EltaMD Buying Guide: One Pump First, Then the Grid, Then the Routine

First, filters: if mineral only is a hard rule, your choice is already made, UV Physical, and its tint band is the only remaining check. Second, water: if your days regularly involve swimming, training or serious heat, UV Sheer is the line's only 80 minute answer, and its SPF 50+ comes with it. Third, moisture: if neither rule binds you, choose between UV Clear and UV Daily on dryness alone, oil free lightness against hyaluronic acid comfort. Three questions, asked in that order, sort six sunscreens faster than any ranking can.

The tinted twins carry the same printed actives and SPF as their untinted originals, so tint should be decided the way you would decide a foundation shade: by your tone and undertone, not by hope. Light to medium and warm tolerant, the tinted pumps flatter and can replace base. Very fair and cool, deep, or simply outside the printed bands, the untinted versions with their transparent zinc finish are the inclusive choice, and UV Daily Tinted's own listing, which prints a medium light to medium band, is the model of the honesty to look for.

Once the sunscreen is settled, the supporting products queue by usefulness. The Foaming Facial Cleanser comes second for anyone wearing SPF daily, because gentle removal is what makes tomorrow's application welcome. The moisturizers come third, and as a decision, not a pair by default: AM Restore if mornings feel under moisturized under your SPF, PM Restore if nights need barrier work, both only if both problems are real. The Skin Recovery Serum is the specialist purchase, bought when the barrier is stressed, not as a standing serum for skin that is currently calm.

This line sells the same names in several sizes and formats, and the listing in front of you is the truth of what you are buying: most pumps here are 1.7 oz, UV Sheer starts at 1.7 oz with a larger size on its listing, UV Physical gives you 3 oz, and the cleanser gives you 7 fl oz. A daily face and neck sunscreen habit consumes a 1.7 oz pump faster than new buyers expect, so judge cost by ounces and by whether the format, pump for precision, tube for volume, matches how you actually apply.