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Original poster

Wearing SPF daily - affordable facial SPF…?

42 replies

Wiennetta · 08/04/2023 21:11

I was shopping for a new facial SPF today and on the back of one it said ‘provides 10 full applications’. It was a 50ml tube and yes, the advice is a teaspoon amount for face - so that’s 5ml. Most of the tubes are 40-50ml. So if you wear the recommended amount of sunscreen every day, you’re getting through a tube every 8-10 days! I guess I’ve never put on the correct amount, but those that do - what are you SPF recommendations? Most of the products in Superdrug/Boots I looked at (so just regular high street ones) are £10-15 for 40-50ml which would work out as £30-60 a month if used every day as directed!

I use prescription tret, so I’ve been wearing SPF daily but probably need to increase the amount I’m using - but can’t be buying a new tube every week or so. What do others do?!

OP posts:
Original poster
Wiennetta · 08/04/2023 21:12

Also need something that works for slightly sensitive skin and won’t break me out in spots.

OP posts:
Original poster
Wiennetta · 08/04/2023 21:15

Ok some Googling suggests 1/3 or 1/2 teaspoon rather than one but I can’t find a definitive answer. Even with a half, you’re still using a 40ml tube in 16 days though.

OP posts:
doadeer · 08/04/2023 21:16

Altruist is my favourite budget one there is a face cream or a fluid which is lighter. Available on Amazon. Very reasonable

Trollsinmyeggbox · 08/04/2023 21:18

I use the garnier face one, it's about £8 a bottle of it's on offer. I probably use a little less than the specified amount, but I use an spf stick for my forehead/under eyes/nose on top of the liquid and my make up has spf in.

Saschka · 08/04/2023 21:20

I just use Soltan Once SPF50 facial sunblock - costs £10, often has a 3 for 2 offer, and lasts all day so no need to reapply. I have very pale freckle skin, can burn in 10mins on a sunny day, and it works fine for me. Bit oily, but I have dry skin so that is what I want.

ModeWeasel · 08/04/2023 21:24

I use a tinted option so saves on foundation (which I always wear due to shit skin). Flawless tinted SPF 50. Not hugely cheap sadly but I always use it and has clear ‘dosage’ instructions and lasts a while.

krystlecarr · 08/04/2023 21:27

ModeWeasel · 08/04/2023 21:24

I use a tinted option so saves on foundation (which I always wear due to shit skin). Flawless tinted SPF 50. Not hugely cheap sadly but I always use it and has clear ‘dosage’ instructions and lasts a while.

which one is this, please?

TattiePants · 08/04/2023 21:29

I’m currently using Eucerin Oil Control, LRP Anthelios or Biore Watery Essence. I then top up with Ambre Solaire Face Mist if I’m wearing makeup. The LRP and Ambre Solaire is often on 2 for 3 in Boots so I stick up.

Saunaandsteam · 08/04/2023 21:30

Simple do a nice spf 30 facial oil which suits my sensitive skin. Costs approx £7.

So1invictus · 08/04/2023 21:33

Garnier face SPF 50
About a fiver from Amazon.

FannyFifer · 08/04/2023 21:45

This is what I use, find it great for the price. 👍

Wearing SPF daily - affordable facial SPF…?
Original poster
Wiennetta · 08/04/2023 21:54

Amazing thanks for the recommendations! Will get on and order one online, didn’t have the best selection in store.

OP posts:
PolkaDotMankini · 08/04/2023 21:59

I use Nivea or Amber Solaire facial sun creams. It's always been fine for me. I picked up some Superdrug own-brand the other day so will try that out too.

OhWhatFuckeryIsThisNow · 08/04/2023 22:10

I use Gruum Skydar daily defence lotion all year. No white cast, moisturising and effective. 9 quid, but they often have offers on.

SmileyPaella · 08/04/2023 22:26

Heliocare 360 Oil-Free Gel SPF 50 50ml / Gel Sunscreen For Face/Daily UVA UVB Visible light Infrared-A Anti-Ageing Sun Protection/Combination Oily and Normal Skin/Matte Finish amzn.eu/d/90wzYv2

SmileyPaella · 08/04/2023 22:27

^ amazing. UVA and UVB protection, factor 15. Also acts like a primer

RemoteControlDoobry · 08/04/2023 22:34

I use an Aldi one…I can’t remember the name but it’s just a normal body one that’s quite matte. I used to use the La Roche Posay mattifying spf but I can’t justify the extra money when there’s no difference. The Aldi one is better because I can use as much as I like.

Tinks15 · 08/04/2023 22:37

Another Heliocare fan here - wouldn’t use anything else on my skin.

Snowjokes · 08/04/2023 22:38

TK Maxx often has really good sunscreen in, worth popping in to see if you’re near one.

PortiaWithNoBreaks · 08/04/2023 22:50

Another Heliocare one here too. It’s brilliant under makeup like the pp said. It’s also a favourite of dermatologists as it’s non comedogenic.

Original poster
Wiennetta · 09/04/2023 00:06

@SmileyPaella @Tinks15 @PortiaWithNoBreaks the Heliocare one looks great. But it’s just that it’s £15 for 50ml - so 10 teaspoons or maybe 20 applications - so that’s me getting through a tube in less than 3 weeks! Maybe I just need to suck it up/get things on 3-for-2 and look at budget options!

OP posts:
FangedFrisbee · 09/04/2023 00:18

I have melanoma and I've been told by my dermatologist to use altruist spf it's about £12 on Amazon or Sainsbury's

DecommissionedVag · 09/04/2023 00:22

Nivea sensitive facial spf50. I think it's about £6 a tube.

Maple2023 · 09/04/2023 00:28

FangedFrisbee · 09/04/2023 00:18

I have melanoma and I've been told by my dermatologist to use altruist spf it's about £12 on Amazon or Sainsbury's

If it helps anyone, TK maxx had it in store for £8, and the body one was £4