Regardless of your skin colouring an SPF is the one beauty buy you need to invest in. Here’s our top ten. By Trudi Brewer.
The secret to sunscreen success is to select an SPF to suit your skin and lifestyle. Editor Trudi Brewer serves up ten sunscreens that are so good you'll forget you're wearing them. Here's the sunscreen you need to get across this summer.
Tinted SPF
EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44, $68.
Recommended by skin experts, and dermatologists across the globe this hypoallergenic, hydrating, tinted cream does not budge. It's fragrance-free, paraben-free and ideal as a foundation and SPF all in one, and for anyone with blemish-prone skin - it's genius. Available at About Face clinics.
Face and Body
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sunscreen, SPF50, $27.
Fast absorbing (10 seconds to be exact), it's moisturising and lightweight, with a crisp cucumber and melon summery scent. This water-like gel leaves skin looking and feeling slightly matte, but ultra protected.
For the kids
Skinnies River Rascal Kids SPF50, $40.
Keeping kids sun safe just got easier. This waterless gel will change your life, thanks to the Organogel technology that forms a film on the skin, holding the UV filters in place for hours. It feels lightweight, appears invisible and another bonus, you only need a small amount, so you can apply while the kids are on the move.
Reef safe
Sebamed Suncare Multi Protect Sun Spray SPF30, $23.
A lotion in a convenient spray that will filter both UVA and UVB rays thanks to micro-pigments that prevent sunlight irritating the skin. The added benefit of vitamin E and provitamin B5 strengthen the skin’s barrier, which helps maintain the skin’s essential pH balance. It's water-resistant, and alcohol, paraben, paraffin, and oil-free. Another bonus this is one of the first screens to be coral reef safe.
BB cream SPF combo
Avène Day Protector Tinted BB Cream, SPF30, $49.
Tinted, with a built-in moisturiser, this all-in-one, makeup and SPF is ideal for sensitive skin. If you want to pack light for your summer holiday this BB cream is ideal.
Brush on SPF
Susan Posnick Brush On Block Translucent Mineral Powder Sunscreen, $44.
Portable and easy to apply, this mineral screen it’s ideal layered over makeup or worn alone. Ideal for sensitive skin you get an SPF 30 sunscreen and a touch of beige semi-matte colour on the skin.
Customise your SPF
Coola SPF 30 Full Spectrum 360° Sun Silk Drops, $85.
With 70 percent certified organic ingredients, you can add these drops to your moisturiser or makeup. It protects against UVA, UVB and HEV light (blue light) nourishing skin with built-in hyaluronic acid. And to top it off it's vegan, and reef safe.
After sun with built-in SPF
Bondi Sands Aloe Vera After Sun SPF30 $18.
Brand new to the Bondi Sands sun lineup, this coconut scented, soothing after sun has a built-in sunscreen to protect and correct your skin. It’s hydrating, and if you keep it in the fridge instantly soothing.
SPF Primer
Bobbi Brown Primer Plus Radiance SPF35, $62.
The name says it all, this skin primer gives your complexion instantly pearly radiance and sun protection at the same time. Once you apply your SPF foundation on top you can rest assured your skin will be well protected.
SPF Makeup
Shiseido HydroBB for Sports $59.
If you’re a runner or want to wear makeup to the gym, you will love this new very portable liquid makeup. With clever transfer-resistant technology along with the quick dry and WetForce technologies, it's also non-comedogenic. Your skin will look flawless and get the best UV protection - while you work out. It’s genius. There is also a compact on offer.