Forget everything you know about sunscreen. Those childhood memories of the thick, white paste your parents would smear across your face — which despite hefty rubbing, would still be visible around your hairline hours later — are a thing of the past. Imagine a sunscreen that doesn’t make your eyes sting, or that doesn’t have to be purchased in garish one-litre bottles.
In fact, there are numerous brands that create facial sunscreens that are lightweight, feel matte on the skin and aren’t oily, greasy or sticky. Wild, right? Many SPF products these days feel more like skincare and should be treated as such. Once you experience once of these magical products, you’ll happily incorporate sunscreen into your daily routine.
We have curated some of our favourite sunscreens, which are all SPF 50+. When you can, always opt for SPF 50+ to protect your precious skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+, $47
Australian brand Ultra Violette creates some of the best sunscreen products on the market. This lightweight formula is a standout star from Ultra Violette and is great for those with normal to dry skin. While Queen Screen is most definitely a sunscreen, it feels more like a serum thanks to the silky texture that melts into your skin. Queen Screen layers perfectly under makeup and gives you a glowy finish but you won’t have to put up with pilling which, let’s be honest, is a bummer.
Avène Sunscreen Emulsion Face SPF 50+, $26.95
Perfect for those with sensitive skin, the texture of this photostable sunscreen is light and comes out as a fluid which dries matte on the skin. Rich in Avène’s Thermal Spring Water, this product is also super hydrating without feeling oily or greasy. Perfect for everyday wear and it layers well under makeup, so can be used for the office and the beach.
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50+, $55
This sunscreen by SkinCeuticals slots easily into any skincare routine and is perfect for all skin types including normal, combination and dry skin types. This formula is delicate and soaks in comfortably on the skin and it doesn’t feel heavy or oily. While the feel of the product is A+, the protection it offers is very high and perfect for layering under makeup.
Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster SPF 50+, $78.50
Shield your skin from the sun’s rays with the help of Dermalogica’s Solar Defense Booster. For those who regularly wear makeup, this formula lends itself to mixing with moisturiser or foundation, or can simply be applied straight to your face. This non-chalky formula includes added green tea and grape seed extracts which makes it comfortable and hydrating on the skin.
SunSense Moisturising Face SPF 50+, $14.99
For those on a budget, SunSense’s Moisturising Face is a winner. Affordable sunscreen products often lack the lightweight formula we prefer in a facial sunscreen but this one is non-greasy, fragrance-free and feels satiny on the skin.
