We’ve Tested Over 30 Mineral Sunscreens: These 2 Are the Best—Fenty Hydra Vizor & Shiseido Anessa

If you’ve ever tried mineral sunscreen, you know the struggle. Some feel like cement on your face, others leave you looking like a ghost auditioning for a horror movie, and a few even pill into tiny, annoying flakes the second you apply makeup.

After months of slathering, blending, squinting at ingredient lists, and exposing ourselves to way too much sunlight for science, we finally have the best mineral sunscreens that actually work: Fenty Beauty Hydra Vizor Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 and Shiseido Anessa Mineral UV Sunscreen Mild Gel SPF 50+.

These sunscreens aren’t just effective—they feel amazing on the skin, blend seamlessly, and provide real skincare benefits. So, why are they the best? Let’s break it down.

Why Most Mineral Sunscreens Fail

Before we get to the winners, let’s talk about why most fell into one of these major fail categories:

Greasy, Heavy, or Sticky

Some mineral sunscreens feel like a mask. Instead of blending in, they sit on top of the skin, making it feel like you’re wearing a thick layer of lotion all day. These formulas also tend to slide around, look shiny, and feel suffocating.

Why it’s a deal-breaker: No one wants to feel like they have a layer of butter on their face.

White Cast Nightmare

Despite claims of being “sheer” or “invisible,” many formulas left a visible white film, especially on medium to deep skin tones. Some required extensive rubbing to blend, while others simply never absorbed.

Why it’s a deal-breaker: If a sunscreen makes you look like a ghost, you’re not going to use it.

Pills Like Crazy Under Makeup

Some sunscreens do not play well with makeup. The moment you apply foundation, they start pilling into tiny flakes, making your skin look dry and uneven. Others created a weird, slippery base that caused makeup to slide right off.

Why it’s a deal-breaker: Sunscreen should enhance your routine, not ruin it.

The 2 Mineral Sunscreens That Got It Right

Unlike the 28 that didn’t make the cut, these two mineral sunscreens nailed it in every category:

• Less to no white cast
• Lightweight and breathable
• Great under makeup
• Hydrating, but not greasy
• Protective and effective

Here’s a deeper dive as to why they won:

1. Fenty Beauty Hydra Vizor Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Price: Mid-range
Best for: Dry to combination skin, makeup lovers, skincare junkies

Why It’s a Winner

Fenty Beauty’s Hydra Vizor Mineral Sunscreen is a game-changer for those who want hydration, sun protection, and skincare in one. This isn’t just a sunscreen—it’s a multitasking moisturizer with SPF.

Key Features

• Lightweight, Hydrating Formula – Packed with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and kalahari melon to keep skin plump and glowing.
• No White Cast – Finally, a mineral sunscreen that works on all skin tones.
• Perfect Under Makeup – Absorbs quickly and smooths skin texture, making it the ideal primer for foundation.
• Refillable Packaging – Sustainable and eco-friendly.
• Brightens & Evens Skin Tone – Thanks to niacinamide, it reduces dark spots and minimizes pores over time.

Real-World Experience

This sunscreen is a dream for makeup lovers—it layers beautifully under foundation and doesn’t pill or make skin look greasy. The melon scent is a nice touch (unless you prefer fragrance-free products).

Downsides? If you have oily skin, this may feel too rich for you, especially in hot weather. But for dry, normal, or combo skin types, it’s a perfect everyday sunscreen.

The Results Speak for Themselves:

• 52% hydration boost instantly
• 94% of users say it’s a great base for makeup
• 98% of users agree it’s non-greasy

2. Shiseido Anessa Mineral UV Sunscreen Mild Gel

Price: Mid-range
Best for: Sensitive, acne-prone, and baby-safe sun protection

Why It’s a Winner

If you have sensitive skin, finding a non-irritating mineral sunscreen is tough. Shiseido Anessa Mineral UV Sunscreen Mild Gel is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and safe for kids (6 months+).

Key Features

• Ultra-Gentle Formula – Free from chemical UV filters, parabens, and alcohol, making it perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
• Hydrating & Soothing – Contains botanical extracts and glycerin to keep skin calm and moisturized.
• Lightweight & Non-Greasy – Spreads easily and absorbs well without feeling sticky.
• Water-Resistant & Sweat-Proof – Perfect for outdoor activities and humid weather.
• Dewy, Fresh Finish – Gives skin a natural glow without looking oily.

Real-World Experience

This sunscreen feels like a lightweight gel moisturizer, making it a great everyday option for sensitive skin types. It doesn’t clog pores, doesn’t cause breakouts, and sits well under makeup. Some users noted that it can pill if applied over certain moisturizers, so let your skincare absorb first before applying.

The Results Speak for Themselves

• 8-hour hydration
• Fragrance-free & baby-safe
• Minimal white cast

Which One Should You Choose?

• Pick Fenty if: You want hydration, a radiant glow, and a skincare-packed sunscreen.
• Pick Shiseido if: You have sensitive skin, need higher SPF, or want a baby-safe formula.

Feature	Fenty Beauty Hydra Vizor	Shiseido Anessa Mineral UV
Best For	Dry, normal, combination skin	Sensitive, acne-prone, baby skin
Finish	Hydrating, dewy	Fresh, natural
SPF	30	35+++
White Cast?	None	Minimal
Fragrance-Free?	No (melon scent)	Yes
Water-Resistant?	No	Yes
Best For Makeup?	Yes (great base)	Yes, but let it set first
Eco-Friendly?	Yes (refillable packaging)	No

The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually wear every day. With these two, you get flawless protection without the usual downsides. Stay protected, stay glowing!