Our favourite 10 facial sunscreens to wear daily – with or without makeup

Chanel's CC Cream Super Active Complete Correction SPF 50 is the very definition of multifunctional skincare. This lavish CC cream is a one-stop shop for high sun protection and complete coverage, reducing the appearance of imperfections. “I am a bit lazy, so while it is a bit pricey, it has become my go-to during summer days in the office. It is just so nice to slim down the number of steps in my routine,” a panellist remarked.

This unique formula, fusing traditional ingredients with modern science, is enriched with rice extract and probiotics, effectively strengthening the skin's barrier while ensuring high UV protection. Easy to apply, it quickly sinks in without leaving a white cast. “I have more or less used it as a day cream for the past month, as it moisturises without feeling greasy or sticky,” said one tester. “And it works great under makeup too, taking on almost a primer-like finish. My only wish is that it came in a bigger tube, as it will run out soon.”

iS Clinical's Eclipse SPF 50+ offers unparalleled protection in an ultra-sheer formula that comes in both a clear and tinted version. Ideal for those with an active lifestyle, it provides water-resistant protection without feeling heavy or sticky. Better yet, its blend of antioxidants and vitamins nourishes the skin, providing additional environmental protection. “Chemical sunscreens burn my watery eyes but I have no issues with this sunscreen,” said one panellist. “It feels a little sticky at first, but as soon as it’s dry it melts right into my skin and the tinted version is great on a makeup free day.”

Dr. Ceuracle's Cica Regen Vegan Sun SPF 50 is a testament to the power of plants in sun protection. This 100 per cent vegan formula impressed our panel with its soothing and regenerative properties, courtesy of the cica extract. “It's gentle yet effective, perfect for my sensitive skin,” one editor noted. The non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, leaving no white cast, making it an excellent choice for daily use for those with superficially dry skin. “It is moisturising but doesn't clog the pores, keeping any acne at bay.”

Living somewhere between sunscreen and primer, Supergoop!'s Glowscreen SPF 40 is the perfect base layer for any lit-from-within looks. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, it hydrates and nourishes, ensuring the skin stays supple and radiant. It is simple: this product defends against UV rays, all while imparting a luminous sheen, making it the ultimate primer/sunscreen hybrid for makeup uses. “It gives my skin a healthy glow without looking greasy and somehow helps makeup stay lustrous all day,” a tester raved.

La Roche-Posay's Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ is considered cult for a reason – its revolutionary UBMune 400 technology offers unmatched protection against ultra-long UVA rays without leaving any hint of pilling sunscreen on the skin. Testers were amazed by its invisible finish, even on darker skin tones. “It's like a protective veil that's completely undetectable,” shared one panellist. “It's really runny in texture so be careful when using it. I put a large amount in the palm of my hand first, then I put it on my face,” said another.

Despite the somewhat steep price tag, La Mer's SPF 50 UV Protecting Fluid is our Beauty Editor Josefin Forsberg's holy grail of sunscreen. "With a slight green tint and a featherlight fluid texture, it is the only formula that does it for me – keeping on top of every common issue that usually comes with wearing SPF." The formula offers broad-spectrum protection and infuses the skin with La Mer's famed Miracle Broth™, improving skin health while protecting it from the sun.

Dr. Sturm's Sun Drops SPF50 is “worth every penny,” according to our testers. Are you a high-class sun protection for connoisseurs? Then you'll find that this product is one of a kind. “I have never before tried a sunscreen that neither tightens nor gives a glossy finish,” our panelists said. “These precious drops leave the skin hydrated and provide good sun protection throughout the day.” Works when worn as is, mixed with skin cream or worn under makeup, creating an costumisable solution to your sunscreen.

Another ‘Rolls Royce’ of unparalleled sun protection comes courtesy of Elixir Cosmeceuticals Nova Drops SPF 50. Utilising a similar drop system to Dr. Sturm, our testing panel was impressed by its lightweight formula that blends seamlessly into the skin without leaving any white residue. “It really feels like wearing nothing,” shared one editor. The clever formulation, enriched with antioxidants, not only shields from harmful UV rays but also combats free radical damage.

Dermalogica's Powerbright Moisturizer SPF50 shields your skin from the sun and tackles hyperpigmentation. “I have acne-prone skin, so I have always struggled with finding a moisturiser and SPF duo that doesn't break me out,” shared one panellist. That duo turned out to be the Powerbright Moisturizer SPF 50. “It is super lightweight on my skin, doesn't cause me to break out, and it lasts for months. It has also simplified my skincare routine, and when you have acne, less is more.”