The weather is set to warm up this week with higher temperatures expected in various areas of the UK. With this in mind The Reviews Club has rounded up some of the best SPF sun creams you can currently get in stores and online.
Our reviewers have had a look for the top branded products which will help us get through the next few months in the spring and summer sun. An SPF under everyday make-up can sometimes be a nuisance and it is not a good look when you get those nasty white streaks, either.
It's also good to pick one up for a great price to keep costs of holiday down and overall living costs too. Below we have reviewed well-known brands such as Glossier, La Roche Posay, Hawaiian Tropic, Dermalogica and INKEY, and each reviewer has had a completely different experience when it comes to applying SPF onto their skin.
Glossier Invisible Shield
The Glossier Invisible Shield was tested out by Reviews Writer Jada Jones.
I'm always a little apprehensive when it comes to SPF, too many times has it left white streaks across my face that makes it look like I decided to rub chalk across my face. I started my search for an SPF that wouldn't leave my face resembling that of a woman in the Victorian era, and one that I kept hearing about was Glossier's Invisible Shield.
It looks a little bit odd when it first comes out of the bottle, but blends out to a completely clear serum consistency. It also makes your skin glow which I was surprised by and works great under makeup, but I think it gives you enough of a boost that you don't feel the need to wear makeup.
I really love this and I know I'll be going back to Glossier to get another bottle when this one runs out.
Rating: 5/5
Price: £20
Buy here: Glossier
La Roche Posay
The La Roche Posay SPF was tested out by Birmingham Mail's Rebecca Astill.
SPF is one of those things everyone tells you you need to be wearing everyday, but with sensitive skin, I try to put as little on my face as possible. It is just another layer that could produce a flare-up if I use the wrong one.
I decided to try the La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios UVMune 50+ SPF, as it is non-perfumed and the French brand is also known to be a hero for sensitive skin. Never one to cater to Instagram aesthetics, the packaging is pretty sterile and medical.
At first, the SPF comes out pretty watery. After a good shake, I managed to get a slightly thicker consistency, although still not anywhere near thick, which is ideal for daily wear and under makeup.
It absorbs quickly into the skin, and although at first I was disappointed by the white stripes it left, they quickly disappear once rubbed in. It felt like I had nothing on my skin.
This is not an SPF for anyone looking for any sort of coverage from their SPF, there is no tint or glow, just science-backed, practical sun protection for everyday use.
Rating: 5/5
Price: £13.50 (50ml)
Buy here: Boots
Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk
The Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Milk SPF was tested by Reviews Editor Stacey Dutton.
One of the main reasons I don't wear SPF all the time under make-up is, it's very hard to find one which doesn't look too oily under make up. And yes, I am one of these people that wears make up pretty much every day, so I need an SPF that can withstand the test of time all day.
So, I was a little worried that the Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Milk would be a little too greasy but, once I had applied it, I did my usual make up routine on top- and this was the results. I loved the consistency and, it felt slightly more mattifying than I would have expected from a milky lotion.
The scent is stunning (as you can imagine from the Hawaiian range), and I think I would quite happily be able to use this day to day on holiday. I've never usually used a different face SPF- I've always been a spray and go kind of girl with whatever body SPF I've packed in my suitcase.
Only a little goes a long way too, so it's also a great bargain that will last the whole of the summer months.
Rating: 4/5
Price: £8.33 (50ml)
Buy here: Boots
Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defence
Dermalogica’s Invisible Physical Defence was tested out by the Manchester Evening News’ Bethan Shufflebotham.
She said: “This broad spectrum sunscreen is on the pricey side at £45, but I can use it confidently knowing that it’s genuinely protecting my skin. The product uses zinc oxide, which is one of only two ingredients considered a physical sunscreen.
“Many sun protection products are chemical based which absorb the sun’s rays, but with zinc oxide products, they physically block and reflect the rays.”
The Dermalogica product is PETA certified and cruelty free, and should be used around 30 minutes before heading into the sun.
Bethan added: “It’s really important to wear SPF every day, not just when the weather is hot, so you want a product that doesn’t feel like a chore to use, and doesn’t feel gross under your makeup.
“The physical sunscreen from Dermalogica is quite thick so you only need a small amount. It spreads and blends well, and is said to block out blue light too.
“I find the sunscreen to tackle redness and dryness, and feels quite soothing on the skin. I keep it in a cool cupboard so that it feels extra calming on my skin in summer.”
Rating: 4/5
Price: £45
Buy here: Feel Unique
The INKEY list SPF30 Sunscreen
The INKEY list SPF30 Sunscreen was tested out by the Liverpool Echo's’ Emily Sleight.
I'll be honest, I've been very lazy with SPF over the years and I think it's really taken a toll on my skin. I'm a big fan of INKEY as a brand in general, so I was really intrigued to try out their SPF30 face sunscreen.
It offers UVA and UVB protection and is a vegan, fragrance-free and cruelty-free product, which is always a bonus. The product is said to be suitable for all skin types and helps prevent premature skin ageing with Shea butter for moisturising.
I really like how thick the product is, it has a slight colour to it which really helps balance out the redness of my skin and makes my face feel nice and matte. I applied it 15-minutes before sun exposure and it worked really well as a general base before my makeup, I was really impressed with this product.
It didn't feel sticky or cakey and didn't have any overwhelming scent to it which sometimes puts me off products.
Rating: 4/5
Price: £14.99
Buy here: Cult Beauty
