Sunscreen review: Which SPF products should you buy?
EVER purchased an SPF product only to find that it turns you into a pale ghost or a grease-monkey? Our road test has unearthed the best of the bunch.
EVER purchased an SPF product only to find that it turns you into a pale ghost or a grease-monkey? We’ve road-tested them to unearth the best of the bunch.
But first, Kate Morris, founder of Adore Beauty answers a few basics about SPF.
1. Does SPF 30 offer me twice as much protection as SPF 15?
It was thought that double the number meant double the protection from the sun. This is not the case. An SPF 30+ sunscreen blocks out approximately 97% of the sun’s UV rays. An SPF 15 sunscreen blocks about 93% of the suns UV rays. A common misconception is that SPF 30 protects twice as much as an SPF15 — that is not the case. Unfortunately, no sunscreen can protect you against 100% of the sun’s rays so it is important to always use a broad spectrum sunscreen and apply it liberally and frequently.
2. What does Broad Spectrum mean?
A broad spectrum sunscreen offers protection from both the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Broad spectrum sunscreens help protect your skin from the ageing effects of the sun, as well as the burning effects. If a sunscreen is broad spectrum it will be clearly marked broad spectrum.
3. What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?
The sunlight that hits the earth’s atmosphere is made up of two different types of rays which affect your skin in different ways. UVA rays are the longer rays and UVB rays are the shorter rays. UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn and most skin cancers. They can generally be blocked by window glass. UVA rays can pass through window glass and are associated with skin ageing. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the base layer of the skin so even if you’re not getting burnt, you’re still likely to be ageing your skin, causing a depletion of collagen and upsetting your skin’s pigment.
4. I’m in the office all day so do I really need sunscreen?
As mentioned, UVA rays travel through glass so you’re still being affected on the way to work in the car, as well as through the office windows. We’d always suggest wearing sunscreen, everyday.
5. I use a foundation with an SPF isn’t that enough?
Not really, no. SPF needs to be applied liberally over the skin so your skin is protected. The SPF in your foundation is a nice bonus but it might not be broad spectrum and you’re probably not layering it over your face, neck and décolletage in a thick layer to really create protection.
The products we loved
For kids — Cancer Council Peppa Pig kids sunscreen range SPF 50+, from $10.95 cancer.org.au
It’s been specially-formulated and dermatologically tested for delicate skin and is 4 hours water resistant as well, so you don’t have to chase them to reapply every five minutes.
For a primer with SPF — Laura Mercier Foundation Primer PROTECT SPF 30 $45 adorebeauty.com.au
This one is great for summer. It includes SPF30 sun protection which is more than most primers on the market but unlike sunscreen, is light in texture and blends in to the skin easily. The product is good for sensitive skin and works well under different products including mineral powder, tinted moisturiser and cream foundations. I found that my skin felt more hydrated and my make up would stay on for longer, even during the extreme heat.
For your hands — Mecca ‘To Save Hands’ SPF 30 cream — $38 mecca.com.au
This is a great product! It actually lives up to its claim of being non-greasy, meaning I could apply it anytime and anywhere — at my desk, in the car. Love, love, love. Only downside I could mention is that the lid did come open slightly in my bag, you have to make sure you pop it down properly.
For your hair — Kérastase Soleil CC Crème $45 kerastase.com.au
A correction crème that protects, repairs and illuminates the hair. Created with UV protection filters and enriched will Linseed Oil, Safflower Oil, Ceramides and Antioxidants to nourish and repair, Soleil CC Crème is an essential for your beach bag. It’s not too sticky, has a great fragrance and as an added bonus it seems to smooth frizz.
For your face (with tint) — Sunforgettable Tint du Soleil SPF 30 $72.60 phone 1800 648 851
Look, this isn’t cheap, but as far as we can tell it’s worth every cent. There are a few shades to choose from, so you can make sure you get the right tint for your skin tone. It doesn’t feel sticky or greasy and a little goes a long way, so you actually get value for money. Provides a good level of coverage without feeling too thick.
For your face (no tint) — Nivea Light Feel Daily Face Veil SPF 30 nivea.com.au
This is a summer staple — it’s light, moisturising and contains no solid particles so it is instantly absorbed into the skin. It works well under makeup and it helps that it’s a great price point too.
For an SPF booster — Dermalogica solar defence booster SPF 50 $64 dermalogica.com.au
If you have a moisturiser that you already love, then you can turn it into an SPF product with a few drops of this excellent ‘booster’. It lasts for ages and is formulated without any artificial fragrances and colours so is great for people with sensitive skin.
For your lips — Ella Bache Great 50+ lipsaver $20 www.ellabache.com.au
This moisturising sheer lip tint provides balanced UVA and UVB broad spectrum SPF 50+ protection against damaging rays. As an added bonus it gives a great colour that lasts. (It is available in Natural, Pomegranate, Melon and Mocha ... as far as we’re concerned Melon is the pick of the bunch).
For sporty types — Banana Boat Sport SPF 50+$11.99 bananaboat.com.au
This is some heavy-duty business. As a runner I loved that it didn’t feel like it was sweating off — it stayed put and did its job. It’s 4 hours water resistant too.
For your eyes — Alpha H Absolute Eye Complex SPF 15 $69.95 alpha-h.com
Ever put normal face sunscreen around your sensitive eye area and felt the serious sting that can come with it? That’s not longer a problem with this nutrient-packed eye cream that is especially formulated for this sensitive area. It’s light and non-greasy and is great for daily use.
For those who want an all-rounder — Invisible Zinc SPF50, Face + Body sunscreen from $19.99 invisiblezinc.com.au
The bee’s knees of sunscreens, especially for protecting our faces and necks. I’ve always put 50+ on my face when I’m planning a day outdoors because I’m quite fair and freckly, but this bad boy is also two hours water resistant so it’s perfect for big sessions at the beach. It’s also the least greasy sunscreen I’ve ever used.
For those who don’t want to sacrifice precious vitamin D — SolarD Daily Use SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray, $19.95 solar-d.com.au
Some clever soul has created a ‘vitamin D friendly’ sunscreen that permits some of the light that our bodies use to make vitamin D (which helps produce strong healthy bones). To top it off, It’s 2 hours water resistant, offers UVA and UVB broad spectrum coverage and has a natural tint so you don’t end up with that greyish tinge. Love this product.
For men — Bulldog Protective Moisturiser SPF15 $17.95 melrosehealth.com.au
Perfect for gents to use every day, this hydrating moisturiser has nine essential oils as well as aloe vera, green tea and broad spectrum SPF15. Doesn’t get stuck in stubble either which is a real bonus!
For those who want to bronze at the same time — ModelCo Bronze Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF50+ $25 modelcocosmetics.com
Problem: It takes a brave soul to bare their beach bod fresh out of winter hibernation. Solution: ModelCo’s Bronze Touch Dry Sunscreen is pasty gal’s best friend. The SPF50+ sunscreen (winner) contains a deep bronze colour (double winner) that gives you an even tanned glow if you’ve forgotten the fake bake the night before. The formula is exactly as it says, dry to touch, without a greasy feel. It’s non-streaky and absorbs quickly, adding warmth and depth that will give your skin a healthy glow. It’s water resistant and I didn’t find it rubbing off my clothes.
For those who are anti-chemical — Natural Instinct Invisible Sunscreen SPF30 from $15.95 naturalinstinct.com.au
This is great as you don’t get the white ‘ghosting’ formula that many sunscreens have, and it’s free from all synthetic UV filters, so you don’t have to worry about harsh chemicals on your skin. In fact, it’s loaded with jojoba oil, shea butter and vitamin e so it injects plenty of moisture into your skin while you’re outdoors.
For those who have overdone it a bit — Jurlique After Sun Replenishing Moisturising Lotion $45 jurlique.com.au
I’ve been putting this on after my evening shower, particularly if I’ve had an afternoon with my face exposed to the sun. You don’t need much as it’s deeply nourishing, but great for instantly injecting some moisture back into your skin if it’s feeling dry.