Best Lightweight Face SPF's For All Budgets
As a skin expert, I still find people don’t wear SPF every day. What’s my solution? Finding the best lightweight sunscreens for face, as the more you like the formula, the more likely you are to wear it.
Getting your sunscreen right is just like finding your perfect pair of jeans in the sense that it’s harder than you might think. You want it to feel good on your skin all day, for your makeup to sit perfectly on top of it, and you want it to complement your skin type by not irritating dry skin or causing oily skin to break out. All of that is on top of the most important requirement, which is for it to protect your skin from UV rays. A good lightweight sunscreen for face will do all of those things and more, and advancements in technology mean there are several options to suit your budget.
Why Is SPF So Important?
Let’s start with why we need SPFs for the face in the first place. The joy of feeling the sun on your skin is hard to beat, but unfortunately, these sunny rays are bad news for our skin. There are two kinds of UV rays that reach the earth. First, there are UVA rays, which are present all year round – even in winter. They have a long wavelength which allows them to penetrate through glass and clouds, and they are responsible for the majority of skin ageing. They speed up the rate at which proteins like collagen and elastin break down, which causes fine lines to form and skin to lose its ability to spring back faster than if you hadn’t been exposed to the sun. UVB rays are strongest during the summer and have a shorter wavelength. They cause the skin to burn, which can lead to immediate discomfort and redness, as well as long-term concerns like skin cancer.
For these reasons, it’s important to wear SPF all year round. For most of us, our faces are constantly exposed, which means they will take the brunt of the sun damage compared to other body parts, like your stomach. The best lightweight SPF for face will be broad spectrum, which means the formula protects against both UVB and UVA rays. As for factor, very few of us apply enough sunscreen, so it’s always best to reach for a 30 or 50, rather than anything lower, to give yourself some wiggle room for error.
Are Lightweight Sunscreens Still Effective?
The texture of your sunscreen is not an indication of how effective the formulation is. The only problem is that as lightweight sunscreens are more fluid and easier to spread, you can sometimes end up using less than the required amount. Equally though, the best sunscreen is the one that you actually want to use, and if the barely-there texture is enough to persuade you to make it a staple in your daily routine, then that’s brilliant.
What you really want to look out for on your sunscreen is that it offers protection of at least SPF 30 (this is an indication of the amount of protection it provides from UVB rays) and also shields from UVA. The measure for UVA protection is less standardised in the UK than UVB, but look out for words like “broad spectrum”, and “PA+++++” as well as logos like the Boots 5-star rating.
Best Lightweight Sunscreens For Face As Tested By A Skincare Expert
Looking for the best lightweight sunscreen for your budget? Whether you want to spend less than £10 or are happy to splurge as far as £40, these are my top tried and tested recommendations.
Best Lightweight Sunscreen For Face Under £10
Garnier Ambre Solaire Anti Dark Spots & Anti-Pollution Super UV SPF50+, £9.99
This must be one of my most repurchased sunscreens. It’s super light and glides on effortlessly with every single skincare product I have tried – and that is a lot. It feels ultra-light upon application, leaves no residue and sits perfectly under the foundation, which is perfect if you are looking for the feeling of a barely-there SPF.
Best lightweight sunscreens for face under £20
Hello Sunday The Everyday One SPF50, £16
This is a beautiful formula. It’s lightweight, moisturising and hydrating which means it leaves the skin glowing and dewy. I think it’s perfect if you have dry skin, but if you have oily or combination skin, you might not like the finish as it does take a while to sink in. It’s fully broad spectrum (which means it shields skin from both UVA and UVB rays) and boasts pollution, blue light and infrared protection too. It’s fragrance-free and has no white cast, making it a great inclusive option for all skin tones and types.
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Anti UV Fluid SPF50+, £19.99
This ultra-lightweight, fast-absorbing antioxidant formula is a dream to wear and leaves the skin with a soft sheen of radiance and moisture. I think if you have an oilier skin type, or you just love the feeling of a barely-there SPF with a completely invisible finish, this product is perfect for you. The ingredients are great and ensure the skin is fully protected alongside UVA & UVB filters and technology to ensure a high adherence to the skin and resistance to water, and friction.
Best lightweight sunscreen for face under £30
Vichy Capital Soleil UV-Age Daily SPF50 PA++++, £22
This water fluid is super light and leaves the skin smooth, soft and comfortable with a subtle sheen. Always be careful with light fluids, as it’s easy to be a bit slap-dash with application and not put enough on as it’s so sheer. The sheerness and light texture is thanks to a technology called Netlock (which took the brand three years to develop) and allows the sunscreen filters to sit in an ultra-thin film that’s highly resistant to water and sweat. So, if you find that sunscreen normally drips into and stings your eyes, this will be a game-changer for you. There are skincare benefits too, with peptides, niacinamide and the famous Vichy Volcanic Mineralizing Water (with it’s 15 essential minerals) all packed into the formula. It’s non-comedogenic and non-greasy, making it great for oily skin, and offers broad-spectrum protection.
Best lightweight sunscreen for face under £40
Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF50, £37
This is perfect in every way, it is super lightweight, blends beautifully, absorbs effortlessly and dries down to a soft matt finish this isn’t flat for dehydrating. It’s power-packed with antioxidants to protect your skin from all the environmental aggression and provides full broad-spectrum protection. This is amazing when it’s hot and humid, whether you’re on holiday or commuting without air conditioning. If you have oily or combination skin or just love the feeling of a weightless sunscreen then you will adore this.
Thank You For Reading
I hope you have enjoyed this blog, please let me know if you need any help with your skin.
Stay tuned for more blogs and follow me on social media for latest launches and more skin school.
Bye for now,
Fiona x
Links may be affiliated links which means that if you make a purchase though one of our links we receive a small commission which helps support and run this website.