Seamless SPF: These Easy Products Integrate Protection Into Your Skincare Routine
Just like dry body brushing and getting in those eight glasses of water a day, sunscreen is one of the parts of a beauty routine that often feels like a chore. Some cause breakouts, some are so impossibly thick you can't imagine applying make-up over the top, and some leave an ashy white cast on the skin that flatters nobody's complexion.
And yet, time and time again, we're told that we must wear it every day, come rain or shine. Dr Rabia Malik, aesthetic doctor says "It really isn't enough to just choose a moisturiser or foundation with SPF in, unfortunately. It can be difficult to apply the right amount of sunscreen to ensure adequate protection. For example, it's recommended to use half a teaspoon of SPF on your face to get the full sun protection factor of a product, but the reality is that most people won't apply that much moisturiser or foundation."
Many of us also aren't applying our daily base layer evenly enough to ensure protection - do you apply moisturiser to your eyelids? Or foundation as thickly around your hairline as you do elsewhere?
The solution? Layering. "By layering sunscreen, or using different formulations (for example, SPF cream followed by a brush-on powder form), you can build upon the SPF offered and ensure more adequate protection," explained Dr Malik.
Meet your new (non-greasy, ultra lightweight) SPF wardrobe below.
SkinCeuticals
Beloved by dermatologists, this featherweight mineral SPF will convert even the most stubborn of refuseniks. Choose from a clear tint or a slightly pearlescent finish for added radiance, and marvel at how it melts into the skin.
SkinCeuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defence, £37
Paula's Choice
Ramp up the protection following your base layer with an SPF-infused moisturiser. With antioxidants from resveratrol and licorice, this daily lotion provides environmental protection as well as a healthy SPF 30 top up. Defence by name, defence by nature...
Paula's Choice Defense Moisturiser SPF 30, £29
Supergoop!
The eyes are one of the first areas to show signs of sun damage, thanks to thinner skin around the orbital bone area. Protect yours in style with these clever cream eyeshadows - five summery hues to choose from, with broad spectrum SPF 30 to boot.
Supergoop! Shimmershade Eyeshadow
Colorescience
Touching up sunscreen midday need not mean smearing your dutifully applied makeup. Simply click the brush and loose mineral powder will sprinkle out, ready to be dusted over your face. Especially good for those harder to reach areas, like around the hairline.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 30, £46.50
La Roche Posay
Prefer to steer clear of powder? (Dry skin types, this might be you.) A spray-on sunscreen can be a good extra shield come lunchtime, and the mattifying finish will keep shine at bay.
La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Anti-Shine Mist, £10.50
Lanolips
Your lips need protection, too - but you need not compromise on colour. Lanolips offer their beloved lip balm with tint and SPF 30 - win-win.
Lanolips Tinted Balm SPF30, £8.99
