You might be wondering how SPF is supposed to be applied properly every day without breaking the bank. Sunscreen can be costly, but did you know that K-beauty actually has some really accessible sunscreens? That’s why Cassandra loves K-beauty lines. Not only do they protect our skin with phenomenal formulas, they also protect our wallets. 

So, let’s go over some popular luxury sunscreens as well as affordable K-beauty and J-beauty dupes for popular but costly American sunscreens.

 

Algenist Repairing Tint & Radiance Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 - $150 

This is a good sunscreen, and she loves that it’s made in San Francisco. But, this is simply 1.35 fluid ounces of tinted sunscreen. The tint is nice, and it covers well. The microalgae is also good, but there’s a dupe for it that’s much more affordable. 

 

Dupes for Algenist Broad Spectrum SPF

 

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream Plus: $12 - $15 

This is so lightweight, and it’s tinted. This sunscreen is completely mineral just like the Algenist and SPF 50 with UVA/UVB protection. The formula has a slight tint, but it’s much less expensive. Plus, this is 1.96 fluid ounces, meaning there's more product in the bottle. Cassandra could buy 7.5 of these for one Algenist sunscreen! 

As for the ingredients, this includes Centella. Centella is not the same as algae. But, they are both very hydrating. The Algenist sunscreen has oil, but Cassandra still thinks it’s a wonderful swap. If you want to spend your money on expensive American Beauty Brands, you can, but the Algenist one is only an SPF 30 whereas the other is an SPF 50. The SKIN1004 sunscreen will also give you a glow.

 

ALASTIN Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36 - $78 

This is a recommended and super popular sunscreen that Cassandra thinks is very good. In addition to being a broad-spectrum SPF, it's also a tinted super hydrator that absorbs wonderfully into the skin. However, the price is $65 for 2.6 ounces. Yes, it is unique to find luxury sunscreens that over this quantity, but Cassandra has an even more affordable dupe. 

One of Cassandra’s favorite K-beauty brands, Isntree, has an ultra-hydrating sunscreen too. They have a mineral one and a chemical one that's $18. 

 

Dupes for ALASTIN SPF 36

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel: $18 - $23.40

This is one of Cassandra’s favorite sunscreens. This is so good, and it even works on Cassandra’s oily-prone skin. Oily skin can actually be dehydrating, but this hydrates deeply. 

More specifically, there's hyaluronic acid, and the formula goes on so beautifully. It actually keeps the skin moist. It doesn’t have a tint the way the Alastin one does, but if you’re looking for comparable results for intense hydration, this is $18 - $25. 

 

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Natural Suncream -  $18.40 

This sunscreen is like the watery sun gel except it’s a physical sunscreen. It’s not tinted though. 

 

EltaMD UV Lotion Body Sunscreen - $41.40 

This is an airless pump, and it’s a UV lotion broad spectrum 30 full body sunscreen. This is a great sunscreen, and for the size of 7 ounces, it's $43.

 

Dupes for EltaMd UV Body Lotion

 

Derma:B Everyday Sun Block: $10 - $15.99 

However, this UV lotion is $11.99. This is 6.7 fluid ounces. So, it’s slightly smaller than the EltaMD, but it’s also an SPF 50. The EltaMD one is only an SPF 30.

Cassandra wears this at the beach, and it stays on so well. Compared to the Elta MD sunscreen, the biggest difference is that there's a scent. So, if you’re sensitive to fragrance, you might want the Elta MD.

 

ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen - $70 

If you’re looking for something lightweight and silky, you won't even feel it on the skin. This works so well, especially if you have actinic keratosis. It’s specifically designed for actinic damage. Although this mineral formula is lightweight and liquidy, it does have a little bit of dimethicone, which helps to keep moisture in the skin. Dimethicone can also help to support the skin barrier. 

Recommended by doctors and Derms, this is beautiful, lightweight, and ifeels luxurious.  

 

Dupe for ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Zinc Oxide and 100% Mineral Sunscreen Brodad Spectrum SPF 50+

 

Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen: $15 - $22

This is a soft-touch, breathable sunscreen. It absorbs just as well, and it leaves you with the same silky, skin-loving finish. This feels weightless, and it works amazingly for preventing actinic keratosis.

Coverphoto cred: istock