It’s no great beauty secret that SPF is a year-round skincare essential and there’s no more important time to incorporate it into your skincare routine than summer. But (like many beauty products we’re routinely stressed the importance of) it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume on the market. These days, SPF comes in lots of different forms and it can be tricky to wrap your head around how best to utilise its protective power.

In the spirit of decoding any unnecessarily complicated talk regarding the science behind what SPF is and why we should all be using it, let’s get clear on the facts. SPF for your face is a non-negotiable part of daily skincare. According to dermatologists, it’s one of the best things you can do for your skin long term, no matter the season, climate you live in or your age. You should be using products that have a minimum protection factor of SPF 30 but SPF 50 is best.

In this post, I’m going to break down the best SPF products that protect the look and health of your skin. Read on for a simple guide to one of the most important steps of your skincare routine.

The SPF brand of choice for countless beauty gurus, La Roche-Posay is well-versed in decomplicating skincare necessities. And the Anthelios UVMune Invisible Fluid SPF50 Sun Cream is a bestseller for good reason. Super lightweight with a loveable mattifying effect, the name comes from its invisible texture once on. It gives SPF 50+ protection and the formula is simple, perfect for sensitive, oily and acne-prone skin. A great all-rounder and on the more affordable side.

I love this SPF gem from Medik8 because it feels more like a moisturiser than a sunscreen. It hydrates and moisturises but it’s also SPF 50+ PA++++ – a high level of protection against both UVB (burning) and UVA (ageing) rays. It’s about preventing premature signs of ageing skin caused by the sun as well as helping to repair DNA damage after UV exposure. A hard-working formula that still manages to be lightweight and silky. Plus, makeup goes on top super easily and your skin is left protected and glowy.

Made in Monaco, it’s no surprise that Lancaster products are loved for the legendary glow they give your skin. The Sun Perfect Illuminating Cream is all about using the brand’s Glow Booster Complex to brighten, battling dark spots and uneven skin tone while giving SPF 50 protection from both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays. I love how it instantly melts onto your skin and is super easy to spread without feeling sticky or leaving white chalky marks. The result? An irresistible glow that you want all year round.

Great for prepping your skin before you apply makeup, Clinique’s daily energy and face protector is the perfect mix of a primer and a sunscreen. It’s super light and subtly tinted for a soft, dewy glow and is SPF 50 with a blend of mineral and chemical sunscreen ingredients to protect against harmful UV rays. Plus, it’s designed to easily slot into your makeup routine. A win in all regards.

A dedicated facial SPF from the skincare masters at Elemis, this skin protection fluid is lightweight, super hydrating and SPF 50+. It’s big on anti-ageing, with a focus on preventing fine lines, wrinkles and uneven pigmentation and giving a brighter, more even-toned complexion – perfect for everyday use under makeup.

From Dior Beauty (one of my absolute favourites when it comes to makeup and skincare), the Diorsnow UV Shield is a great option for when you want a product that’s light and simple yet super protective for your skin. It’s SPF 50+ PA++++ to give a high level of protection against both UVB (burning) and UVA (ageing) rays, and also daily environmental factors, too. It’s an emulsion (a milky moisturiser with a gel-like consistency) and I love how it just melts onto your face and lets your skin breathe. Great for wearing with or without makeup.

And don’t forget about SPF products for your lips, scalp and body, too. These are crucial for protection against summer sun whether at home or on holiday. From hair and scalp sprays to lip balms and all-in-one mists, check out my favourites.

And that rounds up our beauty chat on all things SPF. Let me know what products you love and find easy to slot into your skincare routine.

Explore more of my favourite beauty products:

Best Highlighters On The Market

Best Contour Sticks

Best Blushes On The Market

Prada Beauty Favourites