Hello all!
I spend a lot of time outdoors (year round) and have developed an obsession with facial sunscreen.
I’ve tried quite a few, so I thought I’d share my opinions here in case it’s helpful for anyone. I try and aim for high factor- 30 would be my minimum, 50 ideally.
If anyone has tried and rated others- please add them on!
For the record I am in no way a skin expert, these are just my thoughts on the products I have tried.
Also for reference, I’m caucasian, mid 30s, deathly pale with combination skin. It tends to be dry on the cheeks and a little oily on the chin. I get the occasional spot (usually on the chin/jawline) but mostly it is clear.
I have included links to products, but these aren’t necessarily the places I bought them from.
Right here goes…
Simple Protecting Moisture Cream 30spf
www.boots.com/simple-kind-to-skin-protecting-moisture-cream-spf30-uva-uvb-50ml-10164560
Pros: Affordable, and easily available on the highstreet.
Cons: I found this to be greasy and left a white mask on my face despite much rubbing in. I abandoned this quickly for the face, but used it up on my arms/chest over the summer. Fine for that, but I won’t be buying it again.
La Roche Posay Anthelios XL face 50spf
www.feelunique.com/p/La-Roche-Posay-Anthelios-XL-Face-Ultra-Light-Fluid-SPF50-50ml
Pros: Widely available. No white mask. I found it was nice to use under makeup (though perhaps I’m not the best judge as I only use BB cream).
Cons: Quite runny, and if “slapped on” I found it felt like it was slipping down my face a bit. This is helped if I put some niacinamide on beforehand (I used the Ordinary), but I don’t want to have to do that all the time. It takes a while to sink in.
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Sun Defence for Face 50spf
www.feelunique.com/p/Elizabeth-Arden-Eight-Hour-Cream-Sun-Defense-for-Face-SPF50-High-Protection-50ml
Pros: I loved this initially as I found it quite moisturising for my dry cheeks, without being greasy on my chin/nose area. Rubs in easily.
Cons: Tends to pill, and after prolonged use I did gets some spots on my chin.
Piz Buin Sensitive face cream 50spf
www.boots.com/piz-buin-allergy-sun-sensitive-face-cream-spf50-50ml-10167569
Pros: Widely available and affordable. Over summer I got this on offer (I think it was a buy one get one free or something similar) along with the other Piz Buin sunscreens.
Cons: I found this quite shiny and heavy. For me it just “sat” on the skin, rather than sinking in. I don’t think it would work well under makeup (but I didn’t really try). Not my favourite.
Sunsense Anti-aging Face Matte 50spf
shop.sunsense.co.uk/collections/all/products/sunsense-anti-ageing-face-matte
Pros: Very quickly absorbed and leaves a really lovely matt finish. Works well under my BB cream- no pilling. Bigger bottle than some (100ml).
Cons: It is advertised and having an “invisible tint”, but I am sure that it does leave a tint on my skin. As I mentioned earlier, I am deathly pale- so this might not be an issue for others.
I love the finish though, and plan on trying the non-tinted one next.
It is quite runny, but this isn’t really a con in my eyes, (worth mentioning though) as it absorbs very quickly.
Not widely available on the high street- but can be bought on t’internets.
Ultrasun Face 50spf
www.superdrug.com/Skin/Sun-Protection/Face-Sun-Protection/Ultrasun-Face-50spf-50ml/p/467105
Pros: Nice consistency- thick without being greasy or shiny. Pump bottle is a nice idea, so you get the right amount out in one go. Quickly absorbed. It feels moisturising, without being shiny.
Cons: Has a slight white cast, but this goes very quickly. I think this is my second favourite, with the Sunsense just pipping it!
Hope that’s of help to someone. Please add on your reviews!