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- These Non-Greasy Facial Sunscreens Will Quickly Become Your BFFs
These Non-Greasy Facial Sunscreens Will Quickly Become Your BFFs
Forget everything you know about sunscreen. Those childhood memories of the thick, white paste your parents would smear across your face — which, despite hefty rubbing, would still be visible around your hairline hours later — are a thing of the past. Imagine a sunscreen that doesn’t make your eyes sting or leave a sheen of grease across your face.
These days, there are a number of brands creating sunscreens that are lightweight, dry matte and never feel oily, greasy or sticky. The dream! Many SPF formulas now feel more like skincare products and should be treated as such. Once you experience one of these magical products, you’ll happily incorporate sunscreen into your daily routine.
With this in mind, we have curated some of our favourite sunscreens that are non-greasy, provide protection from UVA and UVB rays — especially important given the thinning ozone layer in this part of the world — and layer perfectly under makeup so you’ll never have to deal with pilling again.
Avène Sunscreen Emulsion Face SPF50+
Perfect for those with sensitive skin, the texture of this photostable sunscreen is light and comes out as a fluid, which then dries matte on the skin. Rich in Avène’s Thermal Spring Water, the Sunscreen Emulsion Face SPF50+ ($26.99) is also super hydrating without feeling greasy or oily. It’s perfect for everyday wear as it layers well under makeup so is versatile enough to wear it to work, or to the beach.
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF50
The Ultra Facial Defense SPF50 ($55) by SkinCeuticals slots easily into any skincare routine and is perfect for all skin types including normal, combination and dry. The formula is delicate and soaks comfortably into the skin and doesn’t leave your face feeling heavy or oily. While the feel of this product is A+, the protection it offers is also extremely high making it the perfect product for all day, everyday wear.
Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster SPF50
Shield your skin from the sun’s rays with the help of Dermalogica’s Solar Defense Booster SPF50 ($78.50). This product can be mixed in with your foundation, moisturiser or simply applied straight to the face. The non-chalky formula includes green tea and grape seed extracts which makes it both comfortable and hydrating for the skin.
Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen
Created without oxybenzone — an active ingredient that can cause skin allergies in some people — this broad-spectrum formula from Mecca Cosmetica has a matte finish and doesn’t leave a white cast. Thanks to the addition of vitamin E, Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen ($40) also helps to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and aids in free radical protection.
SunSense Moisturising Face Lotion SPF50+
For something that is a little more budget-friendly, SunSense’s Moisturising Face Lotion ($14.99) is a winner. Affordable sunscreen products can lack the lightweight formula we prefer in a facial sunscreen but this particular one is non-greasy, fragrance-free and feels satiny and smooth on the skin.
Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+ Luminising Sun Serum
Australian brand Ultra Violette creates some of the best sunscreen products on the market — hands down. This lightweight formula is a standout from the brand and is great for those with normal to dry skin. While Queen Screen SPF 50+ Luminising Sun Serum ($47) is most definitely a sunscreen, it feels more like a serum thanks to the silky texture that melts instantly into your skin. Queen Screen also layers under makeup and gives you a seriously glowy finish without the need for highlighter!
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+
This cult product from French brand La Roche-Posay ticks all the best boxes: It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic (which means it won’t clog your pores), is non-greasy and offers high UVA and UVB protection. The lightweight fluid texture of Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+ ($29.99) melts easily into the skin and won’t ever cause your eyes to sting or make your complexion look shiny.
Bondi Sands SPF50+ Face Sunscreen Lotion
Known for its high-quality fake tan products, Bondi Sands is also making waves in the sunscreen space. The Face Sunscreen Lotion ($14.95) by Bondi Sands is water-resistant, gentle and absorbs into the skin quickly, leaving an invisible finish. The addition of vitamin E and aloe vera helps to hydrate skin, making it a perfect product to pop under makeup.
Skinstitut Age Defence SPF50+
Created with the aim to protect skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, the Age Defence SPF50+ ($49) by Skinstitut is also lightly hydrating and offers added anti-ageing and antioxidant benefits. The inclusion of niacinamide also helps to restore the skin and improve the appearance of pores and uneven texture.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face & Body Lotion SPF50
This oil-free formula by Neutrogena is lightweight and never leaves skin looking or feeling greasy. Using Dry Touch technology, Ultra Sheer Face & Body Lotion SPF50 ($16.99) leaves a non-shiny finish, while also protecting your skin from the sun’s rays as well as skin-ageing. Perfect for both face and body, this is a great product to keep closeby when you’re out and about.
Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily SPF50+
Alpha-H has nailed multitasking products with the Protection Plus Daily SPF50+ ($62). Created to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, this beauty also moisturises skin to leave it feeling nourished and hydrated. With a non-greasy and matte formulation, this is the perfect product to add to your morning skincare routine.