I've tested 100 face SPFs– I swear by this mineral one that feels like a primer
If you'd told me a few years ago that I'd be genuinely excited about a sunscreen, I would probably have snorted. Despite knowing how important daily SPF is – and despite having tested around 100+ products during my decade as a beauty editor, sunscreen, in my mind, always conjured up images of greasy layers, clogged pores and a mirror-like shiny forehead– and I don't mean in a nice 'glass skin' way. I'd try new formulas with hope, only to feel disappointed after a few days of oiliness, irritation or feeling sticky. But then I found Supergoop's Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF30, and I can finally say I'm proudly on board the daily SPF wagon.
I was sent a tube of this a few months ago, but being blissfully unaware of just how good it is, I put it to the side in a 'test later' pile. After all, I didn't have high expectations for it, given my track record with most other facial SPF products. Fast forward to today, and it's the only sunscreen I wear now. It's earned permanent status in my make-up bag, and I'll rave about it to anyone who stays standing still near me for long enough (I'm not joking, I even told a girl on the tube about it).
Supergoop's Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF30
Pros:
Genuinely mattifying without feeling chalky or tight
Smooth, silicone-primer-like texture that grips make-up
Helps foundation stay in place all day
Mineral formula with zinc oxide, ideal for sensitive or reactive skin
Light tint that blends well and reduces white cast
Doesn't pill under other skincare or make-up
Cons:
£34 price tag is on the higher side
Matte finish may not suit those who prefer a dewy look
SPF30 is good, but not the highest available (worth noting, though, that the brand has many other SPF50s)
Tint may not blend seamlessly on very deep skin tones
What makes this SPF special, for me, is the finish. The name Mattescreen isn't a joke, it truly does what it says. It leaves my skin with a soft, satin-matte texture that looks and feels like a silicone-based primer. If you've ever liked the feel of a product like Smashbox Photo Finish or Benefit's POREfessional, imagine that kind of smooth grip, but with sun protection built in. It creates an even, slightly blurring base that makes applying foundation or tinted moisturiser easy. No sliding, no separating, no weird patches around the nose or chin.
As someone with combination skin that leans oily in the T-zone, this mattifying effect is what I didn't know was missing from the SPFs I was choosing. I don't need to layer on powder or blot every couple of hours anymore. On good days, I even skip foundation altogether and just wear Mattescreen over moisturiser with a bit of concealer. It gives a soft-focus finish that's flattering on its own.
Another big plus is that it doesn't irritate my very fussy skin. That's often been my issue with traditional chemical sunscreens, which tend to cause redness or little breakouts around the jawline. But the mineral formulation here has stayed gentle and reliable through these mini heatwaves we've had, and even the odd hormonal flare-up.
All in all, I'd happily recommend it to anyone who's struggled to find a sunscreen that fits into a makeup-wearing routine. It's rare to find an SPF that doesn't feel like a compromise, but Supergoop's Mattescreen delivers on everything I want it to: it protects, it smooths, it stays put and, most importantly, it doesn't make me dread applying sunscreen every morning.
Would I get a higher factor SPF if I were sunbathing or out in direct sunlight for hours? Yes – I'd probably use something like Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF 50+ Superlight Mineral Skinsceen, £38, which isn't quite as mattifying but is lovely to use and packs an SPF50 formula.
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