Sunscreens Worth Investing In
If you have read any of my beauty posts on skincare, you'll already know how much I value sunscreen. They are not just the final step in my skincare routine; they are a year-round, everyday essential, especially during summer.
I've tested formulas that stung my eyes, left an obvious ash-grey cast on my skin, pilled under makeup or didn't sit well with the rest of my routine. Thankfully, I've also found some excellent ones. These are the sunscreens I think are worth investing in because they've consistently worked well for my skin, along with what I'd consider before choosing one for yourself.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50
The SPF I reach for when I want to simplify my morning routine.
If you want to streamline your skincare routine, this 2-in-1 product is a game-changer. It cuts down morning prep time because you can skip your separate moisturiser entirely. It is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and leaves no white cast. Packed with essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, it's one of the few moisturising sunscreens that leaves my skin feeling comfortable and hydrated even under makeup.
NO7 Future Renew UV Defence Shield SPF 50
A lighter moisturising SPF that sits comfortably beneath makeup.
If I'm being honest, this and the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion perform very similarly in my routine. Both are moisturising enough for me to skip a separate moisturiser, sit comfortably beneath makeup, and blend seamlessly into my skin. The main difference I notice is that the No7* formula feels a touch lighter and blends in a little quicker, which is why I tend to reach for it more often on warmer days.
CLARINS UV Plus Anti-Pollution Translucent Sunscreen SPF50+
The sunscreen I reach for when I want a healthy, dewy finish.
The Clarins UV Plus Anti-Pollution Sunscreen* has one of the most fluid textures in my collection, so I always give it a good shake before applying. It takes a little longer to blend into my skin than some of my other sunscreens, but I don't mind because I love the radiant, dewy finish. It has that familiar sunscreen scent, but it fades quickly once applied. My makeup sits well over it, and the compact bottle makes it an easy one to slip into my travel bag.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVmune 400 Invisible Fluid Non-Perfumed Suncream SPF 50+
My most trusted sunscreen for everyday wear and long days outdoors.
Eye irritation and white cast are just a few of my biggest sunscreen deal-breakers, and this is one of the few formulas I can wear all day without constantly wanting to rub my eyes. It layers beautifully over the different moisturisers I rotate through. Because it's such a fluid formula, I always give it a good shake before applying. It has a very fluid texture, so I take a little extra time to work it into my skin.
Once blended, it leaves no visible cast and sits beautifully beneath makeup, and leaves my skin looking healthy and fresh with a subtle glow that doesn't feel greasy. Its water-, sweat-, and sand-resistant formula makes it the sunscreen I usually reach for on beach days.
If you have sensitive skin, this is also worth considering, as it was developed with sensitive skin in mind.
Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+ Luminising Skinscreen
The glowy primer-like SPF that usually ends up in my travel bag.
I can see why Ultra Violette describes this as a glowy primer because that's exactly how it behaves beneath my foundation. Its milky, serum-like texture glides over my skin effortlessly, leaving my complexion looking healthy and luminous rather than greasy. Because I have it in a deluxe size, it's the sunscreen I usually slip into my bag for overnight stays and short trips.
No7 Good Intent Glow Guard SPF30
An affordable everyday SPF that made a strong first impression.
This is the most affordable* sunscreen in my collection and a very recent addition to my routine. Although I've only been using it for a short time, it has already made a good first impression. It blends easily into my skin without leaving a visible cast and leaves my complexion looking healthy with a natural glow. If you prefer fragrance-free SPFs, this is one worth considering
NARS Radiant Tinted Moisturiser SPF 30
The tinted moisturiser I reach for when I want my skin to look polished without wearing foundation.
Now, this is the only tinted moisturiser* because I haven't felt the need to replace it. It gives me exactly what I want from a tinted moisturiser: a natural-looking finish that evens out my complexion without masking my skin. It's the easiest way to make my skin look polished without looking heavily made up.
It's formulated with Vitamin C and French Polynesian Kopara, and I find it melts into my skin, leaving a sheer veil that softens minor imperfections without looking like foundation. One thing to bear in mind with tinted moisturisers is that they can be quite tricky to shade-match online, especially if you rarely wear makeup, unless you go in-store (which I recommend). I wear shade Havana, and I got shade-matched in the store.
Unlike standard clear sunscreens, it corrects minor unevenness while leaving my complexion with a healthy, natural-looking glow. This is the one I reach for when I want to look put together without committing to a full face of foundation.
The best sunscreen isn't necessarily the most expensive or the one with the longest ingredient list. It's the one you'll enjoy wearing every day, that works for both your lifestyle and your skin's needs. For me, these are the formulas I'm reaching for right now because they've consistently worked well for my skin and have earned their place in my routine.
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