Australian brand Airyday, founded by skin cancer survivor Frances van der Velden, has created a skincare-infused SPF range that shoppers say they 'want to wear daily'. Its Golden Glow SPF50+ Dreamscreen, priced at £39, is a three-in-one daily SPF, glow booster and makeup primer that delivers a sun-kissed glow for anyone 'wanting the holiday skin, minus the sun'.
Van der Velden was diagnosed with skin cancer at 36 after discovering a spot on her temple. She explained: "I rarely wore sunscreen as much as I thought and claimed I had. Wearing it only at the beach, pool or a day out 'enjoying' the sun, cliché sunny moments where we are encouraged to apply sun protection, I realised I hate sunscreen. I couldn't stand the smell, the stickiness, the thickness and felt it did more harm to my skin than good."
"Awareness dawned. Protection was non-negotiable. So, nine stitches later, an all-clear from the Dermatologist and a desire to create something I wanted to wear daily, Airyday was born."
SPF Wardrobe concept
Frances encourages users to have an SPF wardrobe - a selection of SPFs to suit the skin's needs. The brand shares: "Just as you switch up your skincare depending on how your skin looks and feels, your SPF can change too. Our award-winning SPF Wardrobe® is a collection of SPF50+ primers with different textures, finishes and skincare benefits, with an option no matter the skin type, tone, reason, or season."
With options that boost glow, brightness and hydration or blur, mattify or calm the skin, prices start at £39. Its most coveted item is the Golden Glow SPF50+ Dreamscreen.
Skincare benefits and shades
The formula is supercharged with skincare heroes like Niacinamide, Vegan Collagen (to boost skin elasticity), and Vitamins C, E, and F, which work to support brighter, smoother-looking skin whilst providing a good dose of hydration. It's also powered by Blue Oléoactif, a 100% vegetal anti-pollution and anti-blue-light active that shields against urban pollution while evening out hyperpigmentation and boosting cellular repair.
Alongside Golden Glow, which gives the skin a 'warm, luminous finish', Dreamscreen comes in two additional shades: Pearl Glow, whose pearlescent wash delivers a fresh, brightening finish; Bronze Glow, which gives the skin a warm, bronzed finish.
Rival SPFs and shopper reviews
Airyday isn't the only SPF offering lightweight, grease-free protection from high UVA and UVB rays. Tatcha's The Milky Sunscreen SPF50, £49, melts into the skin and pairs vitamin E with ectoin to help provide moisture and support to the skin's natural barrier. Supergoop!'s Unseen Sunscreen SPF50, now £31.02 from £36.50 for a 50ml bottle at Boots, is an invisible, weightless, and scentless broad-spectrum SPF that also doubles up as a makeup primer.
Shoppers praise Airyday's formula for being great for more mature skin, with one woman in her 60s remarking: "As someone with mature skin, finding an SPF that doesn't settle into fine lines or make me look flat and chalky is tough. Golden Glow gives a warm, youthful sheen without looking greasy." Another echoed: "Lovely texture for mature skin. Provides just enough sheer tint to blur imperfections so I don't feel the need to wear heavy foundation during the day."
The only issue some users had was its peony and champagne scent, which was 'overpowering' for one shopper. They said in a more critical review: "I like the glow this gives, but I found the scent overpowering and it stings my eyes, unfortunately." That said, the fragrance has been welcomed by a large majority, with one review reading: "Incredible product. I wear this every day; it provides a beautiful glow on its own or under makeup. It is lightweight and has a beautiful, fresh fragrance. Best SPF I have used for my face."
