The Best Facial Sunscreens at MECCA

October 6 | 3 minute read

Words by Arabella Roden and Kerri Gordon

From the fair to the ultra-deep, no skin tone is immune from the harmful (and ageing) effects of UV rays – and one part of our defensive arsenal is layers of SPF.

But while we all want our skin to stay as protected as possible, we also want to avoid the terrible trio of sunscreen side effects: excessive shine, breakouts and white cast (think: Mark Zuckerberg on a paddleboard).

Happily, the days of ghostly greasiness are gone; when it comes to choosing the best facial sunscreen, these options easily slip into your everyday routine without a trace. Plus, many of them contain active extras such as vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to purify, plump and prime pre-makeup. How far we’ve come…

Best skincare/spf hybrid sunscreens

For the one-and-done skincare types – or the ones that want the most out of every element of their skincare routine – look to MECCA COSMETICA’s genre-bending To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum and Go-To’s ultra lightweight Nifty Fifty Fluid sunscreen (just launched as part of the new, expanded Nifty Fifty collection!). The Sun Serum’s fluid formula has been cleverly designed to counteract the visible signs of sun exposure with 3 percent niacinamide, and prevent future damage with broad spectrum SPF50+. Reach for Go-To’s almost invisible, barely there Nifty Fifty Fluid for a suncare-meets-skincare formula loaded with Kakadu plum, CoQ10 and aloe vera that will leave skin looking as juicy and radiant as can be – like you’ve just completed a 10-step skincare routine!

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Best mineral/physical sunscreens

Naked Sundays has developed a cult following by focusing on high-performance, skin-loving SPF that’s a pleasure to wear. Naked Sundays’ SPF50+ Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Sunscreen Perfecting Priming Lotion uses zinc oxide to stop harmful rays in their tracks, while bathing skin in a cocktail of plumping collagen and watermelon extracts. Layer it over moisturiser to create a primed canvas for makeup.

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Best sunscreen for under makeup

MECCA Beauty Election winner, number-one bestselling SPF and receiver of more than a thousand five-star reviews, MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen is the undisputed queen of chemical sunscreens. This luxe lotion has a featherlight matte finish, SPF50+ UVA and UVB protection and a soft floral scent. Plus, it was designed specifically for makeup wearers, leaving skin delightfully smooth and hydrated – ready and waiting to buff your foundation over the top.

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Best matte finish sunscreens

When glow is not the go – and a sleek, matte finish is all you want in an SPF (and makeup base), MECCA MAX Screen Saver SPF30 Broad Spectrum Facial Sunscreen is a true winner. Suitable for all skin types – even the sensitive, oily, blemish-prone types – this fragrance-free cream is infused with aloe vera, goji berry extract, vitamin E and chamomile to keep your skin cool and calm when the weather heats up. And you can bet it looks phenomenal under any makeup look (it was made by the makeup-obsessives at MECCA MAX, after all!). Go-To’s Nifty Fifty Mineral will also render all your excuses for not wearing sunscreen obsolete with its zinc protection – sans greasiness, white cast or thick, sticky feel.

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Best tinted foundation sunscreen

If you prefer your SPF served with a side of glow, Naked Sundays’ new BeautyScreen tints are for you. The skincare-y formulation is loaded with polyglutamic acid, niacinamide, peptides and squalane for added moisture and skincare benefits, as well as SPF50+ protection. Available in 13 shades, BeautyScreen delivers light to medium coverage and leaves you with a natural airbrushed finish, while keeping you protected from harsh UV rays.

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Best hydrating sunscreen

If dry, dehydrated skin is your key concern, you’ll be notably impressed by a generous layer of Go-To's Nifty Fifty Hydrating Sunscreen. As well as its primary purpose of protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays (and that it does, with next-gen SPF filters Tinosorb® S, Uvinul® A Plus, Uvinul® T150 and Tinosorb® A2B), this SPF50 – dreamt up by Zoë Foster Blake – is packed with powerful antioxidants and hydrators to feel delightfully light and fresh on the skin. It’s super comfy, makes your skin look great on its own and under makeup, and offers great protection for a day on the run – and in the sun!

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*Use wisely. Always check the label for directions. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear protective clothing, eyewear and a hat. Reapply as directed and ensure you don’t apply too close to your eyes (pop on a pair of sunnies instead).

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