Nailing the summer skincare routine and achieving that coveted golden glowing complexion requires a face sunscreen.
Australian summers are no joke, familiar with “no hat, no play”? Well, word of the wise…it still stands!
While keeping hydrated, rocking a broad brimmed number and staying out of the sun should remain priority, a sunscreen to SLIP, SLOP and SLAP across the face should be first on the agenda.
If it’s the thought of a white cast that’s killing your vibe, then do we have news for you! Unlike the OG formula, face sunscreens are lightweight and designed to blend in with your line up of everyday cosmetics.
Whether you are blessed with the best of “normal” skin, combination skin, oily skin, or dry skin, we have found an SPF suited to your skin type and needs.
Read on to find the best facial sunscreens on offer in Australia this year.
FACE SUNSCREENS TO SHOP
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen, $37.95, Adore Beauty (here’s why)
- Ultra Violette Clean Screen Sensitive Skinscreen SPF30, $49, Sephora (here’s why)
- Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Hydrating Tinted Face Lotion, $14.95, Myer (here’s why)
01
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF50
$37.95 at Adore Beauty
It’s very likely you have heard of French brand, La Roche-Posay, and it would be for good reason too. This lightweight SPF50 is fragrance-free and has been designed to wear seamlessly underneath makeup.
Key features:
- SPF 50+
- Bottle size: 50ml
- Lightweight formula
Also available at:
- $26.95 (usually $37.95) from Amazon
- $37.95 from La Roche Posay
02
Ultra Violette Clean Screen Sensitive Skinscreen SPF30
$49 at Sephora
The sensitive skin girlies will understand the stress of introducing new products into the routine. Thankfully, Clean Screen SPF30 has been designed to navigate skin meltdowns. As a hybrid of gentle mineral protection, this lightweight formula can be equally enjoyed by oily and dry skin types alike. Plus, it’s a gel, so kiss goodbye to sensory discomfort.
Key features:
- SPF 30
- Bottle size: 75ml
- Fragrance-free
Also available at:
- $49 from Adore Beauty
- $49 from The Iconic
03
Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Hydrating Tinted Face Lotion
$14.95 at Myer
Aussie brand Bondi Sands has delivered a safe sun-kissed glow to beach babes for many moons, and with this Hydrating Tinted Face Lotion, you can now rock non-greasy sheer coverage daily.
Key features:
- SPF 50+
- Bottle size: 75ml
- Fragrance-free and tinted
Also available at:
- $14.95 from Bondi Sands
04
Hydrate Defence SPF30
$78 at M/STR
Talk about a sleek design! The Hydrate Defence SPF30 from M/STR offers enhanced hydration and skin barrier restoration without traces of fragrances and other irritants. Plus, the added option for refills means that these vessels can be recycled or reused as you like.
Key features:
- SPF 30
- Bottle size: 50ml
- Free from fragrance, irritants and gluten
05
Vivology Moisturising Mineral SPF50 Sunscreen
$27.50 (usually $55) at Adore Beauty
Filled with skin-loving ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and Kakadu Plum Extract, this one helps to maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Key features:
- SPF 50
- Bottle size: 75ml
- Australian made and cruelty free
06
Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily SPF50+
$62.96 (usually $69.95) at Adore Beauty
There is nothing worse than caking foundation across the face on a stinking hot summer day, and let’s be real, in Australia that is most days. Designed for all skin types, the Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily SPF50+ offers a nude-like tint that is neither greasy nor heavy, talk about hitting the jackpot.
Key features:
- SPF 50+
- Bottle size: 50ml
Also available at:
- $69.95 from Myer
- $69.95 from Oz Hair and Beauty
07
Avène Sunsitive Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+
$35.99 at Adore Beauty
Enriched with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, the Avène Sunscreen Fluid is a summertime essential. Offering up to four hours of water resistance, having a bottle of this in the beach bag is a must. Plus, with that pesky white cast out of sight and out of mind, pop this one under makeup without a second thought.
Key features:
- SPF 50+
- Bottle size: 50ml
- Lightweight formula
Also available at:
- $30.99 (usually $35.99) from Amazon
- $35.99 from Priceline Pharmacy
08
Nifty Fifty Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50
$49 at Go-To Skincare
Perfectly packaged in peach, this Nifty Fifty will have you hydrated and glowing within moments. And just like any nifty skincare product should, this one has doubled its purpose, offering a spot of sheer tinted coverage.
Key features:
- SPF 50
- Bottle size: 75ml
- Hydrating and skin-soothing effect
09
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF50+
$68 at Adore Beauty
Calling all normal, combo and dry skin types! The SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Dense SPF is oh-so light you’ll wonder why it didn’t make it into the skincare routine sooner. As an essential to any well-curated skincare routine, your daily SPF should serve your every need, and boy does this do that. Easily layering over other skincare products and under makeup, Facial Defense creates the most beautiful base.
Key features:
- SPF 50
- Bottle size: 30ml
- Moisturising sunscreen
Also available at:
- $68 from SkinCeuticals Australia
10
SPF50 Clear Glow Radiant Sunscreen Serum
$36.95 at Naked Sundays
If a pigmented sunscreen just isn’t your vibe, then maybe a completely transparent version will be. The silicone-based formula instantly dries down for a semi-matte, semi-satin finish, keeping your makeup sitting in place. But it doesn’t stop there! Infused with watermelon extract and Jojoba for extra hydration, you will be guaranteed to glow.
Key features:
- SPF 50
- Bottle size: 30ml
- Fragrance free serum
Do you apply sunscreen before or after moisturiser?
Physical sunscreen, or more commonly known as mineral sunscreen works by creating a barrier between your skin and the UV rays. Sunscreen should be the final step in your skincare routine, and therefore it should be applied after moisturiser.
What level of SPF is recommended for your face?
Many dermatologists recommend that it’s best to use a face sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, though SPF 50 or higher is also considered a great option if accessible.