We reviewed face sunscreens to help you slip, slop, slap

Screen test.

While sunscreen is often an afterthought, it probably shouldn’t be. You’re an adult. And as an adult, a sandy mix from your best mate’s beach bag isn’t going to cut it anymore.

Instead, here’s a more premium selection of sun protection. Because it’s not just sunscreen, it’s skincare.

Brand: Mecca Cosmetica
Name: Sunbrella Invisible Superspray
Available from: Mecca Cosmetica
SPF: 50+
Price: $42
Key notes: best on ground for summer. A clear mist, it’s easy to apply, extremely lightweight and feels like heaven on tired skin. It can also be sprayed over makeup; perfect for long days in the sun.
Smells like: no scent.
Feels like: a cool sea breeze.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Brand: The Body Shop
Name: Instaglow CC cream in Peachy Glow
Available from: The Body Shop
SPF: 20+
Price: $27.95
Key notes: heads up, this comes out pink. There’s a slight risk of a sunburnt appearance. When blended properly, however, it colour corrects and brightens, instantly gives the complexion a naturally luminous appearance.
Smells like: no scent.
Feels like: light, non greasy.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Brand: It Cosmetics
Name: Your Skin But Better CC Cream
Available from: Sephora
SPF: 50+
Price: $58
Key notes: for those who *have* to wear makeup to the beach. It’s highly pigmented with a thicker consistency, but as a CC cream it’s still lighter than foundation. A hydrating serum and matte finish bring this one home.
Smells like: fruity and tropical.
Feels like: smooth and matte.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Brand: Skinstitut
Name: Age Defence SPF 50+
Available from: Laser Clinics Australia and other selected clinics nationwide
SPF: 50+
Price: $45
Key notes: the consistency breeds confidence in its skin-protecting abilities; it’s thick but not greasy. Pat on under makeup in the morning or lather on at the beach. Get you a cream that does both.
Smells like: expensive skincare.
Feels like: versatility.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Brand: Dermalogica
Name: Solar Defense Booster
Available from: dermalogica.com.au
SPF: 50
Price: $69
Key notes: super thin, light and moisturising. Gives a nice little glow without being shiny or greasy. Never has sunscreen felt so good.
Smells like: notes of lavender.
Feels like: silk dreams.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆

Brand: Dr. Jart+
Name: BB Radiance Beauty Balm
Available from: Sephora
SPF: 30
Price: $63
Key notes: this thin formula is ideal for a redness coverup, though it takes a couple of minutes to dry and feels slightly chalky once on. On the plus side, it’s the kind of chalky that lets you know the sunscreen will stay put.
Smells like: a not-too-strong sunscreen.
Feels like: tinted moisturiser.
Rating: ☆☆☆1/2

Brand: Neutrogena
Name: Oil-Free Moisture Facial Moisturiser
Available from: Chemist Warehouse
SPF: 15
Price: $11.69
Key notes: doesn’t quite nail the balance between non-greasy and hydrating. Applies easily, but doesn’t quite glide on. Only SPF 15, so it would be good to see it come in a higher SPF.
Smells like: slight sunscreen odour, but not unpleasant.
Feels like: a little dry.
Rating: ☆☆☆

Brand: Napoleon Perdis
Name: Multi-Defence Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Sunscreen
Available from: Napoleon Perdis
SPF: 50+
Price: $29
Key notes: oil-free, non-sticky and lightweight. Goes on effortlessly, absorbs fast and stays put. Perfect base for under makeup (we wouldn’t expect any less from NP, though).
Smells like: low scent.
Feels like: barely there.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆