The best sunscreens for everyday wear
IMAGE VIA @meccacosmetica/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY KATE STREADER AND FASHION JOURNAL
Tinted, hydrating, mineral, natural and more.
Not all sunscreens are created equally. You’ve got your face sunscreens, tinted sunscreens, organic sunscreens and moisturising sunscreens, not to mention greasy formulas, white casts, unpleasant scents and, most importantly, different SPF levels.
You should be wearing sunscreen year-round, even if you aren’t planning on spending much time outside, but it’s especially important to slather on that SPF during spring and summer. Remember to reapply it every two hours – especially if you’re swimming or sweating.
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The harsh Australian sun can cause a lot of damage to your skin and trigger premature ageing, so make sure you slip, slop and slap it up. To get you on the right track, we’ve put together a list of some of the best sunscreens for all types of skin. Read on and find your perfect match.
The best facial sunscreens
Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen
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Mecca Cosmetica’s To Save Face Superscreen is non-greasy, lightweight, alcohol and sulphate-free and it doesn’t leave a white cast. Designed to be worn underneath makeup, it won’t leave your foundation pilling or splitting.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+
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La Roche-Posay’s invisible, barely-there, fragrance-free Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen is great for those who can’t stand the smell or feel of sunblock. The lightweight, matte formula is perfect for oily skin types and serves as a great base for makeup.
Liberty Belle Superstar Facial SPF50 Daily Sunscreen
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Comprised of all naturally-derived or natural ingredients, Liberty Belle’s sunscreen range is hydrating and nourishing while simultaneously helping prevent signs of aging. Containing ingredients including coconut oil and Vitamin E, Liberty Belle’s formula is formulated for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Standard Procedure SPF50+ Sunscreen
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40 years in the making, Standard Procedure sunscreen mixes modern approaches with long-held expertise to provide a moisturising, all-rounder sunscreen. Formulated with Australian fruits, this antioxidant and vitamin-rich cream will reduce skin irritation while providing the highest-grade protection.
Tinted Sunscreens
BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream
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BareMinerals’ SPF30+ skin tint provides sun protection and medium coverage, plus it contains squalane to keep your skin hydrated. The oil-free formula will leave you looking dewy and luminous without so much as a hint of greasiness.
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF40
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Combining niacinamide, squalane and hyaluronic acid, this vegan, mineral SPF skin tint works to plump, hydrate and balance your skin. The dreamy tinted formula will leave your complexion looking even with a subtle, radiant finish.
Airyday Dreamscreen
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Airyday was created shortly after its founder, Frances van der Velden, was diagnosed skin cancer when she was 36 years old. Thankfully, it was detected and treated early, but the experience inspired Frances to take her skincare more seriously. Set out to create a product that she and others would realistically wear everyday, Airyday was born.
Bioderma Sensibio AR BB Cream SPF30
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Made for sensitive skin, Bioderma’s Sensibio AR BB Cream works to neutralise and conceal redness with its blend of calming, moisturising and protective agents. If you suffer from rosacea or any other reactive skin condition, this is the tinted sunscreen for you.
The best moisturising and hydrating sunscreens
Go-To Nifty Fifty Hydrating Sunscreen
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Composed of quality ingredients like Kakadu Plum, CoQ10 and aloe vera, Go-To’s Nifty Fifty Hydrating Sunscreen will hydrate and soothe your skill while helping to protect it from UVA and UVB rays. It features a non-greasy, non-comedogenic and lightweight formula that will sit well under makeup.
Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh
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Founded in 2016, Beauty of Joseon is a Korean skincare brand. Its new Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh has an SPF50+ rating, and promises no white cast, greasiness or stickiness. Suitable for all skin types, it’s suited to anyone after a lightweight, hydrating sunscreen.
Alpha H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF50 with Vitamin E
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Hydrating your skin and protecting it from the sun, Alpha H’s Daily Essential Moisturiser is great bang for your buck. An emollient face cream and broad-spectrum sunscreen in one, it works to help combat skin damage.
The Breakout Hack Skincare Skin Shady SPF50+
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For a sunscreen that sits well under makeup, The Breakout Hack (formerly TBH) Skincare’s Skin Shady 50+ is one to reach for. Working as a moisturiser, primer and SPF, you can eliminate multiple steps in your beauty routine while still feeling nourished and protected. Lightweight, non-greasy and breakout friendly, this SPF is also free from white cast.
Everyday Humans Resting Beach Face SPF30 Sunscreen Serum
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Full of antioxidants, BHAs, and salicylic acid, Everyday Humans’ Resting Beach Face SPF30 Sunscreen Serum is a two-in-one sunscreen and moisturiser. It’s lightweight and suitable for all skin types, plus there’s no yucky sunscreen smell.
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50
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Helping to fight premature ageing from both ends, Dermalogica’s Dynamic Skin Recovery is packed with antioxidants, tripeptide to help protect and boost collagen, and hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate the skin.
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defence SPF50
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A broad-spectrum sunscreen helping to protect against both UVA and UVB, SkinCeuticals’ Ultra Facial Defence SPF50 is hydrating and non-greasy. Bonus points for its satin finish and nourishing texture.
The best mineral sunscreens
Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF 50 Mineral Face Crème 50ml
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New Zealand skincare label Emma Lewishham’s Sunceutical SPF 50 range has been 10 years in the making. A mineral SPF, it’s designed to be lightweight and hydrating, worn under makeup or on its own.
Go-To Nifty Fifty Mineral Sunscreen
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The twin to Go-To’s Nifty Fifty Original Sunscreen, this Mineral iteration helps protect your skin without leaving it feeling overly greasy or shiny. Tested for sensitive skin and packed full of antioxidants and zinc oxide, it’s a go-to (mind the pun) for anyone who prefers the look and feel of zinc sunscreen.
The best natural sunscreens
The Kind Sunscreen
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The Kind Sunscreen is all about treating your skin with love and kindness, which is why its product is vegan-friendly and made with only nine ingredients. Its zinc formula helps to reflect the sun’s harmful rays and prevent skin cancer and sun damage.
Paula’s Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defence SPF30
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A pure mineral, zinc oxide sunscreen, this all-rounder product is light, silky and gentle and will leave your skin looking firmer and smoother with its concoction of antioxidants. Plus, you can cut down on your skincare routine by using it in place of your usual moisturiser.
For more on the importance of sun protection, head here.
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