Sunscreen Recommendations

Sunscreen is a must in any skincare routine. That is if you want to avoid looking like an old leather handbag. Also, do we need to remind you about skin cancer? Sunscreens of the old were a goopy, thick, greasy mess. Luckily, it is easier than ever to find an elegantly formulated sunscreen nowadays. But it can still be a bit of a trial and error to find a good fit. Down below are some of the sunscreens we use and love or come recommended by our customers/bloggers/social media followers whose reviews we trust implicitly. We tried to do a mixture of brands that can you can find either on the high street or via online retailers.

Altruist

Developed by the British dermatologist Dr. Andrew Birnie and a Dutch economist David Westerbeek van Eerten, Altruist offers SPF30 and SPF50. The formula is light, non-greasy, and moisturising and can be topped up during the day. It can be used by all skin types and all ages. The price is super affordable - two 100 ml tubes are just ??8. Altruist is available via Amazon.

The following three sunscreens are widely available both online and on the high street.

Evy Sunscreen Mousse

Evy Sunscreen Mousse is a Swedish invention and a patented mousse formula developed to be suitable for all skin types (sensitive skin included). It absorbs into the top layer of the skin, where it stays active for 4 to 6 hours. Not only it offers high protection (broad spectrum with up to 98% UVB protection and 5 star UVA rating), it helps to strengthen the skin barrier. Lisa (of Lime and Lilac) is a fan and she never steered us wrong.

La Roche Posay Anthelios Shaka Ultra Light SPF50

If in doubt, you can't go wrong with this French pharmacy favourite. La Roche Posay Anthelios Shaka Ultra Light SPF50 is light and hydrating while being suitable for sensitive skin. It is water, sweat, and sand resistant.

The Body Shop Skin-Defence Multi-Protection Lotion SPF50+ PA++++

A while back, the Body Shop launched The Body Shop Skin-Defence Multi-Protection Lotion SPF50+ PA++++, and it is a lovely sunscreen that works as a moisturiser/sunscreen combo. The formula also contains red algae extract and vitamin C to brighten the skin. Bear in mind, it does contain fragrance.

Eucerin Sensitive Protect Sun Fluid Mattifying SPF50+

Eucerin might not be as popular as La Roche Posay, but honestly, they have some cracking products (their Urea line for one). Eucerin Sensitive Protect Sun Fluid Mattifying SPF 50+ combines photostable UVA/UVB filters and is formulated for combination and oily sensitive skin. The texture is light, it doesn't feel oily on the skin, and the formula is fragrance-free.

Japanese and Korean sunscreens

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel SPF50+ PA++++

A customer recommended this Biore sunscreen to Amy (our founder), who has been using it religiously ever since. Best suited for combination and oily skin, it feels lightweight on the skin and sinks in instantly. Mind you, alcohol is towards the top of the inci list.

Missha All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel SPF50 PA++++

If you are thinking of trying Korean or Japanese skincare and don't know where to start, we'd urge you to check Fiddy Snails blog and Instagram. We trust her reviews implicitly. For normal and oily skin, she recommends Missha All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel SPF50 PA++++. She praises how lightweight it is and leaves you with a soft, matte finish. But, it does have a high percentage of alcohol and can be drying, so steer clear if you have dry skin.

A'pieu Pure Block Natural Daily Sun Cream SPF45 PA+++

If you have dry and dehydrated skin, A'pieu Pure Block Natural Daily Sun Cream SPF45 PA+++ is your holy grail sunscreen. It is so light and smooth but still manages to hydrate the skin and gives the most beautiful finish. On warmer days, I can easily skip my moisturiser (even with my dry skin). I got this based on Fiddy Snails' review and haven't looked back.

Purito Centella Green Level Unscented Sun

Purito Centella Green Level Unscented Sun offers high protection, and the formula contains Centella extracts and Niacinamide to calm sensitive skin. The difference between the original version and this one is the essential oils have been removed from the formula. This one is super popular with skincare enthusiasts with combination and oily skin.

  Have you found your holy grail sunscreen?