The Ultimate Guide to Sun Protection: Unveiling my Top-Rated SPFs.
If there is one thing I will live and die by, it’s SPF. Summer, winter, morning, noon and night – it is hands-down the holy grail of skincare. I get that finding the perfect sunscreen can be a real struggle.
With so many brands on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Fear not, though, because I have got you covered (literally!). I'll be your trusty guide as we explore the crème de la crème of SPFs on the market. I've done the legwork and slathered on countless sunscreens to bring you this list of the absolute best. So, grab your shades and let's uncover the ultimate sun protection superheroes that will keep your skin safe, happy and damage free.
Let’s start with how much to use.
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 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’s about 6-12 months. Unopened 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 faves…
Best for face
These are my faves to apply before makeup. I’ll list my fave 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.
This fluid is an icon. It is an ideal everyday SPF as it's super lightweight, blends into your skin seamlessly and sits beautifully under makeup. Win, win, win.
Oooo I love this Aussie brand. It’s really taken the beauty industry by storm. And if anyone knows SPF it’s the Aussies. They are obsessed, as we all should be. Every product from this range is fantastic, you’ll see a few scattered within this post. The great thing about Lean Screen is that it is completely matte, making it ideal for anyone worried about shine.
Kiehls is just an all-round, trustworthy heritage brand. And I love this SPF. The sun cream is infused with baicalin for added antioxidant defence. Vitamin E emphasises this, while a fast-absorbing feature lessens the risk of any heavy build-up being left behind. A mattified illusion is the result, making the formula idea for people prone to excess oil.
I’m a big fan of the Fenty skin range. They’ve done a great job and this SPF is no exception. It’s lightweight and has zero white cast, making it perfect for all skin tones.
This is great for people who hate SPF as it looks and feels invisible. Great for anyone in a rush as you don’t need to worry about if you’ve “missed a bit”
Best for topping up your SPF for your face
SPF face sprays are a relatively new thing, but they are very welcome. I wouldn’t use these as my initial application as I want to make sure every inch of my face and neck is covered, but they are fab for topping up throughout the day. They are also great to use on your scalp. Much easier than trying to apply a greasy cream.
This is a soft-focus SPF spray that can be used over makeup. Not only is it a lightweight mist, but it also leaves a matte finish and sets your makeup in place.
This is fab for reapplication. The mist is super fine and the hydrating formula is infused with skincare ingredients including bisabolol and aloe vera to help soothe irritation, redness and inflammation, while niacinamide provides a boost to the skin’s texture.
This convenient spray glides on over makeup whilst leaving the skin feeling hydrated.
Sorry, but this is genius. It’s a setting powder with an SPF. Imagine that marketing meeting! It’s such a good way to top up your SPF throughout the day. Especially if you’re prone to oily skin.
Best for Body
Whether you prefer a mist or a spray, I’ve got you covered. 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)!
Oooo I love this range. Mainly because it smells like Pina Coladas! But it’s also a fantastic SPF. I love how fine the mist is making it easy to get an even coat quickly.
I love this cream SPF, mainly because it smells divine, is lightweight, not sticky and leaves your skin feeling moisturised as well as protected.
Bondi Sands are another brilliant brand. And this fragrance-free formula is great for anyone who doesn’t want to be reminded that they are not on holiday. It blends well and had a high protection.
A light, ultra-fine texture with antioxidant technology for a quick and easy application that works. It leaves a totally invisible, non-greasy and non-sticky finish. Its freshness and delicate summer fragrance make you want to apply it over and over again.
This farm to face formula features an antioxidant-rich plant protection complex that helps fight free radicals and nourish the skin.
If you love a cream over a mist, then this is a must. It blends in with little effort and leaves your skin looking and feeling hydrated. They even make a limited-edition super-size version. Perfect for families.
Best for swimming and sport.
I love swimming but I want to know I’m protected even when in the water. The same goes for a sweaty workout. These are the SPF’s that won’t move, no matter how much you are.
I love this SPF when I’m going on a long swim. Shiseido skincare is elite, full stop. And this SPF is no exception. By utilising HeatForce and WetForce Technologies, the sun cream works to be as durable as possible against external aggressors. On top of that, it’s light weight and blends beautifully.
I wore this when myself and my swim team (Swim and Tonic-lol) swam the 70km of Lake Geneva in a relay. It took us just over 30hrs and we didn’t burn once. That says it all right?
THIS CAN BE APPLIED TO WET SKIN! How good is that?? It’s made for sports lovers and you’ll always find one in my gym bag.
Best for Lips
I’m a cold sore sufferer, god damn those awful things. So a lip balm with an SPF is essential. But even if you’re lucky enough to not suffer from them, there’s nothing sorer than burnt lips, so these keep one of these babies on you at all times.
This little tube of goodness combines the hydrating power of a lip balm with the sun protection of SPF. Formulated by the renowned Aussie brand, this lip balm offers broad-spectrum protection to shield your lips from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Enriched with nourishing ingredients like Vitamin E and Shea Butter, it keeps your lips moisturised, soft, and kissably smooth.
This is the ultimate lip saviour for sun protection and hydration. This lip balm is designed to keep your lips shielded from harmful UV rays while providing intense moisture. The lightweight formula glides on smoothly, leaving a non-greasy finish that keeps your lips feeling nourished.
Supergoop is one of my fave go-to’s. Its nourishing formula is enriched with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and antioxidant-rich vitamins, providing deep hydration and helping to prevent chapping and dryness. The non-sticky texture makes it a joy to apply, while the subtle hint of shine adds a touch of glam.
This balm protects your pout like a dream. Fragrance-free and transparent, it glides on under or over lipstick. With its broad-spectrum SPF, it shields your lips from the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays, preventing sunburn and premature ageing… nobody wants an actual trout pout.
This lip balm is the perfect companion for active peeps seeking sun protection and hydration on the go. Created by Kosas, a brand renowned for its high-performance cosmetics, this lip balm is designed to withstand even the most intense workouts and outdoor activities. The innovative formula combines broad-spectrum SPF with nourishing botanicals and antioxidants to keep your lips protected and moisturised.
There you have it, my ultimate list of skin saviours. Don’t let me catch you outside without it. In the world of OG supermodel Christie Brinkley: “The best beauty secret is sunblock”.
Love,
Lisa xx
As always, I only ever recommend products I would use myself. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
This is mostly spent on repairing the shoes Diddy keeps chewing. If the links go through to Cult Beauty, that means you can use LISACB to get 20% off. Enjoy.