Despite sun damage being the root cause of premature ageing and melanoma, some of us still fail to wear sunscreen every day. Saying this out loud this sounds crazy – so, why is this happening? White cast, sweating, makeup pilling, breakouts and shine are some of the common SPF problems to blame. However, that’s not a reason to not wear it; it’s essential!
Through trial and error, I’ve found a sunscreen to tackle each issue head-on. These five formulas solve more than SPF problems but also offer additional skin benefits; each feels weightless to wear and offer exceptional UV protection. No more excuses from here on in! Read on to find your perfect fit…
1. The ‘No White Cast’ Tinted SPF
Name: Institut Esthederm Bronz Repair Sunkissed Tinted Face Care
SPF Problem: White Cast
Texture: Lightweight gel
Skin type: Normal
Benefits:
•SPF 15
•UVA and UVB protection
•Speeds-up skin natural tanning process
•Instant bronze payoff
•Anti-ageing
•Global Cellular Protection technology
My worst nightmare is a white cast SPF, and, a ghostly complexion in pictures is never the look I’m going for when I apply my sunscreen. I want my complexion to be protected while looking bronzed and glowy. Luckily, I’ve found a way you can have both; the award-winning Institut Esthederm Bronz Repair Sunkissed Tinted formula fixes imperfections, adds a glistening tan to your complexion (with not a white tint in sight), and you don’t need a bronzer or a pump of foundation to get you there!
The ideal no makeup, makeup look, the formula leaves an incredible powdered bronze effect on the skin that looks flawless. Safe tanning is Bronze Repair’s top priority, with Global Cellular Protection technology it helps shield skin from harmful UV rays and speeds-up the skin’s natural tanning process so that you can achieve a safe summer glow.
2. The Sweat-Proof Compact
Name: Shiseido WetForce QuickDry Sports BB Compact SPF50+
SPF problem: Sweating
Shade: Medium
Coverage: Sheer to medium
Texture: BB cream
Skin Type: All skin types, including sensitive
Benefits:
•SPF 50+
•Broad-spectrum (UVA/ UVB rays)
•Sweat-proof
•Water-resistant
•Wet force technology
I apply my SPF before I go outside with the best intentions only to find that when I return from my run I’ve sweated off any chance of sun protection. Thankfully, the solution is not to stop exercising outside from fear of premature ageing or sun damage. Shiseido QuickDry Sports BB Compact SPF 50+ is made to stand up to endurance sports and heavy sweating. What’s better than this? Unlike most SPFs sweating actually makes the formula stronger thanks to its innovative wet force technology.
There are mixed reviews when it comes to wearing makeup and exercising. But, for me, it’s a must because it makes me feel confident and not self-conscious while I’m doing it. I find that the Shiseido BB compact is the perfect balance between wearing makeup and sunscreen; plus, you don’t get the problem of sweating your makeup off after a good session. The finish? The lightweight formula leaves a light coverage that blurs any spots or imperfections I want to hide, and does it move? I can confidently say it does not slide one bit.
3. The Makeup Friendly Mist
Name: Bioderma Photoderm MAX Sun Mist SPF 50+
SPF problem: Foundation pilling
Diffusion: Wide-angle
Texture: Fresh, light mist
Skin Type: All skin types, including sensitive
Benefits:
•SPF 50+
•UVA/ UVB protection
•Water-resistant
When I’m on the hunt for a new sunscreen one thing that is top of my checklist is a formula that doesn’t interfere with my makeup. To some, this might not be important, but to me, it’s an absolute must! One of my favourite ways to apply sunscreen while wearing makeup is using an SPF mist like the Bioderma Photoderm MAX SPF 50+ that works as my final layer instead of my setting spray. This refreshing and light mist is a breath of fresh air compared to the thicker cream formulas I’ve used over the years.
With just a few spritzes, the wide-angle diffuser covers every inch of my face and body with the transparent mist infused with high SPF 50 Cellular BIOprotection (UVB/ UVA); ensuring that my skin is fully protected against burning and premature ageing – and the best thing? No foundation pilling or heavy overburdening feeling on the skin and my makeup doesn’t smear either! The 360 nozzle is also great for children who hate SPF too.
Note: Bioderma Photoderm MAX is the perfect gym bag accessory for on-the-go applications because it’s so easy to whip out to re-apply after your sweaty sessions (even if you’re lazy with sunscreen).
Tip: Reapply every hour to avoid your skin burning a ruler-length away from your face for complete coverage.
4. The Anti-Blemish Gel-Cream
Name: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Imperfections Corrective Gel-Cream SPF 50+
SPF problem: Breakouts
Texture: Light gel-cream
Skin Type: Blemish, acne-prone and oily
Benefits:
•SPF 50+
•Broad-Spectrum (UVB, UVA)
•Water-resistant
•Photostable
•UVA-PF 21
•Salicylic Acid
•Niacinamide
•Infrared-A Protection
•Anti-pollution
A post-sun breakout can destroy your confidence and can even go as far as to stop you going out to enjoy a hot summer’s day. You may be tempted to skimp on sun cream to avoid angry breakouts, but please don’t, SPF is important. La Roche-Posay Anti-Imperfections SPF 50+ is the perfect solution; designed especially for acne, blemish-prone and oily skin type to help you minimise blemishes caused by sun exposure.
Different to your standard mattifying SPF, this has ingredients that anyone serious about acne skincare will have in their regime; it works deep into the pores reducing excess sebum, thanks to the added benefit of salicylic acid, smoothing and preventing future breakout, while pore-shrinking niacinamide soothes inflammation and redness. The ultra-thin texture feels so comfortable, light and won’t clog pores or add shine thanks to airlicium and micro-particles that mattify and repel sweat. Overall, for me, this is an all-rounder with a combination of UV broad-spectrum SPF 50 filters and antioxidants together – there is no question this is a great option for exceptional protection. The addition of spot-fighting skincare ingredients with high factor protection makes this my number 1 SPF for acne-prone skin.
Note: If you use direct acids, or take acne medication, your skin will be more sensitive to sun damage, so it’s even more important to protect your skin with a high SPF 50.
For more information on Anthelios Anti-Imperfections read my edit on antioxidant sunscreens and why you should be wearing them if you live in the city.
5. The Mattifying Fluid
Name: Eucerin Sensitive Protect Sun Fluid Mattifying SPF 50+
SPF problem: Shine
Texture: Light fluid
Skin Type: Oily and sensitive
Benefits:
•SPF 50+
•UVA/ UVB/ HEV ray protection
•Antioxidant protection
•Glycyrrhetinic acid
•Mattifying
•Water-resistant
We’ve all been there; it’s a hot day, we’ve applied our SPF (pat on the back) and we caught a glimpse of our complexion in a mirror or group photo and low behold, shine! There’s no getting away from it, rain or shine, wearing SPF is a must but a shiny complexion? I can help you with. The Eucerin Sun Fluid Mattifying SPF 50+ is a mattifying sunscreen made for sensitive and oily skin types that need added shine control. A combination of antioxidants that protects skin against free-radical damage from pollution and cigarette smoke (ideal if you live in the city), alongside protection against UVA, UVB and HEVIS (blue light from digital devices) rays from glycyrrhetinic acid and make this a protection powerhouse. The texture? The light feel and comfort means that you don’t notice on your skin, which is all I want from an SPF.
