Hailey Bieber swears by this Kosas sunscreen; I dared the scorching sun to test its reputation.
Venture into the sunscreen sphere We've all heard that influencer-endorsed products are a gamble, but the Kosas DreamBeam SPF 40 kept popping up on Instagram and TikTok, so I figured I'd give it a whirl. As a Kosas devotee, I had high hopes for this ultra-popular brand. Plus, Hailey Bieber, who just sold her beauty brand, Rhode, for a staggering $1 billion, swears by it. So, is this skin care icon living up to the hype?
This mineral sunscreen promises broad-spectrum protection with a PA++++ rating and a dewy, glowy finish. It's available in two colors: Original and Sunlit.
Starting at $22 on Amazon, Sephora, or Kosas Give it a spin and add it to your daily routine!
Why it's sweeping the internet
But what makes a product viral? Often it's down to popular influencers, like Bieber. Although it's tricky to pinpoint exactly how DreamBeam gained fame back in 2023, it's unsurprising it's reemerging this sunscreen season. With summer just around the corner, we're all on the hunt for effective sun safety.
Unlike some sunscreens, DreamBeam is lightweight and easy to apply. It delivers a fresh finish with its dewy glow, which comes in particularly handy in the sweltering heat. Plus, with its highest UVA protection rating, you can rest easy knowing your skin is protected from those harsh rays.
Check out these other articles for more skin care usages: 28 best face sunscreens according to dermatologists and 17 best Korean sunscreens.
Is it worth the buzz?
This might sound indecisive, but the response depends on your skin type. Most of the excitement surrounding the Kosas DreamBeam revolves around its dewy finish and light formula, which it certainly delivers. Despite being combination skin, I was worried it would leave my face feeling greasy. But after hours of outdoor activities in L.A., I was hooked.
Though it doesn't match the lightness of the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen or the Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen, it held up impressively under the scorching sun and kept my face from melting. Its water-resistant formula was a lifesaver!
But DreamBeam isn't ideal for everyone, and that's where it gets tricky. I've heard reports of breakouts and skin tone issues, which I confirmed after a week of testing. Using it alongside my regular Kosas Cloud Set powder and Cloud Set Mist spray led to breakouts, despite the brand's claims that the SPF was made for wearing with makeup. The Sunlit shade also left my face looking a little over-tanned after too much tanning bed time.
The biggest downside? Sun protection only lasts for less than two hours in full sunlight. After testing it alongside four other popular sunscreens, it didn't last as long as competitors like the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector or the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Hydra Invisible Sunscreen. So if reapplying isn't your thing, you might want to consider another option.
Here are some more summer sunscreen options I love:
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Hydra Invisible Sunscreen
This French skin care classic is a testament to their legendary reputation.
$40 on Amazon
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Face and Body Lotion SPF 60
Popular on TikTok, the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector is another crowd-pleaser, feeling lightweight with no white cast. Unfortunately, it follows DreamBeam’s example with its short runtime.
From $25 on Sephora
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50
Personally, the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is my top pick for long-lasting protection and a fresh, matte finish.
From $22 on Nordstrom, Supergoop, or Amazon
Protect your skin with these 32 dermatologist-approved mineral sunscreens
Bottom line
If you're after a simple, effortless sunscreen that gives you an hour and a half of dewy protection, go for the Kosas DreamBeam SPF 40. But if your skin is sensitive or darker toned, or if you run out of dedication to reapply, I recommend trying the mini size first to see if it's the right match for you.
FAQs
The brand claims the DreamBeam SPF 40 is suitable for sensitive skin, but users have reported breakouts. I experienced a breakout after using it with my regular Kosas setting powder and setting spray.
Hailey Bieber frequently uses multiple sunscreens, including the Kosas DreamBeam SPF 40. She's even showcased it in one of her videos.
Yes, it's a good face sunscreen with strong broad-spectrum UV protection and a glowy, nongreasy finish. However, it might not be ideal for all skin types or tones. Giving the mini size a go before investing in the full-sized product could save you some cash and pain.
Trustworthiness
CNN Underscored's team of skilled writers and editors, with years of experience testing, researching, and recommending products, ensures every article is meticulously crafted. We consult top experts to understand products and recommend only the best, considering both pros and cons.
Testing writer Michelle Rae Uy has extensive knowledge of lifestyle products, having written dozens of product reviews. Her recent beach and summer product tests include the best beach chairs, the best beach umbrellas, and the best beach towels. She has also tested other sunscreen offerings alongside the Kosas DreamBeam SPF 40.
The Kosas DreamBeam SPF 40 is making waves in the fashion-and-beauty and health-and-wellness landscape, gaining popularity due to influencer endorsements and its protective benefits. As a complement to your lifestyle and skin care routine, consider trying this dewy, lightweight mineral sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection. Discover more sunscreen options and expert recommendations in articles like "28 best face sunscreens according to dermatologists" and "17 best Korean sunscreens".
