May 14, 2025 |
You’ve heard it before, countless times. “Put your suncream on”. It’s possibly the most said thing every summer – besides “spritz in the sun?” or “pub garden?” let’s be honest. And for good reason. SPF (which stands for Sun Protection Factor) is your armour against the sun, your trusty sidekick, the thing keeping your skin hydrated, firm and radiant as you take on the day whatever the season. But when that summer sun comes out, UV rays ablazing, it’s more imperative than ever to slap it on (liberally, thank you very much). That fire in the sky’s beedy rays are responsible for not just sunburns, but skin cancer and premature aging resulting in wrinkles, dark spots and an uneven skin tone, too, making it the ultimate summer saboteur.
So what’s a girl, gay or guy to do? We’ve selected our favourite sun blockers for braving the dog days whether you’re lounging in the park or legging it to the lido. These aren’t your bog-standard bottles either. From Chanel’s ultra-chic shield to Herbar’s dewy day defence, with these skin saviors in your pocket, you’ll be glowing not burning. Because nothing ruins sipping a spritz faster than a sunburn. Emily Phillips
Facegym
Looking for a sunscreen that does more than just protect? Meet Facegym Protect + Hydrate SPF 50+, your new skin hero. This lightweight, broad-spectrum formula defends against UVA and UVB rays, while its powerhouse ingredients – like Cotton Stem Cells, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid – keep skin plump, hydrated and photoaging-free. For those chasing a glow, Facegym Protect & Glow SPF50+ is a must. The radiant moisturizer not only shields with SPF 50+ but also boasts antioxidant-rich Vitamin C to brighten your skin while preventing sun damage. Glowing skin, zero regrets – now that’s a summer win. Shop here. EP
Gun Ana
Sun care just got seriously chic with the Gun Ana Face Cream SPF 50 – your glow-up in a tube. This broad-spectrum beauty product doesn’t just block UVA, UVB and HEV (blue light) rays, it drenches your skin in hydration with a hyaluronic complex and a vitamin cocktail (A, B, C, E – yes please). Light, creamy and totally invisible on all skin tones, it blends like a dream and will have you smelling like a spa all day thanks to its delicious cucumber and mint notes. Rose-hip, wheat germ and oat oils also pack in antioxidants for that healthy, lit-from-within look. Say goodbye to sunburns and hello to glowing skin. Buy yours here. EP
Davines
Meet your new sun-sidekicks: Davines SU, the cult-fave Italian brand’s dreamy lineup of pre- and post-sun skin and hair care. From the SU Protective Cream SPF 30 for face and body to the ultra-lightweight SU Milk – a leave-in softening milk with UV-protective filters – this range is all about keeping your glow golden, your skin calm and your hair hydrated (without fading that perfect salon colouring). Healing and hydrating, the SU family is your full-circle sun ritual in a bottle. Think of it as your passport to sun-drenched todays and wrinkle-free tomorrows. Shop here. EP
Emma Lewisham
Eight years in the making, Emma Lewisham’s Sunceutical™ SPF 50 Mineral Face Crème is lightweight in feel but hefty in the science that backs it. TGA and FDA certified, it’s dermatologically tested with advanced dispersion technology, ensuring you don’t get any of those pesky, white, rub-in marks. With Niacinamide for brightening and Saccharide Isomerate for skin moisture, this nifty release will leave your skin looking smooth, fresh and hydrated. Sound up your street? They’ve got a SPF 50 Mineral Glow Serum coming out May 13, too – double trouble. Cop your crème here. Bella Koopman
RéVive
The name? RéVive’s Soleil Supérieur SPF 50 Sunscreen. The game? Improving the elasticity of your skin and reducing wrinkles, all whilst protecting you from dangerous UVs. This skincare essential packs quite the punch when it comes to promoting glowing skin, integrating Oligopeptide-24 into its formula for skin cell renewal. Developed over five years with Dr. Gregory Brown, a reconstructive surgeon who spent years researching the healing process for burn victims, it’ll be a tough gig arguing this one isn’t worth the punt. Buy yours here and see for yourself. BK
REFY
This one’s for the girls on the go. A hybrid product that combines an SPF (factor 50), moisturiser and serum, the Refy Skin Trio (3-in-1 Mineral SPF 50, Moisturiser, Brightening Serum) is the perfect addition to any skincare routine that needs to be snappy. Coming in a peachy hue, it’s designed for quick application, avoids a white cast and is highly blendable. Key ingredients include an apple extract to ensure your skin looks bright and hydrated and an algae extract for soothing and controlling oil. Run, don’t walk – it’s available to purchase here. BK
The Grey
Don’t let the weightless texture fool you – this is an SPF with serious staying power. Daily Face Protect by The Grey is both shield and salve as well as a high-performance SPF 50 that doubles as a daily hydrator. What lies beneath the finish is where it gets clever: antioxidant-rich grape stem cells and carnosine combat UV damage and digital-age stress, while sodium hyaluronate and glycerin quench parched skin with lasting moisture. Add a dose of sodium hyaluronate and glycerin and you’ve got hydration, protection and your face’s most elegant line of defence. Buy your very own Daily Face Protect here. Talia Panayi
Chanel
There’s sun protection, and then there’s Chanel UV Essentiel – your new, not-so-secret weapon defending against modern skin stressors. It’s the kind of product you’ll reach for before stepping out the door, whether you’re facing the July heat or the crisp January air. With SPF 50 and a blend of antioxidant-rich botanicals like ginger and gardenia, it helps shield skin from UV rays, pollution and oxidative stress while keeping it hydrated and radiant for up to eight hours. The lightweight gel-to-cream texture sinks into the skin like silk – no heaviness, no residue, no hassle. Just fresh, luminous skin, every day. It’s your skin perfected by Chanel. Secure yours here. TP
Horace
Hot weather, hotter skin protection. Horace is coming in strong this summer with its SPF50+ Face and Body Sunscreen, a non-sticky, no-white-cast, zero-grease formula that keeps your skin safe without ruining your vibe (or your body hair). It’s sweat-resistant, ocean-friendly, and made in France – très chic. Whether you’re beach-bound or beer-garden hopping, this broad-spectrum shield is your go-to glow guard. Plus it’s free from mineral oil and silicones, so your skin can breathe easy. When the sun sets? Horace’s Soothing Aftersun steps in like a calm, cooling breeze. Natural, effective, effortlessly cool – Horace just made SPF season feel a whole lot smoother. Shop here. EP
The Company Formerly Known As Haeckels
Meet Seaweed Solar Protect SPF 50+, the slick new skin guardian from The Company Formerly Known As Haeckels. This 30ml powerhouse delivers very high, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection minus the dreaded white cast. But it doesn’t stop there – it’s also your anti-pollution partner-in-glow, thanks to skin-resiliency boosters like Dulse and Oat extracts. The vegan formula is featherlight, fast-absorbing and non-greasy (yes, really), featuring Palmless™ Torula Oil, a triglyceride-rich wonder that keeps skin smooth, supple and thriving. Consider this your daily dose of SPF and smart skincare, all in one streamlined, sustainable bottle. Pollution, UV, dry skin? Not on Seaweed Solar’s watch. Shop here. EP
Dior Beauty
Inspired by the sun-soaked spirit of the French Riviera, Dior Solar Protective Cream SPF 50 is designed for days spent basking in the light. The soft, fast-absorbing texture leaves skin smooth, hydrated and lightly scented with monoi – meaning no stickiness and no white cast. A blend of organic and mineral filters delivers reliable, broad-spectrum protection, while the Tan Beautifier Complex helps boost and prolong your natural glow. With 76 per cent natural-origin ingredients and water-resistant wear, it’s sun care that feels like skincare – radiant, silky and made for everything from days at the beach to nights down the Boulevard. Get yours here. TP
Top image: photography courtesy of Christian Dior Parfums.
