It can be so tricky to keep up with beauty expectations and making sure we are doing what’s right for our skin type – there are just so many steps to remember. But, a good, reliable SPF is considered one of the most important of the lot. Face sunscreens are no longer the thick, sticky and greasy formulas of the past, there are now plenty of great formulas that won’t clog pores or leave you looking chalky.
With a minimum of SPF 30, beauty buffs should feel protected enough, but we recommend a SPF 50 (especially heading towards the Summer months).
Nowadays you can find SPF in all different forms – with hydrating moisturisers, antioxidant-enriched lotions and tinted CC creams all being highly beneficial to our skin while giving us that natural glow we all love. A good quality SPF will protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays while combating a reduction in collagen, elasticity, pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles – not to mention prevent skin cancer too.
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Should you get caught out by the sun and need some tips for dealing with sunburn? We’ve got you covered – check out these tricks and treatments to relieve blisters, redness and peeling.
You can also discover the 10 best aftersun lotions and creams for soothing and hydrating sunburnt skin, and we’ve rounded up the top sunscreens for your face below, including formulas for every skin type.
Best sunscreens for the face 2024
Best for dehydrated skin
Escentual Ultra Protect SPF50+
Beauty writer Eve Rowlands is currently loving the Escentual Ultra Protect SPF50+ as an all over sunscreen and said: “The application of the cream is quite thick – which is why I’d probably opt for La Roche-Posay over this for my face – but isn’t as sticky as some sunscreens I’ve tried. Plus, it doesn’t leave a white cast over your skin and is pretty quick drying and rubs in easily. The finish is relatively moisturising and doesn’t feel like it’s pulling on your skin while you rub it in and, while hydrating, it doesn’t leave you with that ‘well-oiled’ look often spotted on the beach that sees your legs resembling shiny Frankfurter sausages.
It’s also mostly fragrance free – there is a slight fresh scent to it, but it’s not overpowering, which I love. Having tested it out over the Bank Holiday weekend on the first beach trip of the year, I was pleased to see it worked well and, reapplying post-sea dip (a chilly sea dip), I kept myself well protected from the sun and didn’t get myself burnt.”
Get it from Escentual here for £8.95 – £18.95.
Best for darker skin tones
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible SPF30 Moisturizer 50ml
Jada Jones said: “I always panic when I try a new SPF that it’s going to leave a white cast on my skin and leave me looking ridiculous. Whenever I reach for mineral SPFs I’m always left looking a little bit like Casper with a layer of white across my face. I’ve found a few that I think work really well on my skin.
“Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible SPF30 Moisturizer 50ml is a great option, but I expected as much coming from Rihanna’s famously inclusive brand. I was surprised to see that it is actually a pale pink colour when it comes out of the bottle but it blends out effortlessly on my skin. It is worth noting that when I cleaned my face in the night after wearing it there was a pink residue left on the towel but I couldn’t see it at all during the day.
“When I’m after something with a bit more coverage my favourite product has to be Coco & Eve Daily Radiance Primer SPF 50 Sunscreen – it blends out without any white cast and is also has a slightly blurring effect. I’ve been asked about if I’m wearing foundation when wearing only this.”
Best for anti-ageing
VICHY Capital Soleil UV Age Daily SPF 50+ Invisible Sun Cream with Niacinamide
Online reviews on this formula show it has an incredible impact on those wanting a skincare/SPF hybrid which will do the trick for all ages. Particularly those in need of a lightweight fluid that wards off UV rays and visible signs of ageing. Stacey Dutton, Reviews Editor at The Mirror claims: ‘I love how versatile this product is. I tend to wear quite a minimal face make up base most days, and I like how good this feels with or without make up. I can apply my usual contour, concealer and and cream bronze products over the Vichy SPF and it doesn’t smudge my makeup at all.
One thing I will say is that my complexion seems much brighter, I have only used it for a couple of weeks but have already noticed the difference. I haven’t noticed a dramatic change in my wrinkles or early signs of ageing yet but, I can see my skin looks like it has had a hydrating boost which is really making me not only feel fresher but look really radiant, too.
Other reviewers have praised the formula: ‘It is very thick and luxurious even though it has a light consistency. The product is quickly absorbed leaving the skin silky smooth. This cream protects against sunburn and premature aging of the skin. Would definitely recommend to everyone.’
Another cannot get enough either claiming: ‘For the last several days, I have been using Soleil UV-AGE Daily SPF 50+ Sun Protection for the first time I am delighted with the effect it gives to my skin. My skin is radiant, moisturized and, despite the beautiful sunny weather, protected from damage caused by the strong sun. I definitely recommend the product’.
Get it from Look Fantastic here for £18 (reduced from £22.50).
Best for sensitive skin
Bioderma Anti-Redness Skin-Perfecting Care SPF 30
If you struggle with sensitive skin, in particular redness, this Parisian beauty buy should be a top contender to add to your routine. My complexion can often flare up, resulting in redness across my cheeks – this means that on days when I want to wear no makeup, I still like a little coverage to even my skin tone.
Created with a ROSACTIV patent specifically targeted at sensitive skin prone to rosacea, this Bioderma BB cream prevents the spread of small blood vessels and calms redness. It also has a tinted formula that doesn’t irritate my skin but instead blurs for a natural ‘makeup’ effect.
The addition of SPF 30 means I don’t have to apply two products which speeds up my morning skincare. Overall, it gives a matte finish, with a slight glow. For me, it instantly conceals my redness while protecting my skin from sun damage so it’s a win-win.
However, I find that it is best applied sparingly if you are wanting to put foundation over the top as it can look a little cakey. You can shop the Bioderma tinted moisturiser for £18.50 at Boots, LookFantastic and Sephora. It is currently cheapest at Face The Future where it’s on sale for £12.95.
Best to wear under makeup
No7 Future Renew Damage Protection Defence Shield SPF50
The No7 Future Renew Damage Protection Defence Shield SPF50 was the retailer’s bestselling product when it launched last month, promising to protect against visible signs of ageing, including dryness, uneven skin tone and texture, as well as wrinkles.
Generally the rule of thumb is to use half a teaspoon, or two fingers worth of sunscreen to cover your face, which seems generous but is necessary to get the full effect. Some formulas I’ve used in the past have felt far too heavy for this, which would lead to a ‘white cast’ or not absorbing properly, but this No7 formula has been designed to combat all of the issues that have traditionally come with sunscreens.
Unlike other facial SPFs I’ve tried, the formula is incredibly lightweight with a fluid-like texture that glides effortlessly onto the skin. It absorbs quickly, leaving an invisible layer of protection and most importantly, no white cast, making it skin tone friendly, too. On the skin, instead of feeling sticky or greasy like other previously used products, it felt hydrating and smooth. I love that without makeup on, it gives a glowy, plumped appearance thanks to the inclusion of sodium hyaluronate – a derivative of hyaluronic acid.
But the real test for me would be how this SPF works under makeup, as the downfall of many an SPF has been pilling at this stage, but the No7 Future Renew Damage Protection Defence Shield SPF50 has passed the test time and time again. The hydration this product gives is the ideal base for my regular beauty routine, and while I have had a refresh of the products in my day-to-day kit in recent weeks, too (thanks to Milk launching at Boots), my makeup has never looked better. For me, it didn’t feel like a chore having to put on sun protection anymore, instead feeling like I was applying a moisturiser with the added benefit of keeping me safe in the sun. I actually think this SPF may be my new secret weapon because it really does tick every box.Best for combination skin
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid Non-Perfumed Suncream SPF50+
Beauty writer Eve Rowlands loves the La Roche Posay sunscreen for her face and said: “With the sun finally coming out, I have upped my SPF game with an SPF formula that’s an addition to my skincare routine and one product I am currently loving for my face is the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid Non-Perfumed Suncream SPF50+.
Costing £16 at Lookfantastic (was £20), the sunscreen is gorgeously lightweight and isn’t oily at all – something I often find is the case with sun cream and therefore leaves my face positively reflective with the amount of shine on my face. Despite a high SPF of 50+, the product has quite a watery and thin texture, making it quite nice to apply to your face as you can hardly feel it sinking in. A big bonus with this sunscreen is that it has anti-eye-stinging properties, and is even sweat and water-resistant. Plus it’s fragrance free – which is perfect for when you want to apply make-up. No-one wants that sunscreen scent following them round all day.
Get it here.
