The best SPF 50 sunscreens to protect your face this summer

With the highest sun protection and added skincare benefits, these are the best SPFs for beauty lovers to keep your skin healthy and glowing during the heatwave

23July 2021

Slather, v. to spread thickly or lavishly.

When it comes to sunscreen the verb we should all be using is slather. Slath -er. We should be slathering it on, kids, Zuckerberg-style. Half a teaspoon on our faces – that’s three finger lengths worth – and remember to include your neck and ears. And this goes for all genders, ages, races, and geographical locations.

Wearing a face SPF every day is key to keeping skin looking, feeling, and being healthy. It protects against the damaging effects of UVB and UVA rays which wreak havoc on our skin cells, leading to decreased collagen and elasticity, fine lines, age spots, pigmentation, and, of course, an increased risk of skin cancer.

It’s important to wear an SPF all year around – UVA rays will penetrate through even clouds and windows – but it's particularly vital now that the sun is out in full force. Sunscreen should be the last step of your skincare routine and the first of your make-up routine. Don’t put moisturisers or oils on top of SPF as they can dissolve the sunscreen and make it less effective.

With a market saturated with choices, we know it can be hard to know where to start. So here are some of our favourite sunscreens with SPF 50 to keep you healthy and glowing.

01 / 09

Courtesy of the brand

Heliocare 360 Oil Free Gel SPF 50

This cult favourite from Heliocare is ideal for anyone with acne-prone, oily, or sensitive skin thanks to its oil-free formula which leaves no residue and dries totally matte. All Heliocare products contain a combination of mineral and non-mineral filters to absorb and protect against UVA and UVB rays as well as visible light and Infrared‐A radiation. The formula also includes DNA repair enzymes which work to both repair and prevent damage from the sun.

Buy it here

02 / 09

Courtesy of the brand

Ultra Violette Queen Screen Luminising Sun Serum SPF 50+

Back in March, Australian brand Ulta Violette finally arrived in the UK and promptly became Space NK’s fastest selling SPF brand ever. Dubbed “skinscreen”, the brand combines sun protective properties with skincare benefits, for example, its Queen Screen Luminising Sun Serum contains vitamin C-rich kakadu plum extract to protect the skin from damaging free radicals and environmental stressors. As an added bonus, it smells like roses and will give you a luminous glow.

Buy it here

03 / 09

Courtesy of the brand

Avène Very High Protection B-Protect SPF50+

This SPF from Avène is one of my all-time favourites thanks to the tinted coverage it gives which has led to more than one person telling me my skin was looking great that day. As well as giving you a smooth, natural looking complexion, the sunscreen offers high protection against UVA and UVB rays and, like all Avène products, it is great for sensitive skin thanks to its trademark thermal spring water.

Buy it here

04 / 09

Courtesy of the brand

Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF 50+

Medik8’s highest SPF offering to date, its new Advanced Day Ultimate Protect gives you high sun protection in a daily moisturiser format. Formulated to be invisible with a non-greasy finish, the SPF is packed with ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated while DNA repair enzymes work to repair damage from the sun. Plus its vegan and cruelty-free.

Buy it here

05 / 09

Courtesy of the brand

Ultrasun Face Anti-Pigmentation SPF50+

If you are worried about pigmentation then this is the SPF for you. Not only does it prevent further issues from arising, but it also works to repair and diminish current pigmentation. Fast-absorbing with a non-greasy texture and a matte finish, it works well under make-up and is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. It protects against harmful UVA, UVB, HEVL (high energy visible light) and Infrared-A rays.

Buy it here

06 / 09

Courtesy of the brand

Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF 50

It’s important to top your sunscreen up throughout the day, but when you’re wearing make-up this sometimes poses a challenge. For an easy solution try this spray SPF from Kate Somerville. Not only will it protect you from harmful rays, but thanks to a light-diffusing silicone powder and hyaluronic acid in the formula, it will set your make-up while reducing shine and hydrating the skin.

Buy it here

07 / 09

Courtesy of the brand

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Cream Gel SPF50+

If your skin is particularly acne and blemish-prone, and you find that sunscreens tend to blog your pores then this SPF from La Roche-Posay is a good option for you. Designed specifically for oily skin types, the Anti-Shine Sun Cream Gel has a dry-touch texture with a matte finish that leaves no white residue. Meanwhile, it’s non-comedogenic formula means it's less likely to cause pore blockages and breakouts .

Buy it here

08 / 09

Courtesy of the brand

SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense SPF 50

This SPF from SkinCeuticals contains a combination of UVA and UVB filters to give you a high level of protection from the sun and therefore helping to prevent UV-induced collagen breakdown, UV-induced hyperpigmentation and other signs of premature ageing caused by harsh rays. Lightweight and easily absorbed, it sits well under make-up while also keeping your skin moisturised.

Buy it here

09 / 09

Courtesy of the brand

Kinship Self Reflect Probiotic Sunscreen Zinc Oxide SPF 32

Not technically an SPF 50, this sunscreen by Kinship has sneaked its way onto the list by way of being an absolute favourite of the DB team. A sheer mineral SPF, Self Reflect is packed with soothing ingredients making it perfect for blemish-prone and sensitive skin. The formula is moisturising and has a faint smell of vanilla, and it leaves skin looking so dewy and glowy you’ll be excited to put it on every morning.

Buy it here

00 / 09