I’ve worn sunscreen every day of my life and these are undoubtedly the best ones

I don’t mean to brag, but I’ve worn sunscreen every single day since I can remember. After suffering a dog attack as a toddler, the damage on my nose was pretty nasty. So, in an effort to help reduce further scarring, my mum was constantly on top of me wearing two things – Bio-Oil and SPF.

As annoying as that was for a little kid, as an adult it’s a habit I’m thankful for. Not only for the barely-there scar on my nose, but of course for the sun protection.

After trialling many different formulas over the years, I don’t hold all SPFs equal – they need to be put to the serious test to get my tick of approval and become a part of my rotation. 

Now, before you think I’m crazy for writing a sunscreen review in the middle of winter, did you know that if the daily UV index is three or above, you need to be wearing sunscreen? And yes, that includes if you’re at home.

Even in winter, the UV index can exceed three, and often does here in Australia. You can check the rating in your local area on myuv.com.au, or on the iPhone weather app – just scroll down to the bottom.

So, in good news for your skin, I have rounded up six winners that are all A+ in my incredibly sunscreen-experienced eyes.

Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF50+ Hydrating SKINSCREEN™

The Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF50+ Hydrating SKINSCREEN™ ($49 at Sephora) is, in the words of Ultra Violette, the perfect lazy gal’s approach to SPF. Why? Because it can triple as a daily moisturiser, sun protection and primer, all-in-one. The reason I particularly love this lightweight cream is that it blends seamlessly into my skin. I feel prepped for makeup, or, if I’m going au naturel, my skin is left looking hydrated, but most importantly, protected for the day ahead.

Eau Thermale Avène Sunscreen Spray SPF50+

When my skin is feeling on the sensitive side, I opt for the Eau Thermale Avène Sunscreen Spray SPF50+ ($34.99 at Adore Beauty). I like that it’s formulated with a minimum number of chemical filters to respect sensitive skin, and the hypoallergenic spray provides effective, broad spectrum protection against UVB and UVA rays. It also has a 4.5 star rating on BEAUTYcrew, so don’t just take my word for it.

Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist SPF50+

This new brand first caught my eye for its unique and innovative formulations, including Australia’s very first over-your-makeup SPF50+ top-up – Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist SPF50+ ($39.95 at Naked Sundays). The completely invisible mist not only sets my makeup, but is filled with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract, and Kakadu plum, leaving me with a luminous glow.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50+

The French take sun protection as seriously as we do here in Australia, so I had high hopes for the cult classic, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50+ ($32.95 at Adore Beauty) – and I wasn’t disappointed. Its super lightweight texture is more a liquid than a cream, and doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy. It blends effortlessly and sits well over the top of any other products I’ve already applied.

Ella Baché Great SPF50+ FaceSaver Lotion

The Ella Baché Great SPF50+ FaceSaver Lotion ($49 at Adore Beauty) feels more like skin care than sun care to me because of its moisturising ingredients – shea butter, vitamin E, green tea, and antioxidant grape seed extract. I’ve found it ideal for layering and never had an issue with nasty pilling under makeup.

SunSense Daily Face SPF50+

Another great option for when my skin is feeling a little fragile, is the SunSense Daily Face SPF50+ ($14.99 at Chemist Warehouse). The light, oil-free lotion is dermatologically tested, so I don’t have to worry about it irritating my skin further. I also really like that it’s formulated with nicotinamide and vitamin E, to help improve the appearance of my skin tone and texture.

Main image credit: Supplied.

Don’t forget it’s important to thoroughly remove SPF at night. Here’s how to choose the best cleanser for your skin type.