We are bad at engaging with sun protection unless there’s a heatwave, or we’re venturing on holiday – and the gunky, greasy, spot-causing and staining sunscreens of yore, which stained clothes and couldn’t be shifted, are partly to blame.
The most important aspect of suncare is that people use it. The elegance of a modern sunscreen formula, the texture on fingertips and the comfort on skin, the smell, the packaging, the price, the finish and its ability to play nicely with other skincare and makeup products – these are, in my view, often the difference between someone’s decision to protect themselves or not. What follows are 50 user-friendly sunscreens I’ve enjoyed trying in recent years, all of which have proved popular with those to whom I’ve recommended them and none of which make sun protection a bind. I would gladly use any of them on my own family.
I have included tinted sunscreens because they’re a great way of adding additional protection, but are insufficient alone. It’s not that the SPF is in any way inferior to that of a dedicated sunscreen (all have to meet the same stringent cosmetic regulations), but it’s simply not possible to apply a sufficient amount of tinted sunscreen without looking caked in makeup.
You should be applying around half a teaspoon (or two adult finger lengths) of product to your face and neck each morning, regardless of whether you’ll spend time outdoors (skin-ageing UVA comes through closed windows). Synthetic filters need 15-20 minutes to absorb before exposure, while mineral filters (which use zinc and/or titanium and usually leave a slightly white cast) are effective upon application (which looks best done in two thin layers). Protection of either kind should then be reapplied every couple of hours, which few people do in everyday life, so I’ve included some SPF top-up sprays to make this more practical.
Family sunscreens
Do-it-all protection for easy application on kids and adults
If you only buy one:
Sunscreen SPF50, Altruist
A great-quality, affordable and doctor-founded suncare brand with philanthropy at its heart: 10p from each tube sold goes to charities supporting children with albinism in Africa. Buy: £5
Best of the rest:
Sun Protect Moisturising Sun Spray SPF50+
Sainsbury’s own-brand suncare is excellent and considerately priced. My favourites of the supermarket ranges.
Buy: £5.75, sainsburys.co.uk
Anthelios Uvmone 400 Dermo-Pediatrics Invisible Spray SPF50+, La Roche-Posay
Ask a beauty editor or dermatologist which sunscreen brand they use on their own children and there’s a very good chance they’ll say Anthelios.
Buy: £23.90, boots.com
Extreme SPF50+, Ultrasun
My forever first choice for children with eczema and extreme sun sensitivity.
Buy: £32, ultrasun.co.uk
Original Moisturizing Sun Cream Spray SPF 50, Sun Bum
Australia is renowned for the standard of its sunscreens. This one reaches the most rigorous standards, smells delicious, and can be aimed and fired efficiently at wriggly children.
Buy: £19.99, boots.com
Solid sunscreens
Compact, no leak SPF for carry-on luggage and handbags
If you only buy one:
Shiseido Clear Suncare Stick SPF50+
I carry this everywhere in summer so I’ll never be caught short. Transparent, glide-on protection that is (unusually) good on any skin type – there’s zero grease or fuss.
Buy: £32
Best of the rest:
Anthelios Stick SPF50+, La Roche-Posay
The ever-dependable, sensitive skin- and family-friendly Anthelios SPF in a Pritt-Stick-style delivery. Chuck it in a pram, nappy bag or glove compartment so it’s always handy.
Buy: £11.05, escentual.com
Glow Stick SPF50, Supergoop!
There’s much love in the beauty community for this, which simultaneously offers high protection and the glazey glow of a highlighter. Oily skins should swerve it.
Buy: £22, cultbeauty.co.uk
Invisible Sun Care Stick SPF 50+, Clarins
Clarins suncare is reliably terrific across the range. This solid SPF is invisible and unsticky, smells great and doesn’t sting my eyes.
Buy: £24, johnlewis.com
Sun Protect Silky Calming Sun Stick SPF50+, Thank You, Farmer
A characteristically fine textured, elegantly formulated balm from South Korea. No grease or white residue.
Buy: £23, cultbeauty.co.uk
Transparent sunscreens
No white cast or ashiness on deeper skin tones
If you only buy one:
CabanaClear Water Gel Serum SPF50, Naked Sundays
Outstanding. Almost weightless, smooth and fairly hydrating gel (oily skins may be happy to skip moisturiser) that primes feel for makeup. Can also be reapplied over it in the afternoon with minimal disruption.
Buy: £30
Best of the rest:
Invisible Shield SPF50, Glossier
Clear, gel-textured sunscreen with weightless feel. To my eye, the original SPF30 is a tad shinier than the newer, more blurry SPF50 version, so be governed by your preferred finish.
Buy: £32, uk.glossier.com
Multi-Vitamin Clear Coat SPF 50, Murad
The new wholly transparent sunscreen from the all-round impressive (and pricey) Murad. Gives a skin blurring primer-like finish and sits comfortably and nicely under makeup.
Buy: £42, spacenk.com
Vitamin C Daily UV Fluid SPF50+ Invisible, Garnier Ambre Solaire
Garnier Ambre Solaire is, in my view, leagues ahead in high-street suncare. This clear version delivers good glow without any pore-clogging grease.
Buy: £12.99, boots.com
Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF30, Black Girl Sunscreen
I wanted to include this because most transparent sunscreens are geared towards oilier skins. This (despite looking opaque at first) is clear while being full of oils to moisturise dry skins.
Buy: £19.99, richskxn.co.uk
Facial sunscreens (balanced to dry skin)
Moisturising protection for drier skin types
If you only buy one:
To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum, Mecca Cosmetica
My sunscreen of the year and on my face almost non-stop since April. Moisturises my dry skin ungreasily (I can skip the day cream) and leaves a glowy but non-oily sheen. 10/10, I have no notes, awards must be given. Those Australians really know their way around an SPF.
Buy: £38
Best of the rest:
Super UV Anti-Dryness Protection Cream SPF50+, Garnier Ambre Solaire
My favourite bargain sunscreen ever. Super-moisturising, non-stinging and makeup priming. Excellent.
Buy: £12, boots.com
Mineral 89 72H Moisture Boosting Daily Fluid SPF50+, Vichy
For dehydrated skins, from balanced to dry, which hate the heaviness and sweatiness of rich sunscreens. Elegant and fresh.
Buy: £24, boots.com
Revitalift Clinical Vitamin C Uv Fluid Spf 50+, L’Oréal Paris
In truth, this works for everyone, but I’ve popped it here because dry skins won’t believe something so thin and light could feel so comfortable. Gives noticeable glow, too.
Buy: £19.95, superdrug.com
Polyglumatic Acid Dey Sunscreen SPF30, The Inkey List
Polyglutamic has skin scientists excited for its ability to hold plumping water in the skin. This makes great use of it in an affordable, makeup-friendly sunscreen.
Buy: £12, cultbeauty.co.uk
Facial sunscreens (oily skin)
Non-greasy, non-shiny and refreshing SPF for oilier and combination types
If you only buy one:
UV Aqua Water Essence Sunscreen SPF30, Biore
Japanese skincare formulas are famous for their fine, weightless textures and this one is a classic case in point. Fresh, watery, hydrating and transparent, it’s an ideal choice for gym-goers, sufferers of hot flashes, oily types and humid city dwellers. Terrific value.
Buy: £9.95
Best of the rest:
360° Gel Oil-Free SPF50, Heliocare
One of the most popular oil-free sunscreens among hardcore beauty fans, and with good reason. A cult classic.
Buy: £20, amazon.co.uk
UV Face SPF 50 Shine Control, Nivea
The high-street skincare brand has bottomless pockets for research and development and, consequently, some of the best formulas on the high street. This is one of my favourites.
Buy: £10, boots.com
Sun Oil Control Dry Touch Facial Sun Cream for Oily Acne Prone Skin SPF50+, Eucerin
One of my go-to recommendations when friends ask for a budget sunscreen for their spot-prone teens, who love the fresh gel texture, gentle feel and matte finish.
Buy: £16, boots.com
Technology Daily Defense Face Mousse SPF50, EVY
This airy mousse sunscreen dispenses high, lasting protection under and over makeup, at any time, leaving an imperceptible finish.
Buy: £25.60, cultbeauty.co.uk
Luxury sunscreens
Exquisite skincare formulas that do it all
If you buy only one:
Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF50+
I would not change a thing: I truly believe this to be the perfect SPF moisturiser for all skin types but oily. Practical packaging, high UVA and UVB protection, a highly moisturising but ungreasy cream that absorbs quickly and behaves immaculately around the eyes and under makeup. Only superlatives will do.
Buy: £59
Best of the rest:
Exclusive UV Protective Cream SPF 50, Cle de Peau Beauté
Outrageously expensive and utterly exquisite Japanese moisturiser that feels nothing like a sunscreen but delivers high-level protection all the same. Like taking your face to the opera.
Buy: £97, cultbeauty.co.uk
Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF 50 for all skin types, Skinceuticals
There’s a reason why this hi-tech, evidence-driven brand is so loved by dermatologists and aestheticians. I love all of its sunscreens, but this one, containing skin-soothing niacinamide and tranexamic acid to help fade discoloration, is the star.
Buy: £50, skinceuticals.co.uk
UV Expert Supra Screen SPF 50+, Lancôme
The brand practically snuck out this beautiful and elegant product that I think is worth shouting about. Vitamin E, niacinamide, a fresh, ungreasy, hydrating texture and invisible finish make it a good all-rounder for anyone but the very dry.
Buy: £40, lancome.co.uk
Into Repair SPF50+ Smoothing and Firming Face Care, Institut Esthederm
Sensitive skins miss out on many of the more luxurious creams and instead have to shop the pharmaceutical aisle. This protective day cream bucks the trend. Gentle but decadent.
Buy £66, spacenk.com
Body sunscreens
Easy, high protection for larger areas
If you buy only one:
Capital Soleil Hydrating Sun Protection Water Spray SPF 50 with Hyaluronic Acid, Vichy
Extremely easy, comfortable SPF spray with an attractive (and subtle) golden tone. Everyone I offer it to loves it.
Buy: £19.50
Best of the rest:
Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+, Bondi Sands
A terrific, fast-absorbing, everyday body lotion that leaves limbs gleaming and protected. Affordable enough to be appropriately lavish in application.
Buy: £5.99, superdrug.com
Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion, Sun Bum
Don’t be fooled by the delicious smell and cartoon branding … this is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. A top-notch Aussie lotion that even kids enjoy.
Buy: £20.99, cultbeauty.co.uk
Expert Sun Protector Face and Body Lotion SPF50+, Shiseido
If money were no object, this (or Ultra Violette’s Extreme Screen) would be my weapon of choice. It’s like the most luxurious, rich, fragrant body cream, only armed with hi-tech Japanese sun protection. Works as well on the face.
Buy: £36, cultbeauty.co.uk
SPF30 Body Sea and Sun Lotion, Saltee
I love everything about this sunscreen – the packaging, the gel-creme texture, the fast drying. But the addictive summery smell takes it to the next level.
Buy: £35, spacenk.com
Hair protectant
UV hair products to protect scalp and hair colour
If you buy only one:
Soleil Creme UV Sublime, Kérastase
Well, I couldn’t not say Kérastase, since I never summer holiday without it. It softens sun-scorched hair without making greasy or fluffy, protects the scalp without making greasy, aids a smooth bun or topknot on the beach, and smells like paradise. I will love it for ever.
Buy: £34.05
Best of the rest:
Sundaze Sea Spray, Hair By Sam McKnight
For anyone looking for sexy tousles with their sun protection. It’s the only salt spray I’ve used that doesn’t make my hair feel dirty. Smells so good you could skip your perfume.
Buy: £26, sammcknight.com
Sun care protective hair veil, Aveda
Aveda is the gold standard in more sustainable beauty practices. This vegan-friendly mist adds natural fragrance, UV protection and moisturising glycerine to parched hair.
Buy: £32, aveda.co.uk
Sunshine UV Protection Leave-In Spray Takeaway, Charles Worthington
UV protectants for hair are invariably pricey. This one works just as well for under a fiver. Softens scorched hair without adding gunk.
Buy: £3.49, boots.com
Invigo Sun Protection Spray, Wella Professional
Adds welcome shine and moisture while protecting the integrity of your dye job.
Buy: £19.99, sallybeauty.co.uk
Sunscreen top-up sprays
Over makeup SPF mists for best-practice midday reapplication – over or under makeup
If you only buy one:
Sensitive Hydrating Face Sun Cream Mist SPF50, Garnier Ambre Solaire
An accessible and reasonably priced milky mist that becomes invisible over makeup, allowing for the recommended two-hourly topups of high-factor SPF. Makeup is undisturbed, the aluminium canister keeps the sunscreen pleasantly cool. Top marks.
Buy: £8.67
Best of the rest:
Mini Preen Screen SPF50, Ultra Violette
I could have included at least half a dozen products from this feted Aussie brand, but this is my most-used, personally. A fine mist that makes diligent sun care a pleasure.
Buy: £15, ultraviolette.co.uk
Anthelios Sun Protection Face Mist SPF50, La Roche-Posay
Very sensitive and rosacea skins can be sensitive to even fingertips during a flare-up. This gentle mist tops up the protection without poking the bear.
Buy: £17.90, boots.com
Suntouchable All Set for Sun SPF30, e.l.f.
There’s frankly not much e.l.f. isn’t good at – this mist for midday sunscreen top-ups is just the latest in the gold run.
Buy: £14, boots.com
Sun Mist – SPF50 Spray, Sculpted by Aimee
The newest SPF mist on the block. Cooling, refreshing and glow giving.
Buy: £19, sculptedbyaimee.co.uk
Mineral sunscreens (titanium and/or zinc)
No synthetic filters for rosacea, sensitive skins and watery eyes
If you only buy one:
Traceless Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen + Primer, Beauty Pie
Beauty Pie smashed this one out of the park. A mineral face-and-neck protector with minimal white cast (the nature of zinc and titanium means you’re never going to be able to avoid one altogether) that feels light on the skin and stays smooth and grippy under makeup. Outstanding effort.
Buy: £17 to members, £60 non-members
Best of the rest:
Ultra Light UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, Kiehl’s
I’m no great fan of mineral sunscreens, which is why I love how this one behaves more like a synthetic. It’s lighter in texture, less opaque in appearance and leaves a matte finish that’s dry to the touch. The best mineral sunscreen for oily, spot prone skin.
Buy: £38, johnlewis.com
Shadedrops Broad Spectrum SPF30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen, Summer Fridays
A light, elegant Korean screen much loved by oily and combination types (drier skins will feel parched).
Buy: £36, cultbeauty.co.uk
Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30, Supergoop!
This sinks in faster, and has the faintest white cast, of any commercially available mineral sunscreen I’ve tried. Even the deepest skin tones should have a clear finish about five minutes after application. Spreads on easily, feels ungreasy.
Buy: £35, selfridges.com
Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturising SPF 32 Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, Kinship
Mineral sunscreens are zinc or titanium dioxide and cannot be transparent, but some cleverly added glow particles can mitigate the white cast on more skin tones. This does a great job of that on dry skins (oily skins, avoid).
Buy: £27, cultbeauty.co.uk
Tinted sunscreens
For extra protection and makeup in one. Best used over a sunscreen to ensure adequate protection
If you only buy one:
Daydream Screen SPF50 Tinted Veil, £24.70, Ultra Violette
The most versatile and easy-to-use tinted SPF that has enough long-lasting coverage to skip foundation altogether. The shade range is good, the formula fluid and pleasing to all skin types.
Buy: £24.70
Super Serum Skin Tint SPF30, ILIA
The best way to wear mineral protection is to tint it, but this is one of the few brands that does it comprehensively rather than banging out an “American Tan” and calling it a day. In summer, I layer this over my chemical sunscreen and it works as a foundation with benefits. Everyone but oily skins should love it.
Buy: £33.50, sephora.co.uk
Glowscreen SPF30, Supergoop!
This is ideal if you’re looking for a sheer glow rather than a makeup substitute. Four flattering, radiant tints that add subtle pearlescence rather than glitter.
Buy: £35, cultbeauty.co.uk
Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50, Dr Sam Bunting
This tinted mineral screen, ideal for sensitive skins and stingy eyes, now comes in four shades plus the untinted original. Gives a satiny look.
Buy: £35, drsambunting.com
Suntouchable WHOA Glow SPF 30, e.l.f.
Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and squalane give this peachy-tinted formula even more bang for your buck. Easy for even makeup haters to wear.
Buy: £13.99, superdrug.com
