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. Fact: if there’s daylight – wear an SPF.
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. 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
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Or if you’re 100% dedicated to your current moisturiser, which doesn’t have an SPF, then you could invest in a UV shield. 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
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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…
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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.
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Dr. David Jack All Day Long, £89
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.
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Shisedo Urban Environment Protection Cream Plus SPF50, £33 Fabled
If you don't light 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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Sun Defense For Face SPF50, £26 at lookfantastic
If you're the kind of person that easily forgets to reapply, this eight hour cream will have you covered for long stretches and keep you glowy.
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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.
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Neutrogena Hydro Boost City Shield Hydrating Lotion SPF25, £8.66 at Amazon
As part of Neutrogena’s new Hydro Boost line, this hydrating lotion will keep your skin in tip top shape wherever you are. Designed to combat all the skincare-related ills and woes of city living, it helps keeps your face moisturised, adds a barrier of protection from pollutants and also has SPF25 - you know, just in case we get the odd sunny day.
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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.
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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 helps soothe sensitivity and inflammation, as well as protection against UV rays.
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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?
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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.
