I was in my local @bootsuk store a couple weeks (maybe months) ago and picked up a couple new sunscreen launches that have been released recently. As we all know, sun protection is crucial to well-ageing, and you definitely want to be wearing it daily if you are using retinoids or exfoliating acids in your routines.
None of the sunscreens below leave a white cast on my pale skin. I’d be interested to know how they measure when used on a darker skin tones.
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Clinical Anti-UV Fluid SPF50+
I think this is my favourite from the bunch. It’s got an extremely light-weight texture, similar to the Garnier and La Roche Posay UV Fluids. They’ve formulated this with a focus on ageing prevention and darkspot protection, adding Vitamin C for antioxidant protection. L’Oreal have made this really hydrating for such a lightweight texture, thanks to the added Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid. It has a clean scent to it that disappears quickly after application. It layers really well with all different serums and doesn’t cause any pilling.
Pros: Lightweight, feels hydrating.
Cons: A little bit more expensive at full-price than I would prefer. Stains white clothing.
Price: £20 for 50ml. Often available on sale.
Boots Soltan Once Age Defence SPF50+
This has a thicker, creamier texture compared to the others featured in this post. It doesn’t feel as lightweight or as cosmetically elegant as the others. I feel it would be better for those with normal to drier skin types because those with oily skin may feel this is a little too much. However, for the price, it’s a good option.
Pros: Good price point. It’s water resistant, so perfect for a beach holiday.
Cons: Not as cosmetically elegant as the others. It’s more akin to a traditional facial sunscreen. Stains white clothing.
Price: £10 for 50ml
Garnier Invisible Serum Super UV SPF50+
This is another good choice from Garnier. I see a lot of people saying it’s lighter than the Garnier Fluid, however, I find the texture slightly denser and more hydrating. Whilst it feels nice and lightweight, and is a good option, it doesn’t last as long as the others. The bottle is quite small (30ml) so I don’t feel it’s as good value for money.
Pros: Feels more hydrating than the Garnier UV Fluid. Feels nice and lightweight.
Cons: Stains white clothing. The price… see below…
Price: £14 for 30ml. I think it’s quite expensive considering it’s only 30ml. For that reason I think I’d stick to the original Garnier Fluid.
La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Aqua Gel SPF30
I emptied this recently and I absolutely loved it. It had the most perfect gel cream, lightweight texture but felt immensely hydrating. There was no white cast and it left a really flattering glow. The only downside to this one is that it’s only a SPF30 and I generally prefer a SPF50, especially in Summer.
Pros: Feels super hydrating. I can skip moisturiser with this one. Doesn’t stain white clothing.
Cons: Isn’t an SPF50, which I would prefer in Summer. The price isn’t affordable either.
Price: £38 for 50ml. It’s such a shame this is so expensive. £38 for a sunscreen is not at all accessible to the majority of people.
Elf Suntouchable Woah Glow SPF30
I really like this one, but I really struggle to use it because it pills quite badly when layered with other products. This gives a really nice glow and can double as a makeup primer. It’s thicker than some of the other options in this post, but can easily be used in place of your moisturiser.
Pros: Hydrating, no white cast. Has a mild perfecting look on the skin thanks to the peach tint.
Cons: If you’re not into a ‘glow’ when it comes to your skin, you won’t like this. It pills a lot too.
Price: £14 for 50ml. A fair price I think.
