An update on my summer sunscreen search

A few weeks ago, I was SO excited about the prospect that Eau Thermale Avene’s new Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50+ would be an updated version of my now-discontinued favorite sunscreen of all time. I told my friends about it—and of course promised I’d give you the scoop as soon as it arrived. But, alas, my sun-protection dreams were dashed. I’ve never had this issue before, but the formula was actually too dark everyday use instead of foundation (although I tossed it in my tennis bag because it will be fine for touch-ups between sets).

But when one door closes, another one opens—and just a few days later I received Elta MD’s new UV Glow Broad-Spectrum SPF 36. Available in tinted and sheer, I obviously tried the tinted version first and did a happy dance as soon as I smoothed it on my skin. With just a hint of coverage to even everything out and a radiant finish that takes me from the supermarket to a doctor’s appointment (and all points in between) without the need for makeup, my Avene mourning was officially over.

In fact, Elta’s formula is way better than Avene’s. Combining sun protection and skincare benefits, this newbie to the dermatologist- and celebrity-beloved collection also features mega-antioxidants to fight non-UV environmental damage, niacinamide to help improve discoloration throughout the day and hydrating hyaluronic acid. BOOM!

Everything happens for a reason, and I’m happy to share the happy ending to my summer sunscreen search! P.S. The non-tinted version is also in my regular rotation for days when I actually do wear makeup.