The best SPF moisturisers for year-round skin protection
Because they're a must-have seven days a week, 365 days a year
Having one of the best SPF moisturisers to hand is a much bigger deal than you might think. Applying it everyday should become second nature, a bit like cleansing.
While the best sun cream is a no-brainer for hot holidays, ultraviolet rays can be damaging on even the cloudiest of days and so a moisturiser with an SPF is in fact a year-round beauty bag essential.
It may not seem like it in gloomy Great Britain, but even in the winter months you need to be slathering on some level of sun protection to stop your skin from getting damaged. If there’s daylight – wear an SPF.
The other key thing with SPF is reapplication. Ideally, if you’re outside then you should be reapplying your SPF every 2-3 hours. However, we totally understand that once you’ve done your make-up, the last thing you want to be doing is putting a cream on top. However, in this instances your best options are either a tinted SPF moisturiser or an SPF mist that can be sprayed directly on top of make-up and won’t bugger it up.
The best face sunscreen
You have two options for protecting the skin on your face. You could swap out your current moisturiser, for one that has a high SPF, like the below. The best SPF moisturisers are SPF 20, 30 or 50, to ensure the sun’s rays aren’t wreaking havoc with your skin cells. The higher the SPF the better at fighting the signs of ageing.
Paula’s Choice Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF50, £33 Look Fantastic
Buy Now
Latest Stories
Or if you’re 100% dedicated to your current moisturiser, which doesn’t have an SPF, then you could invest in a UV shield, like this Skinceuticals one. A UV defender goes on top of your moisturiser as the last product before make-up. Yes it’s an extra step in your skincare routine, but if you find a good one it won’t feel like a chore.
Skinceuticals Sheer Mineral UV Defense SPF50, £37 Look Fantastic
Buy Now
Keeping you protected from the moment you step out the door is so important and one of the best ways to fight the signs of ageing.
On our list you’ll find Glossier’s famous Invisible Shield, Dr Lancer’s Sun Shield Fluid, which Victoria Beckham recently revealed is her go-to SPF and many others.
Check out our favourite SPF moisturisers and UV shields hand-picked for sun protection and anti-ageing properties, and find your favourite…
Click or tap to zoom into this image
This is an image
1
of
17
Dr Russo Once A Day Sun Protection Invisible Face Gel SPF 30, £26 Harrods
OOOKKKKK so not technically a moisturiser, but it's packed full of hyaluronic acid that will hydrate your skin. However, enough about that, the coolest thing about this shield is that it's completely clear, doesn't clog the pores and is applied onto the skin via a brush. Nifty, as super easy to use.
Click or tap to zoom into this image
This is an image
2
of
17
Vichy Idéal Soleil Velvety Cream SPF50+, £14.50 Look Fantastic
Super hydrating and works to prevent the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots. You can never go wrong with Vichy.
Click or tap to zoom into this image
This is an image
3
of
17
Dr. David Jack All Day Long, £89 Space NK
This beautiful day cream is perfect for daily protection. It's light enough, not to feel heavy, it's tinted enough that if you want to skip foundation you can and it's under 100ml so perfect for travel.
Click or tap to zoom into this image
This is an image
4
of
17
Shisedo Urban Environment Protection Cream Plus SPF50, £33 Fabled
If you don't like a heavy day cream then this is the option for you. It's lightweight and sinks in really quickly. As a result it works particularly well under makeup.
Click or tap to zoom into this image
This is an image
5
of
17
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Defense, £35 Fabled
This product is completely genius - not only does this moisturiser protect against sun damage and block pollution particles, but it also acts as a shield against blue light (aka the light from our smart phones).
Click or tap to zoom into this image
This is an image
6
of
17
Sarah Chapman Skin Insurance, £49 at Space NK
This is a mega moisturiser. Because not only will it protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun's rays, but it also has a blurring effect, boosts radiance and will leave skin feeling so silky smooth you'll constantly want to touch it. But don't. That's a bit skin no-no.
Click or tap to zoom into this image
This is an image
7
of
17
Lancer Sheer Fluid Sun Shield Moisturiser SPF 30, £45 at Space NK
Naming Victoria Beckham as one of its biggest fans, Lancer's Sheer Fluid Sun Sheild gets the celebrity seal of approval. And you can't argue with VB's photo-ready finish.
Click or tap to zoom into this image
This is an image
8
of
17
La Mer The Reparative Face Sun Lotion SPF30, £90 at John Lewis
Oh we couldn't not include a bit of La Mer could we? If you're a sucker for their original moisturisers, never fear for their SPF version also has tonnes of their Miracle Broth.
Click or tap to zoom into this image
This is an image
9
of
17
Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen
Turning the traditional perception of heavy, greasy sunscreens on its head, Glossier has developed a lightweight gel with an effective SPF 35 that feels practically undetectable on the skin.
Click or tap to zoom into this image
This is an image
10
of
17
Avène Mineral Fluid SPF50+, £17.50 Look Fantastic
Avène is one of the best brands for sensitive skin. So if your complexion is known for it's flare-ups, the added Thermal Spring Water in this shield helps soothe sensitivity and inflammation, as well as protection against UV rays.
Click or tap to zoom into this image
This is an image
11
of
17
Elemis Liquid Layer SPF30, £33.50 Fabled
This SPF is heavenly. It's so lightweight, you won't notice you have anything on. Which is kind of ideal right?
Click or tap to zoom into this image
This is an image
12
of
17
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra Light Fluid SPF50+, £16.50 Look Fantastic
A great option if you have combination or sensitive skin. It's non-greasy, so won't clog up your pores. A great everyday protector against UVA and UVB.
Click or tap to zoom into this image
This is an image
13
of
17
Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF30, £58, Liberty
Just because you want to use a moisturiser with UVA and UVB protection, doesn't mean you want to give up on skincare benefits. This Dermalogica's SPF moisturiser delivers long lasting hydration and gives tired skin the most beautiful luminosity.
Click or tap to zoom into this image
This is an image
14
of
17
Ultrasun SPF50+ Tinted Face Sun Cream, £20.80 Look Fantastic
Boy, oh, boy do we love the glow that this SPF moisturiser gives skin. The honey shade leaves you with just enough colour to look healthy, but not too much that it looks fake. The formula is slightly tacky when you first apply it, which works well if you're following with make-up straight away, but if not leave it for a couple of minutes for it to fully sink in.
Click or tap to zoom into this image
This is an image
15
of
17
Soleil Toujours Set & Protect Micro Mist SPF30, £34 Cult Beauty
Keep this on your desk, in your handbag or about your person at all times. It's the best way of reapplying your SPF throughout the day. This mist rehydrates skin at the same time and also sets make-up. Ideal.
Click or tap to zoom into this image
This is an image
16
of
17
Dior Bronze Beautifying Protective Creme Sublime Glow SPF30, £27.50 Harvey Nichols
Whilst you're getting UVA and UVB protection with this SPF moisturiser, the reason that you'll keep buying bottle, after bottle, after bottle, is because of the heavenly white floral scent.
Click or tap to zoom into this image
This is an image
17
of
17
SVR Laboratoires Sun Secure SPF50+ Blur Soft-Focus and Anti-Shine Sunscreen for Face, £15.50 LookFantastic
Even if you're particularly oily or are prone to sweatiness in summer, we understand the idea of putting on a thick SPF moisturiser is your idea of hell. BUT this blurring formula is perfect for you. When you first squeeze it out, it might look quite thick, but it melts onto skin and absorbs really quickly, leaving the complexion completely mattified.
