I once wrote about eye creams being a religion that you either believe in or
you don’t. I wrote about how I didn’t mind either way and I wouldn’t judge
you whatever side of the fence you fall. But SPF? There’s only one possible
belief and that’s the one that says you have to wear it. Here’s an easy question-
naire for you. Are you awake? Is it daytime? If you answered yes to both then
you should be wearing SPF. Never mind your skin type or tone. What gender
or age you are. Or whether the sun is shining or not. All of us should be
applying sunscreen in the morning every day. Now, before you tell me that it ruins your make-up! Stings your
eyes! Leaves your skin a weird shade! Let me get in first and say that face SPFs have had a big — no huge —
makeover. They are now so good I consider them a treat to apply — yes, I look forward to applying SPF. (The
six-year-old Sarah who used to weep every time her mum applied the thick, goopy stuff would be shocked.)
Let’s start with the new-generation SkinPFs. The what? These are facial SPFs that contain brilliant
skincare. (Get it?) Take Murad Environmental Shield Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum
SPF 45 (£70), which feels identical to a silky serum, hydrates like a moisturiser and is packed with skincare
to brighten discolouration and prevent further pigmentation.
The SkinPF I’ve been using religiously this year is La Roche-Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF 50
(£25). It’s full of skincare powerhouses such as niacinamide, glycerin and hyaluronic acid, so as well as
protecting skin it works hard in the background to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots.
I’m excited about CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion with SPF 25 (£13.50), which permits reducing
your skincare steps. Instead of applying moisturiser and then SPF, this ticks both boxes. As well as
containing high-strength sun protection, it has hyaluronic acid and ceramides to hydrate and repair the skin
barrier. Of a similar ilk, Bondi Sands Sunny Daze Hydrating SPF 50 Moisturiser (£13) is exactly what it says:
an SPF/moisturiser hybrid. The fragrance-free formula adds bounce and hydration to the skin with a very
high protection factor in there too.
Finally, Heliocare 360° Pigment Solution Fluid (£33) is a triple threat SkinPF: a water and
sweat-resistant SPF 50 that tackles skin damage and has a tint to smooth out uneven tone
— the perfect tinted moisturiser for those who don’t need much coverage. I told you facial
SPFs had improved!
On to retouchers, because they are game-changers for top-ups throughout the day.
Applying more SPF once you’ve done your make-up? That’s easy now. For an invisible
formula that works like a setting powder and takes down shine, try Supergoop! (Re)Setting
Powder SPF 30 (£28). If you prefer a tint then the new iS Clinical PerfecTint Powder
SPF 40 (£64) smooths out uneven skin tone and adds a touch of coverage. Either should
live at the bottom of your bag and be whipped out every few hours. NB, don’t rely on these
as your only source of SPF. They’re designed for touch-ups only.
Now let’s talk lips. The very idea of lip SPF makes me think of the ungainly white zinc
sticks that you see skiers smother over their mouths, but Ultraviolette SPF 50 Lip Balms
(£16) are a far cry from that. They’re gorgeous, sheeny, nonsticky glosses that come in a
burst of lovely bright colours. The SPF 50 feels more like an added bonus.
All the SkinPFs mentioned today are designed to be used in the same way: draw a line of
product along three fingers, then apply to your face and neck as the final step of your morning
skincare regime. When in doubt, remember that SPF is the lid of your skincare. Take it into
your hairline, over the ears and on to the back of the neck, and don’t forget eyelids.
I fear I’ve been quite strict today, but I still see so many people spending a fortune on
snazzy buzzword ingredients and then not investing in sunscreen. If you don’t wear SPF
then you’re wasting money on all the other steps, as well as treatments like Botox, because
sun protection is the No 1 step for preventing skin ageing — and, more important, skin
Cat Garcia, Getty Imagescancer. Strict Sarah over and out. ■ @sarahjossel
Sarah Jossel
Still not wearing SPF on your face? Tut-tut – these
skincare-infused lotions will change your mind
The Sunday Times Style • 39