Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+, $49 from Adore Beauty
The Ultra Violette collection features four different facial sunscreens, one body sunscreen and three SPF lip balms to try. While they've got different options for different skin types, the Lean Screen is a crowd-pleaser.
A 100% physical/mineral formula (AKA zinc), Lean Screen is suited to sensitive skin, combination, oily and normal skin types. It's also fragrance-free and reef safe, which is a huge plus as more brands move towards ocean-friendly formulas.
What we like: While the zinc formula might feel thick as you first apply the sunscreen, it blends into the skin seamlessly for a soft, mattifying finish. The "invisible finish" also means that Lean Screen (and Ultra Violette's other formulas) are suited to dark skin and won't leave a white cast.
Banana Boat SPF 50+ Dry Balance Lotion, $15.49 from Chemist Warehouse
Banana Boat is one of the brands that offers a little bit of everything when it comes to sun protection and aftercare. A classic, affordable brand that's easy to pick up in a pinch from your local pharmacy or supermarket. Their formulations are approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation and offer four hours of water-resistant protection.
What we like: Unlike some traditional sunscreens this one helps to absorb excess moisture, which gives it a nice dry finish on your skin.
Natio Daily Defence Face Moisturiser SPF 50+, $16.99 from Chemist Warehouse
The SPF50+ rating makes it so that you can get up to four hours of fun in the sun before you need to reapply, while the additional ingredients like Aloe Vera extract and Vitamin E help repair your skin from the other effects of sun exposure.
What we like: It's locally made and certified to only use all-natural ingredients. Plus, it's an affordable face sunscreen that still feels luxe.
SunButter SPF 50 Water Resistant Reef Safe Sunscreen, $29.95 from Banish
One for the eco-friendly shoppers, SunButter is made with certified sustainable ingredients and broad spectrum UVA and UVB mineral blocker zinc oxide. The Australian brand also uses tins rather than plastic containers for their sunscreens, with the tins made from reusable and recyclable material.
Due to the current guidelines by the TGA, they can't sell "refills" for their tins, like you can with other beauty products such as moisturiser or foundation, because sunscreen is a medical product. But the tins can be upcycled for the likes of food storage before eventually being recycled.
What we like: Unlike the brand's thicker Surf Zincs that are designed to sit on the skin, the sunscreen formula sinks in and works well on the face and body as an everyday SPF. It's also reef-safe, vegan and works with all skin types (including sensitive, bye bye stingy eyes!).
MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50, $30 from MDSolarSciences
This mineral crème is luxurious to apply, sinking into the skin for a smooth matte finish. The Eco-cert zinc oxide is effective in blocking the damaging effects of the sun, without leaving your face feeling tacky or pilling under make-up.
What we like: The "barely-there" feel of the sunscreen means you'll be happy to apply this on a daily basis. And the best SPF you can buy is one you'll actually use.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 50+, $13.49 from Chemist Warehouse
One of the more popular affordable sunscreens, this dry-touch formula leaves you with a non-greasy matte finish so you can stay sun safe without that icky feeling. Yes, we're clearly into the "dry" feeling body sunscreens after living through the greasy years of the '90s.
What we like: The lightweight clean feeling.
EGO SunSense Daily Face SPF 50, $22.99 from Chemist Warehouse
The face can be one of the trickier areas when it comes to sunscreen, since it needs the correct balance of both moisture and oil to prevent it from drying out. EGO's SunSense formulation offers "very high" UVA and UVB protection without drying out your skin, so it's perfect for the dry and dehydrated skin types.
What we like: It's easy to apply and virtually unnoticeable once you put it on.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+, $33.95 from Adore Beauty
A cult-classic in the beauty world, this "invisible" facial sunscreen was devised with sensitive skin types in mind and offers two hours of protection while in the sun or water. The best bit? The non-comedogenic formula won't clog your pores.
What we like: This sinks into the skin quickly and dries matte in no time - and doesn't leave a white cast - meaning it's a goodie to use on it's own or in your make-up routine.
Cancer Council Australia Ultra Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, $17.99 from Chemist Warehouse
This brand creates some of the best sunscreens in Australia, with high-quality ingredients that stay on longer (up to four hours water resistant), cutting down how often it needs reapplication. With very high UVA/UVB protection it's one of the best everyday use sunscreens you can get in the country.
What we like: It's a classic, affordable sunscreen that keeps you well-protected on sunny days.
MCoBeauty Mineral Mattifying Sunscreen SPF 50+, $35 from MCoBeauty
This zinc-based, mineral/physical sunscreen is the new kid on the block that everyone is talking about. With vitamin C-rich kakadu plum and SPF 50 protection, it works to even skin tone and texture while protecting from sun damage.
What we like: It's an affordable sunscreen that feels premium, thanks to its mattifying formula and the fact that there's no white cast. It works well on its own or under make-up for a flawless (protected) base.
Remember to always read the label as each sunscreen will have different reapplication rules - and don't forget to cover up with a hat, sunglasses and protected clothing on high UV days.
