I'm a Skincare-Obsessed Beauty Editor—This Is the SPF Range I'm Wearing on Repeat This Summer

As a beauty editor, I know how hard it can be to find the right SPF products. From facial sunscreens to body formulas and more, I’ve tried hundreds over the years, and I’ve only come across a handful of products that I would actually rebuy. I’ve tested plenty of thick, greasy SPFs that require much time of rubbing in, and don’t even get me started on those that stung my eyes and irritated my sensitive complexion.

We all know just how important sun protection is, which is why, to me, it’s vital to find products that you love using daily. Because yes, facts are facts: our skin needs protection all year round, not just when it’s warm outside.

SPF (or sun protection factor) measures how effectively a sunscreen protects the skin, and I like to opt for an SPF of 30 or above. I also always choose a broad-spectrum SPF, as this protects against both UVA and UVB rays. You see, UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, breaking down good things like collagen and contributing to the appearance of fine lines, whilst UVB rays can damage the DNA in skin cells and contribute to most skin cancers.

So, when I discovered Templespa’s range of broad-spectrum SPF products, including a facial SPF, a body SPF and a lip SPF, I was immediately intrigued. In case you're unfamiliar with Templespa, let me fill you in! Not just a British skincare brand, but one that is backed by science, it's built on a foundation of over 25 years of research. I’ve tried quite a few of its best-selling products (including the amazing Templespa candles), and I’m always impressed by the combination of high-quality ingredients and cutting-edge technology, not to mention the beautiful product design. The brand works hard to create a results-driven experience, and encourages customers to indulge in a “spa wherever you are.”

In the name of beauty, I thought I would put the brand’s ethos to the test on a recent trip to the Cotswolds. I spent the week relaxing at Coombe End Manor for Who What Wear UK's Summer House event, during some of the hottest days of the year so far, so best believe I was slathering on my SPF products like there was no tomorrow. Scroll ahead to see how I put Templespa’s formulas through their paces, whether I was getting ready for a day in the sunshine, taking a dip in the pool or enjoying golden-hour cocktails with friends.

As mentioned, SPF is a key part of my daily skincare routine, and I always apply SPF 50 on my face before my makeup in the mornings. During my trip, I used Templespa’s Life Defence SPF 50 High Protection SPF Moisturiser, and I couldn’t believe how well it slotted into my routine.

The lightweight formula felt like velvet on the skin and disappeared in seconds, nourishing my complexion without leaving that dreaded greasy residue. It worked incredibly well under my foundation and created a beautifully radiant makeup base that had everyone asking me if I’d been for a facial before the trip.

However, what I really loved about this product is the fact that it combines a luxurious-feeling formula with high sun protection that I know I can rely on to keep my skin safe. The broad-spectrum SPF 50 features a cocktail of powerful antioxidants, including rocket, ginseng root, vitamin E and sodium hyaluronate, which work together to create a barrier against skin-damaging free radicals, city pollution and even high-energy visible blue light. Pretty impressive, right?

The slim, chic packaging was easy to carry around in my makeup bag during my country summer getaway, and I don’t doubt that we will be attached at the hip now that I’m back in the city.

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I spent a lot of time around the pool soaking up the sun, so I made sure to protect the rest of my body from harmful UV rays. I have quite dry, sensitive skin, so I’m always a little wary to introduce new body products into my routine, but I needn’t have worried. In fact, my skin couldn’t get enough of Templespa’s Body Defence SPF 30 High Protection Body Moisturiser.

Similarly to the facial SPF, this formula felt more like a luxurious body lotion rather than a sunscreen, and it left my skin looking positively glowing. It’s incredibly hydrating thanks to the thick, creamy texture, but surprisingly, it sinks into the skin in seconds, so you can go about your day knowing that the broad-spectrum moisturiser has you covered.

Just like other products from the brand, this cream takes skincare one step further, protecting the body from damaging UV rays, free radicals, environmental pollution and daily skin stress. I don’t know how Templespa has done it, but it has made sun protection feel simple, easy and luxurious, and I’ll be recommending this body sunscreen to everyone I know.

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Last but by no means least, one product that remained in my handbag during my entire trip was Templespa’s Lip Defence SPF 30 Protecting Lip Balm. I feel like people often forget about applying SPF to their lips, but the skin of the lips is much thinner and more sensitive, so it’s important to protect it.

As a lip-balm connoisseur (seriously, I own about 100), I know a thing or two about what makes an effective formula, and this Templespa product gets 10/10 from me. The clear balm looks more like a gloss, adding a shiny, non-sticky finish that works well on its own or over your favourite lip pencil. It has a refreshing minty scent that makes me want to apply it again and again, and the handy packaging makes this easy to do.

The formula itself is deeply hydrating, with vitamin C, vitamin E and sodium hyaluronate working together to nourish and repair the skin. It offers broad-spectrum protection alongside blue-light protection, so it’s perfect if you work behind a laptop or scroll on your phone a lot, like me.

It genuinely didn’t leave my side during my trip, and I left the Cotswolds as one very happy beauty editor, armed with a new set of SPF products that have exceeded all of my expectations.

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