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How to choose the right sunscreen for you

A comprehensive guide to SPF

By Briar Clark

BEAUTYcrew Beauty Editor / February 01 2024

SPF is essential. We know this. You know this. And anyone who doesn’t know this has probably received enough stern looks to know they should know this.

And while we’ve already covered the basics like the best face sunscreens to wear under makeup, and taken a deep dive into the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen (plus a few choice editor recommendations) in our summer sunscreen guide, there’s still some tailoring to be done if you’re searching for your perfect sunscreen fit.

After all, when it comes to choosing the right sunscreen format for you, the conversation starts to become a little more personal.

Do you need a formula that you can top up on the go? Or would you rather apply once in the morning and forget about it altogether? Or maybe you like your makeup to include SPF to forgo layering a dozen base products before you head out the door.

There are many things to ponder, and so we’re here to walk you through the many SPF formulations on offer so you can protect your skin effectively.

Here are six sunscreen formulas for you to consider…

tbh. Skin Shady SPF50+

Our top pick for sensitive-skinned individuals, this oil free and non greasy formula will give you the benefit of broad spectrum protection, while helping to protect skin against pollution and other environmental stresses. Nourishing vitamin E and glycerin round out this skin care-inspired formula to ensure lasting hydration throughout all of your summer excursions, whether you’re headed to the beach or laying idle poolside.

$39.95 at tbh.

Frank Body SPF50+ Hydrating Body & Face Sunscreen

As far as sunscreen is concerned, there's nothing more classic than a lotion formulation. But we’re forgoing thick, occlusive traditional formulas in favour of this fast absorbing and white cast free offering from Frank Body this summer. Infused with coconut for a dash of aroma, and combined with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to avoid dryness, you will be radiating good vibes without the tan lines.

$30 at Frank Body

Mist: Naked Sundays SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Mist

When it comes to reapplying sunscreen, nothing beats a lightweight fine mist SPF. This new and improved hydrating, glow-inducing formula from Naked Sundays has been adapted for those of us who’re pedantic about effing up their makeup with a messy spray nozzle. The super fine and gentle mist makes on-the-go application a breeze (literally). Plus, the fact that the stuff is packed full of antioxidant-rich Kakadu plum, watermelon extract and hyaluronic acid means you’ll also get a boost to your skin care, resulting in a radiant complexion every time you spritz.

$39.95 at Naked Sundays

Natural: SunButter Sea Shepherd SPF50 Sunscreen

Not only does this clean-beauty pick boast plastic-free packaging, but SunButter is also committed to reef-safe formulations. This vegan-friendly collaboration with charity Sea Shepherd protects skin from harmful UV by utilising mineral blocker Zinc Oxide, while each purchase of the SPF 50 sunscreen helps to contribute towards defending, conserving and protecting the world’s oceans by helping to minimise chemical sunscreen and plastic pollution.

$29.95 at Nourished Life

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Mineral Stick SPF 50 42g

Call it old-fashioned nostalgia but nothing reminds us of summer days spent at the beach as children than a stick sunscreen. Easy to transport thanks to its spill-free format, this budget-friendly pick from Neutrogena promises mess-free protection and a non-sticky finish, and can be used on everything from face to body. Bonus: the lightweight, non-comedogenic and oil-free formula won’t interfere with your rigorous skin care routine.

$16.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Makeup: Ultraviolette Dream Screen SPF50 Tinted Veil

Why compromise on SPF just because you want to wear makeup? This tinted sunscreen from Ultra Violette is available in 11 shades and perfects the complexion with a sheer, radiant veil, while simultaneously protecting skin from UVA and UVB rays. The formula has been infused with vitamin C-rich Kakadu plum to brighten skin and boost hydration throughout the day.

$55 at Sephora

Now that your skin’s protected, let’s get hydrated. Here are 11 silky body oils your skin will love all summer long.

Main image credit: @laisribeiro

Briar Clark

Briar Clark got her start in the media industry in 2017, as an intern for Marie Claire and InStyle. Since then, her keen interest in fashion and beauty has landed her gigs as a Digital Content Producer and Beauty Editor with titles like Girlfriend, Refinery29, BEAUTYcrew and beautyheaven. She loves the way seemingly innocuous topics like skin care and style have the ability to put a smile on people’s faces or make them think about themselves a little differently. A big believer in self love and experimentation, Briar has made a point of becoming the Australian beauty industry’s unofficial guinea pig for unusual treatments and daring hair trends. When she’s not testing out the latest beauty launches, Briar is big on broadening her horizons, mostly in the form of food but she’s also partial to travelling to new destinations both near and far (and of course, allocating an extra bag to bring their best beauty offerings home with her).