SPF IS YOUR SKIN'S GLOWING BFF
While it’s timely to discuss SPF during the summer months, it should be a product in your skincare line up year round! I have tried and tested many different SPFs and have some glow-worthy faves I’ve split into categories for every occasion and loved one.
No one wants an SPF that stings the face, leaves your face white, or has a horrible smell! Plus they need to be easy to apply to little ones and be good enough for my husband who is particular about texture. So without further ado, let’s dig in!
SPFs for every day
SUPERGOOP! Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40 Serum - It’s a wonderful combination of a Vitamin C serum and an SPF. The texture is serum like, refreshing and moisturising without a tight, heavy feeling. For anyone in a rush in the AM this is a GLOW to product due to its multi-functionality combining 2 steps in one.
DR. BARBARA STURM Sun Drops with SPF 50 - Again, convenience and cutting time in the morning. You can add this product into any of your morning serums, moisturiser, or you can apply it alone. Personally, I recommend combining it into another product in my AM routine. Love the light-weighted texture of this product, it’s pricey for sure but definitely does the job!
HELIOCARE Advanced Gel SPF 50 - firstly I am not one to run to a product just for the smell but this does smell divine!!! This product was introduced by a dermatologist and comes highly recommended amongst doctors. It has great protection, no white or chalkiness on the skin.
SPFs for Vacation
I don’t know about you but the smell of sunscreen brings back so many wonderful childhood memories while on holiday. Just a whiff and I can feel my mummy lathering SPF on my siblings and I.
The key for holiday-worthy SPFs is convenience! Perfect for on the go, for applying to over-excited kiddos and leave so no white cast. For me, that’s why I prefer a mist!
COOLA Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 in Piña Colada - this was the first organic SPF I had ever used, I was actually pregnant with mouse an my skin was super sensitive to the sun, more than usual. This was a lifesaver during my baby moon and I also use this on Mouse today when we are rushing out the door to a tennis lesson etc.
SOLEIL TOUJOURS Organic Sheet Sunscreen Mist SPF 50 - This was my go to last summer after been introduced to the brand at Linnaean living. I do love it but I would say its a little too strong for use on small children, mouse has eczema and it can irritate and sting. But for us its great
“TIP: do remember with spray SPF do make sure you have sprayed evenly and ensured its rubbed in, I learnt that mistake in Summer 17, I was exhausted from a night flight with a 6 month old and as soon as I could I went to sleep, in the sun and the breeze covered up the fact I was getting burnt. I had sprayed SPF but unevenly so I spent 2 days lathering my skin with cucumber and yoghurt because of streaks of red raw skin…. The worst ( this was down to hormonal changes, I was breastfeeding and I feel it made me even more sensitive to the sun than when pregnant)”
SPFs with a tint
MZ SKIN Tint & Protect Skin Perfecting SPF 30 Tinted Moisturiser - This has got to be my favourite facial tinted moisturiser, I use it daily! It adapts to your skin colour and gives a nice light coverage while protecting your skin. Click here to catch up with my live with the founder of this incredible brand, you can’t go wrong with MZ Skin’s beautifully formulated products and this one is no exception.
SUNTEGRIY 5-in-1 Tinted Moisturizing Face Sunscreen - This product has a lovely velvety consistency that provides a stunning overall coverage. With three shades available, this is one I reach for time and time again every year. I was introduced to this brand while in Nashville, TN at Lemon Laine and have been a fan of the product and store ever since!
SOLEIL TOUJOURS SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen - Reach for this product with a shimmer/tint. It’s a great body tinted SPF, on the shoulders or to make your legs look nice and sun kissed!
SPFS for little ones
COOLA BABY Suncare Unscented Baby Mineral Moisturizer SPF 50 Sunscreen - It is rather thick and chalky but I think for tiny babies this gives them super protection.
LA ROCHE-POSAY Anthelios Sunscreen For Kids SPF 60 - I love this for Mouse’s face, she has a scar after opening her chin last year and so I want to ensure scarring stays to the minimum so I lather this on her.
LA ROCHE-POSAY Anthelios Dermo-Pediatrics Invisible Spray SPF 50 - This is great for long days outside, easy to apply and no colour yipee!
SPFs for him
This is tricky as you’ll avoid anything with a tint but want something with convenience, great formulations with no white residue and is gentle on the skin. Plus - you cannot use SPF products meant for the body on the face (my hubby has learned this lesson the hard way!). Below are my picks that are husband-approved for SPF products for him!
MURAD Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 - These are great for him if he has oilier skin and is okay with a little potential white residue as it’ll keep his skin matte and protected all day.
DR. BARBARA STURM Sun Drops with SPF 50 - A repeated product but for convenience I think these are perfect for him to combine into his skincare routine already. Whether he prefers to use with an after shave balm or a moisturiser, plus will not create any white or matte affect!
KIEHLS Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 - Love this pick as well for its multi-functionality as it protects and hydrates simultaneously.
Hope this guide proves helpful as you navigate protecting you and your family’s skin year-round! Any questions regarding why SPF is your BFF? Drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram, always happy to help!
XO Steph
