Some Fab Summer Essentials: The Facial SPFs That You'll Actually *Want* To Wear

Looking after your skin, particularly in the summer months, can be incredibly confusing. We know we should be using a daily SPF to protect ourselves from the sun's damaging rays, but the majority of 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, which unsurprisingly puts us off using essential protection. It can be a real challenge to find a great SPF that is not only specifically designed for the face, but also provides the highest rating of protection; however, with the beauty industry focusing on finding groundbreaking advances that allow sunscreen to be effective without overloading the skin, there's a whole new generation of SPF products that are actually a pleasure to use. From tinted CC creams and facial spritzes, to essence-SPF combos and creams that also double-up as a primer, these are the seven products that you'll actually *want* to wear - every day of the year.


1. The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50 (£16.00) 
The epitome of new generation sunscreens, this feather light milk-to-water essence sinks into the skin immediately to leave no residue whatsoever. With a high level of SPF and broad spectrum UV filters, the formula also contains brightening red algae and Vitamin C, as well as antioxidants to help protect skin against multiple skin aggressors. If you've ever been put off applying a daily SPF because of the often heavy textures, then this is the answer to your dreams - it combines the hydrating benefit of an essence with the protection of a sunscreen to leave your skin healthy and glowing.

2. Murad White Brilliance Luminous Shield SPF 50 (£55.00) 
I'm such a fan of Murad; although the prices are pretty high, sometimes it's worth investing in products that you know will see you right and keep your skin looking fab. This silky smooth formula absorbs into skin in seconds to leave a matte finish behind, while 'light-diffusing microspheres' fill lines and wrinkles to instantly make them less visible. Porcelain flower extract helps even skin tone and illuminate skin, whilst Grape Seed extract neutralises environmental aggressors to help preserve skin’s brightness. It's a skincare product and SPF in one, meaning it's even easier to integrate into a daily regime.

3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch SPF50 (£16.50) 
La Roche-Posay's sunscreens have generated almost cult-like status, and it's no surprise when they have products like this on offer. With optimal SPF50 protection combined with La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, this tinted cream can be worn alone or under makeup to help protect skin while preventing shine. The dry touch texture means there are no white marks, while the fomula is completely water resistant too. This is a great one for on holiday when you don't want to layer on tonnes of makeup, but still feel you need a little something to even out your skintone; the universal shade leaves skin clear and bright.

4. Bioderma Hydrabio Eau de Soin Anti-UV Mist SPF30 (£9.00) 
Somewhat of a game-changer, this lightweight mist is the first of its kind to land in the UK. A rehydrating mist that will prevent skin-ageing and shield the skin from harmful UV rays, it provides an instant dose of freshness to the skin. Enriched with a patented complex which stimulates the skin to rehydrate itself continuously, the invisible mist also contains a sunscreen patent which reinforces the skin’s own defense mechanisms. All you need is four spritzes across the face to boost skin and ensure protection throughout the day - making it easy to top up when you're out and about without having to remove makeup. I would advise that this isn't worn alone though, and definitely not on the beach; it's very much a city spray designed to top-up your morning sunscreen protection, rather than offering complete care itself.

5. Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid SPF30 (£34.00) 
The product I've been using on a daily basis over the last few weeks, this lightweight fluid is infused with kukui seed oil to strengthen the skin's natural protective barrier, whilst an antioxidant blend of ginger extracts defends against free radical damage. The lightweight, fast-absorbing and non-greasy fluid combines zinc oxide and titanium dioxide with 100% mineral-derived sunscreens for superior broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It's perfectly suited for use under makeup and is in a handy container that makes it easy to take it with you. Although it comes out rather startlingly white, it absorbs into skin to leave an undetectable finish that perfectly mixes in with my skincare products.

6. Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Face SPF30 (£8.50) 
Possibly one of my most favourite sunscreens of all time, this super affordable and tropically scented cream contains luxurious hydrating ribbons (infused with natural silk protein and glucerin) to keep skin moisturised for up to twelve hours. Along with its lightweight feel, nourishing antioxidants and coconut fragrance, Silk Hydration also provides high UVA and UVB protection while being highly water resistant. It works brilliantly under makeup and, thanks to the matte texture, also doubles up as a primer - so it's no surprise it's been by my side since last year.

7. Eucerin Sun Protection Face Sun CC Crème Tinted SPF50 (£18.00) 
Leading the way in the sunscreen-come-makeup category, this tinted sun lotion will not only protect from damaging rays, but also prevent further darkening of pigment spots on the skin. If you're not one for heavy bases, or you want a multi-functioning product for holiday, then this offers up all that and more; the formula glides over skin to leave a delicate tint and even complexion, while providing a high level of SPF to keep your skin protected for longer. Although the bottles are rather clinical and not particularly exciting (they could've made their CC Creme more CC Creme like!) what's inside is totally worth overlooking that fact for.