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No matter the weather or time of year, high-quality sunscreen is essential. This is especially true for Australians, where UV levels are particularly high, even in winter, and our rates of melanoma are some of the steepest in the world. We need to protect our skin as best we can by avoiding sun exposure during the day, covering up, and applying sunscreen regularly throughout the day.
But according to a survey commissioned by Adore Beauty in 2022, Adore Beauty found that out of 800 beauty and skincare lovers, only a third were using sunscreen. Common reasons for skipping sunscreen included feeling oily, stinging and finding it interferes with makeup. Sunscreen has evolved over the last few years, though, and whatever your skin type, there is a sun product for you.
So, to help you navigate the world of SPF, we’ve rounded up seven of the best sunscreens you can use for your face and body. From the best sunscreen layered under makeup to the most affordable and the best quality, here are our favourites.
Best Sunscreens For Your Face
Nivea Sun SPF 50+ Protect & Moisture
Made especially for the delicate skin on your face, Nivea Sun SPF 50+ Protect & Moisture ($9) protects against sunburn and other UV-induced skin damage. Though it’s super hydrating, it also has a mattifying effect, so you won’t look shiny.
Naked Sundays SPF50 Collagen Glow Creme
Give your makeup a hydrated base with the Naked Sundays SPF50 Collagen Glow Creme ($34.95). Its formula can do it all and whether you use it as a primer, moisturiser, sunscreen or collagen-booster you can start the day off knowing that your skin is protected from the sun. Need a spray for midday application? Spritz the SPF50+ Glow Mist Top Up on top of your makeup for a radiance boost.
Bondi Sands SPF50+ Fragrance-Free Face Sunscreen Lotion
If you’re looking for budget-friendly sunscreens, you can go past Bondi Sands SPF50+ Fragrance-Free Face Sunscreen Lotion ($15). This water-resistant formula provides UVA and UVB protection while delivering hydration to the skin with aloe vera and vitamin E. It’s fast-absorbing, dries to an invisible finish and can be worn with or without makeup.
Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+ Luminising Sun Serum
Ultra Violette is known for its primer-like sunscreens, which all layer wonderfully under makeup. Ultra Violettte Queen Screen Luminising Sun Serum ($47) is stunning for dry skin types. While oil-free, Queen Screen has a silky consistency and imparts a luminosity and glow. Packed with Kakadu Plum extracts, it provides antioxidants, and squalane for hydration.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+
This lightweight, and formulated for sensitive skin types, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ ($36) is a great all-rounder. Fragrance-free, it doesn’t cause any stinging in the eyes or leave a white cast. It’s also compact and handbag friendly.
Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+
If you have oily or sensitive skin, Ultra Violette’s zinc-only mineral sunscreen Lean Screen Mattifying Sunscreen ($49) is the way to go. It doesn’t leave a white cast on your face or feel overly heavy. It also mattifies your complexion and will keep oiliness under control throughout the day. , but it does leave a matte finish on your skin so you don’t have to deal with oiliness during the day.
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF50+
Want a handbag-friendly, goldilocks sunscreen that provides satin finish and sits perfectly under makeup. SkinCeuticals, Ultra Facial Defence, SPF50+ ($59) is our weapon of choice. Lightweight and non-comedogenic, this is an excellent option for all skin types.
AB LAB, Barrier Boost Mineral Sunscreen SPF50
Mineral sunscreens can be a great option for more sensitive and oily skin types. The AB LAB, Barrier Boost Mineral Sunscreen, SPF50 ($40) provides an antioxidant boost with niacinamide and hydration via the inclusion of ceramides to keep skin hydrated.
Best Sunscreen For Your Body
Naked Sundays SPF50 Golden Glow Body Sunscreen
For a golden, glowy finish the Naked Sundays SPF50 Golden Glow Body Sunscreen ($44.95) is infused with gold flecks. Not only does it protect you against the harsh Aussie sun, the additions of green tea extract and Vitamin E make it an all in one hydrating and firming formula. You can shop this sunscreen for 15% off from May 16 ’til May 18 as part of Naked Sundays’ Click Frenzy Sale. Use code: SUNSCREENFRENZY to claim the discount.
Avène Sunscreen Lotion Face & Body SPF50+
Looking for an SPF to carry around with you this summer? The Avène Sunscreen Lotion Face & Body SPF50+ ($35) does the job. With broad-spectrum SPF50+ protection, it’s a good option for everyday wear and a great one to keep in your bag when you need to reapply. It can be used on both your body and face and is formulated for sensitive skin.
Mecca, To Save Body SPF 50+
A luxurious option for those with dry skin types, Mecca Cosmetica, To Save Body SPF50+ ($40) is formulated with 4 per cent aloe vera and vitamin E to keep the skin on your body hydrated.
Frank Body, Hydrating Body Sunscreen
Known for in-shower exfoliators, Frank Body has extended its range with the Frank Body, Hydrating Body Sunscreen SPF 50+ ($30), a super hydrating sunscreen with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and aloe vera. This sunscreen is oxybenzone free. It’s super absorbent but provides your arms and legs with a beautiful, glossy finish and summary notes of coconut.
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