Best facial sunscreens for summer, tested and reviewed

Daily Mirror

8 hours ago

Experts recommend that we protect our skin from both UVA and UVB rays - here are some facial SPFs to consider
Every skin specialist will concur that the sun is the most harmful external stressor for the skin, leading to ageing signs, loss of elasticity and hyperpigmentation. Therefore, incorporating sunscreen into our skincare routine is absolutely essential.
Skin Health Alliance experts advise that our skin needs protection from both UVA and UVB rays. This means a sunscreen with a sufficiently high SPF and a good UVA star rating is vital.
In the UK, sunscreens are sold with two ratings - the SPF rating measures their protection against UVB, while the 5-star rating assesses their protection against UVA.
There is a wide variety of sunscreens available on the market, catering to different needs for various skin types and, of course, at different price points, reports the Express.
Best facial SPFs
Ultra Violette Future Fluid, £30.40 (was £38)
This ultra-lightweight mineral sunscreen is packed with vitamin E and squalane to hydrate the skin, niacinamide to balance oil production and improve skin texture, as well as vitamin C to brighten the complexion and minimise the appearance of dark spots. It's like a serum with sun protection, making reapplication a breeze.
Following the standard two-finger rule, I apply the Future Fluid to my face and neck. The light-beige colour almost acts as a skin tint, offering a mild concealing effect to blur pores and provide light coverage for blemishes.
The twist and squeeze design of this sunscreen is straightforward to use, but it can leave residue on the applicator, making re-application a bit messy when you're out and about. You can snap up the sunscreen from SpaceNK, where it is currently reduced to £30.40.
Clarins UV Plus Multi-Protection SPF50 Moisturising Fluid, £28 (was £34)
Tailored for city dwellers who spend their days in the hustle and bustle of the city, this beloved sun cream has earned the title of 'Amazon's Choice' product.
Infused with organic mango leaf extract, it not only bestows a delightful mango scent upon application but also provides a formidable defence against five prevalent pollutants: atmospheric, indoor, pollen, blue light, and photo-pollution.
Amazon shoppers are over the moon with Clarins' sunscreen, praising its ultra-light, quick-absorbing texture that 'works well with makeup' without leaving any oily or white cast behind.
Its potent ingredients have been shown to enhance the skin's natural protective barriers by 64%, locking in hydration for extended periods.
Yet, one ardent Clarins enthusiast was disappointed to find the Moisturising Fluid's formula had changed, sharing their frustration: "It is no longer a light, thin, almost watery product (in the best way possible) but now more like a traditional sun screen product - thicker and stickier to apply. I found I had to use more product than usual as it didn't 'spread' across the skin as freely."
Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50, £15.99
For an affordable SPF, I highly recommend the Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50. Biore is a popular brand in Japan and other South East Asian countries, with their sun care range consistently topping the sales charts at drugstores - and for good reason.
The formula, made in Japan, offers a lightweight cream that absorbs into the skin instantly without leaving any white residue. I used up the entire tube within two months and it worked seamlessly with my foundation - meaning there was no rubbery residue on my face and it didn't leave my skin looking overly pale.
However, I wasn't a fan of the applicator and found it difficult to get two lines of suncream on my fingers without it splurging onto my hand. I found it easier to use without the applicator.
With a formulation that includes Hyaluronic acid and micro defence technology, the Biore SPF is oil-free, won't clog pores and blends into all skin tones for a cast-free finish.
Charlotte Tilbury XL Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer SPF50++++ Shield, £65
This product combines sunscreen and primer in one bottle. The sunscreen primer is enriched with hyaluronic acid, pollution defence and SPF 50 PA++++ to protect, hydrate and prime skin.
The Flawless Poreless Primer was previously only available in one size, but Charlotte has now launched a larger 60ml version.
Customers are raving about how the primer sunscreen sits "beautifully underneath makeup" and imparts a soft-focus glow. The founder, Charlotte, shared her thoughts: "I always say you can't have a beautiful painting without a beautiful canvas - and this primer creates the perfect flawless, poreless looking base for makeup. The way it smooths and blurs the look of skin is unlike any other SPF I've tried. I apply daily after moisturising with Charlotte's Magic Cream for the perfect skin prep."
Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection SPF45 PA+++, £73.60 (was £92)
This luxury French staple is a multitasking, one-step complexion enhancer that contains stabilised sun filters which block both UVA and UVB rays over time with minimal degradation or breakdown of the filter molecules. In simpler terms, it provides longer-lasting protection without the need for frequent reapplication.
It boasts ingredients like carnosine, which helps promote a firmer and more toned appearance while softening the appearance of wrinkles. Applying SPF should be a daily routine, so using the Chantecaille SPF not only protects your skin but also acts as an anti-ageing shield over time, thanks to high-quality pure botanicals including cherry blossom, lemon balm and white tea extract.
Carnosine also works to promote a firmer and toned appearance and soften the looks of wrinkles.
La Roche-Posay UVMUNE Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF50+ 50ml, £15.98 (was £20)
Designed for sensitive skin, the high protection, broad spectrum sun cream is a fluid formula that's resistant to water, sweat, and even sand – ideal for those blissful beach days. Boasting their exclusive Mexoryl 400 filter, it offers robust protection against ultra long UVA rays, while the netlock technology ensures a strong, non-migrating shield.
The sleek bottle design makes it a breeze to carry and pack, perfect for jet-setters. La Roche-Posay's Anthelios range has undergone rigorous dermatological testing on sensitive skin and for those who wear contact lenses.
Currently, with a 20% discount at Superdrug, this sunscreen is flying off the shelves, earning praise as a "no nonsense SPF" from a five-star reviewer who said: "It took a bit of getting used to the very runny liquid but it sinks in quick and makeup sits on top great with no pilling."
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Balm Sunscreen Stick, £27
Glow Recipe has captured the hearts of the internet with its Watermelon Glow line, even catching the attention of actress Sienna Miller, who adores their tinted Hue Drops, available for £32 at Cult Beauty. Expanding into sun care, the Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Balm Sunscreen Stick promises fuss-free application and clean hands for touch-ups throughout the day.
Their new Watermelon Glow Dew Shield Hydrating Fluid, priced at £32, provides lightweight sun protection with clinically proven results to hydrate skin without any unwanted oiliness, thanks to the watermelon seed oil, vitamin E and niacinamide. Both the Sunscreen Stick and the Dew Shield are scented, so they might not be suitable for certain shoppers.
EviDenS de Beaute's The Total Shield SPF 50 PA++++ Anti-Pollution Treatment, £95
The EviDenS de Beaute The Total Shield not only delivers superior sun protection but also keeps the skin hydrated, preventing sun spots and hyperpigmentation.
We're aware that wearing high SPF can delay signs of ageing and acts as a preventative measure against skin cancer. The EviDenS de Beaute product enhances its formula with an exclusive anti-ageing ingredient - Triple Collagen - to protect skin from the harmful effects of sunrays and pollutant particles.
What sets the EviDenS de Beaute SPF apart from others on the market is the precious La Foux Spring Water, which originates in the south of France and is known for its incredible moisturising and curative properties. It's lightweight and quick to absorb, and the subtle white floral scent adds a bit of luxury.