little different on different people, and the characteristics it brings out. But [there’s] definitely a playfulness, and this kind of exploratory open levity, and a sweetness—I think that’s a fun way that it interacts with my personality.”

On Shooting the Campaign

“I’ll always connect shooting the campaign with the scent. It was such a wonderful day, and it was a predominantly female set. Shooting with Petra [Collins] was such an honor and a privilege, because actually, one of my first editorials ever was with with her for i-D. So it was really full circle, and we both just kept looking at each other like, wow, can you believe that we’re here doing this and have the platform to have freedom and, bring our own creativity to it? I’ll always kind of connote the two, which is really nice.”

Where Miutine Takes Her

“For some reason, the scent kind of reminds me of gentle folk music. I just feel like, I’m in the grass and it’s a beautiful warm summer or spring day.”

On Her Look for the Miu Miu Show

“It’s really fun because the dressing that I do for Miu Miu is charactered, but it’s very authentic to my style. This one feels good in tension with some of the other looks I’ve worn this season, which have leaned further into femininity. This one feels a little tougher, and then there’s a bit of tension with the girliness, with the boots and the more casual cotton layering.

“Working with my stylist, Aly Cooper, we always have a lot of fun whenever we come in for a fitting. They know that we’re going to go a completely different direction than the things that they pulled, but they always let us really honor that. This look particularly represents a nice balance and a tension to the other looks I’ve worn this season at the Mutine launch [in New York] and things like that.”

The One Beauty Look That Makes Her Feel Herself

“It’s always a nice base; some honest skin, a lip liner, some mascara. I always say when I’m getting my makeup done, it’s just pretty. That’s definitely where I’m at, and where I feel the most comfortable.”

Her Paris Fashion Week Essentials

“Vitamin C, a journal, my vapes, eye patches.”

The One Skincare Treatment She Loves

“I think a good face massage will never lead me astray. It just makes me feel good, it’s a nice bit of drainage. Even if a makeup artist is using the brush, I’m like, ‘you use your hands!’ It feels better.”

The One Outfit Formula She Always Falls Back On

“The outfit formula I always fall back on is balance. What is that trend that people are talking about? It’s like tight top, baggy pants? You know, sexy bottom, kind of more masculine top. I’ve been leaning a bit more into sexiness now I’m in my 30s, which feels cool, but it’s always balanced. You always need something to subvert it. I never like to do one note.”

The Latest Addition to Her Vintage Collection

“My favorite piece in my vintage collection, I can’t even think of because it’s so large. But my latest addition is the skirt to a matching top that I have. It’s a zipper skirt and top from Junya Watanabe, and it’s from 2005.”

The One Thing Inspiring Her Right Now

“Something that’s inspiring me right now is rest, the idea of rest. Fashion Month is such a marathon and you don’t really get to prioritize or center rest, so that’s something I’m looking forward to: recentering rest.”

One Thing She’s Read and Loved Recently

“I went to the New York Public Library and they had all of these essays Joan Didian wrote specifically about her daughter who passed. Those are really beautiful to read, and a nice commentary on grief, and the nuances of resentment and love, and how all these things kind of commingle.”

One Thing Living In Her Brain…

“I saw a TikTok about using ChatGPT to create a syllabus for your own class, so I’m quite excited for that. I think I’m going to try and do it after the 15th, which is the VS show. I’ve read some Black Marxist stuff, and I kind of want to test myself.”

… Her Bag…

“Blotting papers and lip balm. I can’t survive without lip balm, I feel so crusty and rusty and dusty without it.”

… and Her Bathroom

“Always lotion and oil. On [my TikTok series] Soft Obsessions, there’s always going to be a new exciting lotion or oil. You should feel my skin, I’m very moisturized.”

If you have concerns about your under-eye area, you’ve likely encountered numerous products claiming to address darkness and dullness. And with beauty brands constantly launching new products, it can be difficult to figure out which ones will truly be effective.

When it comes to concealer, color corrector, and under-eye brightener, each has its own benefits; however, the key is understanding when and how to use them effectively. Below, we’ve created an easy-to-follow guide explaining what each product does and the best way to use them. Continue reading to discover expert tips and tricks for keeping your under-eye area looking fresh and bright.

What Is Concealer?

When you need a concentrated formula to cover dark spots or pimples, concealer is the best product to utilize. Davis explains, “Concealer is a concentrated complexion product designed to camouflage blemishes, redness, or dark circles. It’s typically more pigmented than foundation, making it the go-to step for spot-correcting areas where you want fuller coverage.”

Concealers come in two popular formulas: cream and liquid. It’s essential to determine which one you’re most comfortable wearing, while also considering the level of coverage you need. Additionally, consider what finish you prefer, whether it be satin, matte, or luminous. Often formulated with nourishing skincare ingredients and emollients, concealer blends easily into the skin and can be applied using your fingers, brushes, or sponges.

What Is a Color Corrector?

When learning about color correctors, having an understanding of color theory is helpful. “Color correctors are used to neutralize discoloration before concealer”, Davis explains. “They rely on color theory—think peach and apricot tones to help cancel out blue/purple under-eye circles, green for neutralizing redness, and lavender for brightening sallowness.”

What Is Under-Eye Brightener?

When you want to look like you’ve had at least eight hours of sleep, you’ll want to reach for an under-eye brightener, which is known to instantly perk up the eye area. “An under-eye brightener adds radiance and luminosity to tired eyes, making you instantly look more awake, Davis says. Gossman adds, “Think of an under-eye brightener as a beauty filter for under your eyes.”

How to Layer Them

Before using a concealer, corrector, and under-eye brightener, it’s important to prep your skin. “Start with an eye cream to hydrate and smooth the under-eye area”, Davis recommends. This creates a hydrated, smooth base for makeup.

Once you’ve applied your eye cream, the under-eye brightener is next, followed by the color corrector, and finishing with concealer. Since the eye area is delicate, Gossman recommends a gentle application: “Apply the product gently if you are using your finger—tap the product and do not pull. If you are using a brush, apply in a sweeping back and forth motion (like windshield wipers) and think about having a light hand, the way an artist drawing would.”

Let each product settle for a few minutes between applications to prevent pilling and caking, ensuring you have a natural blend and finish. Need extra staying power? Davis recommends setting everything with a light, translucent powder to seal in the look.

The Final Takeaway

Knowing when and how to use concealer, color corrector, and under-eye brightener can help you address common concerns, including dark circles, dullness, and redness. Our experts recommend starting with an under-eye brightener, then applying a color corrector, and finally, concealer. Aside from the layering process, Gossman and Davis emphasize the importance of choosing formulas tailored to your skin type, desired coverage level, and finish preference. Keeping these tips in mind will ensure your under-eye area appears even and vibrant all day long.

Lest we state the obvious: The Korean skin-care industry is a hotbed of innovation, and the best Korean face masks (in all shapes and forms) are essential in helping us look our glowiest. Whether we’re masking once a week or daily—hey, daily sheet masking isn’t out of the question—these treatments load our skin with barrier-repairing, brightening, clarifying, hydrating, soothing, and texture-smoothing ingredients we can’t get enough of. Best of all? They’re as gentle on our wallets as they are on our skin—in fact, none of the masks on this page cost more than $45, with tons of $20-and-under picks. Ahead, our editors give us the low-down on their top picks from Beauty of Joseon, Innisfree, Medicube, Round Lab, and more. Time to reap in the glassy skin.

Our Top Korean Face Masks

• Best Wash-Off Mask Overall: Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask, $18
• Best Sheet Mask Overall: Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask, $19
• Best Overnight Mask: Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Power Boosting Mask, $19
• Best Peel-Off Mask: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask, $19
• Best Cooling: Dr. Althea Jelly Seal Dewy Mask, $13
• Best for Dry Skin: Torriden Dive In Sheet Mask, $33
• Best for Oily Skin: Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask, $18
• Best for Barrier Support: Round Lab 1025 Water Gel Hydration Mask, $23
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Celimax The Real Cica Calming Ampoule Mask, $15
• Best for Mature Skin: Dr.Jart+ Cryo Rubber Firming Mask, $16

Best Wash-Off Mask Overall: Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask

Beauty of Joseon

Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask

Why it’s worth it: Beauty of Joseon does a lot of things right, from sunscreens to toner-essences. The brand’s masks are no exception: The Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask, in particular, strikes the ideal balance between clarifying and brightening your complexion—all while being non-irritating. The stars of this formula are upcycled makgeolli lees (a byproduct of Korean rice wine), honey, kaolin clay, and rice hull powder—which together sweep away the gunk residing in your pores, gently buff away uneven texture, and with consistent use, help brighten discoloration.

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask

Sarah Han

Han after using the Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask

Sarah Han

Best Sheet Mask Overall: Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

Why it’s worth it: Whether you leave it on all night or call it quits around the 3- to 4-hour mark (hello, work-from-home days!), Biodance’s Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask is one tall glass of water for your skin. Using ultra-low molecular weight collagen and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (otherwise known as oligo HA) means deeper penetration of hydrating, plumping goodness. Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City, confirms this mask’s popularity, adding, “It leaves the skin more glowy and hydrated for hours after application.”

Lee after wearing Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask after four hours

Christa Lee

Lee after removing the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

Christa Lee

Best Overnight Mask: Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Power Boosting Mask

Sungboon Editor

Deep Collagen Power Boosting Mask

Why it’s worth it: You might have a lot of questions about us suggesting you wear a sheet mask overnight—how does it even stay on?—but hear us out. Don’t try this with a standard cloth sheet mask (those will slide right off in your sleep); however, the Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Power Boosting Mask is specifically designed to cling to the skin all night with its gel-like texture. As you snooze, collagen and peptides boost elasticity and soften fine lines, while niacinamide brightens and evens tone. Centella Asiatica calms redness and reinforces your skin’s barrier, while glycerin locks in deep hydration, keeping your complexion supple. By morning, you pulled off an overnight spa treatment without ever leaving your bed.

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffman using the Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Power Boosting Mask

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffman removing the Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Power Boosting Mask

Sarah Hoffmann

Best Peel-Off Mask: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask

Medicube

Collagen Night Wrapping Mask

Why it’s worth it: Viral skin-care products don’t always live up to their fame, but we’re happy to report Medicube’s Collagen Night Wrapping Mask is up to snuff. Aside from being extra satisfying to peel off—feel free to pull a “skin shed” prank on your partner—this clear mask is chock-full of hyaluronic acid, collagen extract, niacinamide, and vitamin E to smooth skin while you snooze. Notably, it’s also a less messy alternative to the Biodance overnight sheet mask—just wait 15 minutes to ensure it’s totally dry before your face meets your pillow. “It leaves the skin looking radiant and smooth the next morning,” Dr. Chang attests. “As a side sleeper, I love how quickly it dries so that you can fall asleep right away.”

Mazzone Singh peeling off Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask the next morning

Dianna Mazzone Singh

Singh after applying Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask

Dianna Mazzone Singh

Best Cooling: Dr. Althea Jelly Seal Dewy Mask

Why it’s worth it: Instead of a standard cotton sheet, this mask uses a soft gauze infused with gel technology, so it hugs every contour of your face without slipping or bubbling up. The plush, cushiony texture creates a moisture-locking seal that helps actives absorb more effectively while delivering a refreshing cooling sensation that feels truly soothing on skin. Inside, not one but 10 types (!) of hyaluronic acid—ranging from high to ultra-low molecular weights—drench your skin with multi-level hydration, instantly plumping the surface while sinking deep for long-lasting moisture and improved elasticity. To top it off, plant-derived PDRN (derived from salmon DNA) is known for boosting skin repair and regeneration, panthenol calms and strengthens the barrier, and madecassoside soothes irritation, leaving skin recharged, resilient, and glowing.

Han removing the Dr. Althea Jelly Seal Dewy Mask

Sarah Han

Han after using the Dr. Althea Jelly Seal Dewy Mask

Sarah Han

Best for Dry Skin: Torriden Dive In Sheet Mask

Why it’s worth it: Torriden takes hydration seriously. Each product in its Dive In family is injected with a 5D multi-low-molecular hyaluronic acid system for optimal saturation. In layman’s terms, that means five types of HA with low, medium, and high molecular weights to address skin at different levels—not just the surface. Allantoin and panthenol provide more skin-soothing, barrier-strengthening, and moisture-locking abilities in this refreshing, 15- to 20-minute treatment. Get ready to look like a dewy dumpling.

Lee before applying the Torriden Dive In Sheet Mask

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Torriden Dive In Sheet Mask

Christa Joanna Lee

Best for Oily Skin: Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

Innisfree

Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

Why it’s worth it: Clay masks literally draw out dirt and excess sebum from your pores, which means you get the satisfying look at your pores being singled out once Innisfree’s Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask has dried down. Then there’s lactic acid to swiftly remove dead skin cells and increase cell turnover—resulting in brighter, smoother skin. In turn, “increasing cell turnover also reduces clogged pores and the chances of developing acne lesions,” Aegean Chan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Santa Barbara, California, previously explained. Bonus: Lactic acid has naturally occurring moisturizing properties so your barrier reaps benefits, too. All in all, this tingly wash-off mask keeps oil, pores, and blackheads in check while soothing the skin—for less than $20.

Pai before using the Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

Deanna Pai

Pai after using the Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

Deanna Pai

Best for Barrier Support: Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Hydrating Water Gel Mask

Round Lab

1025 Dokdo Hydrating Water Gel Mask

Why it’s worth it: Known for creating one of Korea’s most popular sunscreens, Round Lab brings the same gentle approach to its 1025 Dokdo Hydrating Water Gel Mask. “Thanks to its comforting ingredients and zero fragrance, it’s a great option for sensitive skin,” says Hee Jin Kim, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician based in Fort Lee, NJ. The ultra-thin hydrogel sheet conforms perfectly to your face, locking in moisture as mineral-rich deep-sea water, hyaluronic acid, and amino acids drench skin in lasting hydration. Meanwhile, panthenol and allantoin soothe irritation and strengthen the barrier. In just 10 minutes, skin feels bouncier, calmer, and comfortably dewy.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Celimax The Real Cica Calming Ampoule Mask

Celimax

The Real Cica Calming Ampoule Mask

Why it’s worth it: When your skin is feeling especially stressed, Celimax The Real Cica Calming Ampoule Mask is an instant reset. “If you’re a big fan of the hallmark K-beauty ingredient Centella Asiatica, this mask is perfect for those with sensitive skin that needs calming relief,” says Judy Hong-Jin Joo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Seoul, Korea. If you haven’t tried cica before, the ingredient is celebrated for reducing redness, accelerating skin repair, and reinforcing the skin barrier—making it a go-to for irritation-prone complexions. Paired with madecassoside and hyaluronic acid for extra soothing and hydrating powers, this ampoule-soaked mask leaves skin supple and balanced.

Best for Mature Skin: Dr.Jart+ Cryo Rubber Firming Mask

Dr.Jart+

Cryo Rubber Firming Mask

Why it’s worth it: Unlike typical sheet masks that come pre-soaked, the Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber Firming Face Mask uses a two-step system for maximum results. First, apply the included ampoule packed with hydrolyzed collagen to boost elasticity, niacinamide to brighten, and mango seed butter and macadamia oil to nourish and protect. Then, layer on the Cryo Rubber Firming Mask, infused with seaweed-derived chondrus crispus extract, panthenol, and mineral-rich clays that give it its signature rubbery texture. This cooling second step locks in all that hydration and delivers a tightening effect for firmer-looking skin. “The results mimic a facial you’d get from an esthetician—so hydrating that it’s become my favorite in-flight mask to combat dry cabin air,” says Dr. Hee Jin Kim.

Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Korean face masks innovative?

“Korean face masks are all about delivering high-performance results that help the skin optimize ingredient absorption,” says New York City-based Charlotte Cho, cofounder of K-beauty retailer Soko Glam and founder of Then I Met You. Adding on, Dr. Chang notes they “use advanced and innovative materials, ranging from bio-cellulose and hydrogel to bamboo fiber sheet masks, as well as overnight masks and peel-off masks,” adding that the range of mask types makes the experience fun and hands-on for the consumer.

Similar to other skin-care categories, Korean face masks are known to be gentle and supportive to the skin barrier—popular ingredients include Centella asiatica (also known as cica), ceramides, and fermented ingredients, Cho notes. “There’s also been a rise in multi-functional actives like PDRN (salmon DNA) for regeneration, Volufiline for plumping, and micro-spicules for deeper penetration—ingredients once reserved for professional treatments and are now found in serums and masks.” As for hydration, birch sap and polyglutamic acid are some of the mainstream, tried-and-true ingredients, Cho adds.

What are the different types of Korean face masks?

We broke down the most common types of face masks in an episode of our The Science of Beauty podcast, with the help of David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. There, you’ll find everything you need to know about sheet, clay, charcoal, cream, wash-off, sleeping, peel-off, and bubble masks.

Meet the experts

• Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City
• Charlotte Cho, cofounder of K-beauty retailer Soko Glam and founder of Then I Met You, based in New York City
• David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology and founder of Lightsaver, based in New York City
• Hee Jin Kim, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician and medical director of Pureen MD, based in Fort Lee, NJ
• Judy Hong-Jin Joo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Glassy Skin Clinic in Cheongdam, based in Seoul, Korea

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best Korean face masks to make your skin feel utterly refreshed, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

We here at Beautylish love a good skincare ingredient spotlight, especially a fruit-focused one. We’ve covered pineapples, plums, and avocados, but never the queen of all summer fruits. Until now.

The crown goes to watermelon, the ultra-refreshing fruit that helps you glow from the inside out with every bite. When infused into skin and haircare, watermelon delivers a range of benefits from antioxidant protection to intense hydration.

It’s all thanks to two powerhouse derivatives: watermelon seed oil and watermelon fruit extract. Explore this curated lineup of watermelon-based essentials and discover why this superfruit belongs in your beauty routine just as much as on your plate.

R+Co Dreamhouse Cold-Pressed Watermelon Wave Spray , $32

Beachy waves powered by watermelon can only be described as a summer dream. This wave spray harnesses cold-pressed watermelon seed oil as a key ingredient—known for quenching thirsty strands while providing antioxidant defense. Spray on to activate soft, healthy waves.

Facile Barely There Hyaluronic Acid Lightweight Moisturizer , $25

With its 90% water content, eating watermelon helps keep your skin plump, smooth, and deeply hydrated. And when it’s not in season? Watermelon fruit extract in your moisturizer delivers that same refreshing boost. Massage this lightweight moisturizer into your skin morning and night for barely-there hydration, year-round.

HoliFrog Solar Daily Mineral Sunscreen , $36

Watermelon seed oil makes another splash in this sheer, non-greasy SPF 30. The semi-matte formula provides a daily dose of antioxidant-rich hydration minus the ghostly white cast. You’ll get the same skin-softening wave of hydration as eating a slice of watermelon without having to wrestle with a giant gourd.

Oribe Supershine Discovery Set , $49

I recently found out that my favorite Oribe collection (aka the Supershine line) is packed with the benefits of watermelon. Chances are, your favorite Oribe product is too, thanks to the brand’s Signature Complex of watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss. It’s all to protect hair from damage, dryness, and color fade caused by environmental stressors. This set of minis locks in silky-smooth moisture for strands with luminous shine.

Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Lip Balm , $24

Not only does this lip balm formula incorporate nourishing watermelon seed oil, it’s also lightly scented with watermelon and vanilla. Swipe on this multitasking formula to condition your lips, but then also to also tame brows, highlight cheekbones, and soothe dry spots.

If applying sunscreen feels like a chore, the best moisturizers with SPF might be the solution you’ve been searching for. Simply put, a moisturizer with SPF is a face cream that provides broad-spectrum sun protection rated SPF 30 or higher. (We follow the guidelines set by the American Academy of Dermatology, and so should you!) It should go without saying that these moisturizers provide skin-plumping moisture and hydration via ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides, with the added benefit of protecting your skin against harmful UV rays. Scroll on and shop these editor- and dermatologist-recommended facial moisturizers with SPF to ensure your skin is in tip-top health all year round.

Our Top Moisturizers with SPF

Best Mineral Sunscreen: Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops

Why it’s worth it: Yes, Kate Somerville’s HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops are mineral-based, but they’re nothing like the chalkier lotions on the market (hence its 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award win). This totally clear formula absorbs immediately into the surface layer of the skin, leaving no white cast or ashy residue behind—especially key for darker skin tones. You can, however, count on a lingering dewy glow we think looks breathtaking. Though this formula contains non-nano zinc oxide (which means the particles of the sunblock are slightly larger), the trick to its transparent sheen is its sheer mineral-based pigments that neutralize any discoloration.

We also love this sunscreen’s soothing formula, thanks to the anti-inflammatory ectoin, a free radical-fighting skin-care ingredient derived from healthy bacteria. “It’s an extremolyte, which is extracted from extremophilic microorganisms,” says Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. According to Dr. Idriss, extremolytes like ectoin help protect cellular integrity in extreme weather conditions (bye, wintertime dryness and cold-induced eczema flare-ups).

Best Chemical Sunscreen: Supergoop! Triple Prep Weightless Multitasking Moisturizer SPF 40

Why it’s worth it: Supergoop’s expertise lies in sunscreen, so, naturally, we trust the brand to masterfully incorporate sun protection into a moisturizer. That’s exactly what it did with the Triple Prep Weightless Multitasking Moisturizer SPF 40, the dolled-up sister of the brand’s Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40. This 2-in-1 formulation treats pores with a nourishing blend of the skin-plumping good stuff: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, and ectoin. Like many Supergoop products, this formula was made to play well under makeup. In fact, its mattifying properties and fast-absorbing texture make for one of the best hydrating makeup primers out there, Amanda Lam, a cosmetic chemist, noted to Allure.

Best for Combination Skin: Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50 PA++++

Why it’s worth it: Australian sunscreen brand Ultra Violette is giving the stateside stuff a run for its money. Case in point? The brand’s Supreme Screen SPF 50. The triple-threat SPF, moisturizer, and primer offers comprehensive coverage while addressing concerns such as dark spots, fine lines, and dryness. For that, you can thank plant-based pentavitin, a barrier-strengthening humectant, and squalane. Due to its non-oily nature, this is a solid choice for combination skin with a mind of its own.

Best for Dry Skin: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50 PA++++

Why it’s worth it: Beauty of Joseon‘s Relief Sun SPF 50 has probably popped up on your FYP at some point, and trust us, it’s worth the hype. This gorgeous sunscreen has the feel of a lightweight moisturizer, and skips the sticky residue and white cast, instead opting for straight-up hydration. As for the formula, this sunscreen is infused with rice grain and fermented rice extracts to calm and condition your face—acne-prone skin, this goes out to you.

PSA: While you can buy the original formula from reputable, Asia-based retailers listed above, the version on Amazon is a slightly different, FDA-approved formula called Daily Relief Sunscreen. One notable difference: Daily Relief doesn’t have a PA rating, a scale of + to ++++, that’s standard among Asian sunscreens to measure protection against UVA rays. (This tweaked formula is still worth a buy, but we want you to stay informed!)

Best Under Makeup: Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50 PA++++

Why it’s worth it: If you find yourself fretting that your sunscreen is going to ruin your makeup, Naturium’s Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50 will put your worries to bed. This silky formula wears beautifully under bases, blushes, and everything in between, and boasts a PA++++ rating (a standard metric for Korean sunscreens). The gist? “The greater the number of plus signs [the max being four], the better the level of protection against UVA rays (which visibly age us),” Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, explains. The standard measurement of sunscreen strength (the SPF number) measures UVB rays, a.k.a. the ones with shorter wavelengths that cause sunburns.

You’ll also get a nice dose of squalane, niacinamide, and vitamin C and, JSYK, the cap can be used to measure out the dermatologist-recommended amount of product for the face.

Best Brightening: Olay Super Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30

Why it’s worth it: Olay’s Super Cream Sunscreen SPF 30 is an instant classic whose formula juggles five different benefits in every application. It starts strong with chemical-filter UV defense and moves along to hydrating, smoothing, firming, and brightening. Heavy hitters like vitamins C and E, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and collagen peptides are at play to enhance the skin-care vibes in this SPF, while skipping any white cast or greasiness in the process. This formula draws inspiration from the brand’s beloved Super Serum, which offers many of the same perks but without the sunscreen.

More moisturizers with SPF to consider:

• For a lightweight moisturizer spiked with sun protection and prebiotics that support and strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier, La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30 is a go-to. Just ask Connecticut-based, board-certified dermatologist, Mona Gohara, MD. “Super-hydrating ceramides and niacinamide bring down inflammation,” she says.
• A great daytime moisturizer for anyone looking to address the appearance of wrinkles, grab a tub of Philosophy’s Hope In A Jar Smooth-Glow Multi-Tasking Moisturizer SPF 30. Mina Amin, MD, a Los Angeles–based dermatologist, says she “loves that this moisturizer is so hydrating and blends seamlessly into the skin.
• ”​One of the internet’s favorite affordable sunscreens for its totally transparent, barely-there formulation, Bioré’s UV Aqua Rich SPF 50 is an essence-textured pick that has a thinner, more watery feel than traditional sunscreen lotions. It instantly hydrates skin with the help of hyaluronic acid. Did we mention it’s a 2024 Best of Beauty winner? Yup, yup, and yup.
• Because of its hydrating formula, free-radical defense, and sheer coverage, dermatologists adore EltaMD’s UV Daily SPF 40. Dr. Gohara especially recommends it to her patients looking to improve signs of aging, she says.
• If you’re looking for an option that won’t exacerbate greasiness, Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana, recommends applying SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30. Its lightweight hydration comes from glycerin, a humectant that binds water onto the surface layer of the skin for a smooth, velvety texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best ingredients to look for in a moisturizer with SPF?

Like all sunscreens, a moisturizer with SPF will contain some form of chemical or mineral UV filters to protect your skin against the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, which can lead to signs of aging, such as fine lines, and, on a larger scale, skin cancer. We adhere to the AAD’s guidelines and only recommend sunscreens with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. However, your sunscreen-day cream hybrid will contain at least one of the following ingredients for long-lasting hydration: