IN DEFENCE OF SUNSCREEN MOISTURISERS...

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Today I wanted to do a little bit of a post on sunscreen-moisturisers, which are much maligned in the beauty world. I'm going to explain why they might not be that bad and talk through four of the best I've found...

I think the reason why sunscreen-moisturiser hybrids get a bit of a bad wrap is that people don't apply them like sunscreen and half the time they're about an SPF 15 (I'm not looking at any products below 30), so that adds up to... not a lot! The product has been tested to its advertised level of protection, so you just need to ensure you're getting enough product on your face and you've got an amazing all-in-one. 

I'll start with the Fenty Skin Hydra Visor SPF 30* | £32 | full review | which I think kind of led the charge in popularising this product type again. This is actually an oil-free formula but it has quite a dewy finish by the time you apply as much as you need to, and I personally find it provides lasting hydration. It has a light, melting formula, it never pills up and it sits beautifully under makeup - no need for a primer! This shows zero white cast on my skin and I've seen people with a deeper skin tone than mine slap it on liberally with no awkward silvery sheen. If you're all about the simple routine; this has your sunscreen, hyaluronic acid (to draw water into the skin) and antioxidants to protect the skin from environmental damage (so perfect paired with sunscreen).

My next product is the mineral option in my arsenal: the Skingredients Skin Shield SPF 50 PA +++* | £41 | full review. I'm normally not a fan of mineral sunscreens and this is the first one that ever turned my head. Mineral sunscreens are great if you have sensitive skin or if you find that sunscreen can get a little irritating around your eyes (this is also fragrance-free). The downside is that they're so often thick, white and look awful on anyone who's not a Fitzpatrick 1 or 2. I'm around about a 4 and I really haven't seen this product around enough on the internet to say how it looks on someone deeper than me, but if you're my skin tone or lighter: this is an amazing option (the brand have also teased a deeper version in the works). I love the lightweight, fluid texture and it has a slightly peachy tint. It melts in beautifully and gives gorgeous hydration, Again, it's oil-free, which I'm often not that into but this does work for my skin on its own, especially as a summer option when I don't need all the extra nourishment. As a moisturiser, it also gives you niacinamide and Vitamin E, as antioxidants. They're going to help contribute towards a healthy skin barrier and calm and nourish.

Next we have my beloved Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ | £34 | full review. This is billed as an all-in-one sunscreen, moisturiser and primer, and I can say it's dreamy under makeup, it's super moisturising and during the summer this is going to be my perfect product to go after my serum and before my complexion makeup. You can apply the correct amount of this product without getting white cast or it being too heavy and it gives the most beautiful glow to the skin. I recommend it for normal-to-dry skin types and it contains other antioxidant sources like kakadu plum that can be really beneficial to the skin.

Finally, I'm going to talk about the Dr. David Jack All Day Long Daily Tinted Broad Spectrum Moisturiser SPF 50* | £89. It's not the most budget-friendly option on my list but hopefully there's a good mix in this post and this is my luxury pick. It says it's tinted, though it's not particularly, by my eye! It contains fatty alcohol cetyl and glycerin as a water magnet, soothing aloe and lactic acid for hydration and mild exfoliation. This is super lightweight, it melts right in, it hydrates and moisturises and my makeup applies nicely over it. I don't even have to wait for this to melt in to get that zero white cast finish. 

Do you ever go for sunscreen moisturisers?

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