Find the perfect SPF for you, just in time for summer
With busy daily routines of endless errands and overflowing inboxes, the last thing we want is to spend precious time faffing with overcomplicated skincare routines (especially when it means more time in bed). While skincare lovers are moving away from complex multi-step routines in favour of simpler combinations, there is one step that can never be missed: SPF.
Sun damage can exacerbate existing signs of ageing and contribute to plenty of new ones, from fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation to sensitivity and unwanted texture, through a process called photo-ageing which occurs due to exposure to UVA and UVB rays. In the worst cases, overexposure can cause life-threatening skin cancer.
Sufficiently spooked? Wearing sunscreen every day is a must (yes, even on a cloudy day), so it is important to research and experiment to find out which formula is best for you. Here, MOJEH rounds-up sunscreens for every need and occasion, whether you are searching for matte formulas that double as makeup primers, an on-the-go application or one for your skincare-averse significant other.
Best For… Everyday Wear
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF40
Believe it or not, there was a time when SPF was only spoken about by dermatologists, die-hard skincare aficionados and our mothers. Supergoop! has been credited with making sun protection cool again, kickstarting a movement with its Unseen Sunscreen. The velvety smooth, invisible formula feels weightless on the skin, dries down matte and without a tell-tale white cast or sunscreen smell and provides broad-spectrum SPF40 protection. Shop now
Best For… Sensitive Skin
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF46 Facial Sunscreen
Watch any ‘Get Ready With Me’ video and you’ll find this in the makeup bags of many a Hollywood A-Lister; they are constantly recommending the dermatologist-approved sunscreen because of its sensitive skin-friendly formula. The fast-absorbing sunscreen uses both mineral and chemical ingredients, boasts SPF46 protection, absorbs quickly and works seamlessly under makeup. The best part? It has the stamp of approval from the Skin Cancer Foundation. Shop now
Best For… Lips
Clé De Peau Beauté UV Protective Lip Treatment
Protecting yourself from the sun shouldn’t stop at your complexion – lips need love, too. This luxurious lip sunscreen infuses protective Moroccan Thyme extract and hydration-boosting ingredients into its high-powered formula which protects from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays and photo-ageing. Shop now
Best For… Tinted Coverage
It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream With SPF50
This cult-favourite CC cream has consistently topped beauty must-have lists because of its skincare-infused formula that protects from harmful rays. Hydrating and brightening with a full-coverage finish, the CC cream features SPF50 broad-spectrum protection to shield from UVA and UVB rays, all while reducing the appearance of dark spots, boosting collagen and offering a vitamin-rich hit. Shop now
Best For… Touch-Ups
Shiseido Sports BB Compact SPF50+
Touching-up on sunscreen application when wearing a full face of makeup is tricky at best – messy, at worst. Enter: Shiseido’s innovative BB sunscreen, which is presented in a compact format ideal for topping up coverage on-the-go. The creamy, complexion-balancing compact delivers a cooling sensation upon application and mattifies oily skin, making it an ideal companion for your gym bag. Shop now
Best For… Body
Lancaster Sun Beauty Sublime Tan
Heading off on holiday? Infused with antioxidant-rich oils, this luxurious body milk protects your skin from infrared light and summer rays. Don’t worry about compromising on your tan, though. It features the brand’s Tan Activator Complex, which uses orange, coffee and buriti oil to stimulate a faster, long-lasting tan sans damage. Shop now
Best For… Adventurers
Caudalie Vinosun Invisible – High Protection Stick SPF50
Designed for use on the face, lips and sensitive areas (think: moles, scars and tattoos), this multi-use stick shields from UVA and UVB rays in one swipe; the grapeseed-enriched formula means it glides on like a dream without leaving a greasy residue. Fragrance-free and water resistant, stash it in children’s school bags, glove compartments and camping kits for use whenever the occasion calls. Shop now
Best For… A Pop Of Colour
Nudeskin Blush Tint SPF 30
Even if your base, foundation and setting spray are infused with SPF, why stop there? Pile on the protection while adding a just-pinched pop of colour, courtesy of Nudestix’s latest launch. As per the brand’s focus on multi-tasking products, the Nudescreen Blush Tint can be used across cheeks, lips and lids. Not only offering broad-spectrum protection, it is a 100% mineral sunscreen that is clean, vegan and reef-safe and promises to reduce visible signs of ageing. Sounds like a win-win. Shop now
Best For… Anti-Ageing
Elemis Pro-Collagen Skin Protection Fluid SPF 50
Elemis is a science-backed brand that utilises innovative technology and active ingredients throughout its products, resulting in it being on the shelves of some of the world’s most renowned spas (and cabinets of skincare lovers around the globe). Its sun-protection formula is one such adored product, thanks to SPF50 protection, Elemis’ Padina Pavonica marine algae and actives that increase hydration and stimulate Vitamin D production. Shop now
Best For… Skincare Lovers
Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 30
Dr. Barbara Sturm is a celebrity-loved name renowned for skincare products that actually work. These innovative, antioxidant-rich drops marry your skincare routine’s serum and sunscreen steps; the formula is infused with hyaloronic acid, Vitamin E and purslane to hydrate, promote the regeneration of damaged cells and protect from sun damage. Add a few drops directly to your skin or mix into your moisturiser for a supercharged smoothie. Shop now
Best For… Him
Aesop Protective Facial Lotion
Try as we may, some men have yet to become comfortable with using skincare products and, if they are, it is more than likely that they are not reaching for products of pastel jars and floral scents. Luckily, Aesop’s effortlessly cool aesthetic is an easy way to bypass trepidation. The Protective Facial Lotion uses green tea to soothe, Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E to hydrate and wards off sun damage with SPF25 broad-spectrum protection. Shop now
Read Next: Are Science-Backed Formulas Overtaking Celebrity Beauty Brands? MOJEH Investigates
- Words by Savanna Smith
