Just because you have sensitive skin doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to play with makeup and skin care. This is the ethos behind the brand Tower28, which focuses on making high-quality products free of potentially sensitizing ingredients. And the brand’s SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation, which launched in October 2021, remains the only complexion product to have the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association.
“As someone who has suffered from severe eczema my entire adult life, I know how hard it can be to find a mineral SPF foundation that will still give you the coverage you want and the UV protection you need, without irritating your skin,” says Tower28 founder Amy Liu. “We use non-nano zinc oxide to provide mineral protection since chemical sunscreens have been known to trigger sensitive skin types.” Zinc oxide is also coral-reef safe.
Although SunnyDays ($32) was made for sensitive skin, it doesn’t tiptoe around coverage—it’s highly buildable and allows you to customize your coverage from light to medium. It’s the ideal your-skin-but-better formula—heavy enough to even out your complexion but sheer enough to let your undertones shine through. This takes the pressure off finding the *perfect* match, though the brand just launched three additional shades (bringing the tally to 17) in response to requests from shoppers for a wider variety of undertones in the mid-range.
SunnyDays is SPF 30, but Liu says you’ll still want to layer it over sunscreen for full protection. To get full SPF coverage on your face, derms advise putting on enough product to cover two fingers, or an amount to fill an old-fashioned metal bottle cap. That’s way more than the amount you’d likely want to use for this product. Apply SunnyDays to add additional coverage, not to replace your go-to sunscreen (which you should be wearing every day, even in the winter). “People with problematic skin including eczema and acne need sun protection even more since sun damage can also lead to scarring,” says Liu.
In order to receive the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, SunnyDays underwent rigorous third-party testing to ensure it’s free of known eczema irritants. But, because everyone’s skin is different, while the chances of this product irritating eczema-prone skin are low, it’s not impossible.
What it’s like using the Tower28 Sunnydays tinted sunscreen
I love the way this product goes on. It provides just enough coverage while still allowing me to look like myself. I put a few dabs on my face and then blend it out with a sponge. It’s light enough that you can apply it with just your fingers, but if you’re like me and prefer applying complexion products with a tool, you don’t have to worry about the formula being so watery that a sponge or brush would soak it all up.
Come warm weather, this is the only complexion product I’m using. It’s lightweight and allows my skin to breathe while providing a sheer tint of coverage and added SPF complexion. Even though it’s a mineral sunscreen, the formula is creamy and hydrating, allowing my skin to feel dewy and moisturized. If I want a more dolled-up look, I’ll add on a touch of concealer and cream contour for a sculpted your-skin-but-better look. Whether or not you have sensitive skin, SunnyDays is more than worth giving a try.
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