There are so many things I love about visiting France—from gazing at chic street-style outfits to sitting on a cobbled sidewalk with a rosé in hand. But neither of these comes close to the way wandering around a Parisian pharmacy for my French beauty essentials makes me feel. Adored by editors, dermatologists and beauty lovers alike for their extensive skincare selection, French pharmacies offer affordable yet effective products that are hard to find in your average British chemist.

So whenever I visit Paris, I make sure to spend hours browsing the wide range of SPF products on offer. As someone who works in beauty, I’ve tried a lot of SPFs in my time, and I can safely say that very few compare to the high-quality, skincare-infused formulas I’ve picked up on my many trips to France.

With an array of options that feel lightweight and, more importantly, leave no white cast on my deeper skin tone, on my last trip, I decided to invest in several best-selling formulas ahead of summer (although SPF should be used all year round!). And luckily for you, I’ve rounded up the best of the best below.

Keep scrolling to discover the eight best French pharmacy SPFs, according to a beauty writer.

Shop the Best French Pharmacy SPFs

• Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 SPF 50+, £21
• Best for Dry Skin: Mimétique Everyday Invisible Face Fluid SPF 50, £45
• Best for Oily Skin: Bioderma Dry Touch Mat Finish SPF 50+, £18
• Best for Mature Skin: Vichy Capital Soleil UV Age Daily SPF 50+, £23
• Best for Dark Spots: Avène Anti-Pigmentation SPF 50+, £28

1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 SPF50+

La Roche-Posay is loved by dermatologists and beauty editors alike, and the brand’s Anthelios UVMune SPF is a lightweight, hydrating fluid formula that sinks into the skin beautifully, creating an effective layer of sun protection. And don’t be afraid of the colour; I find there is no white cast left on my dark skin, making it perfect for those looking for an invisible sunscreen that will leave you looking glowy and healthy. And if you have blemish-prone skin, never fear, as this French pharmacy brand also has an oil-control version that’s mattifying and just as undetectable on all skin tones.

2. Mimétique Everyday SPF50 Invisible Face Fluid

Glowy and hydrating but without any stickiness, Mimétique’s Everyday 50 Invisible Face Fluid is packed with skin-loving ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid that nourish the skin without feeling too greasy. Not to mention the Biomimetic peptides and antioxidant-rich exosomes, which help to target sun spots and hyperpigmentation. When I first squeezed this formula out of the tube, I was worried that it would be way too thick and leave a white residue on my skin, but it sheers out into a weightless and breathable layer of sun protection, something I’m always grateful for on really hot summer days.

3. Bioderma Dry Touch Mat Finish Sunscreen SPF50+

If you have oily skin, I’d recommend giving Bioderma’s Dry Touch Sunscreen a try. Formulated with mattifying powders to soak up excess oil and a cellular bioprotection patent to protect the skin against premature photo-ageing, this water-resistant SPF melts into the skin without leaving behind a white cast or greasy residue. This makes it ideal for those with both oily and acne-prone skin, who often have trouble with heavier sunscreen formulas, especially when temperatures rise.

4. Vichy Capital Soleil UV Age Daily SPF50+

I often find myself looking for mature-skin product suggestions due to how nourishing they are. Vichy’s Capital Soleil UV Age Daily was created to offer high protection from sun damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines. I love how this formula feels like a skincare product as opposed to a typical heavy SPF, and the glow it leaves my skin with is like no other. Packed with a 4% peptide complex, niacinamide and Vichy volcanic water, this is definitely one to pick up if you’re looking to make your skincare routine easier on busy mornings.

5. Avène Anti-Pigmentation SPF50+

As I mentioned above, an SPF that effectively protects me from the sun and treats my skin concerns at the same time will always get a yes from me. And Avène’s Anti-Pigmentation sunscreen does just that. Packed with azelaic acid to target acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation, as well as iron oxides, which help to ward off the high-energy visible light that causes dark spots, this formula has been praised for its ability to even out skin tones and reduce further hyperpigmentation. I have to admit, I haven’t used it long enough to see the full skincare benefits; however, its glowy and hydrating formula is enough for me to continue using it.

6. SVR Sun Secure Blur SPF50+ Perfecting Mousse-Primer

Finding an SPF to sit under your makeup without pilling can be a challenge, but luckily, SVR’s Perfecting Mousse-Primer is a hybrid formula that allows you to both protect and prime your skin. Not only is the mousse texture extremely fun to apply, but it sits beautifully under my foundation, meaning I don't have to worry about flaking or dry patches. I do have to note that it’s not fragrance-free, which might be an issue for some, but as someone with sensitive, eczema-prone skin, this did not cause me any issues.

7. Caudalie Invisible High Protection Stick SPF50

An SPF stick is one of my go-to ways to top up my sun protection when I’m on the go around the city. Enriched with nourishing grape seed oil and cocoa seed butter, Caudalie’s Invisible High Protection Stick is moisturising without feeling sticky or greasy. It has a clear consistency, almost like a lip balm and keeps my skin soft and moisturised while providing a smooth, invisible finish. When I have a full-coverage base on, it can disturb the products on my face slightly, so this product is best for no-makeup or light makeup days.

8. Nuxe Sun Oil Gold Shimmer SPF50

An SPF oil is my go-to sunscreen formula in summer, when I want something that doesn’t leave a white cast on my body, and Nuxe’s Sun Oil Gold Shimmer SPF 50 gives me this, plus a shimmery, high-shine finish that’s reminiscent of being on a sun-soaked getaway. It has the most gorgeous true gold finish, which blends in with my deeper skin, but this formula will work for medium and light skin tones as well. And if that doesn't convince you, then let it be known that it also smells incredible, with notes of sweet orange, tiaré flower and vanilla.

What Is an SPF?

Consultant dermatologist, Dr Mary Sommerlad says, “SPF stands for sun protection factor and is a marker of how much protection a sunscreen formula gives a person from the rays of sunlight that can burn the skin and contribute to skin cancer formation, known as ultraviolet B (UV-B). In the UK, SPF is usually given as a number, such as 30 or 50. This number indicates that, when sunscreen is applied correctly, your skin takes 30 or 50 times longer to burn than it would without protection. As the amount of UVB reaching the skin varies by time of day, it may be simpler to think of SPF 30 as blocking about 97% of UVB rays from affecting the skin, whilst SPF 50 blocks around 98%. This difference is important, especially if you have had skin cancer, work outdoors or have outdoor hobbies."

How I Tested

I tested a wide range of French-pharmacy sunscreens over the last few months, evaluating each SPF's ability to blend seamlessly into my skin without irritating or leaving a white cast, alongside how they performed with and without makeup layered on top.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Between Miami Swim Week and the Mediterranean this month, I'm racking up frequent-flyer miles in earnest. I travel often and far, so I've had time to master the art of packing. Truthfully, it comes down to knowing what you actually need and what you can live without. Extra face sunscreen? Yes. A third pair of jeans? Probably not. My life hack for smart packing is using Amazon Prime Day to my advantage.

For my overpackers and underpackers, here is a list of the best Amazon Prime Day 2026 travel product deals. I've included top Amazon beauty deals, such as the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask and the Medicube Zero Pore Toner Pads (Alix Earle's go-to skincare product); elevated under-$30 basics; coveted luggage, like Away's Everywhere Bag; my favorite sunscreen; the Shark handheld fan I see everyone on my FYP loving; and in-flight essentials. If you scroll too fast, you might miss the sub-$100 Kindle or the 27%-off Apple headphones. Ahead, shop my list of Amazon travel essentials. Deals end on June 26.

Shop the Best Amazon Prime Day 2026 Travel Product Deals

Ask any dermatologist, and they'll tell you that the one part of your skincare routine you should never skip is sunscreen. And despite the reported rise of people skipping on sunscreen in exchange for tanning oil, tanning, and peak UV hours, sunscreen is just as important now as it's ever been.

"The face is one of the most consistently sun-exposed areas of the body and is often where we first see signs of cumulative UV damage," says board-certified dermatologist Dmitriy Schwarzburg, MD,."Daily sunscreen use helps reduce the risk of skin cancer, premature aging, hyperpigmentation, collagen breakdown, and the development of fine lines and wrinkles." And yes, this applies to cloudy days or days spent indoors—it all adds up over time.

I'm well aware that I can use a standard sunscreen made for my body on my face, but using a face sunscreen specifically gives me a different kind of peace of mind. And over the course of my six-year career in beauty, I know a thing or two about which formulas are well worth the investment. So without further ado, here are the 10 face sunscreens to complete any well-rounded skincare regimen.

The Best Face Sunscreens, at a Glance

• Best Overall: Beauty of Joseon Dayscreen 2-in-1 SPF 30 Moisturizer With Green Tea-Ha + Ceramides
• Best for Combination Skin: Lion Pose Unghosted 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 42 With Zinc & Squalane
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Osea Marine Screen Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
• Best Serum: Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum Spf 50+ Facial Sunscreen With Collagen Peptide
• Best Tinted: Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45

The Best Face Sunscreens of 2026

Best Overall: Beauty of Joseon Dayscreen 2-in-1 SPF 30 Moisturizer

Best for Combination Skin: Lion Pose Unghosted 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 42

Best for Sensitive Skin: Osea Marine Screen Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Best Serum: Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen

Best Gel: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 Invisible Sun Protection

Best Tinted: Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45

Best for Dry Skin: Isdin Fusion Water Magic SPF 40 Sunscreen

Best for Dark Spots: Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

Best for Fine Lines: Youth to the People Youthscreen Daily Hydration + Pollution Defense Invisible Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 60

Best Stick: Eadem Sunsuede SPF 50+ Lightweight Sunscreen & Blurring Primer Stick

What should people look for in a face sunscreen?

With plenty of options available on the market, there are a few things to keep in mind before making a purchase. Here are some key pointers from our experts:

SPF level: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it's recommended to use sunscreen with an SPF level of 30 or higher. "SPF 30 blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%," says board-certified dermatologist Sejal Shah, MD. She adds that it's also crucial to select a sunscreen labeled "broad-spectrum," which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Skin type: A good sunscreen is one that you'll be comfortable using every day. That said, it's important to invest in a product that caters to your skin type. "For acne-prone skin, lighter noncomedogenic formulations are often preferable," says Schwarzburg. "For sensitive skin, mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide tend to be well tolerated."

Water resistance: This may go without saying, but if you plan on spending a lot of time swimming or sweating, you'll want to opt for a water-resistant sunscreen. Just be sure to reapply frequently.

Type: As you saw on our list, there is a wide variety of formula types. There are sticks, gels, serums, creams, etc., so think about what works best for your lifestyle, and go from there. Shah notes that keeping this in mind will also make it easier to stay on top of daily use.

What’s the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens?

This is one of the more common questions when it comes to sunscreen, but it ultimately comes down to the ingredients and how they function to protect the skin barrier. "Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, create a protective barrier on the skin’s surface that reflects and scatters ultraviolet rays," says Shah. "Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, which is then released from the skin."

Although one isn't better than the other, your skin type may be an indicator for which formula is best for you. "Mineral sunscreens are often preferred for sensitive skin because they tend to be less irritating and are less likely to cause stinging around the eyes," says Schwarzburg. "Meanwhile, chemical sunscreens often offer a lighter texture and greater transparency on the skin making them easier for many people to wear consistently." With that in mind, that doesn't mean you can't wear chemical sunscreen if you have sensitive skin; you may just want to consider patch testing it before fully committing to it.

How often should sunscreen be reapplied?

The general rule of thumb is to reapply sunscreen every two hours if you're out in the sun. But depending on what your day looks like, you may need to reapply it more or less often. "It should also be reapplied after swimming, sweating, or towel drying," says Shah. "For people spending most of the day indoors a single morning application may be sufficient if UV exposure is minimal." She adds that you might also want to throw on another layer if you sit near windows for long period of time, commute, or eat outdoors during the day.

How We Chose

As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best facial sunscreens, we leaned heavily on firsthand testing and expert insight. We also considered several factors, including type, shade range, fragrance, and key ingredients. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.

Why Trust Who What Wear

Since 2006, Who What Wear has been a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover the latest brands, trends, and must-have products to help define and evolve their personal style. Think of Who What Wear as your most trusted style and shopping resource.

There's much to consider when selecting the perfect bodycare, and it isn't easy to know where to start. Whether you're looking for a little luxury or just something your wallet won't resent, look no further. We're sharing items in the lotion, exfoliant, self-tanner, deodorant, and bodywash categories that instantly hooked our testers this year. See our handpicked list of holy-grail items ahead.

Best Body Sunscreen

Coola Dew Good Illuminating Body Melt Lotion SPF 40

Senior beauty editor Jamie Chevron applying Coola Dew Good Illuminating Body Melt Lotion SPF 40

Best Body Oil

Phlur Vanilla Skin Body Oil

Best Hand Cream

Chanel La Crème Main

Associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia testing Chanel La Crème Main

Best Deodorant

Cyklar Sacred Santal Mandelic Acid Deodorant

Best Exfoliating Body Treatment

Soft Services Buffing Bar

Best Bodywash

Dove Serum+ Radiance Oil Body Wash

Best Body Lotion

Tronque Triple Active Body Milk

Assistant beauty editor Sabrina Talbert applying Tronque Triple Active Body Milk

Best Self-Tanning Formula

Norvell Tuscan Rapid Self-Tanning Mousse

Beauty Director Erin Jahns showing Norvell Tuscan Rapid Self Tanner Mousse before and after transformation

We never want shopping for skincare to feel complicated, so we've done months of testing and research so you don't have to. For your best skin ever, our team has selected 27 standout formulas to complete any gap in your current routine. From basics like an invigorating (yet gentle) cleanser to luxurious add-on treatments like a multipurpose mask made from raw, medical-grade manuka honey, we've created the ultimate one-stop shop.

Best Serum for Dark Spots

La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.Z. Gel

Best Light Moisturizer

Sofie Pavitt Face Jelly Oil-Free Gel Moisturizer

Best Acne Treatment

Kat Burki Skincare VitaBiome Active Skin Optimizer

Best Multitasking Serum

Plated Skin Science Intense Serum

Best Serum for Hydration

PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum

Best Facial Essence

Mara Pearl Peptide Glaze

Before and after Beauty Director Erin Jahns applied Mara's 3-in-1 Pearl Peptide Glaze

Best Mineral SPF

Lightsaver Triplesome Serum SPF 40

Senior beauty editor Jamie Chevron applying Lightsaver's Triplesome Serum SPF 40

Best Lip Mask

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Best Eye Masks

Dieux Forever Eye Mask

Associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia testing Dieux's Forever Eye Masks

Best Hydrogel Face Mask

Peach & Lily Glass Skin Ginseng Collagen Mask

Associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia applying Peach & Lily's Glass Skin Ginseng Collagen Mask

Best Face Mist

Rhode Glazing Mist

Beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock testing Rhode's Glazing Mist

Best SPF Primer

YSE Beauty Skin Glow SPF 30 Primer

Beauty Director Erin Jahns wearingYSE Beauty's Skin Glow SPF 30 Primer

Best Facial Cleanser

Kora Organics Turmeric Glow Foaming Cleanser

Best Facial Scrub

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Best Cleansing Oil

Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil

Senior beauty editor Jamie Chevron applying Ma:nyo's Pure Cleansing Oil

Best Chemical Exfoliant

StriVectin Daily Reveal Exfoliating Pads

Best Eye Cream

Dr. Diamond's Metacine Contour Collection EyeLift Bioremodeling Peptide Multiplex

Best Serum for Redness

Dr. Idriss Left Un-Red Reducer Serum

Beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock applying Dr. Idriss's Left Un-Red Reducer Serum

Best Rich Moisturizer

Bonjout Beauty La Cream

Best Face Oil

Outside In Floral Reserve Face Oil

Best Face Mask

Activist Mānuka Honey Mask

Best Makeup Remover

Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

Assistant beauty editor Sabrina Talbert using Mary Kay's Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

Best Serum for Lines & Wrinkles

U Beauty The Smooth Dynamic Wrinkle Defense Serum

Best Retinol

RoC Skincare Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing 2-Step Peel Pads

Best Serum for Brightness

InnBeauty Project Pro C Serum

Best Chemical SPF

Bioré UV Aqua Rich Glow Enhancing Moisturizer SPF 50

Beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock applying Bioré's UV Aqua Rich Glow Enhancing Moisturizer SPF 50

Best Lip Balm

Sarah Creal Beauty The Adults Are Talking Solid Serum Lip Repair

Despite all of the skincare products out there, a good routine doesn't need to be super extensive. This is especially the case for people with mature skin who are trying to find the right balance to address some of their most common concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. At the same time, with changes to our skin come changes to our regimen. So although you may not need dozens of products, you'll still need to hunt for the right formulas.

In fact, I've been keeping a close eye on my mother's trial-and-error process as she finds herself dealing with dryness and new sensitivities, and it's made me super aware of just how delicate skin becomes as we age. So naturally, I've been curious about what exactly it is that mature skin needs to continue thriving.

To find out, I chatted with leading board-certified dermatologists Dendy Engelman, MD, and Anetta Reszko, MD, for a full day and night step-by-step guide for the ultimate anti-aging skincare routine.

Morning Skincare Routine

Step 1: Cleanser

Before any cream or serum, it's best to start with a clean base with the help of a cleanser. "An effective anti-aging morning routine should focus on protecting the skin from environmental damage while supporting hydration and barrier function," says Reszko. "Cleansing removes excess oil, sweat, and debris accumulated overnight without compromising the skin barrier." For your ideal formula, Engelman notes that formulas with ingredients such as glycerin, ceramides, and soothing botanical extracts are key.

Step 2 (Optional): Face Mist

This step is optional, but if you have a face mist you love, this is the time to use it. "A hydrating mist can help replenish moisture and prepare the skin for subsequent products, particularly during the hotter summer months when increased heat and sun exposure can contribute to dehydration," says Reszko. For a lightweight formula that leaves skin soft and hydrated, she recommends Bioeffect's EGF Essence.

Step 3: Serum

Once you have a clean base, grab your toner or serum for a boost of antioxidants. "Serums are one of the most important morning steps because ingredients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, and other antioxidant complexes help protect against oxidative stress generated by UV exposure and environmental pollutants while supporting collagen health and overall skin radiance," explains Reszko. She's a big fan of the SKORR Anti-Ox Serum with vitamin C and E.

Step 4: Eye Cream

If you've been skipping on eye cream, this step is a must. A lot of standard face moisturizers aren't meant for the delicate skin around the eyes, so finding specific formulas for it is essential. "The skin around the eyes is thinner and often shows signs of aging first," says Engelman. "Look for formulas with peptides, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to help hydrate, smooth and visibly refresh the eye area."

Step 5: Moisturizer

This step is a given for anyone. And while there are plenty of formulas out there, there are still certain ingredients to look for. "A good moisturizer helps maintain a healthy skin barrier, improve hydration, and support overall skin resilience," says Engelman. "Look for ingredients like ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid and nourishing lipids." For best results, Reszko suggests using Augustinus Bader's The Cream.

Step 6: Sunscreen

No matter your age or skin concerns, sunscreen is a nonnegotiable. Using one daily can prevent signs of premature aging and prevent further damage from occurring. "Daily sunscreen remains the most important anti-aging product in any skincare routine because it helps protect against UV-induced collagen breakdown, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging," says Reszko, who recommends Isdin's Eryfotona Ageless SPF 50." Engelman adds that it's best to look for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher (as recommended by The American Academy of Dermatology).

Nighttime Routine

Step 1: Cleanser

Some people prefer to cleanse only once a day, but both of our experts agree that cleansing twice is a good opportunity to get rid of any dirt that accumulates on your face throughout the day. "Nighttime cleansing removes sunscreen, makeup, pollution, and daily buildup, creating a clean canvas for your treatment products," says Engelman. "Double cleansing may be beneficial for those who wear makeup or water-resistant sunscreen."

Step 2: Toner

Once again, a toner or treatment serum will be needed as a follow-up step to your cleanser. "Skin naturally enters repair mode overnight, making this the ideal time for targeted treatments," says Engelman. "Look for ingredients such as peptides, growth factors, niacinamide, antioxidants, and hydrating actives that help support firmness, texture, and overall skin quality." She adds that ELM Biosciences' A30 Elemental Serum is a great option for supporting skin health and promoting a stronger, more resilient complexion.

Step 3: Eye cream

An eye cream before bed can reduce fine lines and promote plumpness. "Overnight hydration helps support the delicate eye area and minimize the appearance of fine lines and fatigue," says Engelman. "Look for formulas with peptides, humectants and barrier-supporting ingredients."

Step 4: Moisturizer

Whether you prefer a moisturizer or a mask, deep hydration to repair and protect the skin overnight will set you up for success with consistent use. Engelman says ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, peptides and other barrier-strengthening ingredients will keep skin smooth, supple, and healthy-looking

As someone with combination skin, I am constantly having to update my beauty routine. Sometimes that means swapping out my foundation for skin tint or throwing my favorite liquid blush in my makeup bag in exchange for my powder one. But one part of my routine that always gets a seasonal update? My sunscreen.

During cooler months, I'll opt for thicker formulas that really pack on hydration, but as the heat ramps up and my skin starts to lean toward the oily side, I prefer a lighter feel that still checks off all my boxes. Yep, I'm talking about sunscreen serums. They're lightweight, hydrating, and they often come with added benefits on top of the UV protection.

While I have my personal favorite (more on that ahead), I wanted to know what dermatologists were actually recommending to their patients. So to get the full scoop, I spoke with four leading dermatologists to find out which ones are worth every cent. Read on for all the details!

The Best Sunscreen Serums, at a Glance

• Best Overall: Kiehl's Since Better Screen Uv Serum Sunscreen SPF 50+
• Best for Oily Skin: Neutrogena Clear Face Serum Sunscreen With Green Tea, Broad Spectrum SPF 60
• Best for Dry Skin: Bloomeffects Tulipscreen Dew Serum SPF 50
• Best Tinted Formula: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 \
• Best for Mature Skin: Image Skincare Daily Prevention™ Sun Serum Tinted SPF 30

The Best Sunscreen Serums in 2026

Best Overall: Kiehl's Since Better Screen UV Serum Sunscreen SPF 50+

Best Lightweight: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

Best for Uneven Skin Tone: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Aox Daily Antioxidant Serum With SPF

Best for Oily Skin: Neutrogena Clear Face Serum Sunscreen With Green Tea, Broad Spectrum SPF 60

Best for Dry Skin: Bloomeffects Tulipscreen Dew Serum SPF 50

Best Tinted Formula: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Best for Makeup: Coola Dew Good Illuminating Serum Sunscreen

Best for Sensitive Skin: Skin004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50

Best for Mature Skin: Image Skincare Daily Prevention Sun Serum Tinted SPF 30

What are the benefits of an SPF serum?

One fo the biggest benefits of using a sunscreen serum is how lightweight they are. "They make daily sun protection feel more wearable for those who don’t like traditional heavier sunscreen lotions, especially on their faces," says Graf. "Some of them also include skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants, so you’re getting sun protection plus added skin benefits in one step." Bonus: serums layer well with makeup, too.

Are sunscreen serums just as effective as regular sunscreen?

There's a bit of a misconception that sunscreen serums don't work a well as lotions, but that's actually not the case. "Sunscreen serums can be just as effective as traditional sunscreens, provided they are broad-spectrum and applied in an adequate amount," says Shah. "Like all sunscreens, they also need regular reapplication for continued protection."

Still, you should keep in mind that the higher the SPF level the better (the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a formula with SPF 30 or higher). Additionally, Shah notes that most serums are not water-resistant, so if you plan on sweating, swimming, or being outdoors for a long period of time, consider a different formula type.

How We Chose

As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best sunscreen serums for this roundup, we leaned heavily on expert insight and our knowledge as beauty experts. We also considered several factors, including SPF level, key ingredients, type, and size. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.

Why Trust Who What Wear

Since 2006, Who What Wear has been a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover the latest brands, trends, and must-have products to help define and evolve their personal style. Think of Who What Wear as your most trusted style and shopping resource.

When I want to shop high-quality, medical-grade skincare that's typically only sold in doctors' offices, I beeline to Dermstore. True to its name, the beauty retailer makes it easier to access professional-level treatments at home (it even has a handy section for HSA/FSA-eligible products), so it's a fabulous place to turn to if you're in the middle of overhauling your skincare routine—like, ahem, right about now, when summer weather is finally making its grand entrance.

Of course, you don't need to toss every beauty product you own in preparation for the sweaty season. It is common, though, to make a few swaps to ensure your glow doesn't wind up reading greasy—a summer beauty starter pack, if you will. To navigate the overcrowded market of serums, cleansers, and creams, I consulted two professionals responsible for curating Dermstore's top-tier collection: Chelsea Strauser, vice president of buying, and Kristy Bomba, senior director of buying. Both experts have a finger on the pulse of the industry, vetting brands and analyzing consumer patterns, and here, they're recommending 15 heroes for a summer skincare lineup. Scroll ahead for the best-selling formulas you shouldn't miss out on and the underrated items they expect to fly off the shelves in a matter of weeks.

The Best Summer Beauty Products to Buy at Dermstore

Sunscreens

Of course, no summer skincare lineup is complete without a winning sunscreen. "Summer is really about investing in products that work harder for you—lightweight, multitasking, protective, and easy to use consistently. SPF is obviously at the top of that list," notes Bomba. It's nearly impossible to crown the best sunscreen, as everyone has different priorities when it comes to SPF (mineral versus chemical, tinted versus untinted, etc.), but the pros say you can't go wrong with best-selling Isdin and Supergoop! formulas.

Cleansers

As you layer on more SPF, you'll likely need to focus on cleansing to prevent any congestion. "I tend to double cleanse more in the summer. With more sunscreen reapplied and more sweat in general, it's crucial for me to deep clean every night to avoid breakouts," Bomba explains. Check out her favorite combo below along with another gently exfoliating option if you're dealing with pore buildup.

Lightweight Hydrators

Stow the whip-thick creams! 'Tis the season for milky serums and airy moisturizers. But don't think these formulas sacrifice moisture for a lightweight, breathable texture. Trust me. Bomba's and Strauser's recs below plump deep layers of the skin with hydration and provide a dewy, never sweaty, sheen.

Tools and Treatments

"A trend we're seeing could be classified as those 'high-maintenance to stay low-maintenance' type products," declares Bomba. "Work smarter, not harder" is essentially my MO when it comes to summer beauty when even the thought of applying mascara makes me break a sweat, so it makes total sense that skin-improving tools and treatments would skyrocket in popularity. Yes, these are typically an investment of time and money, but if you prioritize them now, you'll have a noticeable glow by June 30.

As a beauty editor who resides in the United States, it would be easy to lament our lack of access to next-gen sunscreen filters—the same ones available in Europe, Asia, and Australia—and accept subpar formulas that pill, smudge, or leave ghostly white casts. It would also be easy to disregard American SPFs and recommend stocking up on sunscreen the next time you take an international trip. But I refuse because I'm a beauty journalist, dammit! What kind of editor and researcher would I be if I didn't offer expert-vetted recommendations?

Even though our Stateside sunscreen filters are often considered old news to the rest of the world, that doesn't mean there are zero options on the domestic market. Nay, there are some shockingly impressive ones. Certain beauty brands have done some fancy footwork and formulated intelligent SPFs—they're silky, featherlight, and offer additional skin benefits aside from simple (yet critical) sun protection. How did they do it? I don't know. Maybe it was luck, a magic spell, or the expertise of world-class cosmetic chemists (definitely the last one).

Some of these sunscreens are so good that I, along with my fellow WWW beauty editors, have officially classified them as elite. Yep, it's true—you just need to cut through the crowded marketplace to find the best ones. That, dear reader, is what I'm here for. Ahead, see WWW's guide to the best sunscreens for summer 2026.

What's New and Now

Ron Robinson is a cosmetic chemist and the founder and CEO of BeautyStat Cosmetics. He says the days of basic sunscreen lotions are gone. Now, people are curating personal collections of SPF in a variety of textures and formats. It seems as if sunscreen wardrobes are the way of the future. "Mists, sticks, gels, primers, serums, and milks continue to trend this year," he says. "And body-part specific sunscreens, such as for the scalp and lips."

While we wait for the next-gen chemical sunscreen filters to be approved for use in the U.S., Robinson says he's been seeing more and more mineral sunscreen launches. (Mineral and chemical sunscreens both protect skin from UV light, but they differ in how. Mineral sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to reflect UV rays. Meanwhile, chemical sunscreens use ingredients like avobenzone or oxybenzone to absorb UV and convert it to heat.) Robinson says the 2026 class of mineral SPFs is all about tinted formulas and sheer finishes.

Despite the wave of new mineral sunscreens hitting the market, Robinson says we might not have to wait long for the next-gen chemical filters to become available. "There is one new sunscreen that is supposed to get approved for use in the U.S. called Bemotrizol," he says. "This sunscreen has been used in other markets for years and provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. I am most excited about this new sunscreen because it’s easy to formulate with and plays nicely with other ingredients. It might be approved for use in the US as early as this summer."

I'll keep my fingers crossed. In the meantime, keep scrolling to shop a selection of elite sunscreen formulas to pack in your beach bag this summer…

Milky Sunscreen

Forget traditional creams and lotions. Right now, milky sunscreens are the most popular and preferred format for sun protection. They're fluid, featherlight, and sink into the skin for a smooth, hydrated finish. Tatcha's The Milky Sunscreen SPF 50+ ($22) might just be the breakout star of the summer, thanks to its transparent broad-spectrum sun filters that virtually disappear on the skin. Vitamin E and encapsulated ectoin (a gold-standard anti-inflammatory ingredient) hydrate the skin and strengthen its natural barrier, while Okinawa aloe soothes irritation with skin-quenching moisture.

Summer Fridays' Shadedrops SPF 50 Daily Mineral Milk Sunscreen ($38) is the 100% mineral option. It uses a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to shield the skin, preventing any possibility of a white cast with a slight peachy-nude hue. An antioxidant complex, ceramide NP, and glycerin deliver anti-aging and barrier-strengthening benefits.

The same goes for Good Weather Skin's The One All-Over Sun Milk SPF 50 ($54). The 100% mineral SPF is formulated for the face but is meant for the whole body. Its universal hue means you won't even see a whisper of a white cast, and super-hydrators squalane and sea buckthorn oil strengthen the skin.

Sunscreen Sticks

I just wrote an in-depth guide to the best sunscreen sticks because I'm convinced they're the easiest, most mess-free way to reapply SPF with smooth, even coverage. Try rubbing traditional sunscreen onto your skin with sandy hands, and you'll know what I mean. (It's exfoliation I never asked for.) I have sunscreen sticks littered all over my life: one in my car, one in my bag, one on my desk, and one in the chic Zara Mesh Tote Bag ($80) I reserve for beach trips.

I have strict standards for my sunscreen sticks. If they pull, tug, pill, or smudge off my skin the second I start to sweat, it's out. I only collect the ones that glide across my skin like butter, stay put, and ideally provide additional skin benefits. (I'll take as many antioxidants as I can get in the summer months.)

Shiseido's Ultimate Sun Protector Clear Stick SPF 60+ ($33) is a classic—recommended by not one, not two, but three WWW beauty editors, which isn't surprising considering it's the number one sunscreen stick in the U.S. The invisible formula provides broad-spectrum SPF 60+ and eight hours of hydration. Its built-in SynchroShield Technology creates a protective veil that's strengthened by heat, water, and sweat exposure, which means it's fully water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Kopari's Pure Protect 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ ($25) is a glow-boosting mineral option. It has a sheer finish and a moisturizing, plumping, and antioxidant-rich base.

Abib's Airy Sunstick Protection Bar SPF 50+ ($) is my favorite Korean formula. It's water-resistant up to 80 minutes and is infused with ectoin and allantoin to protect the skin from damage, stress, and irritation. I also appreciate its semimatte finish when my skin gets too shiny in the summer heat.

SPF Primers

SPF primers work on three levels. First, they give the skin an extra layer of sun protection under makeup (duh). Second, they smooth and blur imperfections, including breakouts, redness, or enlarged pores. Third, they work as traditional makeup primers do, gripping foundation, concealer, and other products to the skin for a flawless, long-wearing result that holds better in the face of high heat and humidity. They're the multitasking makeup-meets-skincare heroes that are guaranteed to streamline your summer 2026 routine.

Eadem's new Sunsuede SPF 50+ Lightweight Sunscreen & Blurring Primer Stick ($32) is my top pick. As the name suggests, it provides a velvety, suede-like finish while blurring enlarged pores and controlling excess oil thanks to kaolin and zinc PCA. The lightweight formula grips makeup, enhancing and extending the wear of foundation, concealer, blush, and bronzer. YSE Beauty's Skin Glow SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Primer ($54) uses chemical filters to shield the skin, while niacinamide targets dark spots and sodium hyaluronate hydrates and plumps. It's the one to use if you want a megawatt glow. On the flip side, I recommend Ultra Violette's Supreme Screen SPF 50 Mini Mate Sunscreen Moisturizer and Primer ($17) if you prefer a matte finish.

Ciele, a brand built on sun protection, offers another editor-vetted SPF primer. Meet the Prime & Protect SPF 30+ Smoothing Primer ($38). The 100% mineral formula smooths the skin, grips makeup, and provides an all-over, sun-kissed glow with two radiant shades, Mother (sheer champagne) and Nacre (soft bronze).

Sheer Tinted Sunscreens

As Robinson pointed out, sheer, slightly tinted sunscreens are on the rise. These provide light, skin-enhancing coverage with a smooth, hydrated finish. Many are 100% mineral, like Dr. David Kim's Lightsaver Triplesome Serum SPF 40 ($55), which is offered in two versatile shades. Formulated with the proprietary Triplesome Repair Complex-3, it helps protect, restore, and calm the skin. Goldenfaden MD's Lumi Shield SPF 50 Sunscreen ($48) is another derm-developed mineral option. Its universal sheer tint creates a soft veil on the skin, delivering a natural-looking glow.

Supergoop's new Protec(tint) Daily Skin Tint SPF 50 ($44) is the editor-approved chemical option. The ultra-blendable skin tint smooths and evens skin tone while delivering hydrating and strengthening benefits, thanks to a formula made up of a whopping 83% skincare ingredients.

Scalp and Lip Sunscreen

Dermatologists say the scalp is the #1 most neglected area for sun protection. Wearing a hat is an obvious and effective way to prevent sun damage in this area, but it's impractical to expect people to wear one 100% of the time. That's where scalp sunscreen comes in. They're intentionally designed to shield the scalp from harsh UV rays, without weighing the hair down or contributing to greasy roots. I can vouch for many of them—as a thin-haired person, I'm an ideal guinea pig.

Lip sunscreen shouldn't be skipped either. It's another notoriously neglected area. UV damage can break down collagen and elastin, contributing to a thinning appearance with dark spots, lines, and wrinkles… or worse. Luckily, there's no shortage of sheer, high-performance SPF lip products on the market.

3 Editor-Favorite Sunscreens

While the aforementioned sunscreens are all editor-approved, there are a few SPFs that WWW beauty editors love and cherish so much that they deserve their own category.

Let's start with Isdin's Fusion Water Magic SPF 40 Sunscreen ($38). The formula is beloved by multiple WWW beauty editors, but none so passionate as associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia. She penned a full review after using it on a sun-soaked trip to Miami. The formula offers 360-degree protection against not only sunburns but also blue light, photoaging, heat damage, infrared, pollution, and free radicals. As if that's not reason enough to invest in it, the watery, milky texture is a sensorial delight and soaks the skin in moisture.

Osea's new Marine Screen SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen ($42) has also been the talk of our Slack channels. WWW's assistant beauty editor, Sabrina Talbert, is a big fan, which led her to pen her own dedicated review. Unlike other mineral SPFs, it's virtually undetectable on the skin and can be layered seamlessly (no pilling, smudging, or smearing). It impressed not one, but two confessed "sunscreen snobs." Enough said.

Last but not least, I have to talk about Bioré's UV Aqua Rich Daily Hydrating SPF 50 ($20), an elegant SPF that's beloved by yours truly. I originally waded into Bioré waters when I picked up the European-formulated version of this SPF on a trip to Paris. I was so incredibly obsessed with it that when it ran out, I put out a call to friends and fellow editors: "If you're going to Europe, please buy me a bottle of this SPF." After wishing and waiting for a bottle to magically drop into my lap, I decided to test the U.S. version, and, wow—I loved it just as much. I don't know how they did it, but it's just as silky, smooth, and skin-quenching as my beloved Parisian one. I swear by it and reach for it nearly every day, whether I'm wearing it alone or under makeup.

And if I can sneak in one more rec...just one! It would be Beauty of Joseon's Dayscreen 2-in-1 SPF 30 ($20). As a Korean sunscreen stan, I've tried just about every K-beauty formula on the U.S. market, and IMO, this is one of the best. It's weightless, hydrating, and packs an antioxidant punch thanks to green-tea hyaluronic acid, a brand-exclusive ingredient. Meanwhile, ceramides support barrier function and moisture retention. It's so soothing that it's a must for all my fellow rosacea sufferers. I'll leave it at that.

We’re all probably aware of just how important SPF is. Come rain, wind or shine, sunscreen is an everyday essential needed to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays emitted from the sun. But as someone who works in beauty, I’ve tried a lot of SPFs in my time, and finding one without a white cast has been a challenge to say the least. Of course, this is fine when I’m layering a full face of makeup on top, but on my no-makeup days, a suncream that leaves a chalky residue all over my darker skin tone is a genuine nightmare.

Having the same struggles? Well, never fear, because gone are the days of streaky, ashen faces that feel heavy and greasy, and in their place lies a myriad of sun protection formulas that feel lightweight and, more importantly, are undetectable on the skin. But with this, I couldn’t help but wonder how these invisible SPFs compare to traditional sunscreen formulas, and whether they are actually an effective way to protect myself from the sun.

To help navigate my way through the world of the best SPFs without white cast, I sat down with consultant dermatologist, Dr Mary Sommerlad, to answer my burning questions.

What Is an SPF?

Dr Sommerlad says, “SPF stands for sun protection factor and is a marker of how much protection a sunscreen formula gives a person from the rays of sunlight that can burn the skin and contribute to skin cancer formation, known as ultraviolet B (UV-B).

"In the UK, SPF is usually given as a number, such as 30 or 50. This number indicates that, when sunscreen is applied correctly, your skin takes 30 or 50 times longer to burn than it would without protection. As the amount of UVB reaching the skin varies by time of day, it may be simpler to think of SPF 30 as blocking about 97% of UVB rays from affecting the skin, whilst SPF 50 blocks around 98%. This difference is important, especially if you have had skin cancer, work outdoors or have outdoor hobbies.

"SPF does not indicate how much UVA protection sunscreen provides. UVA causes premature ageing, hyperpigmentation and skin cancer. So you should choose broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 30 or 50 and a good UVA protection, especially if you have darker skin tones.”

Why Do Some SPFs Leave a White Cast?

“A white cast is common in mineral sunscreens or sunscreens that are hybrid and have a lot of inorganic/ mineral filters, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These filters sit on the skin and are naturally white in appearance. In those with deeply pigmented skin, the contrast between the natural skin tone and the ashen appearance of the sunscreen filter gives a more striking white cast. This is even more obvious in 100% mineral sunscreens, hybrid sunscreens that have high levels of zinc oxide and if the sunscreen formulation is very thick (e.g., a cream or paste sunscreen rather than a liquid/ fluid/ gel)”, explains Dr Sommerlad.

Are Chemical or Mineral SPFs Better for Avoiding White Cast?

Dr Sommerlad states that, “Chemical sunscreens are far better than mineral SPFs at avoiding white casts, as the filters do not reflect visible light. Instead, they use filters that have been tested for many years and have a strong safety profile with minimal absorption into the body. Micronised mineral sunscreens can also have reduced white cast as the Zinc has been processed to a much smaller particle size, which is useful to know if you are looking for a mineral-only sunscreen.”

The Best SPFs Without White Cast

• Best Overall: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh SPF50+ (£16)
• Best for Dry Skin: CeraVe Invisible Hydrating SPF50 (£21)
• Best for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Oil Control SPF50+ (£22)
• Best for Mature Skin: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Anti-Ageing SPF50 (£30)
• Best Affordable SPF: Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV SPF50+ (£14)
• Best Luxury SPF: Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF50 (£49)

1. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5

After seeing Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+ on my TikTok FYP for months, I finally decided to give it a try. I knew it was described as a non-white-cast formula, but I genuinely did not expect it to be quite so invisible as it actually was. And that's not even the best part of it. Often, when it's really hot outside, I feel discouraged about applying my SPF because it can feel heavy and sticky on my face, but this formula is a light, watery lotion that stays hydrating without feeling greasy. I saw a lot of beauty content creators on TikTok suggest this for those with oily skin, but as someone with eczema and extremely dehydrated skin, rest assured that this SPF is perfect for those with dry skin as well.

2. Cerave Invisible Hydrating Sunscreen

As I mentioned above, I have extremely dry and sensitive skin, so finding an SPF that comes with all the benefits of a hydrating moisturiser is always a plus to me. CeraVe’s Invisible Hydrating Sunscreen is packed with skin-loving ingredients such as a triple ceramide complex and vitamins E that nourish the skin without feeling too greasy. When I first squeezed this sunscreen out of the tube, I was worried that the formula would be too thick and leave a white residue on my skin, but it sheers out into an undetectable layer of sun protection, something I’ll be very grateful for on those non-makeup days.

3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Oil Control Fluid

When it comes to sunscreens without a white cast, La Roche-Posay is a brand that is loved by dermatologists and beauty editors alike. This formula is a lightweight fluid that is sweat-resistant and helps to absorb excess oil for a long-lasting mattifying effect on the face. And don’t be afraid of the slightly beige formula, I find that there is still no white cast left on the skin, making it perfect for those looking for an invisible sunscreen that’s not too greasy. But if you have dry skin, never fear, as this French pharmacy brand also has a regular formula that’s hydrating and just as undetectable.

4. L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler Deep Replumping Anti-Ageing

I don’t have mature skin, but I often find myself looking for mature-skin product suggestions due to how moisturising they are. L’Oréal Paris’ Revitalift Filler Deep Replumping Anti-Ageing is a day cream that was created to replump the skin with moisture, tone the face and reduce wrinkles. It’s lightweight and non-greasy, absorbing into the skin without leaving any residue. I love that it’s a two-in-one SPF/moisturiser hybrid, making your skincare routine easier on busy mornings. My only note would be that it’s not fragrance-free, so it could cause irritation in those with sensitive skin.

5. Mimétique Everyday 50 Invisible Face Fluid

When it comes to facial SPFs, finding a formula that simultaneously protects me from UV rays and works to treat my skin concerns was a top priority. Mimétique’s Everyday 50 Invisible Face Fluid offers the SPF 50 protection I’m looking for and simultaneously uses Biomimetic peptides and antioxidant-rich exosomes to even out the skin tone. I have to admit that I haven't yet seen any results regarding my dark spots; however, its glowy and hydrating formula is enough to get me to continue using it.

6. Garnier Ambre Solaire Super Uv Face Protection Sun Cream Fluid

If you're looking for a non-white-cast sunscreen that’s effective without requiring you to break the bank, Garnier has nailed it with their Ambre Solaire SPF that sits at a very budget-friendly £14. It has a fluid consistency that makes it feel super lightweight on the face, but it's also packed with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and glycerin to help moisturise and nourish the skin. I’m usually a luxury skincare lover myself, but I cannot deny that this product’s formula and packaging feel way more sophisticated than its £14 price tag, rivalling a number of high-end options on the market.

7. Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen

Some luxury skincare products are undeniably worth the extra splurge, and Tatcha’s The Milky Sunscreen is just that. If you’re someone who hates the feeling of SPF on your face, this is the formula to try. I’ve described other formulas in the round-up as lightweight, but this is by far the sheerest formula I tested. And don’t just take it from me, one reviewer described it as “so light you don't feel as though wearing a factor 50 sunscreen at all.”

8. Summer Fridays Shadedrops Broad Spectrum Mineral Milk

Finding an SPF that will sit well under your makeup without pilling can be a challenge, but luckily, Summer Friday’s new hybrid formula is the perfect solution. Not only is the packaging extremely chic, but this invisible formula is packed with ceramides and shea butter to help nourish the skin, as well as vitamin E, vitamin C and ectoin that work to protect the skin from free radicals. It sits beautifully under makeup, but can also be worn alone for a glowy base. As someone with eczema, I love how hydrating and rich this formula is, but I would be cautious for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

8. Caudalie Invisible High Protection Stick

An SPF stick is one of my go-to ways to top up my sun protection when I’m on the go, but it’s also a great alternative for those who don't like the feeling of traditional sunscreen on their face. Caudalie’s Invisible High Protection Stick has a clear consistency, almost like a lip balm, but it doesn't feel sticky at all. Enriched with nourishing grape seed oil and cocoa seed butter, it keeps my skin soft and moisturised while providing a smooth, invisible finish with no white cast. It works best on no-makeup and light makeup, but when I have a full-coverage base on, it can disturb the products on my face slightly, so I’ll still be opting for an SPF spray on those days.

10. Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Face Mist

Finding an SPF that provides effective sun protection and hydrates my skin effectively without causing irritation has been a journey, to say the least. But I haven’t put down Naked Sundays SPF 50+ Hydrating Glow Mist since I discovered it a few years back. When I have a full face of makeup on, I use it after my normal setting spray to melt everything in, leaving me with a dewy and fresh base ready for the day. But I also use it on non-makeup days to give my bare skin a glow as I’m on the move. And if that doesn't convince you, then let it be known that it also smells incredible, so much so that I get asked all the time what perfume I’m using whenever I spray it.

11. Vichy Capital Soleil Cell Protect Oil

The easiest way to get sun protection without a white cast? An SPF oil, of course, and Vichy's Capital Soleil Cell Protect Oil SPF 50 is a dry-touch spray formula that promises to leave the skin soft and radiant without feeling too heavy. Not to mention that this multi-purpose formula can also be applied to the scalp and ends of hair for added sun protection. It also contains vitamin E, 1% squalane and ceramides for moisturising properties. Despite being labelled a dry oil, this did feel slightly oilier on the skin than the other SPF oils I tried; however, with my skin type, I did not mind this at all.

How Can I Make Sure My No-Cast SPF Is Working?

Dr Sommerlad gives her tips on effective sunscreen application below:

1. Apply sunscreen BEFORE leaving the house—consider it the final step of skincare and before make-up.

2. Apply sunscreen after any serums or moisturisers you have used have mostly dried down—fluid/ liquid/ gel formulations will always blend in better than a cream (save creams for the limbs/ body).

3. Ensure you cover all exposed skin with a thin film of your sunscreen—if you are spending the day outside, I recommend "double application" in order to get the full benefit of the sunscreen (most of us use far less than the amount that the sunscreens are tested on in lab environments); in practice, that means applying the sunscreen, waiting 2 minutes, then reapplying it.

4. Reapply after sweating, after gym or swimming or every two hours in warm weather—don't forget the edges of the face as well as the neck, the ears, upper chest and back of hands.

5. Store your sunscreen away from direct sunlight and remember to replace sunscreens that have sat out in the sun, are more than 6 months old, or have breaks in the packaging.

6. Use sprays to reapply if you have used makeup, but be aware that sprays may not give you the same coverage as a liquid/ fluid sunscreen.

How I Tested

I tested a wide range of sunscreens over the last few months, evaluating each SPF's ability to blend seamlessly into my skin without leaving a white cast or residue, as well as how they performed with and without makeup layered on top.

Why Trust Us?

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

I have a confession to make: Even though I work in beauty, I'm actually pretty bad at staying on top of sunscreen use. Have I tested hundreds of them? Yes. But candidly, there aren't many that play well with my skin. Some have strong smells, and others give me a greasy finish.

After a lot of trial and error, I've learned that my sensitive skin responds best to mineral sunscreens. That brings me to my biggest pet peeve and the one that often deters me from using sunscreen more often: the dreaded white cast. I've dealt with my fair share of formulas that don't budge on my olive skin, giving me a ghost-like appearance that's a bit too noticeable for my liking.

That said, I'll never turn down the opportunity to test something new. So when I learned about Osea's new Marine Screen SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen, testing it for myself was a no-brainer. Want to know if it's worth the investment? Read on for my full review.

About Osea's Marine Screen SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen

Designed for all skin types, this mineral sunscreen was designed to hydrate, protect, and smooth. The lightweight formula prevents UVA and UVB rays from damaging skin with non-nano zinc oxide, while key ingredients like seaweed and hyaluronic acid soften and hydrate. It contains SPF 50, which meets the American Academy of Dermatology's recommendation of SPF 30 or higher, and you can expect a blendable, rich consistency that leaves a non-greasy finish. Simply apply it 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours.

How We Used Osea's Marine Screen SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen

Using Osea's Marine Screen SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen was extremely straightforward. I started by washing my face to make sure I had a clean base. I currently use the Farmacy Green Clean Gentle Creamy Cleanser and Youth to the People
Superfood Skin Drip Smooth + Glow Barrier Serum. From there, I went in with my moisturizer. I like to alternate which ones I use, and this time I went with my Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Hydrating Moisturizer. Finally, I applied the sunscreen liberally to my face and neck area as instructed.

Outside of my own testing, Who What Wear's senior e-commerce analyst Charlotte Acevedo also tried the formula. "I'm a self-proclaimed sunscreen snob," she says. "I even have a list of sunscreen-specific ingredients to avoid saved in my notes app and seldomly purchase the same SPF or tinted moisturizer because I'm still in pursuit of the perfect product."

Acevedo gave this sunscreen a true sweat test and wore it while walking around the Hollywood Reservoir in 88-degree heat. "When I had to reapply, the formula felt almost invisible to the sweaty remnants still on my face and didn’t pill or feel greasy—it was seamless," she says. "It comes out of the tube in a thin paste texture (not runny) and blends into a light lotion consistency that's super spreadable, leaving no white cast whatsoever."

The Results

Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical about how this mineral sunscreen was going to blend, but I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that it left no white cast. It also didn't irritate my skin, and it had a barely there scent that wasn't overpowering in the slightest. The formula didn't take a lot of effort to blend out, which is something I deal with when using other sunscreens of a similar consistency. But overall, I was really pleased by how quickly it melted on my skin and the subtle dewiness it gave me.

Is Osea's Marine Screen SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen worth it?

If you're on the hunt for a mineral sunscreen that's safe for sensitive skin and doesn't leave a white cast, investing in this sunscreen is absolutely worth it. The one thing I will note is that the application process works best when you prep your skin with a moisturizer beforehand. Otherwise, it pills up. The list of mineral sunscreens that check all of my boxes is short, but this one is on there.

Other Osea Products We Tested

If you’re like me, you likely wear a hat, SPF 50, and sunglasses in order to shield your sensitive skin from the sun. My generation (Gen Z) knows and cares far more about sun protection than my mother’s did, but she always taught me to slather myself in the stuff 20 minutes before hitting the lounge chairs. However, it didn’t take long for us to realize that products with avobenzone (a common ingredient in chemical sunscreens) were causing my skin to break out in eczema patches as a child. Though my skin has since learned to tolerate chemical sunscreens, it’s made me approach SPF testing much differently.

Since beginning my career as a beauty editor, I’ve been cautiously trying different types of sunscreens—from sunscreen milks to SPF-infused makeup and tinted formulas—to see which could properly protect and soothe my irritable skin. “Sunscreen is very personal—it should match your skin type, sensitivity, and how long you’ll be in the sun,” says Kseniya Kobets, MD, board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care. The derm also recommends looking for formulas that are fragrance-free, noncomedogenic, and contain barrier-supporting ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. If this sounds like a laundry list, buckle up.

After much trial and error, I’ve found that these eight perform the best on sensitive, dry skin. Keep reading to discover which formulas outshone the others.

The 8 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin, at a Glance

• Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
• Best Mineral: Ultra Violette Future Screen SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Serum
• Best Chemical: Isdin Fusion Water Magic SPF 40 Sunscreen
• Best Budget: Banana Boat Sheer Sensitive SPF 50
• Best Drugstore: CeraVe Tinted Sheer Mineral SPF 30

Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Best Mineral: Ultra Violette Future Screen SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Serum

Best Chemical: Isdin Fusion Water Magic SPF 40 Sunscreen

Best Budget: Banana Boat Sheer Sensitive SPF 50

Best Drugstore: CeraVe Tinted Sheer Mineral SPF 30

Best Tinted: Drmtlgy Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46

Best Lightweight: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50

Best for Mature Skin: Doctor Babor Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30

What to Look For in Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

• Sensitivity identification: "Those with sensitive skin should have dermatologic assessments to determine if there is an underlying allergy (allergic contact dermatitis)," says Gapari. "Irritation (non-allergic) represents intolerance, but not an allergic condition and is much more common than skin allergy. If an allergy is identified, dermatologic guidance will provide detailed information about the product(s) to avoid."
• Formula type: Most sunscreens fall under the mineral or chemical umbrellas. Though there are a few unicorn hybrid options on the market (and this list). "The biggest difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens is that some consumers can develop allergic reactions to chemical sunscreens, meaning it can chemically react with structural components of the skin," explains Gapari. "There is no evidence that mineral sunscreens can cause allergic reactions, and thus are considered safer for the consumer with sensitive skin and those with known skin allergies."
• Hydration: "Ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane help maintain hydration and improve tolerability," says Kobets. "I also look for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free botanical ingredients that can help calm and soothe the skin. Well-hydrated skin looks smoother overall, so I tend to avoid overly matte or drying formulas that can disrupt the barrier."

How We Chose

After testing several sensitive skin-friendly sunscreens on her own irritable skin type, WWW associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia interviewed two board-certified dermatologists for their professional recommendations—and hot takes—on the topic. Considering underlying skin conditions and other symptoms that usually accompany sensitive skin types (dryness, acne, etc.), we compiled this list of the best sunscreens for sensitive skin to streamline your shopping experience.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.

I’ve long held the reputation of being a relatively type B person when it comes to travel. That is, until it’s time to plan outfits and makeup looks. I wait until the last minute to dig out my suitcase from under my bed, I look up restaurants once I get to my destination (a little too late, Alyssa), and I’ve even been scammed trying to buy tickets to Versailles 20 minutes before boarding a flight to Paris. (True story!) But when it comes to planning looks, you’d think I ran the Navy.

Ever since discovering the magic of Canva in college, I routinely mood-board my outfits and beauty looks before trips (and have even employed these skills on behalf of my friends). After developing a unique, but highly effective planning strategy—where I look up pictures of the interiors and atmosphere of every hotel, restaurant, and activity on my itinerary—I record every lipstick, item of jewelry, pair of shoes, and bag necessary, plus the different ways I can rearrange them throughout the duration of the trip. This doesn’t just make packing easier; it gives me a delicious new project every time I crack that suitcase open.

Now that I travel to chic places quite regularly for work, I’ve gotten this routine down to a science. So it’s not surprising that in the four trips I’ve taken this spring, I’ve found myself reaching for several of the same things when I get to packing (though seldom styling them the same way twice).

I packed spring into a suitcase several times over the last few weeks to visit Los Angeles, Miami, and Palm Springs. Keep scrolling to see what went inside.

In My Suitcase: Los Angeles

My several trips to Los Angeles found me between West Hollywood and downtown L.A., staying at the recently reinvented Sun Rose West Hollywood and the Soho Warehouse. I was in town for different things—a trip to the 2026 Grammys and to experience Sephoria, Sephora’s top-of-the-line beauty convention—but the planning process for both trips involved several of the same pieces from my overstuffed wardrobe and makeup collection.

As someone who grew up romanticizing L.A., I wanted to lean into the dreamy silver screen fantasy of it all. I wore ruffly, tiered tops that fluttered as I walked, pairing them with everything from lace-trimmed skirts to breezy linen pants. Each look had a dramatic, yet sweet detail—from mesh scarves tied around my waist to period-piece jackets (like I stepped off a movie set, no?), and deep, Hollywood starlet pouts. I’m nothing if not extra.

L.A. Outfit Essentials

L.A. Beauty Essentials

In My Suitcase: Miami

I flew straight from L.A. to Miami on an extended work trip this spring, so much of my Californian wardrobe bled into my Floridian one. But as I mentioned earlier, I tailor my looks to the environment around me—and vibrant Miami could not be more different than the breezy Western digs I was coming from.

My Miami ensembles blended classic silhouettes with breathable fabrics; loud, layered necklaces with ‘80s-inspired animal prints. (A stark deviation from the romantic lace pieces and structured shoulders I was working with in L.A.) Beauty was a bit more intentional here as well: I focused on plush, glowing skin by mixing bronzing drops with Isdin’s Fusion Water Magic Sunscreen, plumped my lips with Wonderskin’s viral lip stain and a dewy gloss, and scented my skin with a mix of summery fragrances and body creams.

Miami Outfit Essentials

Miami Beauty Essentials

In My Suitcase: Palm Springs

My time in Palm Springs was marked by Coachella—where I sported everything from grungy glitter on my eyes (an ode to the “pirate makeup” trend that Sydney Stanback, Global Trends and Insights Lead at Pinterest, reported would dominate music festival season) to color-blocked pool outfits and shimmery, sheer dresses. Though there were a few similarities between my L.A. and Palm Springs wardrobes, notably a recurring Mango square scarf (worn over my head and tied around my waist more times than I can count), the biggest difference here was the ultra-glam festival makeup. Oh, and maybe my trusty cowboy boots.

Beauty played the largest role in Palm Springs of any of my destinations, thanks to the Coachella of it all. I loaded on the glitter shadows from Isamaya’s Core 2.0 palette—the kind that look wet, never gritty or kitschy—and relied heavily on sunscreen and SPF-infused makeup formulas. More on that below.

Palm Springs Outfit Essentials

Palm Springs Beauty Essentials

If there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that finding products that pair well with different skin types can be quite the hassle. Between thousands of cleansers, hydrating moisturizers, sunscreens, and everything else in between, calling it a trial-and-error process would be an understatement. This is especially the case for oily skin because the goal is often to eliminate excess sebum without drying your skin out completely.

What causes extra sebum to begin with? "While sebum is essential for protecting and hydrating the skin, overproduction leads to shine, enlarged pores, and breakouts," says board-certified dermatologist Kristina Collins, MD. "The biggest drivers are genetics and hormones, particularly androgens, which stimulate oil production, along with factors like stress, humidity, and using overly harsh skincare that disrupts the skin barrier."

To make your hunt for the best skincare easy, I asked Collins and board-certified dermatologist Danny Guo, MD, for their top picks for each step of a well-rounded routine. Keep scrolling for the products that get it right for shine-free skin.

The Best Skincare for Oily Skin at a Glance

• Best Cleanser: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
• Best Toner: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner
• Best Moisturizer: CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream
• Best Serum: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum
• Best Sunscreen: Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free SPF 42 Face Sunscreen

The Best Skincare for Oily Skin in 2026

Best Cleanser: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser

Best Toner: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner

Best Moisturizer: CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream

Best Serum: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

Best Sunscreen: Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free SPF 42 Face Sunscreen

Best Retinol: Celimax The Vita-A Retinal 0.1% Shot Booster Treatment

Best Shine Control: Tatcha Aburatorigami Blotting Papers

How We Chose

As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best oily-skin products, we leaned heavily on expert insight and our knowledge as beauty experts. We also considered several factors, including key ingredients, price, and customer reviews. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details.

Why Trust Who What Wear

Since 2006, Who What Wear has been a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover the latest brands, trends, and must-have products to help define and evolve their personal style. Think of Who What Wear as your most trusted style and shopping resource.

There's something so cathartic about a spring clean-out. You feel lighter, more refreshed, and certainly stripped of the dead weight of your outdated winter sweaters and those expired skincare bottles. That said, once those boxes are donated and glass tubes are recycled, you're usually left with a small shopping list for restocking the essentials—and that's exactly what I'm in the midst of.

As a beauty editor who's made a living out of online shopping, I've become quite savvy when it comes to sourcing deals. I avoid paying full price for all of my beauty essentials if I can help it, and thanks to my experience surfing the sale sections, I've found all of the staples in my spring refresh slashed as high as 51% off. From daily face washes to chic, springtime nail polishes, this is the on-sale-only haul that saved me $209.

15 On-Sale Spring Beauty Essentials

Millennials and Gen Zers grew up in the YouTube convention era, when events like Comic-Con, BravoCon, and Beautycon were created so fandoms could turn online communities into real-life connections. There's a multitude of fan groups in the ether (does anyone remember Vine’s Magcon?), but beauty can be far too broad to condense into one singular convention center. To combat this, Sephoria was born in 2018—putting devoted Sephora shoppers in the same rooms as their favorite beauty founders, influencers, and brands, and I got a firsthand look at just what this beauty utopia had to offer.

Between master classes with celebrity makeup artists and hairstylists such as Mario Dedivanovic (Makeup by Mario) and Chris Appleton, meet-and-greet moments with founders/internet celebrities like Claudia Sulewski (creator of Cyklar), and the heaping tote of products attendees got to take home with their tickets, there was no shortage of beauty bliss at the convention center in downtown Los Angeles. When I parsed through my surprise bag of best-selling perfumes, travel-sized goodies, hot skincare launches, and more, I knew I had to share the wealth in order to test it all.

Lucky for me, my parents and a set of their closest friends were touching down in NYC shortly after my return from L.A., which meant that I'd have a few extra helpers when it came to testing my haul. After a few weeks of experimenting with more than 120 Sephora products, my (very picky) mom and I put our heads together to discuss which products we'd actually buy again. Below, see our winners from Jo Malone, Makeup by Mario, and more.

Top Fragrances

Top Skincare and Bodycare

Top Makeup Products

Top Hair Product

I’ve been testing, writing about, and grading beauty products as my full-time job for nearly four years now. Hundreds of formulas later, I can confirm that what once felt like a beauty lover's personal heaven now feels like the back room of a Sephora squeezed into my small New York City apartment, which makes me increasingly reluctant to add new SKUs to my Everest collection—they have to earn their due. “Do I really need another sunscreen?” I often ask myself as I shelve the latest colorful bottle on my overflowing vanity. It turns out that, after unboxing Isdin’s Fusion Water Magic Sunscreen, the answer was yes.

When my mom called several weeks ago to ask which beauty products she could take home with her after an upcoming visit—her favorite New York activity is raiding my stash—she gasped when I told her I’d received a bottle of the IYKYK sunscreen ahead of a sunny trip to Miami. “My dermatologist just told me about that stuff!” she had exclaimed into the phone.

During her last checkup, in which they tracked my mother’s old sun spots and discussed new sunscreens to try, her derm had coined Isdin’s hydrating sunscreen fluid as the best thing she could do for her skin this summer. “She told me it’s pricey for the size, but that it’s worth every drop,” my mom adds. “Can I take that one?” she asks coyly. Unfortunately for her, it was one of the formulas I’d decided to safeguard before an unseasonably warm Floridian getaway. (Don’t worry; I found a travel size for her later.)

With the rave recommendation from my mom’s dermatologist on my mind, I decided to wait to test the mythical formula until I was finally under the Floridian sun. Though after an unendingly arctic East Coast winter, I was slightly worried about how my skin would react to high-UV rays—so testing a new SPF on my sensitive complexion felt like a risky cliff dive. The stakes were high, but it was a plunge I was willing to take in pursuit of great suncare. With that, I jumped.

The Formula

Before I tell you of my Miami tales—filled with great restaurants, outfits, and tennis matches—we must first dissect this lauded sunscreen’s formula. As Spain’s leading suncare brand, Isdin blends more than 50 years of development and research with the region’s Mediterranean lifestyle (ahem, loads of sunbathing, swimming in the open sea, and consuming healthy fats for better skin). This has resulted in the production of several celebrated sunscreen and skincare products, such as the Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen and Isdinceutics Retinal Advanced Night Serum, but the brand’s latest and greatest is Isdin’s Fusion Water Magic with SPF 40.

This milky solution may parade as a chemical sunscreen, but on an ingredient level, it’s so much more. The product itself is advertised as a two-in-one moisturizer and sun protector, bathing the skin in a nourishing wash of hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and Mediterranean algae (offering hydration for up to 12 hours) while simultaneously shielding the dermis from harmful UVA/UVB rays with SPF 40. But when I asked double-board-certified dermatologist Latanya Benjamin, MD, what separates this sunscreen from the rest of its oversaturated category, her answer was simple: “It protects beyond UV.”

You see, most sunscreens deliver the bare minimum: protection from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, which can leave a painful, angry red sunburn (or worse, sun poisoning) if not properly applied (usually 15 minutes before going outside) and re-upped every two hours. In fact, improper sunscreen etiquette can eventually lead to skin cancer after compounded instances of neglect or misuse. However, I don’t slap these warning labels on the sun to discourage you from enjoying warm weather but to inspire you to take a harder look at the kind of SPF company you’re keeping. Because in 2026, your sunscreen should do more than block UV rays with a pasty white smear.

Benjamin explains that the Fusion Water Magic goes the extra mile to shield skin from modern environmental aggressors, meaning this is not your mother’s sunscreen. The formula offers “360-degree protection” against not only sunburns but blue light (we’re stuck to our screens all day, no?), photoaging, heat damage, infrared, pollution, and free radicals. These lofty accolades are made possible with its advanced ingredient list, which combines chemical sunscreen filters like avobenzone (which my sensitive skin has, historically, been unable to handle) and local ingredients like Mediterranean algae. “It’s a major antioxidant defense against environmental stressors that could lead to hyperpigmentation and collagen breakdown,” Benjamin says about the native ingredient. She points out that this region-specific algae also naturally helps protect against visible blue light, which explains the SPF’s screen-shielding powers.

When I asked why this particular sunscreen doesn’t result in the usual eczema patches and irritation that some chemical formulas have blessed me with in the past, she credits the product’s biology. “This sunscreen’s unique fragrance-free formula [and] its three key ingredients are suspended in an aqueous (‘Fusion Water’) base, which supports the skin barrier,” she explains. In short, it’s free from the thick, pore-clogging ingredients that cause congestion in acne-prone skin, greasiness on oily types, and angry irritation on sensitive skin—encasing everything in mineral-rich water instead.

How It Works

What you wouldn’t know by simply reading the formula’s fun facts is that this sunscreen also moonlights as a universal makeup primer. In fact, it’s singlehandedly replaced the three-step ritual of moisturizer, SPF, and primer that I practice almost daily—shaving down my routine and resulting in much smoother, prettier, and longer-lasting makeup looks thanks to the hardworking product underneath.

“I love that it is invisible on all skin tones without the struggle of blending,” Benjamin adds. Its sheer, featherlight formula makes it a universal pick for all skin tones, textures, and types—leaving no trace of white cast in the process. Another perk is its barely there consistency, which feels comfortable on the skin and never pills under makeup.

If my skin feels extra dry in the morning, I'll use a hydrating serum (I oscillate between Guerlain's Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil Serum and Anua's PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum) before applying the Isdin Fusion Water sunscreen on top. But most days, I go straight in with this formula like a moisturizer—and it performs like one too, offering all-day hydration and noticeably smoother skin.

The latter makes this sunscreen a great base for makeup, as it gives my foundation something a bit more viscous to grip onto than a regular moisturizer. Take, for instance, the selfie below. I hadn't meant to snap a picture of my half-finished glam (I was already late for dinner, it was not the time!), but I was shocked at how gorgeous my skin looked after applying my normal makeup routine over the Isdin formula. Impressed, I hit the shutter.

Final Thoughts

Is the Isdin Fusion Water Magic Sunscreen Worth It?

Like my mom’s derm said, this stuff really is worth every drop. Though $38 may sound steep for a 1.7-ounce bottle, you’re getting a dermatologist-backed, multitasking sunscreen that shields your skin from practically every environmental (and technological) aggressor known to man while also complying with TSA guidelines. Think about how much money you spend on a daily moisturizer, sunscreen, and primer separately—this singular $38 purchase, even made two to three times throughout the year (which you may need if you use it every day), does not even slightly come close. What more can you ask for?

Others to Consider

If you feel like Isdin’s formula (for some reason) may not be for you, here are a few comparable options that offer similar formulas and results. (However, I will warn you that nothing beats the real thing.)

More Isdin Products I Love

Say hello to Unfiltered, a fresh beauty series where you'll get an exclusive glimpse into the dressed-down beauty routines of our favorite celebrities and content creators. They'll reveal their guilty-pleasure beauty practices, the five-minute-routine product lineup they can't live without, the one good-skin tip they'll be forever thankful for, and so much more. To bring every conversation full circle, we ask each celebrity to send us a selection of self-shot, filter-free photos of their choosing to capture the essence of their Unfiltered beauty philosophy.

Up next, we're getting to know pop star, actress, and fashion designer Jessica Simpson, who is partnering with Kiehl's for its Better Screen Miner-all UV Serum. Below, she's answering all of our rapid-fire questions, reflecting on motherhood, reminiscing on Y2K beauty staples, and more. Enjoy!

First, I want to talk about the Kiehl's "sun sinner" campaign, which pokes fun at early 2000s sun-worship culture. I'm curious. When did you start to prioritize suncare and realize, "Oh wait, maybe I should be more careful about this."

Growing up in Texas, it was hot as hell. It was humid, and I was always in a pool. I was always spraying Sun In in my hair, pouring lemon juice on my head to make myself blonder, or any accelerator you could find to be the tannest cheerleader you could be. I definitely worshipped the sun. My mom was an aerobics instructor … and a very young mom. We're only 20 years apart. In between her aerobics, we'd go swim and lay out together, so I grew up just always being in the sun not really knowing much about sunscreen that I can remember.

I started taking it seriously in my 20s once I did The Dukes of Hazzard. We were shooting in the freezing cold, but I had to wear next to nothing. I was going to tanning beds, spray-tanning, and wearing body makeup. It was a whole thing to be Daisy Duke and look the same every day. The continuity was important, and that was a hard thing to keep up with. That's when I started being conscious of how it's probably not great for me to be going to these tanning beds all the time. [I was like,] "I can't imagine that this is good."

We all get that one sunburn where our skin keeps peeling for weeks, and you're like, "How do I have this many layers of fucking skin?!" It takes that to be like, "Okay, I've got to take care of myself." So I would say probably in my early 20s.

I'm a Texas girl too, so I totally align with everything that you said about the summers there.

Right? You get your Big Gulp [with] perfect ice… Laying out sounds amazing!

It does!

[Protecting] my face has always been important. And my hands—I feel like we forget about our hands a lot. Whether we're driving or whatever, our hands are very exposed to the sun, and they're a dead giveaway of how old we are.

Is the Kiehl's sunscreen serum something that you put on your hands as well?

It absolutely is, yes. I put it on my hands as I'm putting it on my face. It's really an easy thing to do. I know a lot of people just wipe off [the excess], but you might as well get the tops of your hands.

Right. Derms always give that tip to not waste the product. You've mentioned in past interviews that you feel younger in your 40s than you did in your 30s. I'd love it if you could elaborate on that. Specifically when it comes to beauty, how has your outlook changed over the years?

I'm big on journaling. I get to know myself every day, so I don't judge myself or feel effected when the world judges me. As long as I'm confronting myself on a daily basis and checking in with myself, if I feel aligned and spiritually connected to myself, I do feel beautiful.

There's so much pressure to feel perfect, but "perfect" is so overrated. I don't even understand it, to be honest. All the filters and things that people do… It's hard because I'm raising children in this [digital age] as well. [But] I just know myself, and I always challenge my oldest daughter [Maxwell] to really know herself. I get her advice all the time because she's just the best. She even said something to me just the other night, and I damn near cried. I was asking her how she was feeling about school or something. She's about to be 14, and it's that age when everything changes. That's when I got my first kiss. I love this age for her. It was hard for me in life, but she seems to be rocking and rolling through it. She was like, "Mom, I really wish that you were my age and we could go to school together." I said, "That's so cute, Max! You do?" She was like, "Honestly, I think that we would hang out and be real best friends."

To me, that's beautiful, you know? That's probably not answering your question at all. I've gone on a tangent, but it is such a special thing. Beauty is not just in how we take care of ourselves but [also] in how we nurture ourselves, how aware we are of what's real and what isn't and what is important and what isn't. Perspective is everything.

Well, I almost hate to ask a product-specific question after that beautiful answer!

No, you're good! I love products.

You're obviously such a Y2K style icon, but I'd love to ask specifically about beauty. Are there any beauty products you used back then that you still consider staples today?

I still love Epicuren. I use the Epicuren kukui-nut body lotion. It's kind of [fragranced], and it's a little bit oil based. I even shave with it. I've used it since I was 22. That's my go-to. I even have the little bottle in my purse. I like the over-the-counter Palmer's coconut stuff. If I want to exfoliate, I'll use baking soda with a face mask—definitely not before tanning. I do love red-light therapy.

Do you have a mask that you specifically like?

I have the Lyma Laser, which I love. It's the [handheld] one that you move around, and it's really good for pigmentation. It's great for fine lines and wrinkles, but it's also good for just glowing skin. It's good for scars. I even put it on my C-section scar, and it has made it look incredible. It's honestly shocking how amazing it works.

I've realized the older that I get [that] I like a creamy cleanser so my face is always moisturized. The drier my face is, that's when I break out. I thought if you wash your face, it should suds up, like washing your hands. That's not true, and I just realized that maybe three to four years ago, and my skin's never looked better. I'm like, "Wow, I should have really been using a different cleanser my whole life."

I do think it's important to use sunscreen. People forget about it. I like Kiehl's, and I wouldn't partner with anybody if I didn't believe in it. At this point in my life, I could make my own sunscreen if I wanted to and sell it under my brand. Kiehl's has been around for such a long time. They're one of the first companies that actually gifted me product when I was 19 or 20, and they're still so strong and always current. It's not overdone. What you see is what you get.

Before we go, since we're almost at time, I'd love to ask one more question: What is your Unfiltered beauty philosophy in seven words or less?

Self-confidence is the most beautiful thing we can wear.

I love it—simple.

I mean, it's not as simple as it sounds! You've got to get that self-confidence first, but the way you do that is to know yourself. The more we know ourselves and get in touch with ourselves, the more we see how unique we are. That's what matters. That's what shakes things up.

Shop Jessica Simpson's Unfiltered Beauty Edit

As an editor with combination skin, dealing with oiliness is the bane of my beauty life. My complexion often leans on the shiny side (no matter how much powder and setting spray I use) and especially so now that we're entering the warmer months of the year. So I know exactly why some people might be reluctant to wear an SPF underneath their makeup. The idea of layering on another product seems counterintuitive when you're trying to combat oiliness underneath your foundation or skin tint, right? However, ask any dermatologist or skincare expert, and they'll tell you that wearing SPF daily is one of the best things you can do for your skin, and for that reason, I'm not willing to omit it from my skincare routine.

And after testing hundreds and hundreds of SPFs throughout my decade working as a beauty journalist, I've finally found one that looks and feels virtually weightless underneath my makeup and doesn't contribute to my midday shine either. And the best part? It comes in at under £20. Needless to say, I'm so glad I found the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPFs after seeing the K-beauty skincare brand all over my feeds. Scroll on for my full review of the two best SPFs I've discovered in the past year.

Beauty of Joseon SPFs

The Formula

Whilst I'm a fan of Beauty of Joseon's Tinted SPF, there are two non-tinted, chemical-based sunscreens that I'm totally obsessed with: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ and Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+. Truthfully, I love both formulas, but below are the key differences between them.

Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+

This TikTok-viral SPF is truly deserving of its hype. The SPF50+ formula is delivered in a soft, creamy lotion texture that melts weightlessly onto the skin on contact. Ingredients-wise, you'll find 30% rice extract, which includes vitamins B, C and E and amino acids alongside grain-fermented extracts that work as a probiotic for the skin.

I find this consistency hydrating enough to use in place of my moisturiser to help prevent any shiny situations throughout the day, but it's a great all-rounder for all skin types that crave hydration without the heaviness of most SPFs. It's best suited to dry or balanced skin types and is soothing and calming on sensitive skin, too. There's zero white cast, and it sinks in quickly, so you can go straight in with makeup if you want. I tend to go for this version in the colder seasons when my skin requires a bit more moisture.

Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+

This formula might be my favourite of the two, especially for the warmer months. It has an even lighter lotion consistency that sinks in immediately with a refreshing and water-like texture, making it a great SPF for oily skin. It quenches the skin with hydration but no greasy residue, no white cast and not a hint of stickiness. I'd recommend this formula for those with oilier or combination skin types who want a virtually weightless SPF that sits well underneath makeup and won't exacerbate any shininess. It sinks in within seconds and doesn't pill underneath my makeup either.

The ingredients differ in this formula too, which includes rice-seed water and vitamin B5 to hydrate and moisturise without being too rich on the skin. It dries down to a totally non-sticky matte finish, and sits well underneath makeup throughout the day. I usually switch to this formula when the weather warms up, and my makeup requires a lighter base.

The Application

Here's a side-by-side comparison of the two formulas. They both sink in pretty fast, but I'd say that the Aqua-Fresh formula just pips it, and the Rice + Probiotics formula feels more moisturising. However, both blend into a second-skin, non-greasy finish and don't leave any white cast.

My Verdict

Honestly? These might be two of the best SPFs I've tried. Not only are they a delight to wear underneath makeup, but they don't leave a hint of oiliness behind either. They're SPFs that I actually want to use. Above, I'm wearing foundation over the top of the SPFs on both sides of my face, and it applied seamlessly and without any excess shine. In fact, I didn't actually need to add powder either. A big thumbs up.

If you're weighing up which one to get, I'd advise going for the Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ formula if you have dry or a balanced skin type, want a bit more hydration or want an SPF that doubles as your moisturiser too. If you're on the oily or combination side, then you will love the Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+. It sits so well underneath makeup and doesn't exacerbate my skin's oily tendencies or cause breakouts. The best part is that they both come in at just £16, making them friendly to your bank account, too.

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How We Tested

I've now worn both of these SPFs for over six months, so I've put them through their paces to test each formula. I tested them on my oily complexion to see how well they sat on my skin type, and wore them both alone and underneath makeup to see how each formula performed. I've now gone through multiple tubes of both formulas, so I've tested each one rigorously.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Say hello to Unfiltered, a fresh beauty series where you'll get an exclusive glimpse into the dressed-down beauty routines of our favorite celebrities and content creators. They'll reveal their guilty-pleasure beauty practices, the five-minute-routine product lineup they can't live without, the one good-skin tip they'll be forever thankful for, and so much more. To bring every conversation full circle, we ask each celebrity to send us a selection of self-shot, filter-free photos of their choosing to capture the essence of their Unfiltered beauty philosophy.

Up next, we're getting to know model and Baywatch reboot star Brooks Nader, who appeared in John Frieda's Hot Hair Hotline campaign. Below, she's answering all of our rapid-fire questions, including her favorite on-set beauty staples, go-to fragrance, worth-it skincare treatments, and more. Enjoy!

You recently starred in John Frieda's Hot Hair Hotline campaign. I'm curious—what does "hot girl hair" mean to you?

I think I feel most confident and that my hair is the hottest when I have that messy, bedhead volume. … An undone version of myself is my hottest hair.

What would you say are the essentials?

The volumizing spray is amazing. I just bump my roots with it, and it adds so much volume. That's the main ingredient if I have to choose one product to give me that sexy, undone hair.

I feel like you're known for that '90s supermodel, bouncy style. Do you have any blowout tips?

Oh my gosh. Okay, this is going to sound horrible. I'm so bad at my own blowouts, but I have a hack. I used to do this, even when I would have no money in New York. I would get [a salon blowout] once a week, and it would last me four or five days because I would just put in texturizing spray, throw in some volume spray, and then it just got sexier as time went on. Luckily, with Baywatch, I'm getting glam every day, so I'll just make those blowouts last. It's nice because we're on the beach. We're in the ocean, so the hair gets salty. It's the lived-in blowout [that I love].

I try to be so low-maintenance with my hair. I'll wake up, hit it with a brush, bump it with the texturizing spray, maybe a little dry shampoo, and that's pretty much it. [John Frieda] is my go-to right now. I've literally just been using one product and doing a little tease.

Love it. Do you think you'll ever change up your signature look? Is there any shot of going back to brunette, or are there any other ways you think you might experiment?

As my style evolves and as I enter new eras or new roles, I'll change it up. I've never been a big slick-back girly, so I think it'll always be something down. That's when I feel most confident.

I totally agree. I'm not a big slick-back person either, so I feel that.

My sister is, and I get it. She nails it, but I cannot.

This interview is for a Who What Wear series called Unfiltered, so I obviously need to hear your unfiltered beauty thoughts. What would you say are your top three beauty hot takes?

Such a hard one. Okay, I know everyone loves the natural-girl glam, like no-makeup makeup, but I'm from the South. I grew up on pageant culture, and I love a full beat. I don't care what anyone says. I love doing my own makeup and going all out. I'm a little bit more of a maximalist. I do think it's pretty when people wear minimal makeup, but that's my hot take.

What else do I not like right now? I'm not into everyone thinning their eyebrows out.

Yeah, I always hesitate to follow brow trends because they just jump back and forth so quickly.

I know, and then sometimes, the hair won't go back, so you've got to be careful.

Well, I love what you said about full glam. Speaking of, if you had to leave the house in five minutes, what are some beauty products that you'd either apply or bring with you?

Obviously, I'd bring the John Frieda Volume Lift Pushed-Up Texture Spray. [Being on] the beach and running around, you need it. I would bring Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Powder because it's the best, and I would bring the Clarins Lip Oil—my current favorite right now.

I also love that one. What do you love about it?

I just like the applicator. It's so easy. The product is so juicy, and it lasts. … With lip oils, I absorb them so quickly, and this one actually stays on.

You famously mentioned on Love Thy Nader that you prefer to use your sisters' toothbrushes. Do you also share beauty products?

Oh god. We share everything. Everything is fair game in our family. Our getting-ready routine is all of us together in one bathroom. No matter how big the house we're getting ready in is, we're on top of each other. We're like, "Wait a minute—what's this? Is this new in your kit?" [We're] stealing everything. So anytime one of us gets a new product, it's part of all of our routines.

So fun. Is there anything they saw recently from your bag that you guys started swapping?

I have these mini perfumes—I carry them everywhere—and they're gone. Every time I go to the drawer to look for them, they're completely gone. Of course, they deny it. They're like, "No, that was you. You just don't remember. You have ADD." I'm like, "No, that was you!" I'm about to install some sneaky cameras to bust them.

You should! What perfume was it?

It's a French brand. They sent me a gazillion samples. It's called Maison d'Etto. It's so amazing. Mine is called Durban Jane, if I'm not mistaken. They have four or five different options, and they're all amazing. I get so many compliments, and so do my sisters, I guess.

What kind of fragrances do you typically gravitate toward, and does that one align with your signature scent?

Kind of! I'm all over the place. I have a top three or four, and this one's a little more musky than flowery, but I like it.

Okay, moving on to Baywatch. Are there any on-set beauty tips you can share?

We just started filming this week, and it's been a dream. There is this spray sunscreen that the makeup artist has been using on me. It's amazing because it gives your body this little sheen glow. It's just Neutrogena from CVS. It's almost a body glow mixed with sunscreen, and I'm addicted to it. And then my makeup artist in New York was like, "Oh, I use that all the time for red carpets." So it's a thing.

Oh, that's interesting. You wouldn't think a sunscreen would be a red carpet staple.

I know! It's insane. It's so beautiful and looks so natural.

I also bring my John Frieda spray on set, and [the hairstylists] absolutely love it. They're like, "This stuff is amazing." So I gave them a bottle to keep in my trailer.

Now, moving on to skincare. You've always been so open about the cosmetic treatments that you've done, which people really appreciate. What's something you've done recently—whether it's a high-tech facial, a type of Botox, or an injectable—that you would say is 100% worth it?

Ooh. You know, I've been going to The LA Facialist [Candace Marino] now that I'm here, and she did this one thing on me called liquid microneedling. It's so crazy. It's almost a balm she puts on, and then it beads up and is a little rough. It does what microneedling does without the downtime. I'm kind of obsessed with it, and I never heard about it. I was scared to try it, but it was amazing.

I've actually done that before! Did you find that it hurt?

It hurt so badly! She was like, "It's not bad," and then after, my face was on fire. Was yours?

Yes, and every time you touch it, you can feel the little spikes! But it was so worth it.

I know. Every time I touched my face, I was like, "Do I have needles inside?" It was worth it. I felt like it changed my skin.

As we're heading into summer, what summer beauty trends are you hoping to follow this season?

I'm going to try to wear more sunscreen. Last summer, I just went all out. I was like, whatever! [Laughs] It's terrible of me, so I'm going to work on that.

Amazing. Well, this is a question that we end all of our Unfiltered interviews with: What is your Unfiltered beauty philosophy in seven words or less?

I would say more is more. More treatments—within a line. I just touched on this recently. I did some silly things and got some surgeries when I was way too young. Now, I'm done with all of that, and I'm reversing everything. I dissolved all of my filler. I'm being more natural in that sense, but I'm doing all the facials, lymphatic drainage, and all the treatments without going too far.

And full glam, as you said. More is more.

Yeah, why not? I love it. Sorry, I really like what I look like when I have a full beat!

Shop Brooks Nader's Unfiltered Beauty Edit

I can't lie. I haven't always been the best at applying sunscreen. Over the years, I've managed to find what works best for me, but that process hasn't been particularly easy. For some context, I grew up in a Caribbean household, and sunscreen use was just not talked about as often as it should have been.

When I did try chemical sunscreens, it always felt like a game of roulette for my sensitive skin, and when I tried mineral sunscreen, it left me looking like a ghost thanks to the white cast. As a result, I would just shrug my shoulders and stick to my typical skincare routine minus the sunscreen.

I wasn't alone in this experience. In fact, I have very clear memories of friends and family members with darker skin tones than myself (I have medium-olive skin) having similar experiences. Fortunately, with all of the new formulas out there, it is possible to bank on the benefits of mineral sunscreen without it being blatantly obvious.

To find out which formulas check all the boxes, I reached out to leading board-certified dermatologists Hadley King, MD, and Morayo Adisa, MD, FAAD, for all the details.

The Best Mineral Sunscreen for Dark Skin at a Glance

• Best Budget: Brush On Block Sheer Genius Mineral Sunscreen
• Best for Dry Skin: Beekman 1802 Solar Milk Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
• Best Lightweight Formula: Korres Mineral Milk Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50
• Best for Touch-ups: Isdin Mineral Brush Powder
• Best Oil-Free Formula: La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Gentle Lotion Mineral Sunscreen

The Best Mineral Sunscreen for Dark Skin in 2026

Best Budget: Brush On Block Sheer Genius Mineral Sunscreen

Best for Dry Skin: Beekman 1802 Solar Milk Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40

Best Lightweight Formula: Korres Mineral Milk Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50

Best for Touch-ups: Isdin Mineral Brush Powder

Best Oil-Free Formula: La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Gentle Lotion Mineral Sunscreen

Best Gel: The Seaweed Bath Co. Smooth & Protect Invisible Mineral SPF 50

What's the difference between a chemical and mineral sunscreen?

Adisa explains that mineral (or physical) sunscreen is "comprised of titanium oxide and zinc oxide, which reflect UV radiation. Chemical sunscreen is comprised of organic compounds that absorb UV radiation." In other words, you can think of mineral sunscreen as a shield to scatter harmful sunrays. When a chemical sunscreen absorbs radiation, it's converted into heat that is released from the skin.

How We Chose

As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best mineral sunscreens for dark skin, we leaned heavily on expert insight and our knowledge as beauty editors. We also considered several factors, including key ingredients and SPF level. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.

Why Trust Who What Wear

Since 2006, Who What Wear has been a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover the latest brands, trends, and must-have products to define and evolve their personal style. Think of Who What Wear as your most trusted style and shopping resource.

For those who are new around here, you probably only need to know three things about me before we move on: 1. I'm brutally honest in every aspect of my life, but particularly at work. 2. I appreciate the finer things—I like luxury beauty products that make me feel worthy of their presence. 3. I'm stubbornly loyal to my favourite skincare products. Now that's out of the way, let me tell you how I've recently become obsessed with a new £9 facial sunscreen.

Shannon Lawlor after using Simple Invisible UV Fluid SPF50.

Up until a couple of months ago, I had used the same SPF for knocking on two years (Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face, FYI, is still the best sunscreen ever made, in my opinion). Every day, I slathered the moisturising SPF cream over my face as the last step of my skincare routine. I had found my SPF soulmate, and I was never looking back.

But then, an email dropped into my inbox. Simple wanted to inform me that it was launching a top-secret new SPF fluid in the form of Simple Invisible UV Fluid SPF 50. It's the sort of email I receive countless of every week, but something about it piqued my interest, so I uncharacteristically decided to try it out for a couple of months. And let me tell you, it's good. It's so good, in fact, that ever since finishing my first tube, it has become my top-most affordable SPF recommendation. (My Mecca Cosmetica soulmate, sadly, does not fit into the affordable camp, after all.) It has, frankly, left me gobsmacked and, well, humbled. Here's what to know...

Simple Invisible UV Fluid SPF50, Reviewed

The Formula

First of all, I want to note that the above tube is actually not the final packaging—I was sent this tube ahead of launch, and some tweaks have been made to the exterior. So please do not be alarmed: the product is indeed called Simple Invisible UV Fluid SPF 50.

So, what do you need to know about this formula? For starters, it is a very, very lightweight fluid. It has the same sort of runny consistency as La Roche-Posay's iconic Anthelios UVMune, but it has significantly more oomph when it comes to hydration thanks to a hit of nourishing ceramides.

Inside this seemingly unassuming fluid, however, is a combination of very, very impressive skincare ingredients. For starters, you've got your high-protection UVA and UVB filters—the sort that will protect your skin from the sun's damaging rays just as effectively on the hottest days of the year as it does on the most overcast. Then there's the niacinamide, one of my favourite ingredients in skincare—it works to soothe, nourish, regulate oil production and also even out skin tone. The star of the show, however, is Simple's trademarked Gluta-Amino™, a concoction of powerful antioxidants and amino acids (most predominantly, glutathione) that boost the skin's natural glow and fight against uneven skin tone.

Oh, and it does all of this without a hint of greasiness or a smidge of white cast (it's a chemical formula, so no chalky minerals to be found here).

The Application

As mentioned, the fluid texture is runny, but the nourishing ingredients still give it a lightweight lotion feel. It rubs in with unparalleled ease (as you can see from my shaky, one-handed application above) and truly does turn invisible.

While at first, skin appears slightly shiny (as it does after applying any lotion), after just a few seconds, any visible trace of the SPF is totally gone. After applying, it simply feels as though you have layered on a very, very lightweight serum.

Simple Invisible UV Fluid SPF50 also possesses a very light and fresh sunscreen scent—it's something I really quite like, but those who hate fragrance in their skincare should be aware of it.

The most notable thing of all, immediately after application, is the lit-from-within sort of radiance and glow that my skin has. It's the sort that I have only ever witnessed after a 12-minute sauna session. My skin is plump, naturally radiant and healthy-looking.

The Verdict

As you can see above, I am wearing no base products—I've simply dabbed on a little blusher onto the high points of my cheeks, run some brow gel through my brows and applied a few coatings of mascara. But my skin? My skin genuinely looks as though I've applied a glow-boosting skin tint. It's not greasy or shiny, it's just glowing.

I can, hand on heart, say that I have never come across a facial sunscreen with an ingredients list (and results) this good for less than £20. Even the best affordable sunscreen formulas ever made sit around the £20 mark. It's been such an issue, in fact, that when people ask me for affordable SPF recommendations, I have to caveat that I know £20-£25 isn't cheap, but if you really want the results, then that's what you need to spend.

But all of that has changed. At £9, I am absolutely blown away. Is it the most luxurious and visually appealing product out there? Of course not, but it does exactly what it promises to do. Simple has done something I previously thought was impossible—produced a truly invisible, second-skin facial SPF that doesn't sting my eyes or break me out... all for less than £15.

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Is anyone else living vicariously through Dua Lipa's Italian getaway? The pop icon has always served vacation goals—from her glowy, sun-kissed beat to her stunning resort wardrobe—and she's been traversing Italy this summer with her (officially confirmed!) fiancé, Callum Turner. Vacation goals indeed.

The pair was most recently spotted in Palermo, Sicily, where Lipa provided a glimpse into the couple's trip itinerary via Instagram. Pictured: cannoli, plenty of yacht selfies (but of course), an embroidered Valentino shoulder bag, a black string bikini (move over, bandeaus), and the hydrating sunscreen editors freak out over—self very much included.

As you can see from the photo above, Lipa has been using Augustinus Bader's The Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 throughout her Euro travels. It's pretty pricey at $140, but the formula contains the brand's patented TFC8 technology that supports cellular renewal, along with a micro-algae extract to target fine lines and wrinkles and cottonseed extract to protect from photoaging. This isn't just a sunscreen; it's an ultra-creamy, skin-plumping face cream that just so happens to be spiked with SPF 50. It's so hydrating, in fact, that I often use it as my sole moisturizer during the summer—and my skin is all the better for it.

Plenty of shoppers agree with my take. "This sunscreen is so nourishing and moisturizing that I can skip my regular moisturizer before applying this sunscreen, which in my eyes justifies the price," one Sephora shopper writes in a review. "I love it! It keeps my skin plump and juicy all day long. Great under makeup. 5 stars, no complaints."

Note, if you have oily skin and are looking for more of a matte formula, this probably isn't the sunscreen for you. It has a dewy, radiant finish, one that provides a perfect base for a beautiful, sun-kissed (faux, of course) glow. Makeup artists actually love using Augustinus Bader's The Rich Cream before foundation and concealer, as it creates a plump, even canvas. The formula features similar ingredients, namely that TFC8, so you can consider this the sunscreen version of that prep step.

Also of note: This is a mineral sunscreen featuring zinc oxide, meaning it does leave a bit of a white cast when you first apply. It definitely takes a few extra seconds of rubbing for it to absorb, even on my fair skin tone; that's not necessarily a deal-breaker, but it's helpful to know before you spend a pretty penny on the supercharged SPF.

This isn't the first time Lipa has endorsed the luxury skincare brand. You can find Augustinus Bader staples in the star's past IG posts, and she even keeps the brand's eye patches in her bag at all times. "I can't live without them," she once shared in a Vogue video. "This is super important, especially with all my travels." We can only assume she's brought them to Italy with her, along with the coveted sunscreen.

More Skincare Products Dua Lipa Loves

Lindsay Lohan has been one of our North Stars of glam since… probably Freaky Friday. After all, who can forget her piecey platinum highlights and kohl-rimmed eyes as the punky teen/body-swapped mom from the hit 2003 Disney film? As if answering our childhood prayers, Lohan hit the red carpet in Los Angeles, California, last night to celebrate the premiere of Freakier Friday, where she reprises her role as Anna Coleman. Even 22 years later, her cool-girl glam remains.

From glowing skin to princess-pink cheeks, Lohan's look caught our attention for a few reasons, but nothing shone quite like her complexion under the camera lights. "For the most camera-ready, natural skin, I love using Naked Sundays BeautyScreen SPF 50 Peptide Foundation Tint in shade 1—it gives a flawless, radiant finish while protecting the skin," celebrity makeup artist Ash K Holm exclusively tells Who What Wear. As they're frequent collaborators, the makeup artist has been crafting Lohan's dreamy looks for the sequel's ongoing press junket, giving the star everything from bronzy glam with pronounced freckles to a chiseled, clean beat. To enhance Lohan's appearance for this hotly anticipated premiere, Holm relied on a celeb-trusted, viral sunscreen (yes, a sunscreen!) to achieve her ethereal red carpet glow, and the results did not disappoint.

Worn by the likes of Megan Thee Stallion and Alix Earle, this internet-loved sunscreen is exactly the SPF-makeup hybrid that any sun worshipper needs in their summer beauty routine. It's a great base for red carpet glam too. The lightweight formula is equal parts sunscreen, foundation, and serum, meaning your skin will be protected from the sun, blurred, and revitalized with every application. It's infused with SPF 50 to shield the skin from both harmful UV and blue light rays, and its skincare-packed ingredient list contains peptides, plant-based squalane, and polyglutamic acid to deeply hydrate, boost collagen, and strengthen the skin barrier. Not to mention, it also includes special ingredients like allantoin and bisabolol, which can soothe inflammation and calm redness. This a great option for most skin types—even those with acne, rosacea, and sensitive skin.

Beauty editors have been enamored with this warm-weather essential for nearly a year, singling out this sunscreen hybrid as one of their most used summer products among their overflowing collections. It earned high marks for its beautifully sheer pigmentation that looks like your skin—just better—and its gloriously hydrating formula that makes your base feel comfortable rather than greasy. Plus, it comes in 15 flexible shades that can be layered and concentrated in areas to build up the color into a foundation-like finish like Lohan's. Just be sure to apply and blend each stroke in thin layers when building up the pigmentation.

But this isn't the only skin-perfecting protector we're stocking up on after witnessing Lohan's stunning red carpet glow-up. Keep scrolling for more editor-loved and celeb-worn sunscreens with serious glow factor that will make you look premiere ready this summer.

Shop More Glowy Sunscreens

I always expect that a good serum or even a toner can meet my expectations in the brightening department. But there's something else we need to talk about. Sunscreen has sneakily become the go-to product for an incredible summer glow. Over the years, we've seen a surge in popularity when it comes to Korean sunscreens and dewy formulas here in the U.S. Some of them are so hydrating that they can even double as a moisturizer.

If you have oilier or acne-prone skin like I do, then you know this is great news. Keeping your routine streamlined and minimal is the name of the game when you have problem skin. As a beauty editor, many formulas come across my desk at the start of peak sunscreen season, but it's rare I find so many formulas in a single season that I truly love and would use daily. Ahead, I'm sharing the sunscreens that provide the dewiest, megawatt glow that never clog my pores. A few are newer formulas that I've discovered recently and some are old favorites. For all the best dewy sunscreens, keep scrolling.

When it comes to my year-round skincare routine, and most likely yours too, SPF is a non-negotiable. But as someone looking for both an SPF for sensitive skin and an SPF for my deeper skin tone, I've tried so many facial SPFs that are either too dehydrating or leave an ashy white cast on my face. And, might I add, the perils don't stop there—finding a body sunscreen that also ticks the boxes is equally as hard. Enter the SPF oil—a glowy and hydration-boosting product that has completely changed my outlook on sun protection.

However, since being introduced to them, I can't help but wonder how they compare to traditional sunscreen formulas, and whether they are an actually effective way to protect myself from the sun. If you're curious about this as well, I spoke with an expert to break down what we should all know about SPF oils.

What Is an SPF Oil?

An SPF oil is a sun protection product that combines effective broad-spectrum sunscreen ingredients with nourishing oils that provide a wide range of different skincare benefits. Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Mary Sommerlad says, "The main difference between an oil sunscreen and a cream sunscreen is the formulation, which dictates the texture and the finish. Oil is a lipid-based formulation only with little to no water, giving a lightweight transparent formula which has an oil texture and glossy finish, perfect for those wanting a dewy/glass-skin look. Creams are a combination of oil and water to create an opaque formula, which can have a fluid or stiffer texture and can have a matte or glossy finish based on the ingredients."

This means that, unlike traditional SPF creams or lotions, SPF oils are transparent formulas that leave the face and body with a luminous sheen, making them perfect for those of us who seek hydration without the white cast that thicker creams and SPF serums often leave behind.

Are Oil Sunscreens as Effective as Classic Cream Formulas?

The easy answer? They can be, but like all types of sun protection, it's important that they are used correctly. Dr Sommerlad states that, "An oil sunscreen should, in theory, be as effective as a cream sunscreen in terms of UVB (SPF) protection and any UVA claims provided—it is formulated and tested under the ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation). As sunscreen is considered a cosmetic rather than a medication, there are many brands making claims that, when tested in independent labs, do not meet the SPF or UVA protection they claim to. For this reason, I recommend buying sunscreen formulated by well-known brands and from reputable outlets that test the sunscreens they sell. In addition, in real-world experience, oils may be trickier to ensure an even coverage, leading to missed areas of skin."

What Is the Most Effective Way to Apply an SPF Oil?

Similarly to SPF waters, because of their lightweight consistency, SPF oils can be more difficult to apply evenly. To get the most out of them, start with clean, dry skin and use about a teaspoon of SPF oil for your face and neck and around 6-8 teaspoons of the product to effectively cover the rest of your body. The benefit of SPF oils is that they glide on seamlessly, but because they can feel deceptively nourishing, rubbing them into the skin thoroughly is key for maximum protection.

Dr Sommerlad agrees. "Unlike with a cream, it is harder to ensure you have the "two finger lengths" amount [of sunscreen for the face], as oils are transparent and liquid; therefore, I recommend double application. Apply a thin, even amount to the sun-exposed areas, wait a minute or two, then reapply to ensure even and complete coverage. Reapply every two hours, after sweating/ perspiration and after swimming," she says.

What Are “Tan-Boosting” SPF Oils?

According to Dr Sommerlad, SPF oils marketed as tan-boosting should be pursued with caution. "Tan boosting is a marketing term that can have different meanings. It may mean that the oil contains pigments to give the skin the appearance of a tan. It may also mean it contains ingredients that stimulate the pigment cells, melanin, to make more. Finally, it may mean it contains ingredients that accelerate pigment production when the skin is exposed to sunlight. In this situation, one hopes the manufacturer is referring to day-to-day sun exposure rather than deliberate sunbathing.

"As a dermatologist, I would also advocate a fake tan as there is no such thing as a 'safe' or 'base' tan. Therefore, I would always recommend using higher value protections (eg SPF30 or 50) and reapply every 2 hours or after perspiring or swimming."

With all of this knowledge in mind, I put some SPF oils to the test to find out which formulas are worth your time. Keep scrolling to discover the seven best sunscreen oils for summer and beyond.

The Best SPF Oils

1. Best Overall SPF Oil: Calyspo Dry Oil SPF 30, £12
2. Best SPF Face Oil: Hello Sunday The One That Makes You Glow SPF40, £25
3. Best SPF Oil for Dry Skin: SVR Sun Secure Body Oil Spray SPF 50+
4. Best SPF Oil for Oily Skin: Vichy Capital Soleil Cell Protect Oil SPF 50, £28
5. Best Luxury SPF Oil: Clarins Glowing Sun Oil High Protection SPF30, £29
6. Best Affordable SPF Oil: Malibu Non-Greasy Dry Oil Spray SPF 50, £7
7. Best SPF Oil with a Glow: Nuxe Shimmering Gold Sun Oil SPF 50, £29

1. Calypso Dry Oil SPF 30

2. Hello Sunday The One That Makes You Glow SPF40

3. SVR Sun Secure Body Oil Spray SPF 50+

4. Vichy Capital Soleil Cell Protect Oil SPF 50

5. Clarins Glowing Sun Oil High Protection SPF30

6. Malibu Sun Non-Greasy Dry Oil Spray SPF 50

7. Nuxe Shimmering Gold Sun Oil SPF 50

Why Trust Us?

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, fragrance and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on sun protection formulas that work, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our SPF selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

As a Jones Road Beauty fan (and a long-time fan of makeup artist and founder, Bobbi Brown), I was so excited to hear that the brand would be launching a facial SPF—and so was the rest of the internet. In fact, Jones Road Everyday Sunscreen might just be one of the most highly anticipated beauty launches of the year so far.

Brown is someone who knows how to do "no-makeup" makeup so well, and I've been really impressed with all of the foundation and base launches from Jones Road. So, it seems only natural that Bobbi would bring her natural-looking approach to sun protection via the new Everyday Sunscreen (£40). I received a sample ahead of the launch, and I couldn't wait to see what it was like.

Jones Road Everyday Sunscreen

The Formula

This sunscreen is a mineral SPF formula with SPF 30. The consistency feels like a rich, hydrating moisturiser as you apply it. I tested one of the tinted shades (Sunny, the lightest shade in the four tints available); however, it also comes in an untinted shade if you don't want any pigment.

Before

Application

Although each of the sunscreens is marketed as a tinted SPF, they are definitely more of a colour-correcting hue rather than a coverage-based shade match, so in my opinion, they'd make for great primers underneath foundation or a skin tint.

Truthfully, when I applied Sandy, the pigment looked a little chalky at first (after all, it has a mineral, zinc-based formula, rather than a chemical formula, which will inevitably leave a white cast), however, as I rubbed it into my skin it gradually blended in, matching my skin tone while cancelling out redness and making my skin look more uniform. I wouldn't say it provides tonnes of coverage (rather a sheer tint), so if you're wearing it on its own, you might want to go in with a concealer to cover any breakouts.

After

I will say that on the initial application, the formula feels exceptionally nourishing and hydrating on the skin. After a few minutes, it sinks in and leaves a dewy gleam. Once it has settled, it delivers a subtle coverage, but I did apply a little concealer on some acne scarring and redness in places.

The Verdict

Let me first say that I do like the premise of this sunscreen, and I actually do really like the formula. In fact, it is an exceptional sunscreen for those with dry skin. Because I have oily skin, I think this SPF is too rich for my skin type (sob). However, that's not to say that this is a bad sunscreen at all. I really see this working brilliantly for you if your parched skin craves long-lasting moisture throughout the day, or you want an SPF that doubles as a makeup primer.

It's very hydrating (I didn't need to apply moisturiser beforehand) and if you're particularly prone to dryness, this is a great moisturising primer underneath makeup to provide a dewy and plumped look all day long.

If you have oily or combination skin and prefer a matte finish, you might want to pass on this one. But if you love a dewy glow, you may find it's enough on its own without foundation to give you a healthy-looking glow.

My biggest piece of advice, however, is to try a tester before committing to the purchase. Why? As mentioned, there are four colour-correcting shades (ranging from Apricot, a deep burnt orange hue, to Sandy, a light beige) which each give the skin a subtle, colour-correcting tint. While I've not tried the two deepest shades, I will caveat here that I am sceptical about how suited any of these mineral sunscreens are for dark skin tones, as well as how stretchable each hue is. Similarly, the untinted version may also leave a white cast, so I'd urge you instead to take a look at our favourite SPFs for dark skin.

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It's official, summer has (actually) arrived in the U.K., bringing with it brighter days, rising temps, increased humidity and the need for a shift not just in our wardrobes, but in our skincare routines too—that's right, I'm a firm believer that your routine should shift with the seasons.

I'm an esthetician, so I see first-hand how warmer weather calls for lighter layers, extra antioxidants, and more protection. At this time of year my clients arrive with concerns ranging from visible sun damage to dehydration, increased congestion and hyperpigmentation. Suddenly, what worked in the depths of winter now feels too rich, too heavy, or simply not enough for a slew of new skin concerns.

As I frequently tell my clients, one of the simplest ways to elevate your skincare results is to approach your routine as you do your wardrobe—seasonally. Just as you wouldn’t wear a wool coat in the middle of July, your skin doesn’t need the same occlusive creams or barrier-repair balms it relied on all winter. A lot of people think that summer skincare is all about stripping back, but in actual fact, summer brings a new set of challenges: increased sun exposure, sweat, and humidity, trigger a tendency for skin to feel simultaneously dehydrated and congested.

Some of my favourite summer beauty products for this time of year are luxurious yet incredibly hard-working—lightweight but still deeply nourishing, radiant without being greasy, and packed with ingredients that support your skin’s natural barrier while enhancing glow and dealing with the side effects of a summer climate and lifestyle.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been carefully curating a new seasonal lineup, selecting only the best high-performance, luxury skincare that genuinely earns its spot in my bathroom (and in my kit). These are the products that make me look forward to my routine—serums that feel like silk, moisturisers that instantly rehydrate and sunscreens that protect without smothering skin. They’re the formulas I trust to keep my skin calm, clear and luminous through heatwaves, days in the sun, long-haul flights and humid nights.

Ahead, you’ll find the luxury skincare heroes I’m reaching for this summer—tried-and-true staples and new discoveries alike. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your morning routine or bring a touch of spa-like calm to your evening wind-down, these products deliver on performance and experience. And yes, I recommend them to my clients, too.

The Best Luxury Summer Skincare Products

1. Best for a First Cleanse: Eve Lom Cleansing Oil
2. Best for a Second Cleanse: Chanel La Mousse Anti-Pollution Cleansing Cream-to-Foam
3. Best for a Quick Cleanse: Matter of Fact Remove + Replenish Gel Balm Cleanser
4. Best for Immediate Hydration: Rhode Glazing Mist
5. Best for Brightening Skin: Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced
6. Best for Overall Skin Health: Bioeffect EGF Serum
7. Best for Congestion: Deviant Retinal Clarity Serum
8. Best for Dry Skin Hydration: Tatcha The Dewy Milk Moisturiser
9. Best for Oily Skin Hydration: Skin Rocks The Light Moisturiser
10. Best for Glow: Mecca In A Good Light Illuminating Drops
11. Best for No-Makeup Days: Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
12. Best for Sunscreen Top Ups: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Stick SPF30
13. Best for Exfoliation: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad Intense Glow
14. Best for Cooling Skin: Clarins Cryo-Flash Cream-Mask

1. Eve Lom Cleansing Oil

2. Chanel La Mousse Anti-Pollution Cleansing Cream-To-Foam

3. Matter of Fact Nourishing Gel Balm Cleanser

4. Rhode Glazing Mist

5. Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced

6. Bioeffect EGF Serum

7. Deviant Retinal Clarity Serum

8. Tatcha Dewy Milk Moisturiser

9. Skin Rocks The Light Moisturiser

10. Mecca Cosmetica In a Good Light Illuminating Drops SPF30

11. Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF50

12. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Stick SPF30

13. Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad Intense Glow

14. Clarins Cryo-Flash Cream-Mask

Should you change your skincare in the summer?

Just like your wardrobe undergoes a seasonal reset, your skincare routine should evolve with the weather, too. Summer brings unique challenges—think more sweat, sun exposure and humidity—which can affect how your skin behaves. Those rich, heavy creams that felt comforting in winter might clog pores or feel suffocating when temperatures rise. Instead, summer calls for lightweight, breathable products that hydrate without overwhelming, protect against UV damage, address sun-induced hyperpigmentation and help keep oiliness or dehydration in check. So yes, as I tell my clients, switching up your skincare for the warmer months isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for keeping your skin healthy, balanced, and glowing all season long.

What skincare products are best in the summer?

Summer skincare is all about taking a smart, targeted approach. Lightweight moisturisers, like gel-creams or hydrating lotions are your best friends, delivering all the hydration your skin needs without feeling heavy or greasy. Sunscreen is non-negotiable—opt for broad-spectrum formulas with a lightweight, matte, or sheer finish that won’t clog pores or leave a white cast on dark skin tones. Incorporate antioxidant-rich serums to protect against environmental stressors, sun damage, and boost your skin’s natural glow. Refreshing mists and calming water-based products can soothe heat-exposed skin throughout the day while also rehydrating skin. And don’t forget gentle exfoliation to keep pores clear and skin radiant—but avoid harsh scrubs that can irritate sun-sensitive skin. In short: think breathable, protective, and hydrating—products that keep your skin comfortable, balanced, and safe.

How We Tested

To curate this edit of luxury summer skincare staples, I put each product through its paces in real life—fortunately, we've had our fair shade of hot, sticky commutes and sun-drenched weekends this year. As an esthetician, I’m constantly trialling formulas both on my own skin and with clients, paying close attention to how they perform in warmer weather. I considered how each product felt upon application (especially important in the heat), how well it layered under SPF or makeup, and whether it delivered on its promises—be that hydration, radiance, or oil control. Texture, absorption speed, scent, and results were all taken into account, as well as how each formula fit into a streamlined summer routine. Only the products that truly impressed made it onto this list.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Each summer, I spend a lot of time at the beach. Like, a lot. Whether it's the freshwater coast of Lake Michigan or the salty shores of Southern California, being at the beach is genuinely my favorite way to spend time. However, it doesn't come without downsides. I may be beach-obsessed, but I'm also a beauty editor, and I know how harsh summer can be on skin and hair. I'm talking about sun damage, discoloration, split ends, you name it.

Thankfully, it's possible to ditch damage if you use the right beauty products, namely sun-protecting ones. And after years of product testing and beach-based trial and error, I'm convinced I've found them—all 12 to be exact. Below, I'm sharing my great big beauty editor's guide to packing a beach bag. Let's go!

SPF Lip Balm

Face Sunscreen

Body Sunscreen

Scalp & Hair SPF

Hair Detangler + UV Protection

Cooling Mist