SORTED: Exactly How to Choose A Face Sunscreen for Your Skin Type

Fact: If you aren't wearing a face sunscreen every single day, you might as well tip your expensive serums down the toilet.

Harsh, we know, but 100 per cent true.

Why? Because 80 per cent of our visible skin concerns can be attributed to sun damage from exposure to UVA rays (the ones that age you) and UVB rays (the ones that burn).

There's the not at all small risk of developing skin cancer, too.

Translation? None of your skincare products will make much of a difference in treating fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, loss of elasticity, sensitivity, and loss of hydration if you're not applying at least an SPF30+ but ideally SPF50+ sunscreen over the top.

Watch our best-selling sunscreens YouTube video here for more info and product recommendations!

Every day, not just when you're at the beach. And of course, SPF is only one part of sun protection!

Always seek shade, and wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing. Use sufficient sunscreen for all unprotected areas and reapply sunscreen as directed. Always read the label. You know the drill.

Even though a tube of sunscreen is a fair bit cheaper than most anti-ageing skincare products, a lot of people still don't wear SPF consistently because they haven't found 'the one' yet.

A sunscreen that isn't sticky or chalky, doesn't make you greasy, doesn't sting your eyes or break you out, and doesn't pill under makeup.

We consider it our duty to help you find a sunscreen you love so much, you'll want to slather it on every single morning.

So, we asked scientist and sunscreen skinfluencer Hannah English to recommend different sunscreens for every skin type.

You can hear Hannah speak about her top sunscreen recommendations in our YouTube video below!

Sunscreens By Skin Type.

The key to finding a sunscreen you like is buying one formulated to suit your skin type.

Just like you wouldn't spend money on a mattifying foundation if you have super dry skin, why wear a dewy finish sunscreen if you get an oily T-zone? It's all starting to make sense, isn't it...

Without further ado, here are our recommendations for suitable sunscreens for your skin type.

Sunscreens for Dry Skin.

What: AB LAB Dewy-C SPF50+ Facial Sun Milk 75mL

Texture and consistency: A milky texture that's not too runny and not too thick.

Finish: Sinks into the skin nicely and leaves behind a dewy sheen. Gives face a lit-from-within glow.

Other:

• Comes with a pump dispenser for easy use and no spillage. You can read the new AB LAB SPF reviews here.

• Comes with a pleasant scent that isn't overpowering.

• Includes brightening and hydrating skincare ingredients such as kakadu plum extract, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and vitamin C.

What: Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+ Luminising Sun Serum

Texture and consistency: A thin, silky, serum-like fluid.

Finish: Very dewy and glowy, skin looks and feels moisturised, helps make your complexion look radiant, acts as a great illuminating primer underneath makeup.

Other:

• Comes with a dropper dispenser.

• Has a subtle rose scent those with sensitive eyes may find irritating.

• Serum texture can take a while to sink in.

What: SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50

Texture and consistency: A lightweight cream.

Finish: A radiant satin finish that makes skin feel fresh and hydrated, and sets into the skin.

Other:

• This product is a great moisturiser and makes skin feel moisturised.

• Comes in a tube that's convenient to throw in your handbag.

Sunscreens for Combination Skin.

What: Viviology Moisturising Mineral SPF50 Sunscreen 75mL

Texture and consistency: A lightweight, cream formula with a subtle colour to help with neutralising any white cast.

Finish: Has a natural matte finish.

Other:

• A zinc oxide based mineral sunscreen.

• Infused with ceramides, niacinamide and kakadu plum extract.

• Also provides nourishment and moisturise to the skin. 

What: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+

Texture and consistency: A lightweight, water-like fluid consistency that is quite runny.

Finish: Slightly mattifying, but still helps to make your complexion look radiant.

Other:

• No white cast.

• Must shake before applying.

• Runny consistency can get messy so apply in layers.

What: Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating Facial Sunscreen

Texture and consistency: Cream texture with a peach tint that dries sheer/clear.

Finish: Makes skin look and feel moisturised and radiant. Neither matte nor dewy. This product acts as a great makeup primer.

Other:

• Hydrating ingredients make this sunscreen suitable for dry skin types, too.

• Combination skin types can likely skip moisturiser and go straight from serum to sunscreen.

Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin.

What: AB LAB Barrier Boost SPF50 Mineral Sun Cream 75mL

Texture and consistency: A thick moisturiser consistency with a slightly yellow tint that absorbs into the skin once worked in.

Finish: Has a demi-matte finish and needs a little longer to work into the skin but dries down quickly.

Other:

• Designed to maintain skin’s natural moisture barrier, while protecting skin against free radical damage. 

• Formulated with niacinamide, ceramides, vitamin E, antioxidants and kakadu plum extract.

• Is a mineral SPF50 with a zinc oxide UV filter.

• A good one if you're into thicker sunscreens.

• If you have a deeper complexion you may prefer the AB LAB Dewy-C.

What: Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF50 Sunscreen

Texture and consistency: A thick moisturiser consistency with a neutral beige tint that looks sheer once rubbed in on most tones - you can read our full Lean Screen review here.

Finish: Very mattifying and slightly sticky to begin with, does dry down in a few minutes.

Other:

• Formulated with 100 per cent zinc oxide, which is suitable for easily irritated and sensitive skin.

• May be too thick, sticky or zinc-y if you're used to thinner sunscreen consistencies.

• If you're super oily and want a true matte finish, Lean Screen is a popular choice too.

What: Avène Sunscreen Emulsion Face SPF50+

Texture and consistency: Avène Sunscreen Emulsion Face SPF50+ has a light, gentle feel on the skin.

Finish: Mattifying finish and won’t leave behind a white cast.

Other:

• 40 minutes water-resistant.

• Formula is rich in Avene Thermal Spring Water, which helps to maintain hydration within the skin while keeping it protected.

Sunscreen for Oily Skin.

What: La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF50+

Texture and consistency: Lightweight gel cream.

Finish: Mattifying finish that dries down fast, so you need to work quickly when applying.

Other:

• Dry touch finish may be too matte for skin that leans towards combination over oily.

• Contains silica to actively absorb and help control oil production while wearing.

What: Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily SPF50+

Texture and consistency: Non-greasy two-in-one moisturising formula is neither thick nor runny.

Finish: A mattifying finish suitable for oily skin.

Other:

• Formula is slightly tinted, but dries clear once absorbed.

• Also contains hydrating ingredients Mango Seed Butter and Pomegranate Seed Oil, making it suitable for normal to dry skin types, too.

Sunscreen for Active Lifestyles.

What: Aesthetics Rx Face & Body Sunscreen SPF50

Texture and consistency: AestheticsRx Face and Body Sunscreen SPF50+ has a wearable consistency that's neither too greasy nor too runny or light.

Finish: Absorbs quickly and has a comfortable finish - again, not dewy but not matte - with no white cast.

Other:

• VERY COOL new patented technology allows the body to continue to manufacture vitamin D, without sacrificing the sun protection factor.

• Suitable for use under makeup, and sweat and water resistant for up to 2 hours.

• Can be used as a face sunscreen and a body sunscreen!

• Cruelty-free and vegan formulation is also reef safe.

What: Aspect Sun Envirostat Face SPF50

Texture and consistency: Aspect Sun Envirostat Face SPF 50+ has a lightweight, non-sticky and non-greasy formula.

Finish: Dry touch finish with no white residue, suitable for all skin types but popular for combo skin.

Other:

• Comes in Aspect Sun Envirostat On The Go SPF 50 75ml - a handy travel size.

• Formula also contains vitamin E for further antioxidant protection.

• Provides 4 hours of water-resistant and sweat-resistant protection.

See? No more excuses not to wear sunscreen every damn day.

You and your face will thank us for the tough love, promise.

Want more sunscreen content? Check out these stories below!

• Everything You Need to Know About Ultra Violette Lean Screen Sunscreen

• Your Ultimate Guide to Sunscreen: Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know About SPF

• I Road-Tested 5 Sunscreens to See if They’re Dark Skin-Friendly