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18 best SPF mists, sprays and serums: the formulas that will change the way you apply sunscreen
By Morgan Fargo &Lucy Partington
3 years ago
3 min read
Whether sunscreen makes you break out, messes with your make-up or leaves you with a white cast, these clever SPFs are the answer.
Greasy, sticky and pore-clogging, sun protection has long had a bad reputation, but innovative formulas mean all that’s finally changing. New formulations and textures in sunscreen are now being developed with specific issues in mind, leaving us no excuse to not be protected. Here, we round up our favourites that are effective and easy to apply. Think SPF sprays, mists, serums and gels.
Best SPF sprays and mists
Ultrasun UV Face & Scalp Mist SPF50
Suitable to be applied on the face and scalp, this high factor SPF spray can be used as a moisturiser and primer as well. Free from oils, emulsifiers and fragrance, it’s a sensible, brilliant choice for people with sensitive skin or a history of reacting to suncream.
Lancaster Sun Protective Water SPF50
A water-formulation, this Lancaster SPF spray protects you from UVB, UVA, visible light and infrared – the whole shebang. Refreshing and invisible (truly, the product doesn’t leave any tell-tale white or purple cast), the water absorbs quickly into the skin.
Shop Lancaster Sun Protective Water SPF50 at Lookfantastic, £24.30
Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF50 Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray
If you prefer to pop SPF on at the end of your routine, this Kate Somerville super-fine mist has you covered. Part sun protection, part setting spray, the invisible, blurring mist keeps everything in place with a comfy matte finish.
Shop Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF50 Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray at Lookfantastic, £34
Avène Very High Protection Spray SPF50+
Water-resistant and long-wearing, this SPF spray was designed for sensitive, hypersensitive and reactive skin. It contains a derivative of the antioxidant vitamin E to prevent free radical damage caused by UV light, as well as Avène’s patented, anti-irritating thermal spring water.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sun Protection Face Mist SPF50
One for active and warm holidays, this invisible, textured, broad-spectrum SPF spray is water-resistant, meaning it won’t degrade quite so quickly as you sweat or if you pop in the pool.
Shop La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sun Protection Face Mist SPF50 at Boots, £14
Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist SPF50+
As the weather’s been improving and more social events are occurring outside, I’ve been spraying myself and anyone in my vicinity with this invisible SPF mist.
Created by Australian brand Naked Sundays, it contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin C-rich Kakadu plum to add dewy, sheer hydration to the skin, while also setting any make-up underneath. Truly luminescent, its become a request from my previously SPF-hesitant friends and family members.
Shop Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist SPF50+ at Beauty Bay, £34
Bioderma Photoderm Light Sunscreen Spray SPF50+
Lightweight and high protection, this Bioderma SPF mist sprays seamlessly over the face, creating a protecting veil of hydration. It’s water-resistant, won’t leave a white cast and can be spread with your fingers on any areas you want more coverage, too.
Shop Bioderma Photoderm Light Sunscreen Spray SPF50+ at Lookfantastic, £19
Vichy Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water SPF50
A soothing SPF water that calms irritation and inflammation, Vichy’s Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water can be used on sensitive skin for quickly absorbing, refreshing protection.
Shop Vichy Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water SPF50 at Lookfantastic, £14.25
Pixi Sun Mist SPF30
The lowest factor SPF spray on our edit of the best in the biz, this Pixi spray combines broad-spectrum protection from skin-damaging UV rays, as well as sunflower and cucumber extract to hydrate and refresh the skin.
Ultrasun Very High SPF 50 Sports Spray
In the same way you would pack the right kit for watersports, hiking or other active outdoor activities, it’s good to make sure you’ve got the right SPF on hand, too. This one, crucially, is waterproof and doesn’t budge when met with friction from moving around, playing sports or getting a sweat on. The best bit? It’s clear – meaning you can apply it on the go without worrying about streaks or water marks.
Shop Ultrasun Very High SPF 50 Sports Spray at Lookfantastic, £28
Best SPF serums and gels
Ultra Violette Queen Screen Luminising Sun Serum SPF50+
Among skincare enthusiasts, Ultra Violette is the golden child of SPF. Available in several formulations, the silk textured products can be used on normal to dry skin and are packed with glow-giving ingredients for lit-up skin. This serum doesn’t pill or leave a white cast; instead, it protects from UVA, UVB and blue light (from our screens), making it a solid choice for your daily skincare routine, whether you’re going on to apply make-up or not.
Shop Ultra Violette Queen Screen Luminising Sun Serum SPF50+ at Space NK, £36
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Aquagel SPF30
I wear this SPF gel religiously. It’s hydrating without leaving an oil slick or sheen, totally invisible, absorbs quickly and protects from UVA and UVB light. Vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid soften, plump and soothe skin, leaving it dewy without a trace of irritation. A favourite.
Shop La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Aquagel SPF30 at Lookfantastic, £34.50
Peter Thomas Roth Max Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 45 UVA/UVB Protective Gel
If you’re like me and prefer translucent sunscreen over everything else, this one has a slew of skincare benefits as well. Packed with vitamin E and shea butter to soften and hydrate, this SPF gel also gently blurs the skin much as a primer would.
Shop Peter Thomas Roth Max Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 45 UVA/UVB Protective Gel at Revolve, £37
Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF50
A favourite of celebrities, this SPF serum can be worn under make-up or alone, mixed with a moisturiser or not. It combines a blend of vitamin E and cassine extract, as well as glycerine to hydrate, moisturise and repair your skin as you wear it.
Supergoop! City Serum SPF30
One of the cult sunscreen brand’s bestsellers, the Supergoop! City Serum is lightweight and silky and able to be used as part of your skincare routine or as a primer pre-make-up.
ZitSticka Megashade Breakout-Proof SPF50+ Serum
Created to minimise SPF-induced breakout, this non-comedogenic formula (meaning it won’t clog your pores) contains niacinamide and oatmeal to soothe redness and inflammation that comes with active breakouts.
Shop Zitsticka Megashade Breakout-Proof SPF50+ Serum at Revolve, £39
Naked Sundays SPF50 Clear Glow Radiant Sun Serum
Formulated with supremely hydrating ingredient squalane, this SPF50 serum is totally translucent, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and protects against damaging blue light with tomato extract.
Shop Naked Sundays SPF50 Clear Glow Radiant Sun Serum at Beauty Bay, £36
Hello Sunday The One That's a Serum Face Drops
This SPF serum contains hyaluronic acid for a hydrating, moisturising finish that protects against UVA/UVB and blue light.
Shop Hello Sunday The One That’s a Serum Face Drops at Beauty Bay, £15.95
How to pick the right SPF formula for you
If you hate wearing sunscreen, pick an SPF water:
It seems that many of us are reluctant to wear sunscreen: according to Garnier Ambre Solaire, 61% of women find it too greasy or sticky. However, some brands are turning away from creams and creating SPF waters instead.
“The water formula was developed in partnership with scientists in Japan,” says Louisa Gayford, Garnier’s scientific advisor. “They pioneer light textures. People in Asia are exposed to heat and humidity all year long and so they look for comfortable and efficient products.”
The waters use the same bi-phase technology found in eye make-up removers. Jessica Tierney, a scientific specialist for Vichy Laboratories, explains: “The oil phase contains the UV filters, emollients and vitamin E, and the water phase has the hydrating and antioxidant properties that moisturise skin.”
So they have all the benefits of a cream in a lightweight water formula. You’ll reapply them regularly because you actively want to, not because you have to.
If you wear SPF over or under make-up, try an SPF spray or mist:
One of the biggest bugbears for dermatologists is that people don’t apply enough SPF over the course of a day, especially if it’s under make-up. “To get adequate protection, the right amount of sunscreen – a teaspoon is enough for face and neck – needs to be applied first thing, and then reapplied every few hours,” says Kluk. Taking off make-up in the middle of your working day to top up your SPF, though? Not ideal.
But dry SPF mists and setting sprays can solve that. “A dedicated sunscreen should still be applied each morning, then throughout the day spray enough to make sure skin is really well coated and coverage is even, and they will work as an alternative to topping up with creams,” advises Kluk.
If that’s not your bag, try an SPF setting powder. These formulas physically block rather than absorb the sun’s rays – sweep on a few coats to make sure you’re getting adequate protection. As far as we’re concerned, it’s not possible to go overboard.
Which SPF to pick if you have specific skin issues:
Many people are put off from wearing traditional SPF because they’re concerned about getting spots or worsening existing skin conditions. Loading on thick, heavy creams can contribute to breakouts, but “a lot of newer formulas are lighter weight and less greasy”, says consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk. If you have blackheads, acne-prone or oily skin, choose a non-comedogenic formula to avoid additional pore blocking.
A product that protects against visible light, as well as UV rays, can help if you have pigmentation, and physical formulations (that sit on the skin to deflect rays rather than being absorbed) are less likely to cause irritation for those with sensitive or reactive skin, or conditions such as rosacea. The only thing that’s universally important regardless of skin type? “Have UVA and UVB protection and, ideally, an SPF of at least 30,” says Kluk. Consider us told.
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