The 10 Best Sunscreens to Buy for Your Wedding Day

I don't know who needs to hear this, but, you need to wear sunscreen on your wedding day.

Coming from a person who has to be forced to slather on sunscreen basically every single time, I hope you'll listen. I'm one of those lucky ducks who tans easily and doesn't burn. But, guess what, I'm not impervious to wrinkles or skin cancer. Sunscreen will add protection to even the most burn-resistant skin from harmful, aging UV rays.

Maybe you're a good kid who always wears sunscreen. Good for you! Now, I have some advice that you may not know that applies to both groups…

Photo by Heather Nan

Buy a wedding-day sunscreen without a white cast.

As a wedding photographer, I can tell what kind of sunscreen (and who is wearing any to begin with) when I get my flash out. Certain sunscreens – particularly mineral sunscreens – will shine white or give you a ‘white cast' when the light bounces off your face. During the day, with natural light, this won't be quite as obvious. But when it's party time, you risk the bright white effect, which could be a drastically different color from your natural skin tone. This goes for both brides and grooms, of course!

Thankfully, there are plenty of UV ray protecting sunscreens that don't reflect light. What you're looking for generally is a chemical sunscreen. These typically do not have the white effect when rubbed into your skin. That being said, we are aware that those with sensitive skin tend to reach for mineral sunscreens at the pharmacy. Some companies, aware of this white cast issue, have made leaps and strides to eliminate this effect.

So, I've laid out the best chemical and a few mineral sunscreens below, for quick shopping. No, you don't have to spend an arm and a leg for this special skin protectant. Save that money for a spa day and think of me.

1. Best Invisible Sunscreen

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++

It's easy to believe this sunscreen goes ‘unseen' when you squeeze a dollop out of the tube. The formulation is made of a clear gel. The sunscreen disappears into your skin and then goes to work, protecting your face from UV rays and moisturizing at the same time.

2. Crowd Favorite Sunscreen

Kinship Self Reflect Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 32

Lightweight, sheer, moisturizing, reef-safe and reasonably priced, it's no surprise Kinship's Self Reflect Sunscreen is a fan favorite.

3. Best Organic Sunscreen

EleVen by Venus Williams Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35

For those looking to avoid all the yucky chemicals present in so many sunscreens, Venus Williams creates EleVen, a sunscreen safe for the planet. This lightweight serum combines skincare and sun protection, keeping your skin hydrated thanks to nature-made ingredients like prickly pear.

4. Best Mineral Sunscreen

CoTZ Sensitive Non-Tinted Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen for Body and Face Broad Spectrum SPF 40

Reef-friendly and great for sensitive skin. This is one of the few mineral sunscreens that actually disappear when you rub it into your skin.

5. Best Chemical Sunscreen

Specific Beauty Active Brightening Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30

This chemical sunscreen from Specific Beauty promises to actively reduce dark spots and brighten skin with each use. So, this will be a great habitual product to wear on your wedding day and beyond.

6. Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen with Niacinamide

Oily skin sweating in the summer sun: a wedding-day nightmare. Fenty's Hydra Vizor Sunscreen doesn't just go on invisible (no white cast!) Add to its beauty cred that it's oil-free. Thus, you won't add any extra dewy sheen for wedding photos.

7. Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral SPF 30 Moisturizer + Hyaluronic Acid

If you live with dry skin, this mineral sunscreen should do the trick. The product is ultra-hydrating thanks to hyaluronic acid, leaving your skin soft and soothed without the use of greasy oils. Plus, reviewers say it leaves almost no white cast, a rare case for mineral sunscreens.

8. Best Sunscreen for Melanated Skin

Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

Affordable and well-reviewed, users confirm that this sunscreen lacks the unfortunate white cast. So, this Black Girl Sunscreen is our top pick for melanated skin.

9. Best Sunscreen for Acne-prone Skin

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 47

As a gal with acne-prone skin, this is my personal sunscreen recommended by my dermatologist. Not only does this mineral sunscreen act as the perfect sun protectant for sensitive skin, but its zinc formula means the cream goes on clear. No white cast and no pimples (fingers crossed). Don't believe me? Read the 4300+ five-star reviews on Dermstore.

10. Best Color Correcting Sunscreen

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30

The splurge of this list, this treatment by Dr. Jart+ does more than just protect your skin from the sun. The healing properties of tiger grass, or cica, in this cream helps to rapidly reduce redness, toning skin to look even and glowing on your wedding day.