Hopefully by now, we all know that we need to make sun protection a daily habit for skin cancer prevention and the long-term health of our skin.
We know that sunscreen textures have come a long way, and we know that they don’t break us out. In fact, UV radiation can thicken the oil in your skin and make it cloggier, so in this way sun protection can even help prevent breakouts!
Finding the right sunscreen depends on several factors – how you want it to look and feel on your skin, how much glow it adds or absorbs, and what you’re doing that day. Does it need to be sweat resistant or water resistant? Is it the middle of summer, when we tend to be at our oiliest? Or the middle of winter when our skin is screaming out for extra moisture and glow?
On that note, here are some you might like. They’re all fragrance free unless specified.
If you want your sunscreen to actively control excess shine all over, try;
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF50+ $33.95 for 50mL or $0.68 per mL
Specially formulated to be lightweight, Anti-Shine has a mattifying finish after application and throughout the day. That’s thanks to star ingredient Airlicium – a molecule that can absorb up to 150 times its weight in perspiration, sebum and oil.
Bondi Sands Sunny Daze SPF50 Moisturiser $22.95 for 50g or $0.46 per g
Sunny Daze is non-greasy and non-comedogenic, with a sheer, universal tint. The matte finish comes from the UV filter – Zinc Oxide, which naturally absorbs some oil and blurs the look of pores, too.
If you’re after something lightweight and hydrating that won’t add shine, try;
tbh Skin Shady 50+ $42 for 100mL or $0.42 per mL
tbh’s divine founder, Rachael Wilde, is quite breakout prone and insists on personally testing each product to make extra sure it’s breakout friendly. It’s what we do here. Skin Shady is designed for use in place of moisturiser for those after a lightweight, fast-absorbing, hydrating texture that won’t contribute to breakouts. It’s oil-free, non greasy, comes in a large 100mL tube, and sits well under makeup.
Sonny & Felix Nude-E SPF50+ $35 for 50mL or $0.70 per mL
Nude-E goes on like a moisturiser but absorbs quickly for comfortable daily use. It’s truly non-oily, feels luxurious, and won't leave a white cast.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF50+ $33.95 for 50mL or $0.68 per mL
An extra lightweight made for sensitive skin, Anthelios Invisible is, well, invisible. It’s also fragrance free, non-greasy, won’t clog pores and doesn’t sting eyes either.
If you want something that smells nice because you don’t like the ‘smell of sunscreen,’ try;
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF50+ $49 for 75mL or $0.65 per mL
Hydrating but not shiny, Supreme Screen smells fresh and clean and doubles as a primer for makeup. Best for combination skin that’s on the drier side.
Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF50+ Luminising Serum $47 for 50mL or $0.94 per mL
A fresh rose scent with extra glow, this fluid sunscreen is for drier babes that want to be dewy.
And if you’re after maximum moisture and glow, try;
Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF50+ Face Lotion $19.95 for 50mL or $0.40 per mL
A deeply hydrating, fragrance-free creamy texture with an invisible finish, Hydra Face Lotion gives glow but won’t clog pores.
Naked Sundays SPF50+ Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion $39.95 for 50mL or $0.79 per mL
This formula looks tinted thanks to a blend of iron oxides, but rubs in clear on skin, blurring texture and adding glow as it goes.
Finally, a kind reminder that if you want your lips to stay fuller for longer, you’ll want to protect the collagen in those, too. You can do that by (you guessed it) wearing SPF on your lips!
Try these;
Naked Sundays Glow + Go Lip Oil with SPF50+ $29.95 for 6mL
Comes in coconut, salted caramel or watermelon. Apply and reapply over your lipstick, or just wear it alone.
Sunsense Lip Balm SPF50+ $5.95 for 15g
For those that prefer something minimal, this one’s fragrance free with moisturising Vitamin E and cocoa butter.
Happy sunscreening! Don’t forget your sunglasses and hat! And are we ready to talk driving gloves? Next time? Great.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear to further reduce risk. Frequent re-application is required.
