As someone who has built sunscreen [1] into her everyday beauty routine, there are three boxes that my SPF's must check off. First, it has to have an SPF that actually protects my skin. I try to pick products that have an SPF of at least 30 (Consumer Reports [2] explain that an SPF of 30 blocks 97 percent of UVB rays and its efficacy only tapers after that [3]). Second, the product has to wear well under makeup since I wear a light base almost everyday. Lastly, it has to feel comfortable on my skin — with zero greasy residue.

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sunscreen [4] ($13) does all of those things, and more. Upon first trying the lotion-gel hybrid, which has an SPF of 50, I was floored at how soothing it felt on my skin. Had someone taped up the label of the squeezable, blue tube, I would have thought it was lightweight moisturiser — one that quenched my dry, irritated patches (we attribute that to the hydrating hyaluronic acid [5]) and had an instant cooling effect (thanks to something called menthylactate that is swirled into its formula). It wore smoothly all day, and allowed me to layer my complexion makeup above it.

On days that I don't choose to wear makeup, this sunscreen is still a go-to. That's because — despite it looking like a uniform white goo — the sunscreen uses certain colorants "which on darker skin tones will look more natural," cosmetic chemist Ginger King tells us. Ahead, see photos of the sunscreen that I'll be using all Summer.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sunscreen SPF 50

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sunscreen SPF 50 [6] ($13)