SUPER-LIGHT & SPF 50

 

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Today we're talking sunscreens that offer a high level of protection but have super-light textures (you can see them in action here). These are going to be your best friends during the summer when you need all the protection you can get and you'll be re-appling them throughout the day...

First up is my current go-to: the Ultra Violette Fave Fluid Ultralight Skinscreen Lotion SPF 50+* | £37. This possibly has the lightest, milkiest texture of the bunch, and you're getting a broad spectrum SPF 50+ tested to rigorous Australian sunscreen standards. This isn't a water-resistant formula, but it does work really well with the rest of my skincare routine and sits perfectly under makeup, so for me: this is a great everyday option. It doesn't irritate my eyes or skin and it sinks in perfectly, without leaving any sort of cast and it has a finish that's natural; neither matte nor dewy (meaning it can work for any skin type). This is so cosmetically-elegant and feels like nothing on the skin, which is what's made it an absolute favourite of mine. 

A summer holiday classic for me is the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+* | £19.90. This does still work pretty well under makeup, but I prefer other formulas in this post for that, and this one for when I'm exercising or on a beach holiday. That's because this has amazing water-resistance; of course if you're going for a swim, you need to dry off and reapply your sunscreen, but this will offer greater longevity if you're breaking a sweat (also preventing the sunscreen from running into your eyes, which is important for someone with sensitive eyes like mine). This is a very lightweight fluid that absorbs easily and doesn't leave a cast. Again, I'd say the finish is neutral, but this time maybe leaning more towards being slightly matte (another reason why it's great for hot days). What makes this formula unique is also the recent addition of a new filter, specifically protecting the skin against long-wave UVA rays which can cause premature ageing.

Next, we have one for dry skin: the Skin Proud Serious Shade Lightweight Hydrating Skin Serum SPF 50+ | £16.95. I can actually get away with this sans moisturiser on hot days, which is a bonus, but I do typically wear this with a gel-cream underneath it and it melds really nicely with my skincare and makeup. This has a little bit of a thicker texture to massage into the skin than some of the others in this post but it does set down nicely and feels very light once it does. This is formulated with the traditional filters you often see in US sunscreens, which might be why you need to work it in a little more. This - along with the fact it does contain fragrance - might mean it's not the best option for sensitive skin, however it doesn't irritate my eyes. It's formulated with broad spectrum protection and has added extras such as glycerin, Vitamin E and aloe. The finish is hydrated and radiant, but not too shiny.

For US readers, the best sunscreen I've found in this category is the Supergoop Every Single Face Watery Lotion SPF 50 | £29. Again, it takes a little more work than something like the Ultra Violette, but it is still an elegant formula that has no issues melting into my skin. It has a light, lotion texture and a fairly dewy, hydrating finish without being shiny, so if you're looking to skip the moisturiser: it's a good option. Unlike many US sunscreens, this doesn't irritate my eyes, possibly because it has 40 minutes water resistance (just the right amount to prevent sweat travelling into your eyes without making it too difficult to remove). This is fragrance-free with broad spectrum visible light protection and contains antioxidants to protect the skin from free radical damage, plus niacinamide to boost the skin barrier and prevent discolouration in the skin. All in all: this is a great daily sunscreen for everyone and it's never pilled up underneath my makeup.

Finally, my hand-luggage-only fave: the Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Invisible Face Serum SPF 50+ | £14. This is a great option for dry skin; it's moisturising but not shiny, also formulated with ceramides to boost the skin barrier and reduce dryness. This is a broad spectrum SPF 50+ that melts into the skin with very little work and doesn't irritate my skin or eyes, thanks to modern filters that are really cosmetically-elegant. This has a milky-serum texture yet offers such a great level of protection. It's just about traceless on the skin and works really nicely with my makeup. It's compact, so perfect as an everyday option when you're travelling, and I think it's one that will work for just about anyone!

What are your favourite high-protection but lightweight sunscreens?

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