Peak summer calls for extra protection from the harsh Aussie sun. And with new formulas that are hydrating, gentle on for skin and let in light to ensure we don’t miss out on vitamin D, it’s fair to say there’s never been a better offering on beauty shelves. The BD team put 12 sun essentials to the test. Here’s how they fared.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Lotion SPF 50+ - Issy
What it is: Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer Body Lotion SPF 50+ is stabilised with Helioplex technology. It provides balanced broad spectrum in UVA/UVB protection against skin aging and burning. The formula is combined with dry touch technology for a light weight non-shiny finish.
My experience: A lightweight formulation with a matte finish that is hydrating, it easily absorbs into the skin leaving no oily residue. It’s 2 hrs water resistant which is true to its claims and mess free to re-apply at the beach after sun and water exposure.
Bioderma Photoderm BB Cream - Tash
What it is: A SPF50+ BB cream enriched with a Cellular Bioprotection patent which protects the skin, works to even out skin tone and combats premature skin ageing.
My experience: This BB cream is a beautiful silky consistency, I found the dry touch formula performs best when shaken before use which ensures a smooth application and finish. The Cellular Bioprotection™ patent helps the skin cells to protect their DNA and stimulate their natural defence system and the formula is SPF50+ protection which I always try to use on my face. My sensitive and reactive skin loves this moisturising formula, it also provides natural-looking coverage for my redness and imperfections. Will continue to use this BB cream for an even glowing complexion!
DNA Renewal Sheer Defense - Light - Caitlin
What it is: A moisturiser that provides long lasting hydration and protection
My experience: This fast-absorbing, non-greasy moisturiser with sun protection has been my go-to recently. It has been perfect for when I have minimal time to get ready, thanks to the tint that matches my skin tone perfectly and gives me a nice, light coverage, so I can leave the house knowing my skin is protected and looking fresh and healthy. I love that the all-in-one formula contains antioxidants and vitamins to defend against free radicals, and the DNA Repair Enzymes helps prevent and repair sun damage, whilst also keeping my skin moisturised all day. This is definitely a moisturiser that I will continue to use all year round as it does wonders to my skin!
Medik8 Physical Sunscreen - Emily
What it is: A broad spectrum physical sunscreen (SPF 30) that protects against UVA and UVB exposure.
My experience: This sunscreen has a really light and velvety texture which makes is easy to spread. This is the perfect sunscreen for everyday use as it sits perfectly under foundation without leaving the skin with an oily residue like I’ve found a lot of physical sunscreens do. This has kept my sensitive skin and feeling healthy this summer!
Nivea Sun UV Face Shine Control SPF50 - Sam
What it is: NIVEA Sun UV Face Shine Control SPF50 offers sun protection especially designed for facial needs. With broad spectrum sun protection and a hydrating formula with long lasting mattifying effect, this face sunscreen protects from harmful UVA & UVB rays without the sticky feeling.
My experience: I have always had extremely oil prone skin which has lead me to avoid sunscreens on my face. This product looks and smells like your stock standard sunscreen however it is extremely light-weight and fully absorbs into the skin leaving none of that horrible oily residue. After applying my skin feels soft and nourished as though I’d simply applied moisturiser. This is a true game-changer for me!
Palmers Aloe Vera Formula Moisturising Gel - Tiarne
What it is: A cooling, non-greasy gel formulated with aloe vera, vitamin E and herbal extracts to soothe and smooth tight, dry and sun damaged skin.
My experience: This product came at the perfect time! Having been in the sun a lot recently, my skin was very much in need of some aloe vera, as well as an effective moisturiser. The gel itself is super nourishing and brought so much moisture back to my skin after days of dryness and flakiness. It does feel a touch sticky when first applied, but that immediately goes away once the gel is completely absorbed. It also helps cool and soothe the skin after sun exposure (especially if you put it in the fridge prior to use). The scent is not overwhelming at all - in fact, I very much enjoyed the light, pleasant aloe vera fragrance.
Moroccanoil Perfect Defense - Jamie
What it is: A spray infused with argan oil and designed for all hair types to protect your locks from all types of heat up to 230 degrees celsius!
My experience: I apply this spray to my hair before blow-drying and straightening it (which I do almost every day, whoops), I find it so easy to use due to the aerosol type spray so it lands evenly across my hair without making it feel wet or heavy - this was an initial concern of mine as I have quite oily hair, however it did not add to the oiliness whatsoever, its unique dry spray application is a godsend! My hair is left looking shiny, feeling smooth and it also helps with styling my hair as well. The smell is divine and I find myself catching whiffs of it throughout the day. I also love how versatile this product is, it can be applied to wet or damp hair and provide protection from heat styling or a day out in the hot sun!
Bondi Sands Coconut Beach Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 - Georgie
What it is: An SPF 30 broad-spectrum formula that’s non-greasy, water resistant for 2 hours and leaves skin feeling moisturised and protected.
My experience: I’ve actually been using this sunscreen for over a year now, since the launch in 2017, and it’s fast become one of my favourite sunscreens. I love the spray application – it releases the product nice and evenly which makes it easy to rub in. The protection is great, there’s absolutely no need to worry about the reliability of the SPF on this baby. Perhaps my favourite thing about the Bondi Sands sunscreen though, is the scent. Summer in a bottle is a cliche, but a cliche for a reason...and this is it!
SunSense Sensitive Invisible for Sensitive Skin SPF 50+ - Tamara
What it is: Face & body sunscreen targeting sensitive skin.
My experience: This lightweight formulation absorbs nicely into sensitive skin as it’s free of chemical absorbers, lanolin and fragrance. It’s suitable for the whole fam including babies, so this has been a staple over summer with the kids. The formulation is moisturising for the skin and is an invisible finish which is a win all round especially with the kids when getting ready!
Invisible Zinc 4HR Water Resistant Sunscreen SPF50+ UVA-UVB - Jess
What is it: a 4hr water resistant sunscreen with natural zinc oxide shield
My experience: I’m a pale redhead so I always go for the highest SPF when looking for sunscreen, so this one fit the bill perfectly. I only go for physical sunscreen nowadays because I think they offer a broader protection than chemical ones, so this one fits the bill in that regard too. I spend a lot of time outdoors in summer so the fact that this one is sweat resistant is another huge bonus. I use this as my everyday sunscreen and it sits under my makeup well and never leaves my skin looking oily. Finding a high protection sunscreen that doesn’t leave a gross film on your skin is a hard task, so this one is definitely a winner!
Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport SPF50 - Rachel
What is it: Broad Spectrum sun protection for face and body
My experience: This has been my go-to sunscreen this summer! I love how its sheer (no white cast!) and lightweight (no greasy after-feel!), which has worked amazingly under makeup. The formula, enriched with licorice extract and hyaluronic acid, works to both soothe my skin from UV exposure and keep it moisturised at the same time, which is so different to any other sunscreens I’ve tried. It is also water resistant for up to forty minutes, which has been a savior during beach/pool days/sweaty days out, knowing it won’t just wash off and will actually keep my skin protected from the sun exposure. Definitely an everyday essential!
Solar D SPF50 Active - Steph
What is it: An everyday sunscreen that's ideal for everyday use, even for those with sensitive skin. Laboratory studies show that Solar D lets in some of the light we use to make vitamin D while protecting our skin with broad spectrum sun protection with SPF30 & SPF50.
My experience: I was intrigued by Solar D, an Aussie brand that’s developed a sunscreen which lets in light in order to help our bodies make vitamin D. Whether that's happened or not is hard to say! But I was super impressed with the level of protection this sunscreen gave me during a day at the beach. It’s a smooth formula that isn’t greasy and best of all it has barely any scent (something that can put me off other sun products). It absorbed very quickly which meant I could cool down in the water soon after application, knowing it would still be protecting me. All in all a great product and one that I would recommend, whether you’re feeling a bit vitamin D deficient or not!
Image: @solardsunscreen
