Looking after your skin in the summer months can be incredibly confusing. We know we should be using SPF to protect ourselves from the sun's damaging rays, but most sun creams have a thick and heavy texture which can result in blocked pores and congestion. This in turn can increase the likelihood of pimples, irritation and aggravated acne... Something we don't want to worry about while sipping a cocktail on the beach. (Read this post on how to avoid breakouts and blemishes while wearing SPF!) It can be a real challenge to find a great SPF that not only is specifically designed for the face, but also protects from UVA and UVB rays - but I've done the hard work for you and found seven fabulous facial SPF products that offer protection without clogging the skin. These are all incredibly effective, whilst providing a practically invisible result.
1. No7 Protect & Perfect BB Facial Sun protection SPF50 (£14.99)
Not only does this tinted formula offer serious sun protection, but it also contains a skin brightening complex to help improve skin tone whilst helping to prevent dark spots and hyper-pigmentation (which is often the result of sun exposure.) Powdered by 'a next generation peptide' that works to help restore more youthful skin, this is a skincare and SPF product in one. It's also available in two shades to suit your skin tone, meaning you can add a touch of colour to your complexion and even out imperfections when sat beside the pool. While on holiday we don't want to pile on the makeup, but we do want a little touch of something to help us feel great beneath the big sunglasses - this ticks all the boxes in one affordable tube of product.
2. Piz Buin Ultra Light Dry Touch Face Fluid SPF30 (£12.00)
Launched last year to rapturous applause, this high protection sun fluid dries within seconds to leave a delicate matte finish and no chalky residue. It's easy to apply, even under makeup, and helps to remove any excess oil or shininess too. Enriched with an anti-oxidant Vitamin E derivative, this Piz Buin formula helps to prevent sun induced premature skin ageing. It even stays put through sweaty situations and swimming in the sea, thanks to the formula being both sweat and water resistant; it was the first facial SPF that really made me stand up and take notice and it continues to be a favourite.
3. Ultrasun Face Tinted Anti-Ageing SPF30 (£26.00)
I'm a massive Ultrasun convert thanks to their invisible textures that dry within seconds. These aren't thick and greasy creams, but tinted lotions and transparent gels that are so hardworking they're even available on prescription. (For sun cancer sufferers FYI - I'm not advising you get your doctor to prescribe you sun cream!) This tinted formula is so hydrating that it can even replace your usual day cream, while providing just a hint of colour to enhance your complexion or offer a tiny bit of coverage during 'down days'. Even suitable for very sensitive skins, Ultrasun will definitely be my go-to summer brand for every sun care need this year.
4. Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser SPF25 (£19.23)
Formulated to hydrate and nourish the skin whilst protecting against the damaging effects of the sun, this lightweight cream contains hyaluronic acid and is enriched with a blend of anti-oxidants and vitamins to firm and smooth. It dries to leave a slightly matte and powdered finish, preventing any slippage or shine once makeup is applied - it works perfectly over my usual serum and beneath foundation, providing me with protection without even having to think about it. I'm all for products that I can use within my regime with little attention paid, knowing I can rely on them to do the job; this ticks that box and more - plus it's really affordable for the quantity of product you get.
5. Vichy SPF30 Ideal Soleil SPF30 (£16.50)
Enriched with thermal spa water, this dry-touch fluid is free from parabens and is completely water resistant. Available in both SPF30 and SPF50 variants, it's a great product for using all year round - it seamlessly applies to skin to leave a mattifying effect that's often achieved only with a light dusting of powder. It's not complicated, it does what it says on the tin and it's a reliable brand known for sun care products. I know a lot of people don't like to use SPF from any old brand, preferring to stick to reliable and well known experts, so Vichy provide a professional approach you know you can rely on.
6. Benefit Specialist Dream Screen SPF45 (£25.00)
Although this oily fluid seems quite intimidating when it first comes out of the bottle, when applied to skin it absorbs within seconds to leave a completely invisible and non-greasy finish. I was very dubious when I first started using this, but it's actually become a firm favourite within my daily routine; it's so lightweight that I can chuck a load on my face and think no more about it. I'm confident I'll be protected from premature ageing and know my nose won't turn an uncomfortable tone of pink. Benefit's skincare range is much underrated, but this is definitely the hero of the collection for me.
7. Eucerin Sun Fluid SPF50 (£16.00)
Another mattifying fluid (there's a trend here!) that won't block pores or cause irritation, Eucerin isn't the most glamorous of brands but it does the job well. I wouldn't necessarily use this on a day to day basis, but it's a great bottle to pop in your suitcase during summer holiday season. Specifically formulated to protect against sun-induced skin damage and pigment spots, it's suitable for even the most oily of skin types as it dries to leave a velvety matte finish. Available in varying intensities for both the body and face, there's a reason why this is fast becoming a go-to sun care brand.
Do you have any favourite sun care brands or products? Do you struggle trying to find something that works with your skin? (Still confused about SPF? Why not have a read of this post and discover everything you need to know, plus how you should be using SPF effectively.)
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1. No7 Protect & Perfect BB Facial Sun protection SPF50 (£14.99)
Not only does this tinted formula offer serious sun protection, but it also contains a skin brightening complex to help improve skin tone whilst helping to prevent dark spots and hyper-pigmentation (which is often the result of sun exposure.) Powdered by 'a next generation peptide' that works to help restore more youthful skin, this is a skincare and SPF product in one. It's also available in two shades to suit your skin tone, meaning you can add a touch of colour to your complexion and even out imperfections when sat beside the pool. While on holiday we don't want to pile on the makeup, but we do want a little touch of something to help us feel great beneath the big sunglasses - this ticks all the boxes in one affordable tube of product.
2. Piz Buin Ultra Light Dry Touch Face Fluid SPF30 (£12.00)
Launched last year to rapturous applause, this high protection sun fluid dries within seconds to leave a delicate matte finish and no chalky residue. It's easy to apply, even under makeup, and helps to remove any excess oil or shininess too. Enriched with an anti-oxidant Vitamin E derivative, this Piz Buin formula helps to prevent sun induced premature skin ageing. It even stays put through sweaty situations and swimming in the sea, thanks to the formula being both sweat and water resistant; it was the first facial SPF that really made me stand up and take notice and it continues to be a favourite.
3. Ultrasun Face Tinted Anti-Ageing SPF30 (£26.00)
I'm a massive Ultrasun convert thanks to their invisible textures that dry within seconds. These aren't thick and greasy creams, but tinted lotions and transparent gels that are so hardworking they're even available on prescription. (For sun cancer sufferers FYI - I'm not advising you get your doctor to prescribe you sun cream!) This tinted formula is so hydrating that it can even replace your usual day cream, while providing just a hint of colour to enhance your complexion or offer a tiny bit of coverage during 'down days'. Even suitable for very sensitive skins, Ultrasun will definitely be my go-to summer brand for every sun care need this year.
4. Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser SPF25 (£19.23)
Formulated to hydrate and nourish the skin whilst protecting against the damaging effects of the sun, this lightweight cream contains hyaluronic acid and is enriched with a blend of anti-oxidants and vitamins to firm and smooth. It dries to leave a slightly matte and powdered finish, preventing any slippage or shine once makeup is applied - it works perfectly over my usual serum and beneath foundation, providing me with protection without even having to think about it. I'm all for products that I can use within my regime with little attention paid, knowing I can rely on them to do the job; this ticks that box and more - plus it's really affordable for the quantity of product you get.
5. Vichy SPF30 Ideal Soleil SPF30 (£16.50)
Enriched with thermal spa water, this dry-touch fluid is free from parabens and is completely water resistant. Available in both SPF30 and SPF50 variants, it's a great product for using all year round - it seamlessly applies to skin to leave a mattifying effect that's often achieved only with a light dusting of powder. It's not complicated, it does what it says on the tin and it's a reliable brand known for sun care products. I know a lot of people don't like to use SPF from any old brand, preferring to stick to reliable and well known experts, so Vichy provide a professional approach you know you can rely on.
6. Benefit Specialist Dream Screen SPF45 (£25.00)
Although this oily fluid seems quite intimidating when it first comes out of the bottle, when applied to skin it absorbs within seconds to leave a completely invisible and non-greasy finish. I was very dubious when I first started using this, but it's actually become a firm favourite within my daily routine; it's so lightweight that I can chuck a load on my face and think no more about it. I'm confident I'll be protected from premature ageing and know my nose won't turn an uncomfortable tone of pink. Benefit's skincare range is much underrated, but this is definitely the hero of the collection for me.
7. Eucerin Sun Fluid SPF50 (£16.00)
Another mattifying fluid (there's a trend here!) that won't block pores or cause irritation, Eucerin isn't the most glamorous of brands but it does the job well. I wouldn't necessarily use this on a day to day basis, but it's a great bottle to pop in your suitcase during summer holiday season. Specifically formulated to protect against sun-induced skin damage and pigment spots, it's suitable for even the most oily of skin types as it dries to leave a velvety matte finish. Available in varying intensities for both the body and face, there's a reason why this is fast becoming a go-to sun care brand.
Do you have any favourite sun care brands or products? Do you struggle trying to find something that works with your skin? (Still confused about SPF? Why not have a read of this post and discover everything you need to know, plus how you should be using SPF effectively.)
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