Women's Health August 25, 2026 0 Comments

This Game-Changing Powder Sunscreen Brush Not Only Simplifies SPF Reapplication—It Transforms Scalp Protection Forever!

Ever caught yourself wondering how some people manage to avoid that midday shine that turns faces into disco balls faster than you can say “Ibiza”? As someone who’s battled oily skin for what feels like eons, I get it—it’s not just about looking fresh, it’s about feeling confident all day long. That’s why finding the right setting powder isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a total game-changer. Enter Brush on Block, my go-to translucent powder sunscreen that doesn’t just mattify, but also layers seamlessly over my favorite tinted sunscreens without that dreaded flashback. It’s like having your beauty cake and eating it too—shine control, SPF protection, and a velvet finish wrapped into one sleek tube. Curious if this multitasking marvel lives up to the hype? Dive in and see why this powder has become a staple for oily skin warriors everywhere. LEARN MORE

3 min read

I have oily skin, so setting powder is essential. It’s the only thing that stands between me and looking like a disco ball in Ibiza by noon. Brush on Block is my favorite SPF makeup. The translucent powder sunscreen comes in a tube with soft bristles that I dust over my shiny face like a traditional setting powder.

Cons

Clings onto dry patches so don’t skip moisturizer

Active Ingredients	Zinc oxide
Protection Type	Mineral
Other Standout Ingredients	Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C

How I Use Brush on Block Powder Sunscreen

Setting Powder

After applying one of my favorite face sunscreens—Isdin, EltaMD, Tower28, or Beauty of Joseon—I twist open Brush on Block’s tube, tap the base a few times, and powder my face, paying close attention to my shiny T-Zone. The bristles are surprisingly fluffy and don’t scratch my skin, which is always a win. What I like most is that the powder SPF helps set my tinted sunscreens and foundations without any flashback in photographs. And unlike other similar products, Brush on Block leaves my face looking velvet-matte rather than flat and overly powdery.

The mess-free design is ideal for touch-ups on the go, like when I’m at my desk or before al fresco dining. It features a clear push-down cover that helps prevent accidental spills and keeps the bristles clean. The broad-spectrum sunscreen is also water-resistant, so I can dust it on while poolside without worry.

SHOP BRUSH ON BLOCK

Scalp Sunscreen

A study found that your scalp is the second most common spot for melanoma to occur—a real reminder that sun protection is a beauty necessity. And your strands don’t offer enough natural protection. Research shows that the scalp can get sunburned through your tresses, especially if you have light, fine, or thin strands. This powder SPF checks all the key points dermatologist Hadley King, MD, looks for in a scalp sunscreen: mineral-based active ingredients, a non-nano formulation, no white cast, hydration, and zero greasiness.

Dry Shampoo Hack

No, really. Hear Dr. King out: Brush on Block is so oil-absorbing that when she massages it into her scalp, the powder doubles as her dry shampoo, saving her from purchasing and traveling with an extra product. Genius! Just pay extra attention to rubbing the powder in if you have dark hair like me. Spending the extra 30 seconds is worth the payoff for a grease-free scalp.

This formulation also adds volume and texture by coating your strands with fine powders, making your hair appear fuller without sticky residue, dermatologist Gary Goldenberg, MD, told me in our guide to the best sunscreens.

SHOP BRUSH ON BLOCK

Made With Mineral Ingredients

Need another reason I adore this sunscreen and confidently recommend it? Brush on Block is made with mineral zinc oxide that’s gentler on sensitive skin. The combination of zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C moisturizes and protects the skin from environmental stressors, dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, previously told me.

What I Don’t Like

The biggest downside with all powder sunscreens is that they don’t offer enough protection on their own. You’ll need to layer this one over your traditional face sunscreen lotion. More specifically with Brush on Block, this powder sunscreen can look patchy if you have dry skin. I need to layer my thicker Prequel AM/PM Moisturizer underneath instead of my more summer-appropriate Multi-Quench Gel Cream.

SHOP BRUSH ON BLOCK

TL;DR: Is Brush on Block Sunscreen Worth It?

I’ve been using Brush on Block on and off for two years and it remains a staple in my routine. It effectively controls excess shine and is travel-friendly for quick touchups at the office, evenings out, or on vacation at COMO Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos. Because it triples as SPF makeup, scalp sunscreen, and a dry shampoo, it’s definitely a product I’ll be reaching for throughout the year. I trust it so much that I also plan on gifting my family and friends back home in Florida their own Brush on Block SPF.

SHOP BRUSH ON BLOCK

More SPFs I Trust

If you’re still open to trying a powder sunscreen or one made specifically for your scalp and hair consider this trifecta of heavy-hitters. My suggestions range from the sub-$15 Hawaiian Tropic to the classic Supergoop! powder. Sun Bum is also a hit, but it can only be applied to your hair and scalp instead of the face.

Best Budget

Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Powder Brush SPF 30

For Scalp and Hair

Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Scalp and Hair Mist

Now 25% Off

Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF 30

Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Women’s Health and has nine years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like red light therapy for hair growth and LED face masks, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, such as strengthening shampoos and body washes for dry skin on our site.
Previously, she was the beauty editor at Best Products where she tested quite literally thousands of launches for her quarterly column and the Best New Beauty Awards package. She also launched the beauty and wellness coverage at NBC News and contributed to CNN, Cosmopolitan, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Harper’s BAZAAR.
You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventures.