I'm in My Simplified Skincare Era—How I Brighten, Hydrate, and Protect My Skin With Just One Product

My medicine cabinet is filled with multipurpose beauty products that can help me cut down on the time I spend in front of the mirror, but this new launch is too good not to mention. Ultra Violette's Supreme Screen SPF 50 Facial Suncreen Moisturizer and Primer has been an Australian favorite for some time now, but it's only just made its way stateside. It's a moisturizer, but it's also a primer and and face sunscreen.

Customer Review: "I have very sensitive skin that breaks out easily, and this felt so good on my skin especially under makeup! It felt actually hydrating and had a good consistency that sunscreen normally doesn’t have. I’ve been using this everyday after I wash my face. Extra points for being Australian made."

Formula: cream, not scented or waterproof

UV Defense: SPF 50

Okay, I'll admit it—I usually have to remind myself to apply sunscreen every day before I launch into my makeup routine. This SPF-infused moisturizer feels natural to finish off my skincare with since it locks in all the skin-loving ingredients and give my complexion a flawless and smooth look ahead of my foundation application.

Customer Review: "I vary rarely write a review especially about a sunscreen but this will be a repurchase! I have sensitive and acne prone skin and this is perfect for me. Lays nicely under makeup, it is a little thick so you will need to massage it into the skin but it dries down beautifully."

Formula: cream, not scented or waterproof

UV Defense: SPF 50

One thing that might be somewhat surprising about me is that fact that I tend to avoid makeup products unless they use formulas that contribute to my skincare in some way. The Saie Slip Tint SPF 35 is a perfect example of a product that checks all my boxes since it lightweight, non-comedogenic tinted moisturizer with Non-Nano zinc oxide broad spectrum SPF 35 for UV protection and dewy coverage.

Customer Review: "I am in love. This has the right amount of coverage and doesn’t oxidize. I used to wear a full face of makeup but I’ve been gearing towards the no makeup makeup look and this does the job."

Formula: tinted cream, not scented or waterproof

UV Devense: SPF 35

Kiehl's classic Ultra Facial Cream has been a permanent part of my skincare routine since I can remember, but I've only just been introduce to it's beloved SPF-infused counterpart. The Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 Sunscreen delivers all the benefits I love from the original facial cream (i.e. plump, hydrated skin), but uses a 24-hour, light-textured formula with SPF 30 to protect against the damaging effects of UV rays.

Customer Review: "I’ve been using this product for years and can’t recommend it enough. I’ve never had any issues with breaking out, there is no white cast to my skin, and it’s not greasy. I wear this under a full face of makeup and never had any problem with it moving my makeup."

Formula: cream, not scented or waterproof

UV Defense: SPF 30

When my skin needs an extra kick of hydration and smooth, even coverage, I like to use this bareMinerals moisturizer. Offered in 20 stunning shades to match every skin tone, this is something every beauty enthusiast should have in their collection. Not only does it work as a  moisturizer, skin tint, and SPF 30, but it uses olive-derived squalane and hyaluronic acid to boost the skin's moisture levels.

Customer Review: "This tinted moisturizer delivers the right amount of coverage and color along with great skin moisturizing properties. Easy to use, buildable and looks great!"

Formula: tinted cream, not scented or waterproof

UV Defense Level: SPF 30

For anyone not craving a dewy finish from their moisturizer, I recommend this one by Paula's Choice. The Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50 is designed to turn back the hands of time and deliver plump, hydrated skin using antioxidants to protect and refresh the complexion. It leaves a satin-matte finish with no white cast, making this one the perfect option for all skin tones.

Customer Review: "This moisturizer is perfect for all skin types. I love how it helps brightens up my face and helps with the appearance of my dark spots. It has SPF 50 so it will protect your skin from the sun I have been using this moisturizer under my makeup."

Formula: liquid, not scented or waterproof

UV Defense Level: SPF 50

I'm a huge fan of liquid moisturizers, and the Hydra Vizor Refillable Invisible Face Moisturizer was one of the first ones I tried. I'm still just as in love with it today as I was three years ago when I first got my hands on it! It delivers instant moisture to the skin and fades the appearance of dark spots while also smoothing the appearance of pores. Its formula uses kalahari melon which is filled with antioxidants and vitamins.

Customer Review: "I really like this product! It’s super lightweight and feels nice on the skin. I wear it under makeup and it doesn’t pill or mess with how my makeup looks. It gives a good layer of sun protection (which is a must for me) and it keeps my skin feeling hydrated all day. There’s a very pleasant fragrance to the product!"

Formula: liquid, scented and not waterproof

UV Defense Level: SPF 30

As someone who's experienced hyperpigmentation around my mouth and eyes in recent years, investing in helpful products that use vitamin C has become a must in my skincare. This Paula's Choice moisturizer offers protection from solar rays in addition to brightening the skin. Its also uniquely formulated with white algae-derived amino acids while strengthens your skin's defenses against environmental damage.

Customer Review: "This moisturizer is perfect for all skin types. I love how it helps brightens up my face and helps with the appearance of my dark spots. It has SPF 50 so it will protect your skin from the sun I have been using this moisturizer under my makeup."

Formula: cream, not scented or waterproof

UV Defense Level: SPF 50

If you're a fan of fast-absorbing milky formulas like I am, then you'll love the Argan Sun Milk Mineral Sunscreen SPF 33. It offers ultra-sheer, broad spectrum protection while reviving dull, dry skin like a moisturizer. Its formula combines patented Argan Milk Microdroplets (Ultrafine Emulsion of Argan Oil and Purified Water) and superfruits.

Customer Review: "After using this product for a couple months now I must say it’s amazing. Blends in flawlessly over the rest of my skincare and great under makeup. No white flashback either! Smells clean and has been great with my dry skin. Highly recommended."

Formula: liquid, not scented or waterproof

UV Defense Level: SPF 33

Finding a high-performing moisturizer that doesn't just offer moisture, but also locks it in can be challenging. I love this Clinique find because it has a cloud-like cream formula that delivers hydration like the brand's Moisture Surge Moisturizer with a splash of SPF protection that wears well for all skin tones. Its formulated with an Aloe Bioferment and HA Complex for moisture and provitamin D for protections against free radicals.

Customer Review: "I love this moisturizer! i like that it makes my dry skin feel very moisturized without making it feel greasy. it wears beautifully underneath makeup and the fact that it has SPF is a plus! I highly recommend this."

Formula: cream, not scented or waterproof

UV Defense Level: SPF 28

Looking for something new to add to your skincare lineup to play defense against the harmful effects of UV rays? It's time to get your hands on Murad's newest launch before everyone else catches on. It uses vitamin C, minimizing the appearance of UV damage and lipid-boosting technology to replenish your skin's ceramides (which, in turn, restores moisture).

Customer Review: "I've been using this for the last two weeks and I think I may be seeing a difference. Some of the dark spots on my skin have brightened, but I'm hoping it gets the trouble areas soon."

Formula: cream, not scented or waterproof

UV Defense Level: SPF 50

To create the lit-from-within glow, I love using Soleil Toujours' Mineral Ally Daily Face Glow SPF 50. Its formula uses antioxidants to defend against free radicals combined with advanced hydrating compounds that lock moisture into the skin barrier. Whether you decide to wear it alone or underneath makeup, you'll be left with a complexion that's even, glowy, and protected.

Customer Review: "I use this every day as my moisturizer and light, natural-looking coverage. It doesn't feel like an SPF, especially a mineral SPF 50. It feels invisible but I know I'm protected. Best part is the slight glow it leaves on my skin. It's a beautiful dewy glow that I love!"

Formula: Cream, not scented and waterproof

UV Defense: SPF 50

Dermalogica's daily, visibly firming SPF moisturizer visibly minimizes signs of aging with broad-spectrum SPF 50, white tea extract, polypeptide blend to plump and smooth the skin. Each time I've used this before starting on my makeup, I've noticed the rest of my products go on smoothly with easy blending. I'm not saying this one is a miracle product, but it's pretty close to one!

Customer Review: "I have been using this moisturizer for a few months now and I feel and see a difference in my skin’s texture. It’s smooth, glowing and feels dewy."

Formula: cream, not scented or waterproof

UV Defense Level: SPF 50

If you know me and my love for all things aquatic, then you're aware of how much I love skincare powered by skin-loving marine ingredients. Elemis' Pro-Collagen Anti-Aging Marine Cream, delivers rapid hydration while restoring firmness using two types of algae: Gingko Biloba (an antioxidant-rich algae to protect the skin against daily stressors) and Padina Pavonica (algae that supports skin barrier hydration).

Customer Review: "I’ve been using the Elemis Pro-Collagen [Anti-Aging] Marine Cream for a few weeks, and my skin feels smoother and more radiant. The scent is subtle and pleasant. I appreciate the anti-aging benefits combined with sun protection."

Formula: cream, scented and not waterproof

UV Defense Level: SPF 30