Why SPF Belongs In Your Beauty Routine
SPF isn’t just for beach days, it’s a daily essential that can work across your whole beauty routine. From lightweight face SPFs to handbag-friendly top-ups and UV hair heroes, these are the sun protection picks we’re keeping close all summer. Whether you’re building your everyday skincare routine, refreshing your makeup bag or packing for holiday, they make daily SPF feel easy, glowy and totally wearable.
Best Face SPFs For Everyday Wear
The best face SPF should feel light, comfortable and easy to wear daily, whether alone or under makeup. These skincare-led sunscreens offer high protection with invisible, non-greasy finishes.
Beauty of Joseon Rice & Probiotic Sunscreen PA++++ SPF50+
This viral K-beauty SPF is worth the hype. Creamy, fast-absorbing and invisible on the skin, it gives SPF50+ protection with no white cast or sticky feel. Rice extract and probiotics help keep skin feeling nourished and moisturised, making it a dreamy daily face SPF for a fresh, glowy finish.
Staff Review
“I’ve seen this trending all over social media, so I had to give it a try, and it definitely lives up to the hype. It absorbs super quickly and gives my skin the perfect glowy base to build on, or to wear alone on no-makeup days.” - Deryn, Digital Content Executive
Aveeno Face Calm+ Restore Moisturising Lotion SPF50
Sensitive skin? This one keeps things calm, comfortable and protected. With broad-spectrum SPF50, oat, feverfew and hyaluronic acid, it helps hydrate and support the skin barrier while feeling soft, non-greasy and fragrance-free. It also layers beautifully under makeup, so it’s an easy everyday SPF.
Staff Review
“This is my everyday SPF. It feels lightweight, non-greasy and hydrating, making it perfect for daily wear. It’s gentle on sensitive skin and layers really well under makeup.” - Abi, Digital Content Executive
The Best Skin Tints With SPF For A Fresh, Glowy Base
For days when you want light coverage and daily sun protection, a skin tint with SPF is the perfect beauty shortcut. These glow-boosting formulas help even the look of skin while keeping your base fresh and breathable.
NYX Professional Makeup Buttermelt Glaze Soft Glow Skin Tint+ SPF30
Glow, coverage and SPF in one easy step. This sheer, lightweight skin tint helps even the look of skin, while shea butter, mango butter and niacinamide leave it feeling smooth, hydrated and fresh. Think radiant, no-makeup makeup with SPF30 built in.
Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen SPF30 PA+++
This tinted SPF is perfect for days when you want your skin to look like skin, just a little more even and radiant. The breathable fluid texture blends seamlessly, helping to smooth the look of your complexion with sheer coverage, daily SPF30 protection and a fresh, balanced finish.
How To Reapply SPF Over Makeup
Reapplying SPF over makeup is easier with lightweight mists and powder formulas. These handbag-friendly SPF top-ups help refresh protection throughout the day without disturbing your base.
Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Translucent Powder Brush SPF30
This brush-on SPF makes topping up your sun protection simple. The translucent mineral powder applies easily over makeup, helping to reduce shine and add SPF30 protection without leaving a white cast.
Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Over Makeup Mist SPF50+
This is the handbag-friendly SPF mist your makeup routine needs. Designed to be used under or over makeup, it gives invisible SPF50+ UVA and UVB protection without a greasy finish. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin and vitamin E help keep skin feeling hydrated, fresh and comfortable.
Staff Review
“This has become such a handbag essential for topping up my SPF during the day, especially when I’ve got makeup on and don’t want to mess with my base. It feels lightweight on the skin and doesn’t leave my complexion looking or feeling greasy.” - Charlotte, Content Creator
Best SPF Lip Balm For Daily Sun Protection
Lips need sun protection too, especially on hot days when they can feel dry or cracked. An SPF lip balm is an easy beauty essential to keep close for quick hydration and daily UV protection.
Your lips deserve SPF too. These SPF50+ lip balms help protect against UV rays while keeping lips soft, smooth and hydrated. Enriched with vitamin E and available in a range of delicious scents, it’s an easy everyday essential for sunny days, holidays and daily top-ups.
UV Hair Protection Picks For Sunny Days
Sun exposure can leave hair feeling dry, frizzy and dull, so UV hair protection is a smart addition to your summer beauty routine. These leave-in heroes help keep strands smooth, shiny and cared for.
Alfaparf Milano Semi Di Lino Sunshine Hair Protective Oil
Humidity, heat and sun exposure can leave hair looking frizzy, dry and dull, but this protective oil helps keep things smooth. The lightweight two-phase formula contains UV filters to help protect sun-exposed hair, support colour vibrancy and leave lengths looking glossy without feeling heavy.
“My hair is naturally curly, so humidity can make it turn frizzy quite quickly. This oil feels really lightweight and helps keep my hair looking smooth and sleek, especially on warmer days.” - Elena, Graphic Designer
Incredilox 20-in-1 Miracle Hair Treatment Spray
One spray, plenty of benefits. Suitable for wet or dry hair, this leave-in treatment helps protect against UV rays and heat styling while smoothing frizz, boosting shine and softening lengths. It’s a great all-rounder for keeping hair looking healthy, glossy and easier to manage.
SPF Beauty FAQs
Should you wear SPF every day?
Yes, SPF should be worn daily as the final step in your morning skincare routine. A face SPF helps protect against UVA and UVB rays, even on cloudy days.
What is the best SPF to wear under makeup?
The best SPF under makeup is lightweight, non-greasy and fast-absorbing. Look for formulas with no white cast or pilling, so your base applies smoothly.
Can you reapply SPF over makeup?
Yes, SPF mists and translucent SPF powders are ideal for topping up protection over makeup. They help refresh your SPF throughout the day without disturbing your base.
Is make-up with SPF enough?
Makeup with SPF can add extra protection, but it should not replace your main face SPF. Apply sunscreen first, then use SPF make-up as an added layer.
What is the difference between SPF30 and SPF50?
SPF30 blocks around 97% of UVB rays, while SPF50 blocks around 98%, so SPF50 offers slightly higher protection. For fuller daily defence, choose a broad-spectrum SPF that also helps protect against UVA rays, and remember to reapply throughout the day.
Do lips need SPF?
Yes, lips can become dry and cracked in the sun, so an SPF lip balm is a useful daily essential. Keep one in your bag for quick hydration, comfort and easy top-ups throughout the day.
Does hair need sun protection?
Yes, sun exposure can leave hair feeling dry, dull and frizzy. UV hair protection sprays and leave-in treatments can help protect lengths, boost shine and keep colour looking vibrant.