Wearing sunscreen on your face daily is essential, especially in Australia. But it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at times by the amount of choice when it comes to sun protection. Show Here we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled the best face sunscreens you can buy now, based on categories like affordability and shopper ratings, as well as a few news.com.au staff picks. The good news? You don’t need to break your budget to get a sunscreen that’s suitable for your face, with the one that our editor gives her approval to costing just $12. Sun protection products also vary in consistency with everything from milks to serums and even mists available. They’re also hardworking with many containing skin-loving ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT SUNSCREEN? “When it comes to the right sunscreen for you, there is no one size fits all, as there is such a variety of skin types and needs,” says Caitlan Wyer, Senior Buyer for Beauty at THE ICONIC. “When browsing, read through the product information and ingredient lists available, as you will find there is greater assortment and choice available than ever before. From options for sensitive skin or dry skin, as well as formulas that are lightweight enough to wear under your everyday make-up while avoiding the undesirable white film on your skin or that sticky feeling.” Here are the factors we’d recommend you take into consideration: • Skin Type: Do you have normal, combination, dry, oily or sensitive skin? Different formulations may be targeted to your type of skin. • Application Method: Sunscreens can come with various application methods, including lotions with pumps or droppers, sprays, or sticks. Each are effective, but it depends on your personal preference. • Finish: Some sunscreens offer a dewy finish, while others provide a matte appearance. • Added Ingredients: With sunscreen becoming a greater part of the skincare world, added ingredients such as antioxidants and actives can offer boosted anti-ageing benefits. WHAT IS THE CORRECT WAY TO APPLY SUNSCREEN? According to SunSmart, you should apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outside and reapply every two hours, or after swimming or excessive sweating. The correct amount to apply is one teaspoon for your head and neck, each limb, and the front and back of the body. If this seems like a large amount, you can apply it in layers to allow it to soak into the skin effectively. “I’ve found it easiest to include in my morning routine, after applying moisturiser, before makeup, or even on its own after cleansing. This way I never forget to apply sunscreen,” says Caitlin. RELATED:
Our guide to the best eye creams, based on your age BEST SUNSCREEN FOR YOUR FACE Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection. BEST-RATED SUNSCREEN FOR FACE An oil-free formula packed full of native antioxidants and with an appealing rose scent, Ultra Violette’s Queen Screen has well and truly earned its cult status. With nearly 300 five-star reviews on the brand’s site, it’s a proven favourite. It’s suitable for normal, dry and sensitive skin types, and is Australian made, cruelty free and vegan. “In addition to having the prettiest packaging of any skincare product ever, Queen Screen is beautiful on the inside, too,” says writer Dani Maher. “It has a slightly thin texture that easily and quickly absorbs into your skin, and a dewy finish that settles into a beautiful glowing-from-within kind of look as the day goes on. “As someone who avoids foundation for everyday makeup looks, yet loves a natural glow, I’m super into it.” Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection. SHOP HERE BEST AFFORDABLE SUNSCREEN FOR FACE Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sunscreen Water Gel Lotion, Chemist Warehouse, $11.99 (down from $20) With over 5,300 five-star reviews on Google Reviews, this budget sunscreen is a crowd pleaser. News.com.au’s Best Of Editor Edwina Carr Barraclough has been using this sunscreen for over two years and loves the way it hydrates her skin. “It gives my skin a nice, fresh glow without being greasy,” she says. “I often ditch moisturiser altogether as the hyaluronic acid-rich formula gives my skin all the hydration it needs.” Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection. SHOP HERE Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Face Sunscreen Lotion, Bondi Sands, $14.95 Bondi Sands might be best known for its fake tan products but it also has a great range of affordable sunscreen and skincare. This sunscreen for face is top of our list because of its invisible finish and the fact that it is water resistant. The fast-absorbing formula also contains aloe vera and vitamin E to moisturise the skin. “Easy to blend, no white cast and not oily either. Would definitely recommend if you’re looking to try a new sunscreen,” one five star review on Bondi Sands’ website reads. Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection. SHOP HERE Cetaphil’s UVA/UVB broad spectrum moisturising sunscreen offers a sun protection rating of 50+, and is hypo-allergenic as well as lanolin and fragrance-free. The non-greasy formula is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t block your pores, and like all Cetaphil products, it has been clinically tested and developed by dermatological experts for proven results. Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection. SHOP HERE BEST EVERYDAY SUNSCREEN FOR FACE Go-To Nifty Fifty 50ml, Go-To, $45 This sunscreen offers broad spectrum SPF50 protection thanks to four advanced UV filters: Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T150 and Tinosorb A2B. It also contains kakadu plum to protect skin against premature ageing, aloe vera to soothe and hydrate skin as well CoQ10 for antioxidants. Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection. SHOP HERE Natio Daily Defence Face Moisturiser SPF 50+, Myer, $19.95 Another budget-friendly option from family-owned, natural Aussie brand Natio, the Daily Defence Moisturiser offers a two-for-one solution as an SPF50+ sunscreen. Dozens of five-star ratings on Myer have earned it a 4.7 star average, plus it contains aloe vera and vitamin E for extra skin nourishment. Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection. SHOP HERE Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF50+ 30ml, Alpha-H, $40 A hydrating vegan moisturiser with an SPF rating of 50+, the Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser offers broad-spectrum protection. It leaves skin with a matte finish, and avoids a white cast, making it a great base for makeup. With over 100 five-star reviews on Adore Beauty, you can ensure great value for money, too. Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection. SHOP HERE BEST FACE SUNSCREEN FOR SENSITIVE SKIN This La Roche-Posay sunscreen is another cult favourite and has been dermatologically tested for sensitive skin. The non-comedogenic formula is non-greasy and fragrance free, leaving a light finish that won’t get shiny. “Holy grail sunscreen no matter how many I try I keep coming back to this one!” says one five star review. Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection. SHOP HERE Naked Sundays SPF50+ Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion, Naked Sundays, $39.95 This mineral SPF contains vegan collagen and watermelon extract to nourish skin while offering sun protection. The tinted formula goes on translucent for a glowy finish – we recommend using Naked Sundays’ SPF BFF Brush to buff it onto your face. ‘“When I squeezed this out of the tube, it seemed very thick and I thought it was going to be hard to spread onto my face,” one shopper wrote in a five star review on Naked Sundays website. “I was wrong. It goes on like a dream with either fingers or a brush! This is also an excellent base for either powder or liquid foundation and leaves you with a dewy, non greasy finish. Absolutely love and will be back for more!” Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection. SHOP HERE BEST HYDRATING SUNSCREEN FOR FACE AB LAB Dewy-C SPF50+ Facial Sun Milk 75ml, Adore Beauty, $39.95 AB LAB is Adore Beauty’s new in-house brand and has two products so far that are Australian made, vegan and cruelty free as well as featuring packaging made from recycled materials. Made using the 23 years of ingredient knowledge from brands they’ve stocked plus their dedicated community of beauty loves, this Facial Sun Milk is designed to be ultra hydrating while offering sun protection. As well as offering broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection this sunscreen also contains vitamin C and resveratrol to nourish your skin. Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection. SHOP HERE Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF50+ 75ml, THE ICONIC, $49 Ultra Violette’s extensive range of sunscreens are popular for a reason and this has to be my favourite simply because it’s so hydrating for your skin. Supreme Screen offers sun protection while leaving your skin with a satin-like finish – there’s no need to use a primer or moisturiser after this suncscreen as it does it all. I love Supreme Screen especially during the winter months when my skin feels extra dry as this gives it a little extra TLC. It’s also great for layer on top of multiple products as it doesn’t pill, ever. If I’m putting on foundation I’ll often apply Supreme Screen first as it as not only gives sun protection but also works so well as a primer. Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection. SHOP HERE BEST MATTIFYING SUNSCREEN FOR FACE McoBeauty Mineral Mattifying Sunscreen SPF 50+, McoBeauty, $35 Shiny gals, this sunscreen is for you. This zinc-based formula is designed for a non-greasy mattifying finish and contains vitamin C-rich kakadu plum to further nourish your skin. “This is perfect to use daily for people who have an oily T zone like me, it feels like it stays put when exercising and in hot weather,” one five star review reads on McoBeauty’s website. Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection. SHOP HERE
Rich in Avène Thermal Spring Water, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins C and E, this super hydrating water-resistant sunscreen has a 50+ rating. Formulated to be non-comedogenic, paraben-free and causing minimal allergic reactions, reviewers say it’s a worthwhile addition to your skin regimen. It’s designed to leave you with a matte finish free of white cast. Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection. SHOP HERE BEST SUNSCREEN SERUM FOR FACE Cancer Council SPF 50+ Face Day Wear Serum 50ml, Chemist Warehouse, $12.47 (down from $24.95) This sunscreen serum is ultra lightweight and leaves skin with a dewy finish thanks to extra ingredients like vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. The dermatologically tested formula is ideal for being worn under makeup, plus it’s made in Australia. Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection. SHOP HERE BEST TINTED
SUNSCREEN If you’re after a moisturising SPF with a slight sheer tint, this pick from Paula’s Choice has you covered. Its silky texture leaves your face with a soft matte finish. Over 300 reviewers have awarded it five stars, if you needed further convincing. Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection. SHOP HERE BEST SUNSCREEN MIST FOR FACE Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Sunscreen Face Mist, Bondi Sands, $15.95 Sunscreen mists are a great way to top up on your SPF during the day and this one from Bondi Sands is one of the most affordable options out there. It’s designed to be fast-absorbing with an invisible finish, making it perfect for spritzing over your makeup. “I bought this with the intention of spritzing over makeup and it works really nicely for that purpose. Fragrance free, doesn’t show up white on the skin and doesn’t break me out. A must have for summer,” one five star review on Bondi Sands website says. Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection. SHOP HERE Naked Sundays SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Mist, Naked Sundays, $39.95 Naked Sunday’s Hydrating Glow Mist is a cult favourite for a reason. Not only does it offer sun protection but it also leaves you with a glowy finish after use. With extra ingredients like kakadu plum, watermelon extra and hyaluronic acid it’s also Australian made and non-comedogenic. “I have oily skin and was a sceptical how this would go but it feels lovely on the skin and smells amazing. My skin felt hydrated but not oilier. Once I let it sink in, it sat nicely under makeup,” one five star review on Naked Sundays website reads. Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection. SHOP HERE BEST FACE AND BODY
SUNSCREEN If you’re after something to apply to both your face and body, this BEACHFOX sunscreen has you covered from head to toe. It’s a clear spray that’s easy to apply on wet or dry skin, and is up to four hours water-resistant and sweat-proof. 100 per cent Australian made and owned, it’s available in four delicious scents. Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection. SHOP HERE Looking for more great anti-ageing picks? Check out our roundups of the best retinol serums, best vitamin C serums, and our favourite anti-ageing moisturisers. To make sure you get the best deal on every purchase, head to news.com.au Coupons. There you’ll find great deals on top brands from Sephora to The Body Shop. Lastly, sign up to our Best Of shopping newsletter to avoid missing out on all our top finds. When using sunscreen, always read the label. Use only as directed. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Remember to slip, slop, slap, seek shade and slide on sunglasses. Frequent reapplication or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection.  Hannah PaineEcommerce Writer Hannah Paine is a senior Ecommerce Writer for Best Of. An experienced lifestyle journalist, she joined the news.com.au team in 2018. She has written for some of Australia's biggest titles and covered everything from beauty, fashion to health - you name it, she's written it. Hannah is passionate about finding the right product at the right price and believes good skincare and clothes don't need to cost the earth. What is the most effective sunscreen on the market?Best Sunscreen Overall: CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 50.. Best Face Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46.. Best Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin: Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30.. Best Mineral Sunscreen: Pipette Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50.. What sunscreen to use in Australia?SPF rating
Sunscreens sold in Australia must be labelled with an SPF of at least 4 to the highest rating of 50+. SunSmart recommends choosing a sunscreen labelled SPF30 or higher that is also broad-spectrum (will filter out both types of UV radiation) and water-resistant.
What are the top 5 sunscreens?Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen — Baby SPF 30 Plus. ... . Supergoop! ... . SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50. ... . Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion WetForce Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50+ ... . Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50. ... . La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Face Sunscreen SPF 50.. |
