Is Sunscreen Finally Having Its Moment?
Sunscreen was once an afterthought for many—more myth than must-have. Today, it’s the essential staple on every beauty shelf. For years, “dark skin doesn’t burn” was the refrain echoing through barbershops and family cookouts, so no one bothered with sunscreen. But the dusty days of one-note lotion are over. From oil-serum “Sun Drops” to iridescent glitter sticks, brands have unleashed a full-on sun-care revolution. And at the heart of it is our community: demanding formulas that feel as good as they look on melanated skin, and that blend seamlessly into morning routines (and afternoon touch-ups). Sorry Tower28…yikes.
The Glow-Up Anthem
We’ll admit it: sometimes lathering SPF on feels about as sexy as filing your taxes. Yet something has shifted. In group chats and across influencer feeds, sunscreen talk has moved from “if I must” to “what’s new?” Only a third of us were ever true daily SPF devotees, but now the girls are proudly declaring #SPFRoutine, armed with primers that blur pores, glow oils that hydrate, and even buildable self-tanning SPFs that skip the burn.
The Era of Infinite Options
Walk past any beauty shelf today and you’ll spot:
Multitasking Elixirs that hydrate, brighten, and shield skin in one pump.
Primer-SPF Hybrids that save your makeup look from midday meltdown.
Self-Tanning SPFs for that sunkissed vibe, minus the risk of lobster-red regrets.
It wasn’t so long ago that “sun care” meant pale-yellow cream in a bulky tube. Now we have serum textures, whipped body butters, ultra-sheer zinc mists, and even oil sticks that you can apply on the go.
Community -Approved Picks
No brand can hype you like your fellow The Black Beauty Club members. These are the sunscreen brand our crew swears by:
The Hottest Launches, 2024–2025
Some of the products that have rewritten SPF as we know it, categorized for your scrolling pleasure:
2024 Standouts
HYPER Daily Invisible for All SPF 50 Sun Drops — Oil-serum you mix or wear solo, fully undetectable.
EltaMD UV AOX Elements Broad Spectrum SPF 50 — Tinted mineral meets hyaluronic acid, bisabolol, and ginger root.
R&R Sun Elixir Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Glow Oil — A waterless, vitamin-C–rich glow potion for face, body, and scalp.
InnBeauty Project Mineral Sun Glow SPF 43 PA+++ —Weightless tint plus soft-focus finish.
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50 Facial Sunscreen Moisturizer and Primer —Preps, primes, and protects the skin from premature aging and harmful UV rays.
Vacation Classic Whip SPF 30 SPF 30 Sunscreen Mousse —“lighter-than-air” sunscreen.
2025 Breakouts
Allies of Skin Sunless Tan SPF 50 — The first SPF + self-tanner + antioxidant triple threat.
U Beauty The Multimodal Sheer Sunscreen SPF 25 — Brightening “SIREN Capsule” primer that shields.
MERIT Beauty The Uniform Tinted Mineral SPF 45 — Fast-absorbing, ultra-sheer zinc veil (May 22 drop).
From luxe laboratories to indie startups, these launches prove one thing: sun care is no longer an afterthought. It’s beauty’s new frontier.
The Takeaway
We may have started with half-hearted swipes of greasy white cream, but today we’re curating skincare rituals worthy of the deepest melanin. Whether you’re a no-cast zinc zealot, a serum addict, or a glitter stick enthusiast, there’s never been a better time to embrace SPF. So choose your weapon, set that two-hour reminder, and glow responsibly.
Add to Cart:
Bashel, Creator: Black Girl Sunscreen & IT Cosmetics Hello Sunshine
Mimi, Head of Influencer: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen & Tula’s Protect + Glow
Kayla, Beauty Journalist: Tatcha The Silk
Ike, Comedian & Influencer: Black Girl Sunscreen
Karine, PR Maven - Beauty of Joseon
Imani, Marketing Maven: Shiseido Sun Stick & Super Goop Spray
J Harrison, Actor: Black Girl Sunscreen
Vanese, Beauty Journalist: Naturium Dew Glow & Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Shield