The Best Facial SPFs To Wear In Winter

The Best Facial SPFs To Wear In Winter

We all know wearing SPF is the number one skincare rule – even in winter when we’re still exposed to the sun, as well as damaging blue light from our digital devices. From silky, hydrating drops to products suitable for congestion-prone skin, here are nine of our favourite SPFs.
Photography: BRAT CO/STOCKSY UNITED

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

Dr Dennis Gross All Physical Sunscreen SPF30, £46

Best For: All-Round Protection

Why We Rate It: Thanks to potent ingredients and antioxidants like sea buckthorn and ferulic acid, this protects skin against UVA and UVB rays, as well as pollution, blue light and pigmentation. Meanwhile, the thin, lightweight texture melts into your skin and sits there imperceptibly, never interfering with any other products you use. Suitable for all skin types, it never leaves behind any grey or white residue, mainly because it’s a mineral sunscreen. Layer it over your moisturiser and under make-up.

Available at CultBeauty.co.uk

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50+ Invisible Fluid, £18

Best For: Sensitive Skin Types 

Why We Rate It: Specifically designed for those prone to sensitivities, this milky fluid never leaves behind a white cast or any greasiness. Despite its lightweight texture, it offers full protection and stays put without pilling or flaking. Better still, it isn’t matte, so you still get a dewy, healthy glow once applied. Add that to the hydrating ingredients – which work to nourish and protect your skin’s barrier – and you have an SPF that ticks all the boxes. No wonder it’s been dubbed one of the best of all time. 

Available at Boots.com

The Inkey List SPF 30 Daily Sunscreen, £14.99

Best For: Wear With Make-Up

Why We Rate It: This SPF is ideal if you’re looking for a formula that doesn’t interfere with make-up. Formulated with 100% mineral filters, it sinks into the skin almost immediately, leaving behind zero chalkiness. It’s also designed to cater to everyone – even those with acne-prone and sensitive skin – so you can use it without worrying about causing breakouts.

Available at CultBeauty.co.uk

Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF50, £20

Best For: Long-Lasting Protection

Why We Rate It: Created to last, this invisible SPF is water and sweat-resistant with a fast-absorbing texture that’s totally transparent. Primarily, it’s for the face, but you can use it on your body, too. With plenty of fruit oils and glycerin, it also promises plenty of hydration, while rosemary and rice extracts act as key antioxidants to protect against the damaging effects of pollution. It’s even graded as coral reef-safe. 

Available at CultBeauty.co.uk

Ultra Violette SPF50+ Queen Screen Lightweight Skinscreen, £36

Best For: Very Dry Skin Types

Why We Rate It: Having finally dropped in the UK, Aussie brand Ultra Violette doesn’t disappoint – in fact, we’d say the products are worth every bit of hype, and especially these drops. Designed with a lightweight feel in mind, they absorb into the skin fast and never pill under other textures or your make-up. Brimming with vitamin C, they brighten the skin to give it a bouncy, fresher look. Just be aware they shouldn’t be applied with any retinol-based creams, as the two ingredients could cause inflammation when used in tandem.

Available at SpaceNK.com

Darphin Intral Environmental Lightweight Shield SPF50, £46

Best For: A Glow-y Tint

Why We Rate It: This has been an industry favourite for years. Not only does it offer high levels of protection – SPF50 – the pearlised tint gives skin a healthy look. Meanwhile, minerals and wheat proteins hydrate the skin – and the latter also provides a shield against the damage pollution can cause. Unlike some SPFs, it also provides a great base for make-up – or, wear it on its own if a natural, luminous glow is all you need.

Available at SpaceNK.com

REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30, £32

Best For: A Matte Texture 

Why We Rate It: By delivering non-greasy sun protection, this SPF gets our vote. Harnessing the benefits of naturally derived rice starch, it controls oil throughout the day, while aloe hydrates and soothes inflamed skin. As for the impressive eco-credentials, the tube is made using 50% recycled plastic and is mono-material – so it can be recycled all together once it’s finished for ease.

Available at LookFantastic.com

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Mineral Sunscreen 50, £18.95

Best For: Anyone Prone To Inflammation & Acne

Why We Rate It: If you’ve been on the hunt for a good zinc-based SPF, we love this one from Neutrogena. Recommended by dermatologists, you’ll have to work it into the skin, but once you do, it’ll sit there for hours undisturbed. Better still, the zinc keeps inflammation at bay while ensuring pores stay free from excess product build-up.  

Available at Amazon.co.uk

Murad City Skin Age Defense SPF50, £60

Best For: Plumping & Hydrating 

Why We Rate It: Yes, this protects against pollution, blue light, infrared radiation and UVA/UVB rays, but it also visibly plumps and hydrates skin at the same time. Brimming with nourishing glycerin, soothing oils and jojoba, it leaves skin smooth and never dry or tight. Because the texture is so thin, it’s easy to apply throughout the day without any caking or flaking. You’ll love how breathable it feels, while the luminous finish leaves behind a great glow. The only downside is the price, but you certainly get what you pay for with this one.

Available at CultBeauty.co.uk

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