No More Excuses, Ultra Violette Preen Screen Mist Makes Reapplying SPF Easy

It should go without saying that sunscreen is a non-negotiable, 365 days of the year.

Especially in Australia and New Zealand, where we have one of the highest levels of UV radiation and the highest rates of melanoma in the world. Yep, the world.

And while there really is no excuse not to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide on the daily (including regularly reapplying your SPF), finding a sunscreen that layers nicely and doesn’t mess up your makeup is no easy feat.

But luckily for us, the SPF superheroes at Ultra Violette have come up with a solution.

Meet, Preen Screen: A reapplication mist designed to help keep SPF topped up throughout the day. A sunscreen setting spray, if you will.

Six years in the making, Ultra Violette’s ‘Skinscreen’ combines broad-spectrum SPF50 with skin-sweetening ingredients niacinamide, vitamin C and vitamin E which protect the skin against UVA and UVB rays while keeping it hydrated, happy and glowy.

Being fair-skinned, I have to be extra careful when it comes to sun safety. A quick walk around the block can quickly turn into crispy shoulders and unwelcome sun spots.

But this isn’t exclusive to fair skin. Deeper skin tones also need to be mindful of sun safety as well.

So you can imagine my excitement when my editor handed me the highly-anticipated SPF mist for a test drive.

And when the remaining samples quickly disappeared into the hands of my colleagues, I knew our friends at Ultra Violette were onto something.

Keep scrolling for all the juicy deets and our honest reviews.

What Is the Ultra Violette Preen Screen?

What: Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF50 Reapplication Mist SKINSCREEN 75ml

Fast facts:

• Ultra Violette Preen Screen is a weightless reapplication mist designed to protect long-term from UVA and UVB rays while delivering instantly brighter and hydrated and skin. Also helps soothe redness-prone skin.

• UV Co-founders Ava Matthews and Bec Jefferd went through several chemists before landing on the perfect formula that won’t sting the eyes, isn’t too oily and, of course, won’t dislodge makeup.

• It’s formulated with niacinamide to balance oil production and improve texture, bisabolol and aloe vera to soothe redness and irritation, and a vitamin C derivative to brighten skin and reduce visible signs of aging.

How to use:

In true Ultra Violette style, they've made sun safety sexy and the application instructions for their new Preen Screen are no exception.

Here's the drill: Hold Preen Screen about 20cm away from your face. Close your eyes and start spritzing in an 'X' shape, followed by a 'T'. Give it a few seconds to dry down and about 20 minutes before sun exposure.

Now, a friendly reminder: Preen Screen is the sidekick to your SPF. So keep slathering on your daily, post-skincare sunscreen and spritz the mist after applying your makeup (or as the final step in your regime).

*Always follow the directions for use. Reapply every two hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring per directions. Keep in mind that sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so be sure to wear protective clothing, seek shade and avoid prolonged sun exposure.

Our Ultra Violette Preen Screen Review.

Jasmine, Beauty Editor.

Having been personally victimised by a number of sunscreen sprays, I approached my Preen Screen road-test with a healthy dose of cynicism.

But let me tell you, within a single spritz, any doubts I had completely disappeared.

I applied Preen Screen over a full face of makeup like I would when heading out or to the office and was immediately impressed with how gently it settled on my skin. It didn’t disturb my makeup, smudge my mascara or look greasy.

Instead, it gave me the most gorgeous, natural-looking glow. No ghostly white cast or OTT highlighter finish, just pure radiance.

I popped the sleek navy blue and hot pink bottle into my handbag and continued spritzing it throughout the day. Admittingly, I think I went a tad overboard with the glow but anything that turns SPF into a fun, addictive ritual deserves a standing ovation in my book.

A hot tip for our shinier friends: If you've got oily skin or prefer a matte look, follow with a touch of powder to seal it in once it has dried down.

Now, let's see if my fellow AB staffers loved Preen Screen as much as I did...

Sadaf, Senior Beauty Editor.

"The Preen Screen Reapplication Mist is the SPF top-up product of my dreams.

It 100% delivered on the glow and kept my makeup in place. It also didn't sting my eyes which is a HUGE tick!

Also, $42 for 75ml isn't too bad! I think I'll grab another one for my car and one to keep in my bag. It's also the PERFECT travel companion.

Adding this to my 'holy grails' and 'repurchase forever' list. And for anyone out there who was hesitant about re-applying their SPF over their makeup - no more excuses!”

Joanna, Senior Content Manager.

"If reapplication is something you're a bit slack with because you wear makeup, those days are over now that Preen Screen is here.

Be mindful of applying this product in an enclosed space so the wind doesn't take the product with it before it hits your face, and note that it doesn't replace your SPF application before makeup, it's designed only as a reapplication tool."

Maddy, Brand Partnerships Coordinator.

"I'm such a big fan of UV that when I heard they were coming out with a touch-up spray, I knew I was going to add it to cart as soon as it dropped online. And I wasn't disappointed!

It's a gorgeously fine mist that doesn't disrupt my makeup and also doesn't sting my eyes. It also adds a subtle glow that's a perfect addition for the 3pm slump."

Nikki, CX Team Leader.

"I love how fine the mist is and the glow it gives my skin."

More of a visual person? Watch us road-test Preen Screen in real-time below.

Final Verdict...

Anyone and everyone should immediately stop what they’re doing and pick up one of these bad boys.

Seriously, if the launch of Ultra Violette Preen Screen goes anything like its preceding products, it’s very likely to sell out—fast.

More skincare tips and news this way... check out the below Beauty IQ articles:

• 12 Beauty Essentials to Take On Your European Summer Vacay

• Why Sunscreen Is Your Skin’s Best Friend, Forever

• PSA: Beauty of Joseon Has Arrived, Here’s the 411 on This Affordable K-Beauty Brand