After what felt like an endless slog of winter weather, spring has slowly starting to show its face. This also means the return of a regimented SPF routine as UV levels rise. If you’re looking to stock up on SPF to protect your skin, I’ve found the best budget SPF moisturiser that won’t break the bank.
If your regular sunscreen feels heavy or sticky on your face, it might be time to switch formulas. Sun protection doesn’t have to feel suffocating and there are lots of brands now offering lightweight, silky textures, and it’s not just high-end labels either. One of my go-to SPF moisturisers is only £7.
I tested 16 of the industry’s most popular face creams, serums, and lotions with SPF, and it was Simple’s triple protect SPF 30 moisturiser (Boots.com) that came out as a surprisingly strong performer.
Read on to see exactly what I love about this budget buy.
Read more: 16 face moisturisers with SPF that make daily sun protection simple
Simple protect 'n' glow triple protect moisturiser SPF30
After testing the moisturiser for several weeks, I loved the “flattering finish [it] left on make-up free skin” and adored the value for money. It combines “a good chunk of skin-loving ingredients [in] a fragrance-free, cruelty-free and vegan formula.” It uses vitamin C, vitamin E, niacinamide, glycerin and anti-inflammatory ginger root, which covers every base from brightening and soothing to hydrating and oil-balancing. This moisturiser even claims to protect you from the blue light of laptop and phone screens.
If you have an oily complexion, “I enjoyed the lack of shine prompted by this moisturiser.” It pills a little when overworked, and the company suggests that dry skin types doubling up on hydration should add any other moisturisers or products at the same time as the SPF to prevent pilling. However, I found that if you’re careful, you’ll have no issues. All in all, I found that it “gives a flattering finish left on make-up free skin.”
Buy now £7, Boots.com
We’ve also tested the best aftersun lotion to soothe parched, damaged skin
