My quest for the perfect matte or natural-finish sunscreen (full reviews in comments)

It took me a long time to find a sunscreen that truly fits my needs: a matte finish, or at least a natural one. I refuse to look like a walking disco ball. Sunscreen is the last step of my routine. I don’t put powder on top of it.

Where I live, winters are extremely cold and dry, while summers are very hot and humid. My skin is combination, and my complexion is medium-tan. Here’s a breakdown of all the sunscreens I’ve tried, and how they performed on my skin:

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1. SKIN1004 – Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA++++

Summer rating: 3/10
Every time I tried wearing this one in the summer, my face turned into a disco ball. The shine was so intense I looked like I was sweating nonstop. Definitely not suitable for humid climate. It also stings my eyes when I sweat.

Winter rating: 8/10
In winter, though, it’s a completely different story. It keeps my skin comfortable and hydrated, and the finish looks natural.

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2. Suncut – UV Perfect Milk SPF 50+ PA++++

Summer rating: 9/10
This is my HG summer sunscreen. After a few hours, I’m still shine-free. The alcohol in the formula plays a major role….
The alcohol smell is noticeable at first, but it fades quickly. It’s also waterproof.
I don’t see this one recommended often and I don’t understand why !

Winter rating: 3/10
In cold weather, this becomes way too drying — especially if you use tretinoin. Not recommended.

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3. Anessa – Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF 50+ PA++++

Summer rating: 8/10
A favorite for many people, and I do like it — but I find it heavy on my face. The finish is also less matte than Suncut’s. It is, however, extremely waterproof, which probably explains the tackiness.

Winter rating: 3/10
Too drying in winter. Not recommended.

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4. MISSHA – All-Around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA++++

Summer rating: 7/10
The finish is matte and the formula is waterproof… but the scent is terrible. It genuinely smells like grandma perfume. I ended up using it only for the pool/beach. Without the scent, it would easily be a 9/10.

Winter rating: 3/10
Too drying.

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5. Anua – Airy Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++

Summer rating: 2/10
“Airy” is misleading here. This is a physical filter sunscreen with a thick, tacky texture and a visible white cast. The finish isn’t shiny, but the white cast makes it a no for me — and it takes forever to absorb.

Winter rating: 3/10
Slightly less tacky in winter, but the white cast is still there.

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6. Skin Aqua – Super Moisture UV Gel SPF 50+ PA++++

Summer rating: –1/10
I felt betrayed by this one. I read it wasn’t shiny, but it absolutely is. Lightweight, yes — but the finish is disco-ball +++++. I’m using it up on my hands and neck to avoid waste.

Winter rating: 1/10
Still shiny.

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7. Face Republic – Full Bloom Sun Tint SPF 50+ PA++++

Summer rating: –1000/10
Was gifted as part as an order. They advertise it as lightweight and matte, but it’s tacky, shiny, and turns your skin orange.

Winter rating: –1000/10
I won’t even use it on my hands. I don’t want orange hands.

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8. Face Republic – Purity Sun Essence SPF 50+ PA++++

Summer rating: 3/10
Better than the tinted one, but still not right for me. Lightweight, yes — but shiny.

Winter rating: 7/10
Somewhat similar to the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica, just not as good.

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9. SKIN1004 – Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica Soothing Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA++++

Summer rating: 3/10
Thicker than the Hyalu-Cica, and shiny.

Winter rating: 5/10
Still on the shiny side and doesn’t outperform the Hyalu-Cica.

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10. KSECRET – Seoul 1988 Sun: Pine Tree + Ceramide SPF 50+ PA++++

Summer rating: 2/10
Another gift. I never would’ve bought it, because they openly promote a “glowy finish,” and for me glowy = shiny = disco ball. It is very lightweight and hydrating, though.

Winter rating: 3/10
Still too “glowy” for my taste.