The Beauty Diary by Rebekah Scanlan: The best facial sunscreens
A new product that’s perfect for summer has just dropped in Coles which at just $15, is so good — even famous bikini models are fans.
Summer is coming and I’m so bloody excited I could cry.
But while I’m stoked about finally getting a dose of much needed vitamin D — I dread the breakouts that usually come hand-in-hand with using sunscreen on my face.
Traditional sun protection is too thick and greasy on my skin, giving me gross pimples and causing my already oily skin to look even shinier.
And I’m not alone, spots and pimple problems are one of the main reasons people ditch sunscreen on their faces. The fact it also breaks down foundation is another major annoyance.
Ava Matthews, who co-owns Australian sunscreen brand Ultra Violette with business partner Bec Jefferd, told The Beauty Diary if you don’t use sunscreen, you’re making a major mistake.
“SPF is absolutely the most important step in any skincare routine and needs to be worn every day to do its job,” she said, explaining the correct time to apply sunscreen is as the last step in your skincare routine but before you apply any makeup.
“Contrary to advice you may have heard, chemical sunscreens don’t go on first and physical don’t go on last, they all are applied at the same point,” Ava added.
“If you’re not protecting your face from the ultimate skin enemy daily, then there’s really no point in any of your cosmeceuticals — even Botox.”
Relying on SPF in your moisturiser or foundation isn’t enough to protect you either, Ava warns.
“Even if it’s a foundation with SPF 50+, you’d need to apply SO much to get adequate coverage,” she said.
Luckily, science has come a long way and there’s some incredible sunscreens now that are designed especially for our faces — and they won’t give you zits or ruin your make-up.
Products with hyaluronic acid, glycerine, or dimethicone are winners as they hydrate the skin and leave a barrier, but won’t leave you looking greasy or oily.
“Texture is also important, something that’s not too thick or heavy, but lighter — think serums or light creams that can be layered easily with other products like your primers and foundations without causing pilling.”
Here are my favourite facial sunscreens that I’ll be using throughout summer — just make sure you’re applying enough as most people don’t. The right amount is about 1/4 teaspoon, and if you’re in direct sunlight it needs to be applied every 2 hours.
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BONDI SANDS SPF50+ DAILY MOISTURISING FACE SUNSCREEN
Available at Priceline, Chemist Warehouse and Coles
Price: $14.99
Bondi Sands definitely want us to have a safe and healthy summer glow. The brand is known for its fake tan, but also nails sunscreen — making its range the complete solution for those who want to look like they’ve just spent two weeks in Cabo but without any of the bad parts. Now Bondi Sands have just dropped a sunscreen that has been created especially for your face after recognising we have different needs for that part of our body — and I’m digging it.
It’s scent free, super moisturising and dries with no yukky residue or streaks. Plus it’s factor 50 which is so needed in these summer heatwaves.
The ingredients list added Aloe Vera and vitamin E which is why my skin is feels soft and hydrated after using and it sits beautifully under make-up. No piling here.
To launch it, the brand partnered with fitness model Steph Claire Smith who has been sharing a string of bikini-clad selfies raving about the product. Australia’s hottest swimwear model previously admitted she swore by the brand’s sunscreen oils — all of which are have an SPF30 — meaning she’s taken her sunscreen protection to the next level, something I can’t agree with more.
ULTRA VIOLETTE CLEAN SCREEN SPF 30 MATTIFYING MINERAL SKINSCREEN
Available at ultraviolette.com.au and adorebeauty.com.au
Price: $42.00
Ultra Violette call their sunscreens “skinscreens” as they have skincare benefits as well as sun protective properties, so when you’re shopping its range, think the same way as you do when shopping for moisturiser and buy depending on your skin’s needs. As many of you know, excess oil is one of my main concerns so I went for the mattifying sunscreen. The formula feels super luxe on application — and so it should, it costs the best part of $50 — and dries into my skin like a serum, making it ideal under make-up. Whoop!
While I didn’t mind the fragrance, which is hard to describe if I’m honest but is kind of musky, one of my colleagues said she stopped using hers because of it. Who knew a scent could be so divisive? It definitely didn’t bother me though.
The packaging is also incredibly helpful, telling you exactly how many pumps you need for the correct application (five with this product) and how long it will last if you’re using it everyday as you should — which on this 50ml tube is 40 days. How cool is that? Can totally see why this has quickly become a cult-fave among Aussies. Ooh and if you have sensitive skin, this baby is worth trying as it has a mineral base rather than a chemical one which can cause irritation. My only bug bear is that it’s a factor 30.
HAWAIIAN TROPIC DUO DEFENCE FACE SPF50+
Available at Priceline, amazon.com.au and Woolworths
Price: $16.99
I’m not going to lie, I LURRRRVE this facial sunscreen. It smells like freshly cracked coconuts and a single sniff transports me to drinking pina coladas by the pool with my besties. Yay! But aside from that, it’s fab because it absorbs into skin fast without those pesky white streaks and doesn’t leave my skin feeling oily. Best of all, my make-up doesn’t disintegrate when I apply on top making it one tasty-smelling make-up base.
If you’re wondering what the “duo” part is all about, the brand explains it comes from the moisturising formula that they state features a “protective anti-pollution layer” to help prevent premature aging from the sun and pollution. To be honest, I’ve no idea whether those claims can stand up — but it certainly did the job at the the races the other day where despite being outdoors heaps, I didn’t see a smidge of redness. And the price can’t be argued with — this is my MVP of the summer.
LA ROCHE-POSAY ANTHELIOS XL ULTRA-LIGHT FLUID TINTED FACIAL SUNSCREEN SPF50+
Available at Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, amazon.com.au, laroche-posay.com.au and adorebeauty.com.au
Price: $29.95
Once you’ve recovered from it’s total mouthful of a name (I mean, come on) you’ll quickly forgive its sins as it’s a really beautiful product. It feels like a moisturiser, even applying like one without leaving any icky residue. It sits perfectly under make-up too and lasts all day without budging. But one of my fave parts about this sunscreen is that it’s tinted, giving skin that gorgeous glow. The coverage is very light and works wonders for no those days when you can’t be fussed putting on make-up. It’s only downside is it’s strong Has a strong SPF-y smell, it’s the most potent out of the sunscreens featured.
This column is not advertorial content. Every review is independent, honest and ad free.
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