ootdfashion
I’ve been testing sunscreens again and have narrowed down my top five SPF favorites. When it comes to facial sunscreen, I’m pretty selective—I prefer a lightweight feel and no noticeable residue. Fortunately, sunscreen formulations have really improved over the years, providing plenty of great options to choose from.
I’m a fan of high-protection, lightweight SPF fluids like La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios, Beauty Pie Featherlight UV, and Bondi Sands Hydra SPF50+. However, my current favorites all have a refreshing, gel-like texture that almost feels cooling. One reason I keep returning to these is that I don’t need an additional moisturizer underneath, which I forgot to mention before. They are deeply hydrating, work well under makeup, and don’t leave a white cast.
A note about SPF: three of my favorites are SPF30, offering less protection than SPF50. While this might be a dealbreaker for some, I believe it’s crucial to find a sunscreen that you enjoy applying and that fits well into your routine. If you dislike your sunscreen, you’re less likely to use the correct amount or might skip it entirely. Finding a facial SPF you love means it’s an easy part of your morning routine—and if you can find an SPF50, even better.
Let’s dive into the “best sunscreens for the face if you hate wearing sunscreens” spotlight:
1. Skin Generics Niacinamide + Osmo City SPF30: Priced at £32.95, available at Superdrug. This is the lightest facial SPF I’ve tried, feeling like water jelly. It’s lighter than even Clinique’s Moisture Surge and vanishes on the skin, providing a refreshing coolness on hot days. Although it’s heavily fragranced and comes in a glass jar—not ideal for travel—the texture is outstanding.
2. Murad Essential-C Day Moisture SPF30: Priced at £51 (discounted from £60) at FeelUnique. If you prefer a creamy texture, Murad’s Day Moisture is perfect. It’s a sophisticated daily cream offering antioxidant protection with SPF30. It has a slight orangey scent and, while pricier than other sunscreens here, delivers excellent results with its rich yet non-greasy formula.
3. La Roche-Posay HyaluB5 Aquagel SPF30: On sale for £25 (down from £34.50) at FeelUnique. This gel-like SPF is incredibly cool and glides onto the skin, offering long-lasting hydration. For dehydrated skin, it’s fantastic, although those with very oily skin might prefer the fresher, weightless feel of Skin Generics. The pump packaging is a plus for convenience.
4. Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF50: Priced at £35, currently on sale at Paula’s Choice. This could be my new favorite overall facial sunscreen. It’s as light and fresh as Murad but offers higher protection at a lower price point. It leaves no residue and hydrates well, lying unobtrusively under makeup.
5. Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF50: Priced at £34 at SpaceNK. From Australian brand Ultra Violette, this sunscreen has been trending for its excellent formula and high protection. It applies like silk and fully absorbs, though it may start with a slight sheen before drying to a satin finish. It suits drier skin types, but there’s a mattifying mineral option if you prefer a physical block.
Do you have any favorite facial sunscreens you’d recommend? Let me know in the comments; I’ve discovered some great products through suggestions here!
