As temperatures rise across the UK, our beauty team has been testing the best SPF products on the market. Beyond preventing sun damage, the NHS highlights SPF as a skincare essential for maintaining long-term skin health and warding off premature ageing. As beauty journalists, we try countless products, and these are the sunscreens we absolutely swear by.
Jada's Picks
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ 50ml - £15.50
This K-beauty classic is hydrating and offers great protection. Jada used it on holiday in Agadir, Morocco, where it performed perfectly even in scorching heat. It shows slightly white in water but is otherwise invisible.
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+ 50ml - £18
Jada's top recommendation for everyone. It provides excellent sun protection, feels like a moisturiser, rubs in easily, and leaves no white cast. It's reasonably priced and lasts for months.
Kosas DreamBeam Sunscreen SPF 30 40ml - £37
A tinted sunscreen that gives a beautiful glow. Jada loves the Sunlit shade for its blendability and compliments. It works as a base makeup replacement but needs more frequent reapplication due to SPF 30.
Allies of Skin THE ONE SPF 50 Invisible Sunscreen Gel - £27
This clear gel absorbs instantly, leaving skin quenched and glowing. It works well under makeup and lasts 80 minutes in water. Perfect for achieving glass skin.
Eve's Picks
e.l.f. Cosmetics Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30 - £15
A tinted shimmer product that provides glow and protection. Contains aloe, hyaluronic acid, and squalane. For stronger protection, Eve recommends Merit Beauty's The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF50 (£34) or La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ (£15.75).
SKIN & TAN Face Glow Advanced Hydrating SPF & Tan Cream SPF30 - £13.33 (was £20)
A multi-tasking moisturiser, SPF, and gradual tanner. It leaves skin moisturised and glowing, despite an earthy scent from mushroom complex.
Beth's Picks
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 30 - £36.50
This cult favourite works as sunscreen, primer, and skin tint, giving a radiant finish. Contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Not ideal for oily skin as it can be too glowy.
Merit The Uniform Tinted SPF 50 - £34
A lightweight, breathable tinted sunscreen that replaces foundation. Offers SPF 50 protection and a dewy finish. Shade matching can be tricky with only 20 shades.
Laneige Hydro UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 - £26
An ultra-light K-beauty SPF that disappears into skin. Cooling, hydrating, and weightless. Works well under makeup without pilling. Suitable for combination skin.
Dr.Jart+ Every Sun Day Ultra-Sheer Priming Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 - £24
A mess-free stick for quick top-ups. Smooth and primer-like finish. Good for on-the-go but not recommended as sole morning SPF for long sun exposure.
Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF50 Reapplication Mist - £32
A fine mist that sets and refreshes makeup. Tested under Australian sun. Should be used in addition to a primary SPF. Alternative: Naked Sundays SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Mist (£24 at Cult Beauty).
Lucy's Pick
ESPA Protect & Brighten Daily Skin Shield SPF50 - £42.40 (was £53)
Lucy's favourite for daily use. Absorbs quickly, works well under makeup, and feels luxurious with a citrusy scent. High SPF protection proved effective in Italy and Ghana.
Lauren's Picks
The Organic Pharmacy UV365 Protecting Ageing Defence - £35
A moisturising SPF with UVA/UVB protection. Thick formula but a little goes a long way. Ideal for preventing sunburn and wrinkles.
Paula's Choice CALMBarrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 - £31.20 (was £39)
Great for sensitive skin and redness. Lightweight, non-greasy, and hydrating. Helps calm complexion while protecting from sun damage.
