I'll scream it from the rooftops: Sunscreen is the most important product in any beauty routine, which means your precious skin deserves only the best SPF out there. So let me do you a favor and introduce you to Australian sunscreen brand Ultra Violette. Beauty editors have low-key been obsessed with the brand for years, and now it's finally launched in the United States—exclusively at Sephora!
I mean the Aussies endure a UV index of 10 and above regularly, so I def trust them when it comes to protecting the skin from sun damage. Ultra Violette's formulas are non-greasy, packed with skin-loving ingredients (more on that below), and can even replace lightweight foundation. To prep you for the brand's foray into the U.S. market, we tested and reviewed the entire Ultra Violette line. Keep scrolling for our honest thoughts.
About Ultra Violette:
Founded in 2018, this Australian suncare brand is still a baby in its beauty years. It’s a favorite among beauty editors, aestheticians, and skincare aficionados alike. Ultra Violette offers targeted formulas for every need, whether you're looking for hydration, a blurring effect, or a makeup-like sheen. They understand that every skin type is different, so there’s definitely a protecting formula for your specific complexion needs. Plus, the formulas blend seamlessly, feel lightweight, and skip the stickiness and overpowering fragrance that so many other sunscreens have.
- Price range: $22 to $40
Cosmo's Ultra Violette Must-Haves
Our Ultra Violette Reviews:
Lauren Balsamo, beauty director
"When I go on vacation I typically bring no less than three different face sunscreens: one with high SPF for the beach and pool, one that feels light and sheer for walking around, and another tinted option for outdoor brunch or lunch. Why? Well, in my experience it’s hard for a mineral sunscreen to do all the things. Most sheer or tinted mineral sunscreens aren’t heavy-duty enough for swimming and basking in the sun, and most mineral sunscreens designed for doing so are either super greasy or feel like glue. But now Ultra Violette exists stateside, which means only one SPF is coming in my carry-on: Future Screen.
I used it the entire time on a recent trip to Fort Lauderdale (where the UV index was an 8 TYYM) and I didn’t get an ounce of color on my face thanks to the SPF 50 made of 20 percent zinc. Plus, the texture is so nice and silky that I didn’t mind applying and reapplying it all day long—and the sheer tint helped blur my breakouts so my skin looked more even without makeup." —LB
Beth Gillette, beauty editor
"When I took a trip to Ireland last summer, I went to about five different stores in search of Ultra Violette SPF, since it was only available abroad. I’d heard beauty writer and Gloss Angeles podcast host Kirbie Johnson rave about it and needed to test it for myself, but unfortunately, I had no such luck. So when I found out it was finally making its way to America (in Sephora, no less!), I immediately started slathering my face with it, specifically the Velvet Screen formula. It’s a mineral sunscreen that leaves a matte, blurred finish on the skin. And it’s unlike any matte sunscreen I’ve ever tried.
I’m used to matte sunscreens that have a silicone, smooth feel. And those are fine, but not exactly my fave. This is more of a cream-based formula that blends out into a weightless texture without any shine. It just feels like I don’t have anything on my skin, which is exactly my kinda vibe when it comes to sun protection that I’ll actually be excited to continue applying every single day. It blends out without any white cast also—a strong feat for a mineral SPF. I’ve genuinely not used any other facial sunscreen since I got this in my hands (like, I know I need to test the Supreme Screen and Future Screen, but I just can’t be without Velvet Screen!!)."
Jasmine Hyman, assistant beauty editor
"I have the most sensitive skin on earth. Like, I could be sitting outside in the sun for mere minutes and a burn will materialize before I even have a chance to whip out my sunscreen. So, it's safe to say I'm very particular when it comes to SPF. After hearing my coworkers sing the praises of Ultra Violette, I knew I had to get my hands on it. And after years of trying all the buzziest sunscreens, the Supreme Screen has officially dethroned them all. It applies like a lightweight moisturizer and dries down to a hydrating glow, all while still boasting an acne-sage formula with SPF 50. It's also loaded with hydrating glycerin and squalane, and fruit extracts soothe and brighten the skin while you wear it. I love using it on no-makeup makeup days for a teensy bit of smoothing and coverage, and it layers so well with my other complexion products (as pictured below).
I also need a moment to praise the Sheen Screen Hydrating Lip Balm. I'm a chapped lip gal through and through, so I love that this three-in-one lip product hydrates while also providing sun protection and adding a luminous pigment. I mean, talk about a multitasker! I'm headed to Florida this weekend, and Ultra Violette *will* be the only sunscreen in my carry-on."
Why Trust Cosmopolitan?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmo. She's obsessed with all things skin including acne-safe makeup and multitasking makeup. For this story, she, along with Cosmo's beauty editor Beth Gillette and beauty director Lauren Balsamo, put Ultra Violette's entire line to the test to give an unfiltered review of the brand.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
