Whether you are remaining hopeful for a summer heatwave at home or packing your bags for a trip to sunnier climes, one thing we all need is a good SPF.
Despite an increase in sales during the summer months, extensive research shows that we should all be wearing sunscreen everyday, even during cloudy and rainy weather. It helps to protect our skin from UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn, prevents premature signs of ageing and even cuts our risk of skin cancer in half.
A 2020 report by RealSelf found only 11 percent of people wear sunscreen daily and 46 percent said they never wear sunscreen. With leading dermatologists and skin experts swearing by the use of SPF to improve the health and appearance of our skin, it’s time to make it a part of your everyday routine.
With many of us associating broad spectrum SPF with white cast and a tacky finish it is no wonder we leave it tucked at the back of the bathroom cabinet only to emerge for that picnic in the park. But with brands creating sun care that gives all the protection without these flaws, there is no longer an excuse to avoid the sunscreen.
Here is a rundown of some of our favourite sun protection brands.
Set up with the aim to change the way the world thinks about sunscreen, Supergoop says goodbye to gloopy and sticky SPF and introduces game changing formulas that protect your skin and leave a flawless finish. All products are reef-safe, cruelty-free and made with clean ingredients. No oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens or any of the other 1600 + ingredients on their “No List”.
Supergoop doesn’t stop at your everyday sunscreen either. They have body oils, makeup and even SPF eyeshadows. With a range of over 40 options for all skin tones and textures, there really is something for everyone.
Try the Glowscreen SPF40 for a dewy finish that doubles as the perfect makeup primer for sun protection with added hydration. Or complete your look with the (Re)setting 100% mineral powder SPF35, to smooth skin’s appearance and reduce shine.
Hello Sunday is where suncare effortlessly meets skincare. Their fuss-free formulas are Oxybenzone and Octinoxate free, respectful to sea life, sustainable and cruelty free with a 100% vegan formula. Whether rain or shine, there’s a formula to suit all skin types and offer unbeatable protection against UV rays.
The essential one – SPF body lotion is enriched with hyaluronic acid and comes in an innovative gel-cream formula that melts into the skin leaving an invisible and non-greasy finish.
The one that’s a serum – SPF 45 face drops, offers an alternative approach to facial sun protection. The fast absorbing serum is enriched with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to give skin a dose of goodness and weightless sun protection.
Florida favourite, Sunbum offer cruelty free and vegan formulas for intense days in the sun. Created by surfers and beach lovers, their formulas offer broad spectrum protection whilst enriching skin with nourishing vitamin E, a beach bag essential. With protective products for skin, hair, lips and even formulas designed for little ones, they offer everything you need for your next summer getaway.
The Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray offers an ultra-sheer, dry touch formula for quick and easy application, perfect for days on-the-go. Whilst the Scalp and Hair Mist SPF 30 keeps you protected from head to toe. The lightweight mist helps to protect your delicate scalp without weighing down hair or leaving it greasy.
Finally, we cannot forget the aftercare. A day spent in the sun can leave skin feeling dry and tight, try the After Sun Cool Down Aloe Gel to soothe skin and help to prevent peeling.
COOLA is a broad spectrum, natural and organic suncare brand that takes the hassle out of SPF and makes products you’ll actually want to use.
With a filter suitable for every skin type, sun strength or activity level, COOLA takes the guesswork out of figuring out your perfect sun care routine. Their farm-to-face philosophy means that their formulas are packed full of plant ingredients to optimise protection and infuse skin with nourishing extracts without the addition of irritating actives.
Their Classic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 is full of skin-loving ingredients with all the hydration of your favourite moisturiser with the addition of ultra-protective, broad spectrum defence. The formula absorbs quickly and sits perfectly under makeup, it is even sweat and water resistant for upto 80 minutes.
For an even easier way to SPF into your daily beauty routine, try the Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30. Enriched with green tea and aloe vera, the spray offers a refreshing finishing touch that keeps your full face in place and gives a dose of sun protection in one quick spritz.
Born in Italy, Darling embodies quality ingredients, simplicity and attention to detail in every product. Their philosophy is based on the concept that SPF is an essential element of daily skincare and with its anti-ageing benefits, SPF stands for “Stay Pretty Forever!
Darling’s Glowy Face Cream SPF 50 is ideal for everyday use, shielding your skin from UVA and UVB rays. The silky, fluid formula is lightweight and leaves a subtle and dreamy sheen that is deeply hydrating.
If an enviable tan is what you are after, try the Tan Activator. Packed with vitamin E and aloe vera, the tan activator keeps skin plump and healthy after a day spent lounging in the sun. This clever product protects skin’s moisture levels to help you to achieve a natural and uniform tan. If that’s not enough, the scent will immediately transport you to a sunny paradise, what’s not to love?
Many believe that darker skin does not require sun protection, although those with more natural melanin are less likely to burn, the skin still requires protection. When Black Girl Sunscreen’s founder struggled to find a suitable sunscreen that didn’t leave her with the dreaded SPF white-residue, she decided to create her own.
The Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 is filled with natural ingredients that protect skin and doubles up as an ultra-rich body moisturiser. It dries completely clear so won’t leave skin with a ghostly finish and absorbs quickly for use under makeup.
If shine is not on your agenda, the Make it Matte gel formula gives all the protection whilst limiting excessive shine. Packed with aloe and shea butter to soothe and heal skin with unbeatable protection.
The definition of an oldie but a goodie, made in Monaco since 1946 Lancaster has set the pace for reliable, premium suncare products. Providing patented skincare technologies to protect maximise and revitalise skin’s luminosity, protecting skin from harmful rays, whilst hydrating and prolonging your natural tan.
The Beauty Sun Protective Water SPF 50 works on wet or dry skin and offers protection without feeling heavy or greasy. This weightless formula leaves skin smooth and hydrated and with the addition of the brand’s Tan Activator complex it helps to boost your natural melanin production for a deeper, longer lasting tan.
Meanwhile, the Sport Invisible Face Gel SPF 30, withstands any workout, is sweat and water resistant and is perfect for on-the-go use. This full-spectrum formula is quick drying and leaves a barely there, velvety finish.
Saltee is a London based brand created for those who love to travel. Drawing inspiration from exotic locations and the perfect sunny hotspots, Saltee will have you longing for sun, sea and sand in no time. All products are formulated in the UK and are vegan friendly, cruelty free, paraben free, responsibly sourced. Never gloopy or sticky, these products offer maximum protection against photo damage, UV rays and IR radiation.
The Body Sea and Sun Lotion SPF 30 is a beach bag essential. This clever formula not only offers the ultimate protection, it uses a unique tan accelerator to enhance your natural tan. The hard-working lotion also includes coconut oil to hydrate and nourish skin, Indian pennywort to repair and protect damaged skin and ocean-derived venuceane to counteract photo damage.
The Body Active Sun Lotion SPF 30 is ideal for those on-the-go. Enriched with natural essential oils such as jojoba and grapeseed to soothe tired and achy muscles whilst offering Saltee’s broad spectrum protection and nourishing, skin-friendly ingredients.
When a young Aussie duo decided to create natural and vegan suncare products, the tropical island of Bali not only provided them with a home but endless inspiration to create a sunshine inspired brand that offers the ultimate bronzed glow.
Formulated to suit even the most sensitive skin types, their products are vegan, cruelty free and are committed to using natural ingredients.
Their Watermelon Tanning Oil SPF 15 is summer in a bottle. This hydrating, natural oil is enriched with watermelon seed extract to naturally enhance melanin whilst leaving an irresistible fruity, summer scent. Perfect for layering on top of sunscreen for tanning boost and extra protection.
The BB Cream SPF 15 is the perfect multitasking beauty cream. It protects, corrects and perfects leaving skin with a healthy and dewy glow. The lightweight formula is ultra-hydrating and is the perfect summer go-to for effortless glam.
Ultra violette have set out to lead a new generation of suncare products. Putting the focus on above all protecting skin against harmful UV rays, their array of sunscreen options offer something for every skin type and every occasion. Formulated with a dose of antioxidants to fight free radical damage, Ultra violette promises to future proof your face.
The Lean Screen SPF 50+ Mattifying Zinc SKINSCREEN is ideal for sensitive skin types. The lightweight, fragrance-free formula won’t leave skin feeling greasy or heavy and will leave a subtle matte finish. The perfect broad-spectrum, mineral sunscreen for those with oily skin in mind.
If matte is not for you and instead you desire a luminous glow, the Queen Screen SPF 50 Luminizing Serum SKINSCREEN is your glow-inducing go to. The milky texture effortlessly melts into skin to offer a dewy glow that sits perfectly under makeup, with a subtle rose scent. What’s not to love about this serum/sunscreen hybrid?
