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ELLE Edit: 13 Of The Best Sunscreens For 2024
The SPFs that hit different, according to a picky beauty editor.
Whichever way you spin it, and whomever you ask, there's no getting around the fact that sunscreen is a non-negotiable all year round.
And while you might well be scarred from memories of being forced to wear white paint-like sun cream that somehow stuck to every grain of sand on the beach, there are now plenty of sunscreens out there that can work magic on your skin. From fine sprays to clever SPF sticks, tinted SPF moisturisers and the best face SPFS, formulas are now packed with skin-loving ingredients that protect your skin barrier; they're ultra-lightweight and won't pill underneath make-up, provided you make the right SPF choice.
'The important thing you can remember is to apply the right dose,' says skincare expert Dr Sam Bunting. 'You need two millimetres per square centimetre, which translates to a quarter teaspoon for the face and a shot glass (30ml) for the body. Always reapply after 2 hours in the direct sunlight.'
Since UV rays are the worst offenders when it comes to premature skin ageing, not to mention the dangerous health risks too much sun exposure can pose, it's really important to find a SPF that you want to wear daily. That's where I come in. As a particularly fussy beauty editor, I've tested hundreds of sunscreens over the years to find the ones that are both lightweight and high protection, glow-enhancing but not too oily, and mostly, the formulas that are a joy to apply and use, so you don't skip your routine's most important step.
Check out my edit of the 13 best sunscreens, below.
Shop the 13 best sunscreens for 2024, tested by a beauty editor
I've lost count of the number of times I've recommended this facial sunscreen over the years. There's truly nothing I don't love about the lightweight yet nourishing cream; for starters, it's a steal at £16.50, every dermatologist loves it, and it's packed with ceramides and niacinamide to support the skin barrier, omitting the need for a daytime moisturiser.
Caudalie's super smart bi-phase sun screen combines the skin-nourishing properties of an oil with the skin-protecting powers of an SPF50 water. Non-sticky or greasy with zero white cast or residue, simply shake and spritz for sun protection.
There's a reason why dermatologists and beauty editors all rave about this SPF. Usually the sunscreen that accompanies me on holiday, it's perfect to squeeze into an airport bag and ticks all the boxes for 50+ UVA and UVB protection. But the real selling point is the lightweight texture, which leaves an invisible and glow-y veil and sits perfectly under make-up: it's even a great SPF for acne-prone skin.
Founder Holly Thaggard has been part of a movement making sunscreen cool again. This glow screen is perfect for no make-up days on holidays, offering necessary UV protection, all while lending skin a luminous glow. It's a firm favourite of mine for summer when the weather calls for nothing more than a lightweight primer, a dab of concealer and a lip tint.
This super fine invisible spray makes the boring task of applying sun cream seriously quick and easy. The mist applicator means applying sun cream to even the most tricky to get to areas is a breeze, while the dry touch, vegan formula means sticky, sand-covered limbs are a thing of the past.
It's fair to say I've never been quite so impressed with an SPF spray. Leave it to sun protection experts, Ultra Violette, to develop an invisible, ultra-lightweight SPF 50 spray that makes reapplying your sun cream almost too easy. Designed specifically with those regular top-ups in mind, this vitamin C and E-infused formula is ideal for taking on-the-go and for protecting those bits we tend to forget about - think hands, scalp and anywhere else that's enjoying a hit of sunshine.
I wouldn't usually advocate for such a pricey sunscreen when there are so many winning affordable formulas out there - but the texture of 111 Skin's Repair Sunscreen, much like the Repair Day Cream, is unlike anything I've tried before. It's powered by the same skin-boosting complex and turns SPF application into a complete joy rather than a daily chore.
Lancaster Sun Sport Cooling Invisible Mist SPF50
If there's something about sun protection Lancaster don't know, I'm yet to discover it. The cult sunscreen brand have developed a genius sun screen spray that packs in SPF50, si water-resistant, ocean-friendly and even cools my hot and flustered skin on contact. That's before mentioning its super fine mist texture and the totally transparent finish which is perfect for all skin tones.
From the Take-Out One Sun Stick to SPF-packed hand creams, Hello Sunday is changing the game when it comes to sunscreen. This SPF 30 body lotion is a true sunscreen essential for the body - it sinks into skin instantly (no white casts or marks in sight) and feels hydrating but never greasy.
It might be called 'Extreme' sun lotion but trust me - this factor 50 sun cream is a total essential. Ideal for even the most sensitive skin, regular applications of this water-resistant lotion will leave you feeling safe in the knowledge that sun burn is fully off the cards.
Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super UV Protection Mist SPF50
An SPF50 spray you can wear over your make-up? Sign me up. Garnier's genius hyaluronic acid-infused sun cream mist is the ultimate way to top up your sun protection on the go.
Vichy Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water Hydrating SPF50
If heavy, paint-like white creams aren't your bag (are they anyone's??) then this super lightweight spray is for you. Formulated with hero ingredient hyaluronic acid, this keeps parched skin hydrated and protected.
Institut Esthederm Adaptasun Body Lotion Strong Sun
Based around the concept of using melanin to train your skin to protect itself against the sun, this SPF-free lotion lets me tan the safe way whilst still protecting against photo-ageing and free radical skin damage.
Amelia Bell is the Senior Site Beauty Editor at ELLE UK, developing beauty strategy, writing, editing, and commissioning, and overseeing all beauty content for the site. Amelia has a particular interest in sustainable beauty practices, exploring the skin-mind connection, and decoding the latest treatments, tweakments and runway trends. She also has bylines for Women's Health, Refinery29, British Vogue, Harrods Magazine, and more.
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