My Ultimate SPF Edit
I know, I know. Our weather hasn’t exactly been great (rain, rain, go away), and a post about SPFs might have a few people side-eyeing me.
However, with skin cancer on the rise – in the UK, 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women will develop skin cancer at least once in their lifetime (scary) – and I will never stop talking about its importance. Come rain or shine, IT IS IMPERATIVE to wear SPF all year round.
And if there is ever any doubt in your mind that you can’t tan with SPF 50, please trust me when I say that I’ve just come back from (my favourite place in the world) Formentera, wore factor 50 every single day, and came back with a fabulous tan.
In this blog, I’m going to run through my favourites and how, when, and how much to use. Don’t let me catch you outside...
The simple rule is that you should run your SPF over two fingers, and that is the correct amount for your face. For the body, just cover it well. Don’t forget your feet and hands, and make sure someone reliable does your back, not a Theo ‘I’ll rub it in for 10 seconds and then give up’ Coyne. Oh, and remember your ears and your scalp too. These are easy to forget but burn quickly. Top tip for applying SPF for kids: use a foundation brush. You’ll have way more control.
What do the +’s mean on SPF?
The more +’s, the higher the UV protection. Simple.
What is the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?
The key difference is that mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin and block rays at the surface using ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, while chemical sunscreens absorb rays like a sponge.
Mineral Sunscreen
Also commonly referred to as physical sunscreen, mineral sunscreens use UV filters that sit on top of the skin, effectively blocking rays from penetrating the skin’s surface. This is good if you suffer from sensitive or acne-prone skin because the active ingredients, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, tend to be well-tolerated by sensitive skin types.
However, mineral sunscreens do tend to be thicker, meaning they take longer to blend and can leave a white cast on the skin. Although this is becoming less and less of an issue as formulas develop.
Chemical Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens tend to be lighter and blend into the skin seamlessly. Rather than blocking the harmful rays, they absorb them and convert them into non-damaging heat through a chemical reaction. This heat is then released from the skin.
Why do you need a separate SPF for your face and body?
Just like your skin and body creams, SPFs for each have different formulations. The skin on your face tends to be thinner and more delicate. It is also exposed to more environmental factors, meaning it needs extra skin-caring ingredients.
Does sunscreen expire?
Yes! When open, it lasts about 6-12 months. Unopened, it lasts for approximately 2 years. Although if your bottle lasts longer than 6 months, then you’re definitely not applying it every day.
Now onto my favourites...
Best For Face
These are my favourites to apply before makeup. I’ll list my favourite top-up SPFs below. PS: Don’t forget your SPF should be applied at the end of your skincare routine before your makeup. Here's my blog post on the order your products should be applied in case you missed it.
I only ever wear SPF50 on my face. Guys, it is the best anti-ageing tip out there. If you don’t wear SPF, your skin will, without doubt, age quicker. Here are the ones I love:
La Roche-Posay Anthelios offers superior UV protection with MEXORYL400, ideal for sensitive skin. This SPF 50+ formula is ultra-resistant to water, sweat, and sand, providing broad-spectrum protection. It's lightweight, invisible, and fragrance-free, ensuring no white cast. Recommended by dermatologists, it's also suitable for cancer patients undergoing treatment.
She’s back and better than ever. Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+ combines lightweight, non-greasy protection with a glowy base for makeup. This silky serum hydrates and protects with innovative skincare actives. Apply three pipettes for a radiant, velvety finish with a rose scent.
CeraVe is a brilliant, affordable brand. The AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50+ offers daily hydration with UVB/UVA protection. Suitable for normal to dry and acne-prone skin, it includes three essential ceramides to support the skin barrier. This fast-absorbing formula also defends against pollution and hydrates for up to 24 hours.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Skin Protection Fluid SPF50 is a newbie. It primes the skin with hydration while delivering intense UV protection. What's more, it's bursting with actives from lithops stem cells to increase hydration levels and support the skin's own vitamin D production.
Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect is a daily moisturiser and SPF 50+ sunscreen in one. It shields against UV rays, pollution, blue light, and more, preventing wrinkles and dark spots. The formula includes photolyase to support skin repair and offers a non-greasy, invisible finish suitable for all skin tones.
I’m so happy this brilliant brand has finally jumped across the pond. This is a lightweight serum that helps to boost radiance and hydration, while subtle light-reflecting pearls melt into the skin for a dewy, radiant glow. Worn every day, the innovative sun-protecting and skin-perfecting fluid helps shield the skin from sun damage while refining your complexion with the cumulative anti-aging benefits of luxurious skincare.
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor provides lightweight hydration, brightens dark spots, and refines pores. This SPF 30 sunscreen is sheer on all skin tones and absorbs instantly without greasiness. It also leaves a fresh, light scent and creates a perfect makeup base.
Best SPF Over Makeup
With the growth in technology has come a growth in SPF mists. These are great if you’re out and about and want to top up your sun protection over your makeup. Although I would obviously state that the best application is a cream on naked skin, that you can really blend in. This isn’t always possible, so keep one of these handy sprays in your bag too.
Kate Somerville's UncompliKated SPF 50 Spray protects and enhances your skin, working beautifully under and over makeup. This easy-to-use spray combines sun protection with skincare benefits from an expert facialist.
Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist SPF 50+ is an award-winning formula with Australian botanicals. It sets makeup, adds a luminous glow, and offers high-performance sun protection. Infused with hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract, and Kakadu plum, it's perfect for on-the-go reapplication.
Ultra Violette's Preen Screen Reapplication Mist SPF 50 provides an extra dose of protection with a glowy finish. This lightweight, silky mist fits seamlessly into your routine, making midday top-ups easy and effective.
Hello Sunday's The Retouch One SPF 50 is an invisible hydrating mist that protects against UVA, UVB, blue light, and pollution. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, it nourishes and refreshes, ideal for on-the-go protection over makeup.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible SPF 50 Anti-Shine Mist offers high protection with a light, fresh thermal spring water texture. It provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with an invisible, ultra-dry finish and can be worn under or over makeup.
Best Sunscreen For Your Body
I've got you covered whether you prefer a mist or a spray. Personally, I like to use a cream before I head to the beach. I really take my time applying it, usually before I get dressed, so I don’t miss a spot. Then I take a spray with me for throughout the day as I find these easier to apply on myself, plus the sand doesn’t tend to stick to them as much. Oh, and don’t forget to top up your SPF every 2-4 hours. Set yourself an alarm if you’re forgetful (or likely to have multiple margaritas)!
Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Perfume Mist captures the essence of a beach getaway with notes of coconut, tuberose, and warm sand. Inspired by the "Summer of the Cans," this fragrance evokes a nostalgic, sun-kissed memory.
Ultra Violette Extreme Screen SPF 50+ is a lightweight, hydrating hand and body cream with UVA/UVB protection. It features a soft coconut scent and subtle shimmer for a nourishing, protective experience.
Shiseido Expert Sun Protector SPF 50 offers responsive UV protection that strengthens with heat and water. Its lightweight, invisible formula maintains hydration and combats photo-aging, ensuring smooth, plump skin.
Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Spray delivers broad-spectrum protection in an ultra-sheer, dry touch formula enriched with Vitamin E. It's perfect for beach days, offering easy, continuous application. It also smells like summer.
Coola Body Spray Coconut SPF 50 features a natural scent and 70%+ organic formula. This ultra-sheer, water-resistant sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection and nourishes skin with an antioxidant-rich Plant Protection complex.
Nuxe SPF 50 Sun Spray protects face and body from UV rays while preventing dark spots and premature ageing. Its ultra-light texture moisturises and absorbs quickly for a bare-skin feeling.
Lancaster Sun Protective Water SPF 30 offers broad-spectrum protection and helps repair sun damage. Its lightweight, refreshing texture provides a golden tan with a nude skin sensation, suitable for wet skin application.
Biotherm Waterlover Sun Mist is eco-tested for marine safety. This invisible, hydrating sun mist protects skin while preserving aquatic life. Enriched with Life Plankton, it absorbs quickly, leaving skin radiant.
Hawaiian Tropic's SPF 50 body lotion combines high UV protection with skincare benefits. Its water-resistant formula, enriched with cocoa and shea butter, offers 12-hour moisturisation and protection against premature ageing.
Best Sunscreen For Your Lips
I would not be without an SPF lip balm. Firstly, I suffer from the dreaded cold sores. And even though I take lysine religiously every day, the sun can still cause them to appear. SPF balms are the only things that tend to help. Even if you’re lucky enough not to be a cold sore sufferer, protecting your lips from burning and dryness is essential. These are the best SPF lip balms in the game, according to me!
Ultra Violette Sheen Screen SPF 50 Hydrating Lip Balm offers glossy colour, hydration, and sun protection. Available in six shades with a peppermint scent, it's perfect for everyday use.
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Targeted Sun Defense Stick SPF 50 protects over-exposed areas like lips and nose. Combining intense sun protection with the benefits of Eight Hour Cream, it's convenient for year-round use.
Bondi Sands SPF 50 Lip Balm hydrates and soothes dry lips with a toasted coconut scent, offering high sun protection.
Hello Sunday SPF 50 Balm, enriched with shea butter and hyaluronic acid, provides ultra-moisturising, non-sticky lip protection with a berry scent.
Ultra Sun Lip Protection SPF 30 shields lips from UV rays and prevents chapping. Infused with blackcurrant seed oil, it offers intense moisturisation and is perfect for everyday wear.
Nivea Sun Lip Balm SPF 30 protects lips from UVA/UVB rays while moisturising for 24 hours.
Best for Sport
I do a lot of sports and love nothing more than a wild swim or a long cycle on a hot day. Using a standard SPF doesn’t tend to do the job when you’re sweating or immersed in water. But these babies do.
Ultra Sun Sport Spray offers non-greasy, transparent sun protection for active lifestyles. Its fast-absorbing, dry-touch formula provides long-lasting UVA, UVB, and Infrared A protection.
Shiseido Sports BB SPF 50 features sweat-activated protection and quick-dry technology for a fresh, healthy glow. It provides comprehensive sun protection for active days.
Lancaster Sport Sun SPF 30 gel targets the full sun spectrum and helps repair skin. Its weightless, invisible formula is perfect for intense activities, offering a matte finish and easy application on wet or dry skin.
Hair SPF
So we’ve covered your entire body, face, and lips, but what about your hair? Yep, that’s right, don’t leave out the locks. Along with a hat, these are the best SPFs to protect your hair. Ps: If you can’t get your hands on any of these, your UV hair protector will also help to protect.
Tan Accelerating Lotions
These are brilliant to use as your body moisturiser after you’ve been in the sun to keep your tan glowing.
Lancaster Golden Tan Maximizer After Sun Lotion prolongs your tan and soothes sun-exposed skin. With Buriti oil, it intensifies melanin production for a long-lasting, golden tan.
Gatineau Tan Accelerating Lotion prepares, boosts, and prolongs your tan. It enhances natural melanin production, providing effective self-protection for a beautiful, long-lasting tan.
There you have it. My ultimate holy grail of SPFs. Please, please, please remember, protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is an ESSENTIAL part of maintaining long-term health AND keeping your skin looking fabulous. Whether sunny or rainy, make it part of your daily routine!
Stay sun safe, always.
Love,
Lisa