From Garnier to Nivea, the latest face SPFs deliver high-level sun protection in sophisticated formulas you’ll actually want to apply, says contributing beauty editor Laura Mulley
While here in the UK we may not be able to guarantee sunshine, one thing that IS confirmed is how important it is to wear SPF on your face, every day (yep, even when it’s cloudy). According to a 2013 study, 80% of skin aging is caused by UV rays – UVA rays in particular, which can increase hyperpigmentation, fine lines and loss of radiance.
But if the thought of smearing a thick layer of white, greasy lotion on your face every day seems less than appealing, fear not, as today’s newest sunscreen formulas are a joy to apply. Lightweight, invisible and often containing additional skin benefits, nowadays SPF is fast becoming the most exciting step in a skincare routine. Protecting your skin has never felt so good!
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Best SPFs to buy in 2023
e.l.f. Suntouchable! Whoa Glow SPF 30, £14
If it’s instant skin-enhancing effects you’re after, switch your usual make-up primer for this, for a subtle sheen plus sun protection. It dries immediately and gives a smooth, radiant base for make-up.
Byoma Moisturizing Gel-Cream SPF 30, £14.99
Perfect for oily or combination skin types, or those that are dehydrated but not necessarily dry (there’s a difference!), this has a lightweight gel texture and contains humectants like hyaluronic acid and beta glucan that hydrate the skin’s deeper layers without feeling heavy on the surface. This is sure to win over anyone who still associates sunscreen with greasy sensations.
Nivea Sun UV Face Specialist Triple Protect SPF 50+, £14.50
Nivea is one of the most trusted brands for sun protection, and the scent is as synonymous with sunny holidays as Soleros. This new formula for the face has a “shake to wake” fluid consistency and also protects against blue light and pollution. Although easily absorbed and invisible on, it does leave a slight sensation on the skin; for this reason – plus the high factor and summery scent – we’d say this was a great face SPF for holiday.
Garnier Ambre Solaire Invisible Serum Super UV SPF 50+, £14
Garnier makes some of the best face SPFs on the high street, and this latest is no exception. As its name suggests, it has a super-thin serum-like texture that disappears into the skin – for this reason it’s also ideal for men with facial hair (although those with dry complexions might prefer Garnier’s best-selling Anti-Dryness SPF 50+ instead). It has also been tested on sensitive skin.
Sun Bum Glow 30 Moisturizing Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 30, £19.99
A bottle of Sun Bum sunscreen is a must-have accessory in any beach bag – and now this surfer-cool suncare brand can be a staple in your daily skincare routine, too. This face cream has a subtle pearlised finish to instantly illuminate the skin, plus vitamin C-rich kakadu plum for long-lasting brightening benefits. You get a generous 59ml of product in this tube, too.
The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30, £14.99
We know, it’s another mouthful of a skincare ingredient to get to grips with – but one you should look out for if it’s hydration you’re after, as it’s said to retain four times more moisture than hyaluronic acid. This much-hyped SPF from The INKEY List gives an instantly plumped, juicy look to the skin’s surface, and is an excellent base for make-up.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Clinical SPF 50+ Invisible Fluid, £19.99
If you suffer from pesky pigmentation flare-ups as soon as the sun hits, give this one a go – it combines a patented combination of sun filters with vitamin C to both prevent and improve signs of ageing such as uneven skin tone and fine lines. It’s invisible on all skin tones, and 93% of testers felt that their dark spots looked less visible after using this daily for four weeks.
Dior Solar The Protective Creme SPF 50, £33
If it’s a luxurious skincare experience you’re after, look no further than this from Dior’s new sun range. It’s enriched with Tahitian monoi oil, which gives a subtle floral scent and long-lasting hydration (up to 24 hours, in fact), while the elegant texture feels nourishing yet non-greasy. It’s a posh face cream with added high factor sun protection (it’s also available in an SPF 30).
Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50, currently £10.64
From one of Japan’s best-selling skincare brands, this is typical of a J-beauty product: water-like, weightlessly hydrating and layers well with other skincare. Disappearing seamlessly into the skin, this oil-free formula is one of the lightest SPF 50s we’ve found (it’s also available as an SPF 30).
Images: courtesy of brands
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