Ramping up the SPF for the face with some non-greasy sunscreens, now the sun seems to be making a more permanent appearance

I love this time of year getting excited and prepared for the Summer – rifling through last year’s clothes complaining that I have nothing to wear in this in-between weather; hunting down shoes that are not boots; revelling in the fact that my hair doesn’t turn into a poof-ball now that the air is dryer; using this as an excuse to buy more make-up because I need to update my make-up bag; and changing up my skincare products to protect myself from the damaging rays.

Here are my faves, grouped together into sunscreens that can be mixed with your regular moisturiser, replace your regular moisturiser or applied over the top of your regular moisturiser (the latter not all that great for make-up / foundation application afterwards).

SUNSCREENS TO MIX WITH YOUR REGULAR MOISTURISER

These sunscreens are great for everyday use, i.e. there is no chalky residue and tinted moisturiser or foundation spread easily / as normal.

MD formulations total protect 30 – I’ve used this for years. It’s great for sensitive skin, provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection up to SPF 30, and contains vitamin E and allantoin to soften and soothe. Although, technically, you don’t mix it with your regular moisturiser it can be used with it as it mixes well and creates a great base for make-up, i.e. it is not too sticky. It is also recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

It costs £13.75 for 75ml and can be bought here.

Dermalogica solar defense booster SPF 50 – with broad spectrum UVA and UVB, this sunscreen can be used on its own or mixed with moisturiser. With vitamin C and E acting as anti-oxidants that smooth and soften, and grape seed and green tea botanicals that soothe and protect, it is suitable for all skin conditions even sensitive, and contains no artificial fragrances or colours.

It costs £38.90 for 50ml and can be bought online or in-store – it is easily found.

Cane & Austen ultra sheer weightless sunscreen SPF 50 – another one that works well with make-up, leaving no residue. Packed full of anti-oxidants (green tea, vitamin E and Co-Q10), this broad spectrum UVA / UVB protection also hydrates, is oil-free, sheer and light. It’s free of alcohol, fragrance and parabens, so suitable for sensitive skin. Not easily found over here, except in my favourite Space NK. I’ve got my eye on this one. It’s a toss up between this and the Shiseido one below 🙂

It costs £32 for 60ml and can be bought here.

Shiseido urban environment UV protection cream – this one comes in a choice of SPF 30 or 50. For every day, SPF 30 should be enough. They say anything more doesn’t make much of a difference…I am no expert of course. This cream is specifically designed for urban environments so protects skin against pollution and damaging free radicals, provides hydration and moisture to the skin. Broad spectrum UVA / UVB protection as standard. I can’t decide between this one or Cane + Austen’s sunscreen for my next purchase.

It costs £31 for 50ml and can be bought here.

Peter Roth Thomas instant mineral SPF 45 – an innovation in sunscreens. If you don’t like the feeling of sunscreen on your skin then this could be the ideal one for you – a powder that can be used on its own, over moisturiser, over make-up, if you have greasy skin, dry skin or sensitive skin. It is quite versatile. This looks to be one I would take on holiday with me to top up levels of sun protection throughout the day without looking too greasy. It also provides broad spectrum UVA / UVB and vitamins A, C and E for their anti-oxidant properties.

It costs £24 for 12oz / 3.4g of powder and can be bought here.

SUNSCREENS AS AN ALL-IN-ONE THAT REPLACES YOUR REGULAR MOISTURISER

You may prefer to change up your moisturiser to one with high levels of SPF instead of buying a separate sunscreen. I have found a couple of all-in-one sunscreen/moisturisers that do a good job of protecting skin from the sun’s damaging rays.

Erborian CC crème HD SPF 45 – this is a new favourite of mine. I’ll admit I apply this over the top of my moisturiser, as a primer, because it creates the most beautiful base for foundation / tinted moisturiser. My skin has become so dry that it needs all the help it can get with hydration (moisturiser, this CC cream and then tinted moisturiser). The SPF is probably not enough for a sunny holiday but for everyday use in the city it is fine. It is moisturising, anti-ageing, protecting and has a velvet finish that brings radiance back into skin. (Can you tell I love it?!). It doesn’t say whether this provides broad spectrum protection, but it has both an SPF and PA+++ rating which indicates both UVA and UVB protection (the Asian brands have a different way of defining sun protection).

It costs £36 for 45ml and can be bought here.

 

Decléor Aroma Sun Expert – Protective Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF 50 Face – my best friend uses this one and swears by it. It protects and moisturises at the same time, whilst providing anti-ageing benefits. Containing vanilla and jasmine extracts, rose essential oil, and rea from Tahiti it is suitable for sensitive skin and provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

It costs £28.50 for 50ml and can be bought online or in-store – it is easily found.

SUNSCREENS TO USE ON THEIR OWN

If all you are looking for is sun protection without the need for it to blend with your moisturiser or foundation, then these 2 are high in protection and ideal for sensitive skin.

Piz buin allergy sun sensitive skin face cream – available in SPF 30 and 50, this sunscreen is designed for sensitive skin and those prone to developing heat rash in the sun. Broad spectrum UVA and UVB, its sole purpose is to keep skin protected.

It is £12 for 50ml and can be found easily on the high street.

Eucerin sun creme SPF 50 – I am in the process of finishing this tube. Developed specifically for sensitive skin, I bought this because I suffer from heat rash in the Summer. It is super strong with an SPF of 50 providing broad spectrum UVA / UVB protection. It is quite thick, and takes a lot of rubbing in because it leaves a white residue. But it doesn’t block pores or cause a breakout, and easily washes off with my regular cleanser. Sadly, I cannot put make-up on over the top, so I only end up using it on make-up free days.

It costs £16 for 50ml and can be bought here, as well as the high street.

I’m sure there are loads more on the market that I have missed off the list….