Slap on that SPF! The best products to buy now
Sun out, suncream on! Here are the best SPF products to protect your skin and get that glow.
Sun drenched holidays abroad are off the table this summer (*sob*), but that doesn’t mean we can’t catch some rays in our own garden – just mix yourself a Mojito and it’s just like you’re sat on a beach in Spain. Er, kind of.
It’s going to be scorchio this week, so here are the best products to rally against the wrinkles – handily split into Face, Body, Lips, Tinted and Kids.
Face
Saltee
This Oxfordshire-based luxury skincare brand is beloved by the beauty eds at Red, Harpers Bazaar and of course Muddy. The Daily Protection Formula is Factor 50 sits beautifully on the skin and is more like a primer than a sun lotion. The formula is vegan, cruelty & paraben free, sustainably sourced and comes in beautiful packaging too.
£29
The ordinary
If you’re looking for a suncream to wear under makeup this is a great option (and at a brilliant price point). It feels like a thick, hydrating moisturiser, with the added bonus of antioxidants and SPF protection. Currently available in factor 15 and 30 with a factor 50 coming soon.
£8.90
Shiseido
Not the most glamorous packaging (a bit Nivea?) but this lightweight suncream comes in a nifty stick for easy, no-mess application. It features wizzy WetForce Technology meaning it’s more protective when it comes into contact with water or perspiration – basically you can bask in the sun or, erm, paddling pool for ages without a top up.
£28
Body
Aesop
Aesop’s SPF50 body lotion is formulated with silica to combat excess oil (don’t know about you but I can’t stand greasy suncream) and leaves the skin with a silky matte finish. It smells delicious too, with a heady mix of lavender, spearmint and lemon.
£30
La Roche-Posay
Sun cream that also protects your hair? Yep, you read that right. This UVA/UVB protective oil contains nutrients for your skin and your locks, plus it’s specially formulated for sensitive skin. If you prefer a cream sun lotion, La Roche-Posay’s suncare range is sublime, so take your pick from the lot.
£20
Garnier Ambre Solaire
A suncream for those who hate suncream, this absorbs fast and has a bare skin feel. Easy application with the spray nozzle which works from any angle.
£6.99
Tinted products
Liz Earle
This sheer skin tint moisturiser, from Hants-local beauty mogul Liz Earle, has a brand new formula with skincare benefits – it reduces fine lines and gives your complexion a dewy, even look all while protecting you from the sun. Avocado and borage seed oils give it a super-moisturising feel.
£25.50
Clinique
For a subtle, sun-kissed glow it has to be Clinique. This oil-free, high SPF25 moisturiser provides a whopper 12 hours of coverage and is enriched with hyaluronic acid and activated aloe water. Mimetic-Shade™ Technology blends with a range of skin tones, so no dodgy chin lines here.
£30
Estèe Lauder
This SPF15 sheer tinted moisturiser glides on like a dream – it’s lightweight but still has that indulgent, creamy feel. The formula’s packing antioxidants so does its bit to tackle dullness and fine lines which is always a plus. It’s pretty pricy, but a little goes a long way.
£45
Drink Elephant
This US brand is highly rated by beauty eds thanks to its nasties-free products and colourful Insta-friendly packaging. For extra protection, this product is a tinted suncream, rather than moisturiser – but is super-nourishing with marula oils and antioxidants. It’s a really golden colour, so you may want to opt for the non-tinted if you have fairer skin.
£30
Lips
Paula’s choice
From under-the-rader, and totally brilliant, Canadian brand Paula’s Choice, this high SPF lipscreen has a velvety feel and works great under lipstick. The formula’s fragrance-free and kind to all skin types.
£12
Piz buin
PIZ BUIN has been around since the 60s and was one of the first brands to incorporate SPF – so yeah, it knows what it’s doing. This moisturising aloe vera balm is a no brainer for under a fiver. t
£4.39
Kids
La Roche-Posay
With exceptionally high UVA/UVB/Infrared protection this facial suncream is a dead cert for keeping the little people safe in the sun. No more moaning about suncream in eyes (it’s anti-sting), plus it’s non-perfumed, water and sweat resistant.
£10
Green People
Go green with this 84% organic, soothing sun lotion for sensitive skin (prickly heat? Eczema? Psoriasis? No problem). The gentle lotion comes in recyclable, plant based packaging, plus 30p from each tube is donated to the Marine Conservation Society.
£20