With the sun finally turning up at this party, we’ve tested the best light suncreens to wear under make up – and we’re really, really fussy. Here are the six of the absolute best
The Met Office is predicting temperatures in the mid-20s this weekend (*quick standing twirl of excitement at desk*). Here at Healthista we (like most Brits) love any opportunity to stick on our shorts, whip out our shades and bathe in the sun. But we also love skincare, and protecting our faces from harmful UV rays is super important when summer rolls around. Tired of facial sunscreens that leave you looking like Frosty the Snowman or make up that melts into your far-too-thick SPF 50, we’ve tried and tested the best sunscreens on the market that are high in protection and low on glut factor. We went for an SPF 30 or higher and our criteria was that they had to work under make-up or alone. We’re fussy like that.
Epionce Ultra Shield SPF 50, £40.50
Epionce Ultra Shield Lotion is a light and quick absorbing sheer sunscreen that protects the skin from UV aging and burning. It claims to be very water-resistant and compatible with daily use under make up. It contains some of the safest sunscreen ingredients around: zinc oxide and octyl salicylate, and aims to go on without leaving any white marks or obvious residue.
Tester says: ‘I am so fussy with sunscreen and find many of the high cover ones turn all ‘pilly’ and flaky on my face when I put make-up over them. Or worse, they leave a white film that’s not flattering and rather scary. This sunscreen is some kind of miracle. It rubs straight in and leaves absolutely no greasy residue in texture or shady film of colour. If you wait five minutes you can put make-up over it no problem. It doesn’t even have that tell-tale smell.’
SunSense Daily Face SPF 50, £20.99
SunSense Daily Face is a facial sunscreen designed for all-year-round protection of the face and neck. It protects against UV aging and burning and contains Vitamin E to help improve the appearance of skin tone and texture. It is tinted for a sheer matt finish and claims to be suitable for either combination or oily skin because of its oil-free base.
Tester says: ‘I love this! It’s not oily at all and goes on very light. It almost acts like a tinted moisturiser, but is even less noticeable than that. When I applied my foundation over it it didn’t cake at all, which is perfect for warm summer days when you need that extra protection but without the heaviness of a normal sunscreen. It has a light scent and doesn’t overwhelmingly smell like sunscreen. It’s also great to apply before exercising outside.’
Avene Very High Protection Emulsion SPF 30
, £15.49
The Very High Protection Emulsion is designed for sensitive skin and offers broad UV protection. It claims to be effective for extended periods and to have soothing and anti-irritating properties. The new active ingredient: Glyceryl Laurate, helps to regulate excess oil and aims to give the skin an instant matt finish.
Tester says: ‘The best sunscreen I have tried under £20 that contains an SPF 30. It’s light and doesn’t smell and it totally matt. It penetrates immediately and Avene are known for being famously brilliant formations for sensitive skin so it won’t cause breakouts like some heavy duty sunscreens. It spreads really well and leaves no white film.’
Orliflame Skin Dream BB Cream SPF 30, £10.95
Orliflame BB Cream claims to be the all-in-one solution for your face, fusing make up, skincare and SPF protection. It is designed to instantly conceal pigmentation, blemishes and discoloration and also claims to reduce the appearance of pores. It can be used every day for a dewy look and is oil-free.
Tester says: ‘Although this cream from Orliflame was quite thick, it rubbed into the skin fairly easily and dried quickly for a smooth finish. It matched my skin tone well with even coverage and was good at hiding imperfections and blemishes. It doesn’t smell like sunscreen which is great and I love the fact that it is so many things rolled into one meaning you don’t have to worry about putting sunscreen AND foundation on before you head out in the mornings. It is perfect for busy women who don’t want to worry about carrying multiple bottles to the beach, and I found it really easy and lovely to apply and wear.’
Image Skincare Prevention Matte Moisturiser SPF 32, £14
Image Skincare Prevention is a new generation, broad spectrum UV moisturiser incorporating micro-sponge technology to absorb skin’s surface oils leaving a shine-free finish. It claims to be an excellent make up base, oil free and water resistant.
Tester says: ‘This is hands down the best sunscreen I’ve ever used on my face. It isn’t shiny or greasy, and it’s very lightweight. I’d say it has a matte finish, but to be honest it really has no finish at all. It has a tropical-meets-mixed-berries scent, and my make up went over it as if I hadn’t used any sunscreen at all. With a very limited luggage allowance to fly back home with this summer, this sunscreen has made the cut and will definitely be accompanying me back to the States come rain or shine.’
Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF 30, £28
Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream contains smart colour correcting technology to change your skin’s undertones and make you look the picture of health. It is oil-free and claims to last throughout the day, while also offering hydration and UV protection. It covers blemishes and imperfections and aims to give your face a flawless finish.
Tester says: ‘I can’t quite believe this is an SPF 30. For days when I can’t be bothered using a sunscreen and a foundation on top but I know I want full protection I always use this cream. Although it’s called a CC cream, I think the texture is more like a proper foundation and the coverage is good but the texture is really creamy so it doesn’t dry into lines. Every time I use it people say things like ‘You look well.’ This is like a godsend for my air-condition-weary and stress-battered dry skin as it holds its moisture all day. I love this product and will be buying it in future.
READ MORE:
12 Surprising facts about sun and skin
Secrets of women with beautiful skin
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