Thick, powdery, sticky, sun cream has got a bad rep, so when I said that I wear it every day as part of my skincare regime, it opened a whole new conversation on Instagram. The result? About 80% of those following me didn’t know where to start when it came to choosing the right face SPF that wouldn’t lead to spot outbreaks or make their make-up slide off.
To be completely honest, face SPF is a relatively new step in my morning routine that I wish I had started a lot sooner in my skincare journey. Not only has it reduced redness and got rid of small patches of pigmentation that was starting to develop, I’ve seen a significant reduction in fine lines around my eyes and mouth. The terrifying fact is that the sun rises every single day. We may not always see it but if it’s not pitch black outside then the chances are the sun is up there somewhere and with that comes UV light. Even on rainy days. Even in winter.
That means that even when you think you’re safe in the confines of your home or office, if you’re near a window or step outside to your car you are exposed to premature ageing, pigmentation, fine lines and pollution. Luckily, the right face SPF can protect you from all of that without bringing a fresh batch of skincare woes with it. I’ve been experimenting with a few new products these last few months and, with the warmer weather around the corner, these three are the best formulas I’ve found that are perfect to add to your regime.
FLAWLESS DAILY SUNSCREEN, DR SAM BUNTING
If there’s anyone that’s going to create a product specifically for your skin, it’s cosmetic dermatologist and all-round skin guru, Dr Samantha Bunting. I’ve worked with Sam on many beauty features over the years and trust her implicitly. This new face SPF is perfect for ALL skin types, even the blemish-prone as it contains 5% Niacinamide to keep pores clear and calm.
The consistency is as light as a daytime moisturiser, sinks into skin like a primer and doesn’t affect my make-up in the slightest. It’s not tacky or sticky and I barely noticed it after a 12 hour day running around London going to meetings and events. It has zinc oxide and octinoxate in it which gives you that all-important UVA and UVB protection and even makes skin more tolerant of retinoids (AMAZING!).
DAILY DEFENCE SHIELD SPF 30, ELEMIS
As a go-to brand for pretty much everything to do with skincare, I knew that Elemis would deliver a face SPF that did everything I needed it to and, surprise surprise, that’s exactly what I got! I’ve been thinking more and more about the daily aggressors that are causing my skin to age and computer screens are a big one. Yep, that nasty blue light penetrates our skin just like UV’s and Elemis has tackled that as well as pollution and sunlight in this product.
The formula is incredibly thin, bordering on serum-like and really moisturiser my skin at the same time thanks to its Coconut and Jojoba oils. I apply a dot on my cheeks, forehead, nose and chin and spread it down to my neck and it leaves my complexion really soft and dewy, ready for my base make-up. There’s not a hint of that awful white tinge or powdery residue and it lasts all day.
Not only has it reduced redness and got rid of small patches of pigmentation that was starting to develop, I’ve seen a significant reduction in fine lines around my eyes and mouth
CLEAN SCREEN MINERAL SPF, REN
Brand new to the market, REN’s face SPF is very different to the previous two. Slightly thicker in consistency and a little trickier to spread, it is 99% natural and vegan so it can’t possess the same ingredients as Elemis and Dr Sam’s formulas. Silicone-free with passion fruit and rice extract, it’s great for sensitive skin and won’t block pores, despite its denser consistency.
I found it very soothing on my skin and really protected it on a rare hot, sunny spring day making it great for daily use in the warmer weather. Although it wasn’t as effortless to apply, it magnified the skin making it an absolute dream to apply my make-up without any shine or grease. A great option for those who’d prefer a cleaner skincare option.
SHOP DAILY FACE SPF’S
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