The Best Facial Sunscreens
THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PRODUCTS TO CHOOSE FROM THE SHELVES OF OUR FAVOURITE BEAUTY STORES, SO WHEN THE CHOICE IS OVERWHELMING, WHICH ONES MAKE THE CUT? EACH WEEK I SEEK OUT THE BEST BEAUTY BUYS FOR EVERY CATEGORY OF THE BEAUTY WORLD - BECAUSE IF YOU’RE ANYTHING LIKE ME, YOU NEED A SHORTLIST FIRST. EXPECT EVERY SUNDAY TO BRING AN EDIT OF THE BEST PRODUCTS MONEY CAN BUY, SO YOU GUYS CAN MAKE AN INFORMED PURCHASE WITHOUT THE HOURS OF INTERNET STALKING.
I wear sunscreen every day, even when I’m not going outside or the sky is cloudy. For me, it’s the most important step in anti-aging and made more of a difference in fading the appearance of my acne pigmentation than any mask or peel did, so it’s 100% non-negotiable - and I encourage my friends, clients, and strangers on the street to adopt the same approach.
Over the past few years sunscreens have begun some tiny transformations that have had a huge impact and made it significantly easier to adhere to the cardinal rule of ‘SPF EVERY SINGLE DAY’. Before they were lightweight and non-greasy, sunscreens were thick and dry and mostly made for the body - with the face an after-thought. If you used them on your face they clogged your pores and gave your skin a chalky, grey pallor - and spots. But that was then, and this is now. Granted, we still have a long way to go before there are enough options to overwhelm consumers of any/every skin type or skin tone, but in just a few years we’ve made progress…
…which is where these products come in! They’re not all without their faults, but they’re the best I’ve tried - and god knows they’re worth the purchase.
Supergoop SuperScreen Daily Moisturiser SPF40 - $38
Those with dry skin will struggle to find an SPF moisturiser that sufficiently moisturises their skin, which is why I always recommend (for any skin type, actually) applying your regular moisturiser and then an SPF (since neither does the job of the other very well). This is the one exception to that rule, so if you sit in the camp of people who likes to keep their skincare routine as streamlined as possible, this is the SPF for you. It’s deliciously plush, and actually feels like it’s doing something for your moisture levels, spreading easily and absorbing quickly but leaving skin with a healthy, dewy sheen - all while delivering a healthy dose of SPF40. Win, win.
NIOD Survival 30 - £25
The trace of SPF15 in your foundation really isn’t cutting it (SPF makeup is a gimmick, ignore it). If you want to quickly and easily incorporate SPF into your morning routine, drop a generous amount of this silky, smooth serum-like lotion into your base makeup, mix well, and apply as normal. You can also wear this on its own or mix it with your moisturiser on no-makeup days (and it comes in lower factors too, if you’re that way inclined). There’s a reason why it’s always sold out - it’s completely invisible and doesn’t create or emphasise skin texture so it sits beautifully on any skin type and tone. When worn alone, it blurs pores to an almost airbrushed effect.
REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30 - £30
It will take a bit of effort to make this disappear into dark skin tones - it has a definite white cast - but the effort is worthwhile if you’re trying to make your beauty routine more environmentally friendly. This is the resulting product of six years’ research into making an SPF that’s good for both skin and the planet - it’s made with reef-safe ingredients and the packaging is 100% recyclable. The formula itself will be a favourite for oilier skin types - it contains rice starch which is an excellent ingredient for absorbing oil, controlling shine, and minimising the appearance of pores.
Bare Minerals Skin Longevity SPF30
I was pleasantly surprised by this one, which at first glance looks like any regular sunscreen - a thick white cream. However, it’s actually much lighter and silkier than expected and melts into skin (no cast) to a satin-matte finish that blends well with combination skin and sits under makeup without pilling. It’s supposed to perform as a moisturiser, but in my opinion is much better treated as an SPF and layered over a separate day cream. A little bit goes a long way and it doesn’t trigger or aggravate pimples, which is a massive bonus.
Glossier Invisible Shield SPF35 - £20
This is the sunscreen that turned so many people into believers - it’s literally invisible, and after all, a clear gel is the least offensive formula a skincare product can possibly have. It really does feel completely weightless on skin, and while any good sunscreen obviously protects against the wrinkles, lines, and pigmentation caused by sun exposure, this one also helps to protect skin from pollutants by combining antioxidants with SPF. It’s basically a line of defence against everything that the outside world decides to throw at your skin. A great choice for city-dwellers.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios AC Matte Fluid SPF30 - £17.50
An excellent option for those with seriously oily skin, this is refreshingly light and fluid in texture but the finish is stubbornly matte - it serves as a great makeup primer if you’re that way inclined. It’s also a safe option for those with fussy, sensitive skin - like all La Roche-Posay products it’s made with their soothing thermal water which helps to combat sensitivity. You’ll definitely need to wear a separate moisturiser under this one, and although no sunscreen is truly waterproof, this can be relied upon if your day is set to involve swimming or sweaty activities. It’s affordable, too.
Kiehls Ultra Light Daily UV Defence SPF50 - £28
If you’re breakout-prone and concerned about clogging your pores, this non-comedogenic formula is a great option. It’s also got an impressively high factor - SPF 50 blocks 97-98% of the UV rays that threaten skin health. There is a slight opaqueness to the formula which requires some blending, but the texture is light and thin which ensures a smooth finish. A safe bet for all skin types that plays well under makeup.
Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturiser SPF30 - $14
Leave it to Differin to come up with one of the most effective, hard-working formulas I’ve found. Designed to be used alongside Differin Gel (a strong retinol), it’s perfect for skin that’s experiencing increased sensitivity - if you’re using acids or a retinol in your routine then your skin is more at risk of sun damage. This is another one that looks (and smells) alarmingly like an old-school sunscreen, but melts right in and provides an additional hit of hydration.
