21-05-2025
The best luxury face SPFs for 2025
Does your face SPF sit so horribly under make-up that it makes you want to cry? Or make your skin so shiny it looks as though you've been crying? Or melt into your eyes so you end up actually crying? Turn to these luxury formulas instead, face SPFs that sit beautifully on the skin, working under or instead of make-up and providing exemplary protection from sun damage.
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Best known for its cult classic The Rich Cream, Augustinus Bader — the luxury skincare brand founded by a Professor researching stem cells — doesn't often add new products to its curated collection of skin saving solutions, so when it does, you know it's going to be worth the wait. The brand's new face sunscreen was four years in the making and features Bader's proprietary Trigger Factor Complex, a patented blend of amino acids, vitamins and synthesised molecules naturally found in the skin, that can enhance its natural healing abilities. Layer the lightweight, hydrating formula on and you can protect your skin from future damage while helping repair any previous sunbathing sins. £105 for 30ml, Augustinus Bader
A serum-SPF hybrid, Dr Barbara Sturm's sun drops contain cassia extract to shield the skin from harmful UV rays, vitamin E which has antioxidant properties and soothing, hydrating Beta-Glucan. The formula aims to promote the skin's natural resiliency and is appropriate for even the most sensitive of skins. Plus, the pipette applicator not only makes you feel like a swanky scientist, but also ensures application onto your face is a breeze. £125 for 30ml, Dr Barbara Sturm
There's usually a battle between using natural ingredients or opting for scientifically-backed formulas when it comes to skincare brands, however, the New-Zealand based Emma Lewisham aims to straddle both. This moisturising mineral SPF comes in a handy pump applicator and while it looks alarming peachy pink at first, it quickly melts into an invisible, glowy veil. Inside, there's niacinamide to help brighten, plant-derived Saccharide Isomerate that aids the skin's natural moisture barrier and the skin smoothing innovative peptide Palmitoyl tripeptide-1. £46 for 50ml, Emma Lewisham
While 111SKIN's anti-ageing products are some of the best in the business, the best thing you can do (from a young age) to prevent having to try and reverse the signs of ageing, is shield your skin from the sun from the offset. This high-protection fluid not only protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays but it also has additional defence against blue light and pollution. It leaves an ultra-sheer finish on the skin and the addition of cotton skin cell extract helps to minimise any sun-induced redness. £95 for 50ml, 111SKIN at Harrods
Sisley's super-luxurious skincare line, Sisleya, is one of the best out there due to its potent active ingredients. If you want your suncare to be as serious as your face cream, this Sunleya SPF is unbeatable. The texture, as with all Sisley products, is divine too. £228 for 50ml, Sisley at Harrods
This lightweight and luxurious formula leaves a finish that is smooth and radiant. Packed with antioxidants alongside a high level of SPF protection, not only does it protect the skin but it also makes it look instantly brightened, so much so that you might find yourself wearing less make-up on top of it, if any. £75 for 30ml, Sarah Chapman
If anyone takes their suncare seriously, it's the Japanese, so you can trust you're in safe hands with this offering from the J-beauty brand Tatcha. The formula is incredibly lightweight, feeling like a milky serum. In fact the impressive ingredient list, which includes skin-tone-evening niacinamide and nourishing hyaluronic acid means you could streamline your routine and count this as a true two-in-one (serum and SPF) product. £65 for 50ml, Tatcha
You might know Lancaster for its beloved body sunscreens and tanning products, but its suncare doesn't stop at your shoulders. This new facial SPF is developed with its most advanced SPF technology, alongside anti-ageing benefits that target wrinkles, dark spots, dehydration and lack of firmness. It has a velvety feel, sits on the skin with no tacky or sticky finish and is especially good for mature skin. £32 for 50ml, Lancaster at Look Fantastic
If like us you're a fan of Elemis's skincare (if you haven't smothered your face in its delicious Pro-Collagen cleansing balm, do yourself a favour and add it to your basket) then don't bother straying from the brand when it comes to suncare. This SPF feels rich to the touch but sinks into skin smoothly, leaving a silky but not shiny finish and a hydration that lasts all day long. £55 for 40ml, Elemis at Space NK
For those with oily skin, finding an SPF that won't result in your foundation slipping straight off your forehead come midday is a tall order. But this one, with it's oil-controlling formula, does just that and more. It provides a shine-free but not flat base for make-up and a slight blurring effect on pesky open pores too. Don't be worried on first use: the texture feels oddly greasy, but it dries down beautifully in seconds. £36.50 for 45ml, Supergoop at Space NK
For the days that you're in a bind for time, this three-in-one product combines hyaluronic rich moisturiser, a day-safe dose of retinol and SPF 30 into one hydrating and brightening pot. It's a great option for those who struggle to remember to use sun protection daily (although for seriously sunny days an extra layer of SPF is recommended). £110 for 5ml, MZ Skin at Cult Beauty
If you're a diehard La Mer fan who couldn't possibly stray from the iconic brand and its Miracle Broth (their marine-sourced super-elixir) then don't settle for anything less when it comes to suncare. This lightweight and silky SPF protects the skin while infusing it with that infamous La Mer hydration. £95 for 50ml, La Mer at Harrods
Beloved in Japan and growing in popularity in the UK, the Japanese luxury skincare brand EviDens de Beauté follows the 'Kaizen philosophy' — the never-ending quest for perfection. So it's not surprising that for many this is the perfect SPF: non-greasy, high in UV protection, packed with skincare ingredients and a perfect smooth base for make-up application. £140 for 50ml, EviDens at Harrods
