Starface Clear As Day Sunscreen: Pics and Reviews

Acne makes a lot of things harder—from simple tasks like going to the beach without makeup on, to devastating consequences like impacting your performance at work. In my experience, one of the most annoying issues acne has presented me is finding a SPF that works for my skin. 

We all know sun protection is crucial—especially if you have acne, as sun exposure can increase the risk of scarring—but so many sunscreens are too greasy, pore-clogging, or irritating for acne-prone skin, which is why I often go without it. 

Starface wants to change that. The brand first launched with its signature star-shaped pimple patches hoping to make acne a little more fun, and has since become a destination for affordable, cheerful acne-care, and just launched a brand-new sunscreen in time for summer. 

The Starface Clear As Day Sunscreen was formulated specifically for acne-prone skin, and as the name suggests, is a completely transparent formula. It also smoothes and blurs thanks to silicones in the formula, and absorbs excess oil. It offers SPF 46 protection through chemical filters, and is dermatologist tested to be safe for all skin types. As is the case with all of Starface’s products, it’s non-comedogenic—meaning it won’t clog your pores and contribute to breakouts. 

There are a lot of bold claims here, so we had five Glamour editors put Clear As Day to the test. Read on for our honest reviews. 

Shanna Shipin, commerce director 

I love a sunscreen that doesn’t at all feel or apply like one. No goopy formula, no eye-stinging, and no white cast? Count me in. If you’re looking for a comparison, the closest similar product is Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen. No, this formula isn’t necessarily groundbreaking, but that doesn’t make it any less good. It’s hard to find a sunscreen that will not pill under makeup—especially in my case since I tend to use a hydrating primer under my foundation. It’s a great everyday formula, and if you have oily skin, you’re going to want to buy in bulk.

Jazmin Gathers, social media manager 

I was really impressed with this sunscreen! I have oily skin, but Clear as Day was able to keep me matte all day and minimize my pores. It made my skin feel extremely smooth without leaving any residue behind—the consistency was similar to a primer, so it looked great under my makeup and kept the oil away for hours. 

Bella Cacciatore, associate beauty editor 

Do I look extremely oily in this photo? Yes. But we’re blaming that on the dewy moisturizer I applied underneath, which meshed perfectly with Clear as Day’s matte finish once I applied makeup. We’re talking, smooth, luminous but not greasy skin. I am a famous sunscreen hater, but I really loved how this formula applied. It doesn’t even have that silicone-y slip that other clear formulas have, it just melts right into my skin and feels like I have nothing on. There’s a slight blurring and mattifying effect, and no white cast to be seen (granted, I am pretty pale). Most importantly, it didn’t break me out, which is a must if I’m actually going to use it every single day.

Ariana Yaptangco, senior beauty editor 

As much as I love tinted sunscreen, sometimes you need a formula with no frills. Starface’s new SPF is proof that less is truly more. It lives up to the name Clear As Day—the formula itself is completely clear, so there’s no need to worry about white cast. The texture leaves a smooth silicone-like feeling that could be off-putting for some people, but I found it works well under makeup. But this sunscreen truly shines when used outdoors on a jog or hike, when you’re sweating a lot and don’t want a tinted mess everywhere. The SPF rating clocks in at a solid 46, providing great sun protection that’s easy to reapply. My only quibble is the plastic-like smell, which is quite noticeable at first application, but gradually dissipates as it wears.

Talia Abbas, senior commerce editor 

With its gel-like texture and silky finish, Starface’s sheer sunscreen feels great to apply. It doesn’t leave a white or ashy cast, nor does it leave skin feeling greasy. It absorbs quickly—no mirror checks required—and is ideal for my early morning runs when SPF is only skin care product I make time for.