Best face SPFs with skincare benefits – including Inkey List and Avene

2023-06-10

Some beauty products can’t help but evoke ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’. A designer lipstick, a shimmery eye palette, a beautiful perfume. And, of course, a new sun cream.

Yes, really. Facial SPF may once have been a grudge purchase but today it’s one of the most exciting areas of skincare. Take the high street as your beauty barometer. Last year, an SPF50 – La Roche Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 – was the biggest-selling mass skincare product for Boots. “Protecting the future health of our skin is a huge trend, and consumers are increasingly clued up on the importance of wearing a daily SPF,” says Boots trends guru Grace Vernon.

So what’s gone on? A combination of technology, trends and TikTok has won new converts to the cause, rightly making daily SPF a must-have in any skin regime. Packaging is slicker, textures are lighter and skin-boosting extras are now the norm. Whisper it but sun protection is now… sexy. Meet the desirable new SPFs you’ll want to add to your basket…

Best for… barrier boosting

BYOMA Moisturising Gel-Cream SPF 30, £14.99 here

The first SPF from the brand that’s all about the skin barrier, this contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides in a gel-like formula for sun protection that won’t suffocate the skin.

We say: “The dry-touch texture absorbs immediately, leaving a smooth feel and hint of a natural glow without any greasiness. It would be ideal for those on the oilier side.”

Best for… make-up lovers

The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30, £14.99 here

Made with TikTok-trending polyglutamic acid – a hydrator that holds even more moisture than hyaluronic acid – for a sunscreen that’s designed to sit perfectly under make-up.

We say: “Great for dry skin, this feels nourishing but not claggy, and has an ever so slightly tacky texture that’s perfect for gripping make-up. It has a slight smoothing effect too, plumping out fine lines.”

Best for… blurring shine

Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF30, £34 here

This multi-tasker smooths skin, hides pores and controls shine, all with broad spectrum SPF30.

We say: “It’s good for pores and shiny skin, of course, but it’s also surprisingly brilliant as an all-round disguiser of fine lines – like NanoBlur with SPF! The filter-like effect is fab on forehead lines.”

Best for… holidays

Coco & Eve Daily Water Gel SPF 50+, £23 here

Australian brands reign supreme at sun protection, and this packs an impressively high SPF into an impressively light texture.

We say: “This sinks in super-quickly with no trace of white cast. It might be the tropical-style packaging or the generous 60ml bottle, but this feels more like an SPF for holidays rather than one for the everyday bathroom cabinet.”

Best for… dry skin

Dior The Protective Cream SPF 50, £33 here

This face SPF contains Tahitian monoi oil, giving a subtle scent and added moisture, with tests showing skin stays hydrated for up to 24 hours after applying.

We say: “This feels like a luxury face cream with added sun protection. It leaves a lovely glow to the skin, and you can still feel the effects hours later. A real treat for dry skin.”

Best for… pigmentation

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Clinical Daily Anti-UV Fluid SPF 50+, £19.99 here

L’Oreal’s “most exciting skincare launch of the year” combines invisible SPF50 with pigmentation fighters. For max results, pair it with the brand’s Pure Vitamin C Serum: tests show brightness quadrupling and a seven-fold reduction in lines.

We say: “This disappears into the skin at the lightest touch, with zero white tinge. It’s too soon to tell if it makes a difference to pigmentation, but it does have a slight instant perfecting effect: skin tone looks a little more even and feels smoother.”

Best for…. Uneven skin

Boots SPF+ Niacinamide Moisturising Lotion SPF50, £7 here

Part of a new ‘SPFs with benefits’ range, this one has niacinamide to help skin look clearer and more even. There are also SPFs supercharged with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.

We say: “Trending skincare ingredients at a great price. It rubs in well, with no white residue, and it feels gorgeous.”

Best for… bare skin confidence

Avène Tinted Fluid SPF50+, £23.50 here

This is a new tinted version of Avène’s TriAsorB technology, shielding against the triple threat of UVB, UVA and blue light. The sheer, single-shade tint is designed to “unify” rather than cover.

We say: “This gives a subtle boost but without leaving a tidemark on fair skin. It has a pleasant, sophisticated scent, too.”

Best for… glow

Hello Sunday The Illuminating One SPF50, £22 here

Sun protection comes with a side-serve of radiance, thanks to illuminating particles, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.

We say: “The finish is glowy without being glittery. It feels a tiny bit tacky on the skin but it would make a very pretty light-catcher at golden hour.”

Best for… trend spotters

Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50, £15.99 here

This cult fave has just arrived in the UK and is the best-selling SPF in Japan, featuring capsules filled with hyaluronic acid for a super-smooth feel.

We say, “We get the hype. It goes on like a glowy J-Beauty serum, and is invisible. If it wasn’t for the silky feel and luminous look you’d never know you were wearing it.”

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