Searching for the facial sunscreen holy grail: long-lasting, hydrating, doesn’t cause break outs

[OhRosalind]

I’ve been searching for the perfect sun cream for my face for years and feel I’m still no closer to finding it. I find it so impractical to reapply every 2 hours when I’m out, even more so on days when I’m wearing make up. I would love to find a good all-day / long-lasting protection one.
My skin is dehydrated so I don’t like stuff with alcohol at the top of the ingredient list as it makes me look haggard. Nothing that is likely to cause a breakout. I’d rather not spend a fortune for a teeny tiny bottle that would only last a week if you put on enough to actually be effective.
Currently using an Avene one but don’t think I like it enough to repurchase... any recommendations?

Not sunscreen as such but I use dermalogica dynamic skin recovery as a day cream, is spf 50

Heliocare brought me out in lots of little spots. Still on the search...

I swapped from LRP to the new beautypie super healthy skin sunscreen about 5 weeks ago — and have been thrilled with it. It pretty much stands in as moisturiser as well as sunscreen for me (I use a serum first) and it’s effective. It bobbles less than LRP and I’ve not had a break out yet

UltraViolette 50+ has changed my (skincare) life! The matte hydrating one goes on so beautifully and makes my skin feel good all day.

ultraviolette.com.au

Supergoop city serum. It's expensive but a little goes a long way, it sinks right in, doesn't leave a weird cast, and is effective. I wouldn't wear it for a day at the beach but it's perfect for day to day wear.

But if you are actually out in the sun all day unfortunately you are supposed to re-apply regularly, I don't think any of them claim to last longer than 2 hours do they?

LRP anthelios is fine but not love for me. Lots of suggestions I’ve never heard of, thanks!

I have dehydrated skin rather than oily, spots seem to be a reaction to specific ingredients in some chemical sun cream but I’m not sure which, any ideas of the likely culprit?

The problem with the little goes a long way idea is that you supposedly need to put about half a teaspoon on face/neck to get the advertised protection.

I thought some sunscreens were once a day but reading up a bit more it seems that isn’t really the case. I would reapply frequently if I was out all day at e.g. the beach, but what do people do if they’re wearing makeup and are popping in and out all day, shopping for example?

@OhRosalind I get a bit spotty with some creams, I have learned to look for creams that are “non comedogenic” (ie not blocking pores)

La Roche Posay is a good brand and au use their factor 30 face cream called Pigmentclar

It helps avoid my melasma issue

It’s a little bit greasy but does not clog my pores and does the job

Clinique city block. I love it on its own as it's tinted and blurs out redness , or under make up. I have Rosacea and very reactive skin and it's non irritating and it works.

Anthelios has a lot of different types, maybe you tried a greasy one? I buy Ultra-Light without perfume and it's been perfect. Goes on and stays very silky, light and soft all day, it doesn't make my skin oily or break me out and I normally have oily skin.

Has anyone mentioned Skinnies? It's not like normal SPF at all, it's amazing. Absolutely invisible and you really do only need a tiny bit to get the protection. It's a pea-size blob for face, neck and ears.
It's hard to describe, if you haven't tried it, but I think if you have skin that is on the drier side, you will like it. They do a tinted one, especially for the face, which I haven't tried. I just use whichever I can get cheapest from Amazon - usually either the Conquer or the children's one.
If I am not using that then I also have the new Garnier one that is a dupe for Anthelios Ultra Lightweight fluid, but much cheaper at £7 a bottle.

I have tried so many different products over the years and always have issues with my skin left feeling tight and uncomfortable. The ones above don't have that issue (and also aren't thick and greasy).

Boots sultan do a face once one would that work.

I saw rave reviews about Nivea Water Gel SPF 50, you have to order from Amazon. I've been using for a week so can't give detailed comment but hasn't caused a breakout and soaks in really well.

I have very sensitive skin and I’m a huge fan of supergoop. I love the feel of unseen sunscreen which is very light and I barely notice I have it on. I’m not really wearing foundation at the moment but it also makes a great primer.

Another Clinique City Block factor 40. I have dry skin except my nose which reacts to everything, except this. It's the only skincare product I couldn't do without .

Ultra sun tinted sunscreen is amazing and almost like a makeup.

Heliocare Spf50 left my skin shiny and orange! Maybe it comes in an untinted version too?

The best in terms of leaving a matte look etc that I’ve used is the Australian Gold tinted spf 50. Also Paulas choice do a good one but too expensive for regular use (for me anyway). The only issue with Aus Gold is the UVA quality, I’ve seen this called into question, and as I’m using sun cream for anti aging, that’s a problem.

Frezyderm is fabulous

I’ve been using Anthelios for years but have recently started using a Paula’s choice SPF 50 and much prefer it. No breakouts and doesn’t feel like i’m wearing anything on my skin. The other great thing about Paula’s choice is that you can buy smaller sizes to try before fully committing. x

@OhRosalind I use the Purito Centella Green Level Safe Sun SPF50+. It's water-based and doesn't leave a white cast.

I've also just bought It 'your skin but better' CC+ cream, (colour correcting anti-aging concealer) which has full coverage, but is also SPF 50

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery is lovely.

Medik8 is great

Another vote here for the Simple Radiance Booster - it's ace

Ambre Solaire have an over make up spray. It’s factor 50 and an aerosol. It’s really really light and works brilliantly. I use antheliios under make up (or the ambre solaire equivalent) and then spray this over if I’m outside for any length of time.

I use Superdrug face spf30 and have never had a problem with it. Likewise the Olay total effects. Maybe you need a hyaluronic serum on first, Superdrug do a great one.

I've also heard P20 kids is good on the face!