The Best SPFs For Every Skin Type
Best For Face
It’s common knowledge facial SPFs are a daily skincare essential, but finding a formula you’re happy with is another matter entirely. Thanks to new formulations and a bevy of research, the latest launches are better than ever: our top picks include the recently launched Soleil Toujours Extreme UV Mineral Sunscreen, a chemical-free formula that’s packed full of antioxidants to target ageing and protect from long-term damage as well as Dr Dennis Gross’ Instant Radiance Sun Defense, which boasts a clever colour-correcting complex to blur imperfections, making it ideal for off-duty days.
Best For Kids
There’s a lot to think about when choosing sun cream for the little ones: protection, obviously, but also other factors like ease of application, fragrance, price and how it makes the skin feel when it’s on. Evy Technology’s Sunscreen Mousse makes sunscreen fun with its light, fluffy formula that forms a barrier against sun, water and chlorine – find it in Space NK. For babies, Coola’s SPF 50 Sunscreen Stick is efficient but gentle and delicate enough to use all over, while Ultrasun’s Family SPF30 is fast-absorbing, non-greasy and non-sticky, making it ideal for adults and little ones alike.
Best For Fitness Fiends
If you’re a keen runner or like to stay active on holiday, it’s worth investing in an SPF that’ll have you covered even when you’re hot and sweaty. Shiseido’s WetForce SPF 50+ gets our vote – the palm-size bottle will easily fit in your pocket and the innovative formula becomes stronger as it comes into contact with water or perspiration. Lancaster’s Sun Sport Wet Skin is also one to try – it can be applied to dry or wet skin and protects against UVB, UVA, visible light and infrared.
Best For Sensitive Skin
Whether you’re prone to heat rash or find your skin reacts easily to standard SPFs, it’s worth doing some research to find a formula that’ll nurture more sensitive skin. La Roche Posay’s cult Anthelios Comfort Sun Lotion comes highly recommended – made without fragrance or parabens, it’s ideal for skin that’s allergic or intolerant to the sun. We also rate Piz Buin’s Allergy Lotion, developed with dermatologists to protect sun-sensitive skin and packed with Calmanelle, a unique anti-irritant complex proven to strengthen the skin’s resilience to the sun.
Best For Skin That Tans Easily
If you were blessed with skin that tans easily, look to one of these melatonin-boosting formulas. Vichy’s genius Bronzing Sun Protection Water is brimming with beta-carotene, naturally rich in antioxidants to give your tan a helping hand, while Bioderma’s BRONZ Dry Oil stimulates the skin’s natural tanning process. Institut Esthederm’s Adaptasun is also one to try – the range doesn’t use the SPF rating system, instead encouraging you to choose the product by your skin type and the intensity of the sun you wish to protect yourself from; the clever formula trains the skin to fortify itself at a cellular level.
Best After sun
When it comes to soothing sun-parched skin, nothing comes close to Institut Esthederm’s Micellar Face & Body Shower Gel – packed full of micellar molecules, it makes light work of removing salt, chlorine and sun lotion to leave skin soft and smooth and with an enhanced tan; it’s our summer go-to. Follow up with Filorga’s UV-Bronze After-Sun, enriched with hyaluronic acid, amino acids and minerals to soothe and a tan-stimulator complex to boost your glow.
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