e all know now
that the best
thing you can
do to protect
your skin from
premature lines, uneven tone and
general crepeyness is to wear
sunscreen. I sometimes feel like
the broken record of beauty, but
we do all know this, right? Much
as we all want to be told about
the latest youth-enhancing
molecule, the preventive measure
of using a daily sunscreen is the
best thing you can do for your
face. It won’t change your skin.
It just keeps it as it is. You don’t
need to see all the scientific
studies and dermatologists’ data
on this – the proof is under your
nose. Examine some part of you
where the sun doesn’t shine.
Now compare it with skin that’s
seen much more daylight – try
your hands or your forehead.
Which bit is crinklier?
It’s also worth noting that
there are two types of sun rays,
broadly speaking. There are
UVB rays, the ones that cause
sunburn, and UVA rays, the ones
that penetrate the skin deeply
and cause premature ageing.
Apparently, the UVAs penetrateglass. Luckily, wearing daily, year-
round protection is easier than
it has ever been. There is a vast
selection to choose from and you
needn’t spend huge amounts of
money. Even a few years ago,
there were too many sunscreens
that left a chalky cast, cost a
fortune or didn’t work well with
make-up. We don’t have to put up
with this any longer. I have tried
scores of sunscreens over the
years. The ones here are my top
recommendations. Some brands
may seem overrepresented, but
that is because they are especially
good at sun protection.
I use an SPF every day – a
factor 50 most days, though some
experts say that an SPF30 is good
enough. If I’m using anything
lower than that, such as an SPF25
tinted moisturiser, it’s because my
daylight exposure is limited to a
walk to the bus stop. There’s very
little immediate gratification here- although a couple of products
have instant glow properties - but if you are only paying
attention to the need for daily
sunscreen now, feel free to thank
me in a decade or so.
1
THE CLASSIC
La Roche-Posay
Anthelios Invisible
Fluid SPF50+
(£18; feelunique.com)
If you want an
uncomplicated product- just one reliable,
everyday, fuss-free sunscreen at
a manageable price – this is it.
It’s the one I’ve used more than
any other on this list and the
one all beauty editors have in
their bathroom. I have one in
the glove compartment of my car
and one in my bike bag as well.
2
THE BUDGET BOTTLE
CeraVe AM Facial
Moisturising Lotion
SPF25 (£9; superdrug.com)
Here is some unbelievablygood value from an American
drugstore brand. This is a
lightweight moisturiser that
is great for sensitive skin and
comes loaded with hyaluronic
acid to help your face hold on
to moisture. If you can wait a
week before buying, there is a
factor 50 version – currently
available only in the States –
coming to the UK on May 1.3
THE BRIGHTENING ONE
Murad Correct &
Protect Serum SPF45
(£70; murad.co.uk)
Murad has a few
innovative daily SPF
products, including one
of my favourites, the
Invisiblur Perfecting
Shield SPF30 (£65), a clear gel
that I often layer on top of
skincare or make-up. It seems to
set the slap and take down nose
shine a notch. This latest one
is a treatment serum/mineral
sunscreen that evens out skin
tone, reduces pigmentation
and generally makes skin look
brighter. I have used it on top of
moisturiser but before make-up,
if you’re wearing it. If your skin
is not feeling dry, however, it’s
fine to wear alone.4
THE BEST FACTOR 50
FOUNDATION
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream
SPF50 (£33; cultbeauty.co.uk)
A high-factor sun protective
foundation is hard to find. One
that performs both jobs well is
almost impossible. This product,
from a brand developed by a US
news anchor who couldn’t
find a high-coverage
foundation that was
kind to her skin, is truly
the best one out there.
This is not the product
for you if you prefer a
lighter base. I sometimes
use this just under the
eyes as a concealer.5
FOR CROWS’ FEET
Sarah Chapman
Skinesis Eye
Insurance SPF30
(£48; johnlewis.com)
Since we know for certain
that exposure to sunlight
will give you wrinkles you
don’t really deserve, it’s
important to protect the delicate
area around the eyes. I bang on
giant sunglasses whenever there’s
even a hint of sunshine, but I feel
even safer with a few dabs of
this eye cream with SPF30 from
facialist to the stars Sarah
Chapman. There’s a tinted version
too, which can draw a veil over
dark circles, but it doesn’t work
on all skin tones. There’s also a
non-tinted serum option.6
BEST FACTOR 50
PRIMER
Charlotte Tilbury
Invisible UV Flawless
Poreless Primer
SPF50 (£40; charlotte
tilbury.com)
This has to be my
favourite multitasking SPF
product. It’s a great protective
cream that you can wear under
your make-up. As well as shielding
your skin from harmful UV rays, it
will keep your slap in place all day
and blur out open pores a little.
There’s nothing to stop you from
using it alone.7
THE TINTED DAILY
SUNSCREEN
Drunk Elephant
Umbra Tinte Physical
Daily Defense SPF30
(£30; boots.com)
This is a great product
for when you want to go
slap-free but wouldn’t mind your
skin looking slightly more lively.
All Drunk Elephant products are
designed to combine well with
other serums, oils and lotions from
the brand, so it doesn’t fight with
the rest of your skincare.56 The Times MagazineTOM JACKSONPout!14 BEST EVERYDAY SUNSCREENS
Beauty editor Lesley Thomas picks her suncare must-haves
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