8 of the best SPFs for all budgets that you should wear all year round

The best SPFs for every skin type and need

Thu, 28 Mar, 2024 - 06:00

Kate Demolder

I have said it before and I’ll say it again: there is no point in adding anything to your skincare routine if you don’t wear SPF. The number one key to prevent premature aging, and skin cancer, is to wear SPF every single day. Yes, even in winter. So, forget your serums, your lasers and your retinol — this is more important.

Now the only way you’re going to stick to a routine of consistent SPF-wearing is if you find one that you like. Finding one with UVA and UVB ray-blocking ability is key for sun protection, and will also go far in the battle against elasticity loss, pigmentation and fine lines.

For those who need to hear it, wearing sun cream needn’t be a chore. Long gone are the days of thick, chalky products that never quite rub in and leave harsh, white casts. Thanks to beauty science, sun creams now come in a myriad of ranges; some matte; some glowy; and some mineral. Here is our pick of the best.

1. La Roche Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF50 (€30, Boots)

Formulated for sensitive skin, Anthelios Age Correct SPF50 is a luxury day cream that utilises fragmented hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate, niacinamide to pore-refine and PHE-resorcinol to help reduce the production of melanin to help reduce pigmentation. Formulated with La Roche Posay’s iconic Thermal Spring Water, which is packed with antioxidant properties, this can be used on all skin types to provide active ingredients as well as sun protection.

2. Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer (€49, Brown Thomas)

CCharlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer (€49, Brown Thomas)

This weightless, satin-smooth texture glides on and instantly absorbs into the skin, perfect for wearing under makeup. It is a bit on the pricier side, but something to consider if you’re the kind of person who wears a full beat every day. Your makeup will not budge with this on.

3. Eucerin Sun Face Oil Control Sun Gel-Cream Dry Touch SPF50+ 50ml (€6.95, Look Fantastic)

Even considering SPF when your skin is oily is frightening, but it needn’t be. Enter Eucerin’s oil control SPF, which was developed specifically for oily, breakout-prone skin types. Leaving an invisible, matte finish on the skin, this lightweight and non-greasy formula delivers antioxidant protection and visibly brightens.

4. Boots SPF+ Niacinamide Moisturising Lotion SPF50 50ml (€9.99, Boots)

Boots recently launched a range of SPFs complete with skin-centric ingredients, such as this one with niacinamide — an ingredient that helps to support the skin barrier. It’s a little thick, so can be used in place of your morning moisturiser, although no chalky white residue will be found here. An affordable winner.

5. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Protection Invisible SPF50+ (€18.50, Meagher’s Pharmacy)

Two La Roche-Posay additions to the list, but they’re just that good. And relatively affordable, and easy to buy in Ireland. I keep this in my handbag for top-ups throughout the day. It lasts surprisingly long and neutralises shine well.

6. Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Water Resistant High Protection Sun Cream Lotion (€17.99, Very)

Great for kids and adults alike. Particularly good on holidays when sweaty beach trips tend to cause SPF to slip.

7. Bondi Sands Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ (€6.79, Look Fantastic)

I’ve harped on about this product before, not just because of its price, but its beautiful texture, too. Silky, lightweight and quickly absorbed, this is the product I reach for when looking for a light glow. Beautiful under makeup and easy to pat over makeup throughout the day, too.

8. Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++ (€52, Kiehls.ie)

Doubling up as moisturiser and SPF Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily Defense is an industry favourite, particularly for those with sensitive skin. Oil-free and fragrance-free, this is particularly good for darker skin tones as it leaves zero white cast.

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