There can be little doubt that a good SPF is like finding the perfect blazer: it works everyday and every time, and makes you feel and look fabulous. And so, as the weather finally turns and sunny skies grace us with their presence, we thought it would be good to do a little beauty round-up of the best SPFs for the summer months.
sUn WoRsHIpPErS, TaKe NoTe
The style team reveal their favourite sun creams for the summer months
Words by Flora Macdonald Johnston, Heather Gwyther & Flossie Strickland
FLORA, FASHION & CONTENT DIRECTOR
FrezyDerm sun cream colour velvet SPF50
I was first introduced to FrezyDerm when I worked at VOGUE, and it’s easy to see why it was – and still is – the cult favourite amongst editors. Not only does FrezyDerm help smooth out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (can we get an amen?!), it’s water resistant, velvety and silky in texture, long-lasting and actually helps improve the skin’s barrier, all the while being a high factor SPF. I like to take this with me when skiing due to the extra intense UV reflections on snow, it would also be perfect for those who enjoy watersports, or bathing by a glamorous hotel pool – the choice is yours.
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50
New kid on the block, Thank You Farmer has impressed beauty editors across the board, and now, me. A Korean beauty brand (where skin routines are as important as breathing oxygen), their ethos is farm-grown ingredients which help maintain the skin’s health, help to delay the cell-ageing process, boost resilience while helping protect against environmental factors. Their suncream was delightfully absorbent, and I did not feel the need to constantly top up throughout the day. A new daily cream for me and a new permanent addition to my SPF shelf (yes, I have one).
SkinCeuticals Mineral Radiance UV defence SPF50
This is the SPF I like to keep on me for when I am on the go. SkinCeuticals is known for its dermatologically-tested products, so it’s a good one if, like me, you have sensitive skin. The formula absorbs easily, boosts skin radiance and texture, plus is great to use over make-up thanks to its lightweight texture.
HEATHER, CONTENT EDITOR
Hello Sunday The Take-Out One Invisible Sun Stick SPF 30
No matter the season, if you see daylight, you put on SPF – that’s the rule, our main insurance against looking riper than necessary several years down the line. But, being infallible humans and whatnot, sometimes we forget! That’s why it’s good to have an SPF specifically for your handbag – mine’s this nifty number by Hello Sunday. Fittingly named ‘The Take-Out One, it’s an invisible angel that won’t make you look like you’re wearing base layer clown makeup (because there is nothing funny about that).
Murad City Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 50
This is the facial SPF I wear daily, the finale of my morning skincare routine, the thing that always makes me late! But – particularly when I’ve been smothering myself with retinol the night before – it’s an unmissable step. An utter dream in terms of tone and texture, I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Vichy Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water With Hyaluronic Acid SPF 50
So, I’ve covered handbag SPF and daily SPF, but what about the fun stuff? Holiday SPF is generally the most exciting iteration of SPF because, well, it’s what you wear on holiday. The bottles are bigger, the stakes are higher and the application is considerably more liberal. Throw in a hydrating heavyweight like hyaluronic acid and an SPF will treat your skin as well as protect it. This one in particular scores extra points for being a water formula – it’s as undetectable as it is effective.
FLOSSIE, FASHION & PR ASSISTANT
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
A beauty editor classic, and a firm favourite for a reason, I’ve not deviated from Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturiser from the moment I bought it as my first everyday all-in-one at the age of sixteen. Nine years later and whilst it might have changed its guise over the years (the formula has undergone as many modernisations as the iphone updates), it’s effortlessly light but liberal coverage and SPF combo still has a hold on me.
Sarah Chapman Skinesis Skin Insurance SPF 30
For an SPF you can rely on, the Sarah Chapman Skinesis skin insurance is a true delight. More of a tinted SPF than a tinted moisturiser, the skin perfecting technology instantly warms up and rectifies any impurities without compromising protection against damaging rays. Coming in at a higher price point, I reserve this for when my skin needs a luxurious dollop of extra hydration.