While some moisturizers and skincare products contain SPF, I’ve always preferred adding a dedicated SPF as the last part of my routine. However, I’ve encountered many that are incredibly greasy or leave a white cast, making them unsuitable for makeup application. According to beauty experts at Fresha, using a high SPF of at least 30 is essential, and they recommend waiting at least 20 minutes after application before heading outdoors. Over the past five years, I’ve tested over 25 SPFs, with the majority failing to meet my skin’s needs. But, I’ve discovered four favorites that I rotate regularly.
It’s crucial to determine the sunscreen that works best for you and find a brand you enjoy, considering your budget.
1. La Roche Posay Anthelios
This sunscreen is available in SPF30 and SPF50, with both tinted and untinted options. I’ve tried them all, and this was one of my first high-end sunscreen purchases. It typically retails for around £20, although it often goes on sale for approximately £16. I adore both the tinted and untinted versions, but this is undoubtedly the best tinted sunscreen I’ve ever used. It’s incredibly lightweight on the skin, doesn’t crease, and doubles as a tinted moisturizer for me during warmer months. I usually find SPF50 to be quite thick and leave a white cast, but this is the complete opposite—it blends seamlessly. The sleek bottle is travel-friendly and makes it my go-to high-end sunscreen. You can purchase it from various retailers, including Boots, Superdrug, and LOOKFANTASTIC.
2. Garnier Vitamin C UV Daily
For around £8, you can’t go wrong with Garnier’s Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Invisible Fluid, offering SPF50 protection. Garnier claims it helps prevent dark spots with Vitamin C known for boosting brightness. While I haven’t used this sunscreen for an extended period, it glides onto the skin beautifully and definitely brightens my complexion. It has a slightly thicker consistency compared to La Roche Posay’s SPF and is more noticeable on the skin, but it’s still fantastic for its price tag. It’s available at retailers like Boots and is often found in supermarkets like Sainsbury’s.
3. Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Niacinamide
Formulated with niacinamide, salicylic acid, and zinc PCA, this formula helps combat imperfections with a 12-hour mattifying effect. I absolutely love this sunscreen because I was finding some were causing breakouts due to clogged pores. This one, however, doesn’t have that issue and has a very similar consistency to La Roche Posay’s, making it incredibly easy to blend into the face and neck. Garnier claims the product helps minimize pores and allows the skin to breathe with its non-sticky formula. This is definitely my overall favorite sunscreen because of its ingredients, its non-sticky texture, and, most importantly, its £9 price tag. Boots currently sells it for just £9.33, reduced from £14, and I managed to snag it for around £8 a few months ago.
4. Grüum SPF 30 Lightweight Face Sunscreen
I adore this brand, which offers a fantastic lightweight, fragrance-free sunscreen for £8, with SPF30 protection. It helps shield against damaging UV rays without clogging pores with its non-greasy formula. Created with leading dermatologists, it ensures 5* UVA and UVB protection. I love this sunscreen, although it initially leaves a slight white cast that disappears after about 30 minutes. It’s vegan-friendly, water-resistant, and free of harsh chemicals, which aligns with the brand’s philosophy.
