IMAGE: Tomas Rodriguez/Corbis
There are many sunblocks on the market, but did you know not all are giving you the sun protection that you need? For example, if you’re fond of wearing makeup with SPF, you’ll have to pick a sunblock that is suitable for that, as certain ingredients can make your sunblock unstable and unusable.
Being adverse to the sun, I’ve accumulated quite a fair share of sun protectors that I swear by. These are the warriors that are friendly on my skin and work well with my makeup too!
DrGL Sun Protection Mist
The only spray-on mist on this list, DrGL’s Sun Protection Mist is a sunscreen that works well on so many levels. This spray-on sun screen is great for several reasons: It is extremely light-weight and very versatile. Unlike liquid sunscreens that might leave a white ‘stain’, this one doesn’t, which makes it perfect for applying on top of makeup.
The invisible mist absorbs pretty quickly into my skin, and when I tried layering it on top of my makeup, it didn’t mess it up either. Extra points for sun protection on the go! (if you’re worried about the “low” SPF coverage, remember that SPF represents the duration of sun protection, not the quality!)
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid
Widely considered to be one of the best sunblocks on the market by sunblock lovers, La Roche Posay (or LRP for short) uses Mexoryl ─ an ingredient that stabilises SPF makeup. The range is fairly extensive, but my favourite of the lot is LRP’s Ultra Light Fluide (formally known as Extreme Fluid). For a physical sunblock, the texture is amazing: Lightweight, non greasy, and water-resistant!
Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense
If you’re looking for lightweight and oil-free sunscreen, this is my favourite. Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense absorbs super fast and doesn’t leave any white streaks on my face. A sunscreen with antioxidant properties, this UV gem gives you a matte finish while moisturising your face too!
Eau Thermale Avène Very High Protection Sun Care
Famous for its Thermal Spring Water, Avène’s sun range has also been gaining fans. The brand has recently reformulated its sunblock using a unique combination of Pre-tocopheryl (vitamin E) and Avène’s Thermal Spring Water; which the brand claims makes it a great antioxidant with soothing properties .
Made only with mineral ingredients and no chemical filters, this sunblock is also free from parabens, silicone, fragrance, and alcohol ─ perfect for the most sensitive of skins.
Hada Labo Hydrating and Whitening Sunscreen Series
I’ve mentioned how the Whitening UV Milk is my favourite budget sunscreen, because it does what it’s supposed to do. Apart from the Whitening UV Milk, the UV protector range also comes in several other textures. Due to the fact that it is a chemical sunscreen, the products are free from the thick white textures often associated with physical sunblocks. Free from fragrance and mineral oils, this sunscreen works well for sensitive skin. I personally love the Whitening UV Milk as it contains the brightening agent vitamin C!
Neutrogena Clinical Fine Fairness Multi-Protect UV Fluid
Neutrogena says its patented Helioplex technology has been proven to be stabilised, which means you can use it with your SPF makeup without having to worry. The new Clinical Fine Fairness range includes a sunblock that does more than your regular sun protector. Featuring the brand’s Vital-ion technology, this sunblock claims to renew your skin cells while giving you broad-spectrum protection all at once!
Eau Thermale Avène Very High Protection Sun Care, $36.90 - $69.90, is available at all leading pharmacies, supermarkets and hypermarkets. For more information, visit www.eau-thermale-avene.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.
DrGL Sun Protection Mist SPF29 PA++, $88, is available in Sephora Ion, Robinsons Orchard, Raffles City and JEM, Escentials Paragon and CK Tangs, and online via www.drgl.com. For more information visit www.drgl.com, www.escentials.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.
Hada Labo Hydrating and Whitening Sunscreen Series, $19.90, is available at Watsons stores. For more information, visit www.hadalabo.com.sg and follow the brand on Facebook.
Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA+++, $52 for 30ml and $78 for 60ml, is available at Kiehl’s counters and stores. For more information, visit www.kiehlstimes.com and follow the brand on Facebook.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluide SPF50+ PPD42, $46.90, is available from July at all leading pharmacies, supermarkets and hypermarkets. For more information, visit www.laroche-posay.com and follow the brand on Facebook.
Neutrogena Clinical Fine Fairness Multi-Protect UV Fluid SPF50+ PA+++, $34.90, is available at all leading pharmacies, supermarkets and hypermarkets. For more information, visit www.neutrogena.com and follow the brand on Facebook.