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Ok it’s still officially summer….is it? I don’t know BUT whatever the weather we still need to be wearing that SPF every single day. SPF isn’t just for summer so I am here to chat all things SPF and some incredible lightweight formulas that I have discovered this year.

If you aren’t slathering on your SPF daily then where have you been?! I think the education and importance of SPF have increased 20-fold over these last few years and it’s SO VERY important. I think social media has given us that open door to skincare experts, derms and such who can share important information and key messages and alongside that and the important campaigns that brands have been doing this year to raise awareness on the importance of SPF protection… I think we have the message a lot louder and clearer.

The SPF market has been flooded with new, improved formulas, new technology and all the rest..and there are SO many incredible ones on the market right now. I have a handful of ones I absolutely love and I am going to share these with you. I know there are many more that are meant to be incredible but I just want to share the ones I have personally tried and I like. My skin is combination-oily so I sometimes can get breakouts with SPF, I like the texture the be lightweight and invisible on my skin.

What does SPF mean?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The number tells you how long the sun’s UVB rays would take to redden your skin if you apply the sunscreen exactly as directed compared with the amount of time without sunscreen. So, if you use an SPF 30 product properly, it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you used no sunscreen.

Why do we need to wear SPF?

It reduces your risk of skin cancer. Secondary, it helps prevent premature skin ageing. Signs of this can be things such as wrinkles, dark spots, redness, lack of skin volume and plumpness.

Which is the best SPF brand?

‘The best SPF is the one you use’ – Find one that ticks your boxes.

There are many incredible skincare brands that do SPF’s. Honestly we are spoilt for choice. I think it’s also great that we have options of brands, textures, prices and what else they do aside from SPF protection.

The BEST Lightweight SPF’s that I have tried:

Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF50:

This is a  mineral sunscreen that absorbs quickly without leaving behind an unwanted greasy residue. The effective formula boasts 100% mineral broad spectrum PA++++ and SPF 50, which protect skin from UVA/UVB rays, infrared radiation, pollution and blue light from devices. Each of these accelerates visible signs of ageing and therefore protecting against them encourages a youthful complexion.

The Murad SPF50 can be worn alone or is just as effective when paired with makeup. It has a soft peach tint that is suitable for all skin tones and offers a bit of instant colour correction, whilst a dose of Vitamin C visibly brightens skin. The cream completes the complexion by delivering a luminous veil with a radiant, pearlescent finish. I find this feels really comfortable on the skin. It’s not watery-liquid-lightweight, it’s a thicker cream but makes my skin feel satin and it’s not heavy at all.

Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Free from alcohol and fragrance.

REN Clean Screen Mineral Sunscreen SPF30:

This is a mattifying mineral sunscreen that forms a physical barrier to help protect against sun’s rays and blue light from electronic devices. 22% non-Nano naturally-derived zinc oxide, offers broad spectrum protection. Antioxidant passion fruit extract supports the skin’s natural defence against free radicals. Rice starch leaves the skin mattified and fresh :  perfect as a makeup primer too!

No chemical UV filters and No silicone. Tube made from 50% post-consumer recycled plastic, cap made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic. REN are the kweens of great, eco-friendly packaging.

Typology Creme Solaire SPF30:

I actually thought this would be quite thick as they just aren’t KNOWN for SPF and sometimes……newer brands can get it quite wrong! HOWEVER this has a lovely, lightweight texture : no white cast, non-shiny and non-sticky finish. The formula prevents photo-aging through mineral and organic filters which offer broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection

Enriched with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to deeply hydrate the skin.

YSL Pure Shots Airthin UV Defender SPF50:

This could be the most light-weight formula of them all! It’s almost like a watery-serum! This is designed to protect skin against age-accelerating environmental aggressors. It is rich in fortifying ingredients, the lightweight lotion helps ward off the harmful effects of dust, pollution and UVA/UVB rays. Its skin-loving formula is upgraded with SPF50+, offering broad-spectrum defence against potential sun damage.

Lemon Peel Extract and Niacinamide work together to balance complexions. The lotion helps to soften the look of wrinkles and target areas of pigmentation, for skin that appears smooth and protected. SPF AND skincare in-one which I am a big fan of.

This is a really fab base / primer for under makeup because it’s SO very light-weight on the skin.

Tropic Sun Day SPF50:

From Tropic we have this broad-spectrum, water-resistant, daily SPF50. It contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate, banana flower extract to calm and prebiotics that provide the right environment for your skin to flourish and stay healthy. It applies beautifully and leaves no trace of white cast. It’s also certified reef-safe.

Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF50:

This is a fancy one! Definitely a skincare-SPF hybrid and a really advanced formula. The ultimate AM moisturiser, it features a non-greasy texture and gives an invisible veil of protection that guards you from outside harm (sun, blue light and pollution). Contains hyaluronic acid and youth-boosting, light-activated DNA repair enzymes, it encourages a visibly brighter and more resilient complexion. Effectively this repairs sun damage as you wear it. Again, the formula is lovely, lightweight and you can slather a load on, and it just vanishes on the skin. I often wear this AS my face cream over my serum.

Vichy Capital Soleil UV-Age Daily SPF50:

The VICHY Capital Soleil UV Age Daily Cream is a lightweight fluid that wards off UV rays and visible signs of ageing. The formula offers high protection against sun damage and photo-ageing. Multi-patented Netlock technology shields skin from UVA and UVB rays, as well as pollution and oxidative stress. Niacinamide and Peptide fractions also help to soften the appearance of fine lines and dark spots. The SPF spray is highly breathable, sitting invisibly on the skin with a water-based texture.

This is hands-down, 100% THE BEST ‘budget’ (£21) SPF50 I have ever used. It’s outstanding and honestly top 3 out of all of my SPF’s. It’ fab.

So that’s my line-up of the BEST lightweight SPF 50’s and 30’s. Tried and tested and all loved in their own way! I think it’s really important to find *the one* that works for you : one that doesn’t make your skin feel uncomfortable, one that doesn’t break you out, one that works within your existing skincare routine and one that you simply enjoy using….therefore you remember it and USE IT!

As has been said before…..the best SPF for you is the one that you will use!

Talk to me about SPF’s! What is the best one you have discovered lately? I hope this helps if you are still on the hunt for that *holy grail*!

SHOP MY FAVOURITE SPF’s!