I've tried hundreds of sunscreens as a beauty editor – here's the very best budget SPFs to protect your skin this summer
The number one reason we skip sun protection? Texture.
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It's not just the Fabulous office who struggles with the stickiness, according to a recent NIVEA survey, 69% of Brits say texture is important when choosing a sunscreen.
Shockingly, 1 in 4 Brits even go to the extreme of avoiding sunscreen all together due to disliking its texture - with greasy and sticky formulas bring the top major turn-offs.
The good news? There's hoards of non-sticky, non-greasy, non-tacky options now available, and you don't have to spend shedloads to find the perfect formula.
As well as advising using an SPF of 30+ year round, every dermatologist I've ever spoken to has conceded that the best sunscreen is the one you will use.
Spending loads on high-tech products that promise the earth is useless if you don't like the feel of them on your skin.
'The price of sunscreen does not always determine its effectiveness. More expensive sunscreens may use higher-quality ingredients or offer additional benefits such as anti-ageing properties. However, budget options can still provide adequate protection if they have an SPF of 30 or higher and 4-star UVA protection or higher,' explains consultant dermatologist Dr Thivi Maruthappu, author of Skin Food: Your 4 Step Solution To Healthy, Happy Skin.
"A product's UVA protection can be checked by looking at either its star rating (look for 4-5 starts) or the term 'broad spectrum cover," she adds.
I've put hundreds of SPFs to the test over the last few months, from super-luxury options to bargain basement formulas.
It wasn't all pretty - some left awful white residue behind, others broke me out or left my eyes watering from the scent.
In the past, I've been some-what of an SPF snob.
With pretty much any sunscreen I want at my fingertips, you won't be surprised to hear that I gravitate towards the spenny options.
I have acne-prone skin that's oilier than most but also easily irritated, plus I have super sensitive eyes.
Premium brands have previously been the ones to cater to my needs, but this summer things have changed, and these are the very best budget options - ringing in at £16 or less.
You might be wondering how I've tested them - don't worry, I've taken it very seriously.
I've used them all for at least a week each, and have kept my skincare and make-up the same throughout the process, to make sure every single SPF was measured against the same goal posts.
I've been on a couple of holidays too, where they've been road tested at the beach and by the pool, as well as day to day in London, which is arguably the biggest test of all - think sweaty tube rides, the dry air of office air con, under warm studio lights, and long days full of events that have me running around the city - so you can trust they've been put through their paces.
BEST AFFORDABLE SENSITIVE SKIN SPF
Byoma Ultralight Face Fluid SPF50 £15
Confession time - when Byoma launched their first SPF a couple of years ago, I wasn't a massive fan.
You can imagine, then, that I had low expectations for this SPF - although the packaging did intrigue me, as it's similar to a couple of brands that cost three times as much.
Thankfully, the inside did not disappoint. It has the same consistency as a lightweight moisturiser, which makes sense given it contains Byoma's signature barrier boosting complex that nourishes skin.
On application, it takes a couple of minutes to absorb, and remains glowy in that time - which makes it a great hydrating primer for make-up.
If you don't love glow, it dries down quickly and doesn't block bores, which is perfect if you have acne-prone skin like me!
BEST AFFORDABLE GLOW BOOSTING SPF
Simple Glow+ SPF50 Invisible UV Fluid, £12.99
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Simple launched not one, but three new SPF's last month, and this is my personal favourite of the trio.
It somehow strikes the perfect combination of radiant but not at all sticky thanks to the water consistency and skin-loving niacinamide, which helps reduce redness, balance oil production and moisturise skin.
It goes on white, but quickly disappears, so it doesn't leave a cast behind.
It's also fragrance-free, which I prefer as anything too perfumed can irritate my eyes.
BEST AFFORDABLE TINTED SPF
Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid Glow SPF 50+, £12.99
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You really can't go far wrong with Garnier's sun protection products - and across the board they're some of the cheapest on the market.
This tinted formula is no different - it's lightweight, hydrating and not at all gloopy, which is a common complaint when it comes to SPFs with added colour.
If you're looking for something full coverage, this isnt it - the tint is barely there, which is just as well as they only have one shade (do better!) but it helps make sure there's no grey or white pigment residue left on skin to leave skin ghoulsih.
BEST AFFORDABLE HYDRATING SPF
HABI Sunny Shield SPF40 Lotion, £7
If you've not met HABI yet, it's the latest own brand offering from Boots, designed to cut through social media hype and instill good beauty and wellness habits with a range of hard-working staples.
As the cheapest sunscreen on my list, it's certainly ticking all of those boxes.
The formula is on the thicker end of the spectrum - so much so, I almost wrote it off the first time I tried it, however it still sat really nicely under make-up, didn't cause me to become an oil slick by lunch or irritate my skin, which is the most important part.
Because of the richer consistency, it would be especially good for anyone with dry or dehydragted skin, but frankly it's great for all skin types - just expect something that gives a bit more slip akin to a moisturiser, rather than a weightless SPF.
BEST AFFORDABLE SHINE-REDUCING SPF
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This is as much a primer as it is an SPF, thanks to the serious blurring power that helps disguise texture - which is ideal as I have quite a few spot scars on my face, but it would also help redice the appearance of large pores and fine lines.
It has a velvety texture that doesn't feel too heavy or mask-like on skin, but helps absorb oil and sweat so that they don't break through and cause make-up to separate.
Plus, thanks to glycerin, vitamin E and niacinamide it helps improve the look and feel of uneven skin texture and tone over time - win win!
BEST AFFORDABLE LIGHTWEIGHT SPF
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+, £15.50
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Hands down, this is the most lightweight SPF I've ever used.
I've tried SPF's that cost upwards of £80, and not one of them can rival this formula.
It's completely invisible on skin - sinking within seconds so there's no residue left behind at all, just skin that feels like skin.
I was sceptical about how much protection it would provide given the invisible formula, but it withstood a day snorkelling in the Maldives, and a 20k-step day in Lisbon with barely a hint of a tan, never mind sunburn.
It doesn't pill, doesn't sting my eyes, and doesn't cause me to break out.
I defy anyone who thinks they hate all SPF's to try it - you'll be converted I'm sure.
The Importance of SPF
WITH summer finally here, here's everything you need to know about SPF.
1. Protects Against UV Radiation:
SPF shields your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, specifically UVA and UVB rays, which can cause sunburn, premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer.
2. Reduces Risk of Skin Cancer:
Regular use of SPF can significantly lower the risk of developing various types of skin cancer, including melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
3. Prevents Premature Aging:
UV exposure accelerates the aging process, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. SPF helps maintain youthful skin by blocking these aging effects.
4. Maintains Even Skin Tone:
Sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Using SPF regularly can help prevent these issues, leading to a more even and radiant complexion.
5. Essential for All Skin Types:
Regardless of skin type or tone, everyone is susceptible to UV damage. SPF is crucial for all skin types to maintain healthy skin and prevent damage.
6. Everyday Necessity:
UV rays can penetrate through clouds and windows, making daily SPF application essential, even on cloudy days or when indoors.
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