Best Sunscreen For Face
Image credit: Instagram/georgiafowler

Ask any dermatologist, skin therapist, doctor, or beauty editor to share their best piece of skincare advice, and they’ll undoubtedly tell you to wear broad spectrum sunscreen every single day (rain, hail, shine, indoors, or out). It’s a no brainer – not only does it help to protect you from the potentially deadly effects of Melanoma, but it limits UV-induced premature ageing, keeping your skin younger, for longer.

The issue with SPF though, lies in the fact that so many struggle to find a formula that feels good on the skin, while meeting all the right criteria (broad spectrum, meaning it protects from both UVA and UVB rays, and an SPF factor of at least 30+, preferably 50). So herein lies our editor-approved SPF guide, no matter you skin type, colouring, or budget. Find all the best broad spectrum picks for your face below.

 

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50, $106. SHOP NOW

For those with dry or mature skin, this creamy formula is perfect. Hydrating and packed with antioxidants, it’s the perfect base under makeup for everyday.

Ultraviolette Supreme Screen spf 50, $46. SHOP NOW

If you’re convinced that all SPF formulas cause you to break out or ruin your makeup base, you obviously haven’t tried this do-it-all pick from Ultraviolette. It’s a hydrating base, so no need for moisturiser. As a bonus, it also preps and primes before makeup. It’s also an Australian, female-founded small business. Turns out, you really can have it all.

Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Nourishing Nourishing Anti-Aging Oil, $80. SHOP NOW

A true innovation in sunscreen, Mesoestetic’s new oil formula is the perfect antidote to dry, or dehydrated skin types. It begins as a gel, so spreads easily, but contains chia and ginger to nourish skin and protect from other environmental aggressors. It’s best for those who find SPF drying, boring, or bothersome under makeup. Because of the clear formula, it also works really well on medium to deeper skin tones who find creams ghostly.

MEDIK8 PHYSICAL SUNSCREEN SPF 30, $74. SHOP NOW

While not SPF 50, this physical formula is formulated with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, making it great for both breakout-prone skin, and those who find normal SPF irritating. It doesn’t pill, ball, or sit funnily under makeup, either. Because it’s a “physical” rather than “chemical” SPF, apply as the very last step in your skincare routine.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra Light Fluid SPF 50, $30. SHOP NOW

For a budget formula that feels luxurious, look no further than La Roche-Posay. It’s light, milky, and perfect for normal and dry skins.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face And Body Sunscreen Stick SPF 50, $17. SHOP NOW

If SPF on the go is your concern (as it should be) this stick from Neutrogena is great. It’s non pore-clogging and light, so won’t disrupt makeup too severely, not to mention feels weightless, and won’t leak in your makeup bag.

Ultraceuticals Ultra UV Protective Everyday Moisturiser SPF 50, $79. SHOP NOW

Another do-it-all product, this Ultraceuticals formula hydrates as it protects. It’s broad spectrum, but also contains antioxidants to protect against the environment, and niacinamide (vitamin B3) to brighten. t’s hydrating but not greasy, however if you’re prone to shine, opt for the brand’s matte formula.

Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF 50 Sunscreen, $40. SHOP NOW

The perfect pairing of price and product, Mecca’s in-house formula is sheer, hydrating, and non-greasy. It’s loaded with hyaluronic acid, so will plump and add moisture under makeup.