Which sunscreen is the best?

How to pick the right sunscreen?

It all depends on how your skin tends to react to sunlight. Some people can stay in the sun all day long without problem, others start getting a sunburn after 10 minutes. The difference comes down to your phototype – this will determine which SPF you need to use and how much sun exposure is safe for you. 

• Phototype I – This is your category if you have very pale skin, typically with freckles, and you get sunburnt very easily.
• Phototype II – This one is very close to the first phototype, it just takes a little longer to develop a sunburn.
• Phototype III – Do you have brown hair and a light-brown complexion? Then you might fall in a category of people who tan easily and usually don’t experience sunburns.
• Phototype IV – Darker hair with olive skin that almost never burns.

The basic principle is quite simple – the lower your phototype number, the higher SPF you need. And remember that it’s not enough to put on your sunscreen in the morning. These products aren’t magic, and they only work for a limited amount of time. The best thing to do is to read the product description on the packaging. Let’s look at some of the best ones. My colleagues and I have tested and reviewed several top-quality sunscreens just for you! 

What are the results of our sunscreen test? 

La Roche-Posay Anthelios

I’ve been buying the La Roche-Posay Anthelios sunscreen mist every summer. So far I haven’t found anything that would suit me better. It’s very light, you barely feel it on your skin, and I love its long-lasting mattifying effect. I also like that it comes in a handy bottle you can throw in your backpack and use throughout the day. I think women will especially love this type of application because it won’t ruin their makeup. I’ll bet you whatever you want that this sunscreen mist is better than the best facial sunscreen you’ve ever tried. 

Ricky

Vichy Capital Soleil Solar Eco-Designed Milk

I have to admit I’ve never tried Vichy sunscreens before, but that will definitely change after having tested the Vichy Capital Soleil Solar Eco-Designed Milk! This product absorbs exceptionally fast and keeps my skin really hydrated throughout the day. It’s definitely one of the best sunscreens I’ve used in my life. 

Diana 

Biotherm Waterlover Sun Milk

I absolutely love the Biotherm Waterlover Sun Milk with SPF 30. It goes on wonderfully and doesn’t leave an oily film. I also appreciate that it doesn’t leave greasy stains on my clothes. And most importantly – it gives me a perfect sun protection. Plus it smells like a summer holiday, which makes it the best sunscreen to take with you to the beach! I’ll absolutely buy it again.

Natalie 

Cosrx Aloe

The Cosrx Aloe sunscreen is my new summer must-have! It has practically everything I need and once again proves that Korean beauty products are simply amazing. It’s a light cream which goes on and absorbs beautifully. Aloe vera in the formula seems to have a soothing effect on my skin and makes it less prone to irritation. In the summer I use it on top of my serum without putting on any moisturiser. I’m sure this cream will be great for any skin type including oily skin because it doesn’t clog the pores.

Sue

Lancaster Sun Perfect Highlighting Primer

This primer with SPF was a love at first try. I appreciate that it comes in a pump bottle so I don’t have to squeeze it out of a tube like I do with other products. Lancaster Sun Perfect Highlighting Primer is wonderfully light and goes on very well. I also love the scent which is very summery. This primer leaves my skin soft and wonderfully bright. I can absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a great makeup primer with a high SPF.

Denise

Bioderma Photoderm Bronz

I love dry sunscreen oils, they suit me better than standard sunblock creams. Bioderma Photoderm Bronz feels very nice because it’s really lightweight compared to other oils. It has a gorgeous scent, is easy to apply and gets absorbed really fast without leaving a greasy film all over my body. Plus, I’ve noticed that I usually tan faster when I put it on :)

Barbara

Shiseido Sun Care Expert Sun Protector Face & Body Lotion

This sunscreen lotion is the bomb! I love the high sun protection (SPF 50) of the Shiseido Sun Care Expert Sun Protector Face & Body Lotion, and it leaves my skin beautifully smooth. I usually like to stay active during the summer, especially on the beach, which means that the best sunscreen for me needs to be waterproof. This particular one really stays on even during swimming, so I can take it with me on all my adventures. 

Karen 

Vichy Capital Soleil

If there’s one thing I hate about sunscreens, it’s the sticky feeling, messy application and white cast some of them tend to leave behind. This is why the Vichy Capital Soleil sunscreen spray is my winner. It goes on amazingly well without leaving traces, plus it feels incredibly nice on the skin. First time I used it was on a holiday in Portugal and I’m definitely taking it with me on any other future trips.

Maggie

Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture

Nivea sunscreens have always been my go-to. I’ve also noticed they’ve been quite substantially upgraded over the years – now they’re up to 75% biodegradable and free of microplastics. This time I tried the Sun Protect & Moisture SPF 50+ cream, and I really put it through a tough test! I did quite a bit of gardening in the bright spring sunlight, at noon. The fact that my freckled, naturally pale skin escaped without sunburn is almost a miracle! As I said, you can’t go wrong with a tried-and-trusted brand.

Vicky

Hawaiian Tropic Protective

I love everything from Hawaiian Tropic – every product from them that I’ve tried so far was fantastic. Including the Hawaiian Tropic Protective dry sunscreen oil. This product has an amazing formula which is not liquid – so you don’t have to worry about any spillage. It goes on like a dream and instantly melts into an oil when it comes in contact with your skin. If I could I’d use it all the time because it leaves my skin so wonderfully hydrated!

Barbara

As you can see, our big test of sunscreens brought some amazing results, and all of our top picks work incredibly well. All you have to do now is find your own favourite sunscreen for a gorgeous summer.