There are a lot of cool things out there that make us wonder — do they really work? In our I Tried It series, we set out to use them in the real world and have determined that, in fact, they really do.
On Trial: Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen
Tester: Jennifer Hussein, beauty editor and sunscreen fanatic.
The Brief: Whether you love it or hate it, sunscreen is inarguably an important step — if not the most important step — in your skincare routine for a plethora of reasons (think: preventing skin cancer, decreasing your chances of premature aging, keeping painful sunburns away, should I keep going?). Unfortunately, a lot of us are still reluctant to use sunscreen, especially since it can leave an ashy finish or white cast.
Thankfully, more and more tinted sunscreens are coming out of the woodwork to provide us with sunscreen that actually blends into our skin. While there are tons to choose from at the moment, there's one that should definitely be on your beauty wish list: the Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen.
Everyone who truly knows me knows that I'm very particular with what I put on my skin: it can't be too heavy nor too lightweight, it better not have any red-flag toxins in it, and it must be cruelty-free. Luckily, Versed's latest sunscreen launch meets all of my marks, plus a bit extra: On top of meeting my Goldilocks "just right" requirements, this particular sunscreen includes a broad-spectrum SPF 35 formula, which is above the SCF's minimum SPF 30 requirement to defend your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Plus, the formula also defends against blue light rays, which radiate from your tech gadgets (eek!) and can also cause skin damage, according to Harper's Bazaar.
There's a notion that people with darker, tanner skin don't need sunscreen because they don't burn — which is just factually incorrect. I get it: in my half-Hispanic, half-Middle Eastern upbringing, sunscreen was almost as laughable as not adding adobo to your chicken. As natives to warmer, sunnier weather, my parents considered sunscreen an optional part of skincare — They've gone this far in life without SPF, so why add it into their routine now, right?
Well, sorry, Mom and Dad, but you were wrong about this one. No matter where you're from or where you live, sunscreen is extremely important, especially in BIPOC communities. The Skin Cancer Foundation found that there's an ongoing skin cancer crisis within people of color, mainly due to lack of public awareness in BIPOC communities, as well as healthcare providers' lack of testing and providing full-body examinations. The SCF also noted that while skin cancers are less prevalent in non-white racial ethnic groups, they tend to be diagnosed at a later stage, and as a result, have a worse prognosis. The lesson here: sunscreen is necessary for everyone. Which is why I was so excited that Versed's new sunscreen is tinted for darker skin tones to use with ease.
One thing I truly love about this formula is how seamlessly it blends into my skin. First off, it doesn't leave a white cast since the formula has a universal tint, which is a major plus. Its formula is also just right for my skin: not heavy enough to leave a greasy feel, but also has a subtle moisturizing quality to it that makes my face feel soft and supple after applying it. It also has a natural mineral-based formula, so you won't have to worry about any chemicals sitting on your skin all day. Just with any sunscreen, remember to follow the American Academy of Dermatology's guidelines and reapply every 2 hours!
Closing Argument: If you're looking for a sunscreen that will guard your skin without any issues — we're talking about you, white cast — then this sunscreen is definitely worth checking out. Its universal tint, non-greasy feel, and nontoxic mineral formula makes this a must-have for everyone's summer beauty bag.
Read More:
Supergoop!'s Glowscreen is the Secret to Dewy, Radiant Skin
Spray Sunscreens for the Ultimate SPF Protection
The Best Sunscreens for Dark Skin Tones That Won't Leave a Streaky Mess
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Jennifer is the former beauty editor for BestProducts.com, where she’s testing out everything from the latest lip gloss to the craziest skincare trend sweeping the online beauty-verse. Her work has been featured in Allure, Byrdie, HelloGiggles, and more. When she’s not swatching eyeshadow all over her arms, you can find the NYC-based editor scouring for hours on end for vintage finds, eating pad thai, and hanging out with her cat, Chunks.
