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Current Favourite Affordable High Protection SPF50+ Facial Sunscreens
08:03Alice Grace
Wearing a facial SPF every. single. day. (yes, even if it's cloudy and grey) is so important to protect your skin from sun damage, premature aging, and most importantly of all, skin cancer. If you're striving to achieve a flawless complexion, applying an SPF50+ as the last step in your skincare regimen is imperative, but I can understand why some are hesitant to incorporate sun protection into their daily product lineup. Facial sunscreens used to be greasy, thick and difficult to blend, leaving a ghostly white cast behind, but formulas have significantly improved over the years, especially with the influence of innovative K-beauty and J-beauty brands. If you're new to using facial sunscreen or are looking for more affordable options, continue reading for my top three affordable SPF50+ recommendations.
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Just to note, all three of the sunscreen recommendations featured in this post offer very high sun protection against both UVA and UVB rays, however you must ensure that enough product (at least half a teaspoon for face and neck) is evenly applied to guarantee adequate coverage. Personally, I only reapply liquid sunscreens when I'm not wearing base makeup (e.g., on no makeup days or at the beach) as I prefer to use an SPF spray, stick or powder to top up my protection over foundations later in the day, so I can't vouch for how my recommendations perform when spread over makeup. If you've tried any of these sunscreens over makeup, please share your thoughts in the comments!
First up, we have my all time favourite SPF 50+ sunscreen - the haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++* - which is the dream product for those wanting a lightweight yet hydrating option. On first testing this Korean sunscreen, I couldn't quite believe just how effortlessly the gel-cream blended into the skin. The unscented chemical formula is white when pumped out but quickly turns clear as it melts into the skin within seconds to provide a smooth and velvety second-skin finish. There's no horrible pilling to deal with, even when reapplying, and makeup sits perfectly on top of it. Although this SPF has such a weightless, non-greasy consistency, it feels comforting and soothing thanks to the inclusion of Korean black rice, ceramide NP and heartleaf extract. haruharu wonder also claims that this SPF will improve skin texture over time, with niacinamide and daisy flower extracts helping to boost radiance and brighten. If you have oily or acne-prone skin and often find sunscreens too rich, the haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen can be used in place of a moisturiser to give you the perfect level of protection and hydration without overloading the skin. If you have drier skin, like myself, then it also works well layered over a separate moisturiser for added nourishment.
Whilst the eco-friendly airless packaging ensures that the product doesn't oxidise and facilitates a mess-free application, the pump component can be slightly temperamental as you approach the end of the tube. It can feel like the 50ml tube runs out more quickly than others as a result, but I just love the formula so much that I'm happy to overlook this minor issue. Cutting the tube open to make the most of every last drop is always an option, anyway! You can pick up the haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ for under £13 from most retailers, which I think is a bargain for such a quality product that suits all skin types.
My next recommendation is the Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel SPF50+ PA++++, which I initially picked up on a trip to Japan. As the name suggests, this chemical and mineral SPF hybrid has a liquid gel texture, which feels surprisingly thick at first but thins out to more of a refreshing, watery consistency as you glide it across the skin. The inclusion of hyaluronic acid and royal jelly essence make this a lovely hydrating option for dehydrated skin. It's non comedogenic, so it won't clog your pores, but it must be washed off thoroughly as it's highly sweat and waterproof. What I love most about this sunscreen is that it adds a gorgeous glow and somewhat of a blurring effect despite having no tint to it. The liquid almost appears to contain little shimmer particles that burst on application to boost radiance, even out the complexion and plump the skin, but there are no tell-tale glittery flecks left behind. Again, there's no stickiness or greasiness, just a fresh and natural demi-matte finish. The watery gel does have a fresh fragrance to it, however this dissipates after application. Once the product has dried down, you wouldn't know you had anything on your skin, and it reapplies well for the most part. I do find that it can pill slightly if a few heavier serums have been layered prior to application, so it's best to pare back your AM routine when using this sunscreen. Personally, having a fair complexion, I don't find this SPF to be problematic in terms of finish, but it does take a little longer to perfectly blend and isn't quite as transparent as others due to the mineral element. If you have darker skin, it may leave behind a white cast, so I'd recommend you swatch it where possible before purchasing.
The Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel bottle may look basic, but it's super sturdy and reacts immediately when you stop squeezing it. That might not seem particularly impressive, but it makes decanting an exact amount of SPF easy and mess free. I'm always surprised by how long the 70ml bottle seems to last, but I think it's because you can be precise with the amount you apply and the product spreads so easily that you never feel pressured to add more in case you've missed an area. This sunscreen is a little harder to get hold of in the UK, however it's available from the likes of YesStyle and Stylevana for around £12.
Last but not least is the Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV SPF50+ Hydrating Protection Fluid. Enriched with glycerin, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, this is another SPF that's non-comedogenic but designed to nourish your skin whilst protecting it. Despite having a much runnier consistency than my previous recommendations, the lotion formula is creamier in texture and therefore best suited to combination or drier skin types. Just like the others, this sunscreen isn't greasy per se, but it's definitely more moisturising than hydrating and offers the most dewy finish, settling to a semi-matte sheen. The lotion feels comforting and blends swiftly with no irritation or white cast in sight, and additional layers sink in just as well as the first. As the moisturised feeling lasts on the skin all day, I actually find the Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV SPF50+ Hydrating Protection Fluid nourishing enough to use alone without moisturiser underneath. It provides a great base for makeup if your skin is on the dry side, however it may be slightly too heavy used as a primer for those who get very oily throughout the day and find makeup doesn't last. This option does have more of a typical 'holiday' sunscreen scent, however it's not too overpowering and has never caused my reactive skin to break out in any way.
One thing to note with this product is that it can be very messy to apply due to the runny formula. Instead of using the three finger trick to determine the right amount to use, I find it's best applied to the face in sections to prevent waste. The bottle is very compact and lightweight, making it perfect for travel. Despite containing only 40ml of product, it doesn't feel like you get through it too quickly, either. Priced at £13, it's a little more expensive than my other recommendations per ml, but it's regularly on offer and is a better fit for those with dry skin that craves extra layers of moisture.
Have you tried any of these facial sunscreens before?
AGB X
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