Beauty
The 15 Best SPFs To Get You Through This Summer Heatwave
When the temperatures rise, as they have in the UK these past few weeks, sunscreen becomes more than just a skincare step, it’s an everyday essential. Whether you’re spending hours at the beach, commuting under the midday sun, or simply enjoying time outdoors, the right SPF can help protect your skin from harmful UV rays while keeping it comfortable in the heat.
To make choosing easier, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best SPFs to get you through this heatwave. From lightweight, invisible formulas and glow-boosting finishes to water-resistant options and picks for sensitive skin, there’s a sunscreen here for every skin type, budget, and summer plan. Apply generously, reapply throughout the day, and let these top-rated SPFs keep your skin protected all season long.
Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF50 £65
Blending luxury skincare with high-performance sun protection, Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50 is a lightweight mineral formula that protects against UVA and UVB rays while delivering lasting hydration. Reef-safe and suitable for all skin types, this silky SPF layers beautifully under makeup, making it an effortless everyday essential for staying protected throughout the summer.
Glossier Invisible Shield SPF50 £32
If you usually skip sunscreen because of heavy, greasy formulas, Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 50 is designed to change your mind. This lightweight, invisible chemical sunscreen delivers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection with a silky, breathable finish that leaves zero white cast and doubles as a smooth makeup primer. Enriched with antioxidant-rich rice phyto-compounds to help defend against pollution and blue light, plus soothing aloe leaf juice, it keeps skin feeling comfortable, protected and hydrated all day. Suitable for all skin types, it’s an effortless everyday SPF you’ll actually look forward to wearing.
BLD BRO Daily 50 £29.99
Designed specifically for bald heads, BLD BRO Daily SPF 50 combines high-level sun protection with lightweight skincare in one easy step. This fast-absorbing gel moisturiser delivers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection while hydrating the scalp with a non-greasy, ultra-matte finish that helps control shine throughout the day. Formulated to feel virtually weightless and leave no white cast, it’s ideal for everyday wear, whether you’re commuting, exercising or spending long hours outdoors. Vegan and cruelty-free, it’s a smart choice for keeping your scalp protected, comfortable and looking its best during the summer months.
SOS SPF 50 Sun Cream £28.00
Created with sensitive skin in mind, SOS SPF 50 Sun Cream delivers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection in a lightweight, fragrance-free formula that’s suitable for both the face and body. Using mineral-based filters, including ultra-sheer zinc oxide, it offers 5-star UVA protection while helping to defend against blue light and premature photoageing. Enriched with soy stem cells, hyaluronic acid and antioxidant vitamin E, it hydrates, soothes and protects the skin without leaving a greasy feel or white cast. Suitable for all skin types, including children, this everyday SPF is a reliable choice for keeping skin comfortable and protected throughout the summer.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5 SPF50+ £12.39
A favourite among K-beauty fans, Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF 50 delivers high-level sun protection in an ultra-lightweight formula that feels more like a moisturiser than a traditional sunscreen. Enriched with nourishing rice seed water and vitamin B5 (panthenol), it helps to hydrate, soothe and strengthen the skin barrier while providing broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. The fast-absorbing texture leaves a fresh, natural finish with no white cast, making it ideal for daily wear and easy to layer under makeup. Suitable for all skin types, it’s the perfect SPF for keeping skin protected and comfortable during even the hottest summer days.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVmune 400 Invisible Fluid Suncream SPF50+ £16.80
A staple in dermatologists’ recommendations, La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+ offers advanced broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB and ultra-long UVA rays in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula. Powered by the innovative UVMune 400 filter and enriched with antioxidant-rich thermal spring water, it helps defend against sun-induced skin damage while remaining gentle on sensitive skin. The ultra-fluid, non-greasy texture dries down to an invisible finish with no white cast, making it easy to wear alone or under makeup. Water, sweat and sand resistant, it’s a dependable everyday SPF for staying protected through even the hottest summer days.
Ultrasun Extreme SPF50+ £25
Built for intense sunshine and outdoor adventures, Ultrasun Extreme SPF 50+ provides long-lasting, broad-spectrum protection in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula. Designed for even the most sun-sensitive skin, it helps defend against UVA, UVB, infrared A and blue light while nourishing the skin with antioxidant-rich vitamins E and B5. Its non-greasy, water-resistant formula is suitable for the whole family, including babies, and is dermatologist-recommended to help protect skin prone to sun allergies and prickly heat. Whether you’re heading to the beach, the mountains or simply making the most of a heatwave, this high-performance SPF is made to go the distance.
Supergoop! Protec(Tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF 50 £32
For those who want lightweight coverage and reliable sun protection in one step, Supergoop! Protec(Tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF 50 is an easy everyday essential. This breathable skin tint provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection while evening out the complexion with a natural, radiant finish. Infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-rich ectoin and mineral-rich ingredients to help support the skin barrier, it leaves skin looking fresh, healthy and protected without feeling heavy. Available in a range of flexible shades, it’s perfect for days when you want a no-makeup makeup look while shielding your skin from harmful UV rays.
Naked Sundays SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Mist Setting Spray Sunscreen 75ml £24
Reapplying sunscreen has never been easier thanks to Naked Sundays SPF 50 Hydrating Glow Mist Setting Spray Sunscreen. This ultra-fine facial mist delivers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection while doubling as a hydrating setting spray, making it ideal for refreshing your skin throughout the day without disturbing your makeup. Infused with skincare ingredients to help hydrate and boost radiance, the lightweight, non-greasy formula leaves behind a dewy glow rather than a sticky finish. Perfect for keeping in your handbag, it’s an effortless way to top up your sun protection during a heatwave while keeping your makeup looking fresh.
Childs Farm Spf50+ Sun Cream Fragrance-Free 100Ml £11.99
Gentle enough for delicate skin, Childs Farm SPF 50+ Sun Cream Fragrance Free offers very high broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection in a lightweight, easy-to-apply formula. Specially developed for babies, children and those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin, it provides long-lasting hydration while helping to protect the skin barrier. The fast-absorbing, fragrance-free formula is water resistant and dermatologically and paediatrician approved, making it a reliable choice for family days at the beach, park or pool. Suitable for all ages, it’s a summer essential that delivers effective protection without compromising on comfort.
Sun Veil Illuminating Sunscreen SPF 30 £46
If you love a sun-kissed glow, Kopari Sun Veil Illuminating Sunscreen SPF 30 delivers radiance and protection in one effortless step. This lightweight mineral SPF powder is designed for easy touch-ups throughout the day, providing broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection while adding a warm, golden sheen to the face and body. Formulated with zinc oxide, nourishing shea butter and light-diffusing mica, the talc-free formula blends seamlessly without feeling heavy or chalky, leaving skin looking luminous rather than glittery. Perfect for enhancing shoulders, collarbones and the high points of the face, it’s the ideal finishing touch for glowing, protected summer skin.
Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm - Coconut £4.99
Sun protection shouldn’t stop at your skincare routine, and Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm – Coconut makes it easy to keep your lips protected too. Offering broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection, this nourishing lip balm is enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E to help soothe, moisturise and defend delicate lips against sun damage. The smooth, non-sticky formula glides on effortlessly with a tropical coconut flavour, making it a beach bag essential for long days in the sun. Vegan, cruelty-free and water resistant, it’s the perfect finishing touch to any summer SPF routine.
Ultra Violette Disco Queen SPF 50 Luminous Body Oil £38.00
Sun protection meets summer glow with Ultra Violette Disco Queen SPF 50 Luminous Body Oil. This lightweight body oil combines broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection with a luminous bronze shimmer, leaving skin looking radiant while helping to defend against harmful UV rays. Infused with nourishing coconut oil, antioxidant-rich almond oil and vitamin E, it hydrates and softens the skin while helping to blur the appearance of fine lines and uneven texture. Water resistant for up to two hours, it’s the perfect choice for beach days, festivals or any occasion where you want your skin to look as good as it feels.
Augustinus Bader The Sunscreen SPF50 £110
Combining cutting-edge skincare with advanced sun protection, Augustinus Bader The Sunscreen SPF 50 is a luxurious daily SPF that helps defend against UVA and UVB rays while supporting healthier-looking skin. Powered by the brand’s signature TFC8® technology, alongside antioxidant-rich ingredients, cotton seed extract and microalgae extract, it works to hydrate, strengthen the skin barrier and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and pigmentation over time. The lightweight, fast-absorbing formula leaves an invisible finish with no white cast, making it ideal for everyday wear under makeup or on its own. For those looking to invest in premium sun protection, this multitasking SPF delivers both skincare and sun care in one elegant formula.
Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen SPF 50+ £20
Hydration and high-performance sun protection come together in Laneige Water Bank UV Barrier Sunscreen SPF 50+. This lightweight daily sunscreen delivers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection while helping to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier with the brand’s signature Water Bank technology. Enriched with soothing blue hyaluronic acid and hydrating skincare ingredients, it leaves skin feeling soft, comfortable and nourished without any greasy residue or white cast. The fast-absorbing formula layers seamlessly under makeup, making it an ideal everyday SPF for keeping skin protected, hydrated and healthy-looking throughout the summer.
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