In my early 20s, I barely wore sunscreen. Now, as a beauty writer, it’s the first thing I reach for. And I’m particular—I hated wearing sunscreen because it felt oily or it pilled. Over the course of several years, I’ve tested probably 50+ sunscreens, very few of which I have loved enough to buy. I’ve seen it all: chalky mineral sunscreens with a white cast and formulas so fluid they’re practically weightless. Needless to say, I know what makes a good sunscreen. And here’s why Image Skincare’s Daily Prevention Moisturizer ($76) won me over.
Image Skincare’s Sunscreen Is the Secret Behind My No-Highlighter Glow
Multi-tasking extraordinaire
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Published Aug 18, 2026
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original photos by marissa wu
What I Like
- great primer for makeup
- dewy finish
- keeps dry skin moisturized
What I Don't Like
- not great for oily skin
- pricey
Image Skincare
Fast Facts
- Fragrance: fragrance free
- Protection: UVA and UVB
- SPF: 50
- Filter: mineral and chemical
- Key Ingredients: ectoin, vitamin C, astaxanthin-rich micro-algae
The Pros
Image Skincare
Doubles as Moisturizer and SPF
I want a streamlined beauty routine; you’ll never catch me with a ritual that’s more than five steps. (Even that feels like a lot.) The real convenience of the Image Skincare SPF is that it’s both a sunscreen and a moisturizer. Normally I’d be skeptical of a sunscreen being a moisturizer, but over the course of a couple of months, I’ve consistently used it as such and found that my skin was even softer than when I applied my normal moisturizer.
Great Makeup Primer
Sunscreen pilling under makeup is the worst. It’s inconvenient and it looks bad. This formula lays down the perfect foundation for my simple makeup look: concealer, blush and maybe foundation if I’m going to a black-tie function. Makeup often makes my dry-leaning skin look parched, so the intense moisture it provides is a great canvas for the makeup, and contributes to the overall glowy effect without me needing to layer on serums and sprays.
Gives a Super-Dewy Glow
As I mentioned above, this sunscreen has a dewy finish. When I do my makeup to go out, my friends always rave about how glowy my skin looks, even though I haven’t added anything extra. Ninety percent of the time, all I’m wearing is sunscreen, blush and concealer. I don’t even bother with highlighter—this sunscreen takes care of it for me.
SPF Filters Aren’t Chalky
Interestingly, Image Skincare’s formula uses both chemical and physical filters. Despite containing mineral filters, which can sometimes leave behind a chalky white cast, this formula blends seamlessly into my skin without looking ashy.
The Cons
Image Skincare
Doesn’t Dry Down
While the formula isn’t greasy per se, it’s heavier than the sunscreen I’d usually wear. It also never really “sets.” Don’t get me wrong—my skin looks and feels hydrated throughout the day, but I wish it would settle a bit more to prevent any transfer. Even after 12 hours of wear, there’s still a tackiness. Though, that might just be the tradeoff for the moisture.
May Not Be Best for Oily Skin
Given how dewy this sunscreen is, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for oily skin, as the sunscreen will likely have a greasy effect.
It’s Pricey
A 2.6-ounce tube costs $76, making this something I’d use sparingly. I pull it out when I know I’m wearing makeup, because of how effective it is in combatting dryness. But day-to-day when I’m makeup-free, I usually grab something else.
The Bottom Line
Image Skincare’s SPF moisturizer is a workhorse, effectively working as both face cream and sun protection. (I especially love that it has a high SPF, something I try to prioritize in all my sun care.) My makeup looks fresh for longer stretches of time; it doesn’t cake and dry out as quickly. While best for drier skin types, the formula will give you an all-day glow, and if you’re really keen on it, I’m guessing there’s nothing a little setting powder can’t fix. Overall, I can see this being a year-round staple for me, especially in the winter.
