We probably all know that we should be wearing a good SPF on our faces all year round, but now that sunnier days are finally here, it's never been more important to nail this step in your skincare routine.
It’s widely acknowledged that protecting yourself from the sun is one of the most important steps in the fight against premature skin ageing. But what if you’re also currently trying to manage oily skin, soothe sensitivity or hydrate dry patches?
Fortunately, you don’t have to forgo your other skin concerns in favour of staying sun safe. Nowadays there are a host of smart facial SPFs that promise to address other skin concerns aside from the obvious long-term anti-ageing effects. Our OK! testers have been trying them out, and here are the ones that get their seal of approval…
Best face mineral SPF
Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen, £36 here
Reef-friendly and created with hydrating ingredients, this mineral SPF offers daily SPF30 protection.
Deputy style director Zoe says: "I hate to admit it, being a beauty editor and all, but before this year I just didn't wear daily SPF. Don't get me wrong, I would when I went out in the summer, but it wasn't a daily, year-round habit. I've realised my reactive skin doesn't like chemical SPFs, and this mineral formula has been a godsend. It makes my skin look glowy and it doesn't break me out."
Best face SPF for sweaty complexions
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Aquagel SPF30, £38 here
Vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid soften and condition the skin while UVA and UVB filters protect it from sun damage
Tester Danny says: "In the summer I'm always outdoors playing some form of sport like tennis or cycling. I find some of the creamy SPFs tend to run down my face when I begin to sweat and make my eyes sting. This gel formula has been a game-changer for me. I've used it several times during heated games of tennis and it doesn't run. It also makes my complexion feel very hydrated."
Best face SPF for sensitive skin
Lancaster Sun Sport Invisible Face Gel SPF30, £29 here
An ultra-light, sweat-resistant formula designed not to run into eyes.
Tester Julia says: “I've got very sensitive skin and eyes, so I'd given up on face SPFs, because they always sting my eyes and give me breakouts. This gel is truly remarkable for me – no eye irritation and it hasn't affected my pores at all. It's so light I can hardly feel it on my skin. I'm thrilled to have found an SPF that I can wear."
Best face SPF for oily skin
Glow Recipe Watermelon Niacinamide Suncream SPF50, £31 here
A skincare/SPF hybrid with trending actives.
Tester Ann says: "Many sunscreens are like slathering on lard, but this one has a lovely non-greasy feel. It’s given me soft, smooth skin that has a light, fruity scent. The pink bottle looks great, and the SPF50 keeps my face safe. I’m a teacher and I’ve been wearing it in the playground on sunny days – no sunburnt beetroot face here. I would buy this.”
Best face SPF for dry skin
Avene Creme For Dry Sensitive Skin Invisible Finish SPF50, £17.50 here
A hydrating SPF50 using a new UVA/B/blue light filter. Also available for normal and oily skin.
Tester Lisa says: “A fab cream. It wasn’t too heavy for my skin, and made it feel hydrated with no oily residue. The texture is medium thickness but it rubbed in easily and it really did what it said on the tube, giving an 'invisible finish'. Highly recommend.”
Best face SPF for tackling fine lines
Dr Dennis Gross All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30, £46 here
Combining science with nature, this blends a zinc oxide filter with a powerful antioxidant-rich blend of botanical extracts, which work to protect the skin against the ageing effects of UVA, UVB and HEV (blue light), and also repair some of the damage already done.
Zoe says: "This is my holy grail, take-one-product-to-a-desert-island buy. It’s so lightweight that I’d never have guessed it was a mineral formula. I never burn while I’m wearing it and the tube lasts me quite a while. I promise it’s worth the splurge."
Best face SPF for dull skin
CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion with SPF50, £15 here
The Tiktok-famous barrier boosting day moisturiser, now with SPF50.
Tester Vanese says: “I love this. I really like the consistency, it’s not too thin or too thick. It just feels so nice and soft. It’s leaving a nice glow but no white cast at all. I really like what it’s done to my skin. I think it’s a reasonable price as you have your SPF50, your skin-loving ingredients and your glow.”
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