"The only SPF you need": Meet the lightweight suncream you'll want for your next holiday

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 favour and introduce you to Australian sunscreen brand Ultra Violette.

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. We tested and reviewed the entire Ultra Violette line. Keep scrolling for our honest thoughts.

About Ultra Violette

Founded in 2018, this Australian sun care brand is still a baby in its beauty years. It’s a favourite among 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.

Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+

£34 at Sephora

Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying Skinscreen SPF 50+

£34 at Cult Beauty

Ultra Violette Daydream Screen SPF50 Tinted Veil

£38 at Sephora

Ultra Violette Cosmo Reviews

Lauren Balsamo, beauty director

“When I go on holiday 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 has launched a new products, only one SPF is coming in my carry-on: Future Screen.

Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF50+ Superlight Mineral Skinscreen

£38 at Space NK

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 colour 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.”

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 materialise 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 moisturiser and dries down to a hydrating glow, all while still boasting an acne-sage formula with SPF 50.

Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+

£34 at Sephora

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.”

Ultra Violette Sheen Screen SPF 50 Hydrating Lip Balm

£17 at Sephora

Layering it on with some concealer and blush is my new go-to. I’m also wearing the lip balm in Dusk.

Clare Stephenson, Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer

“I can’t believe I’m about to admit this (kids, close your eyes!) but for too long, I didn’t wear sunscreen every day. I had reasons that, looking back now, should never have been excused. Firstly, the classic, when the sun wasn’t shining I often forgot the step in my routine. And secondly, I couldn’t find a formula I enjoyed wearing.

Now, I have zero excuse. The Queen Screen is why I started wearing SPF every single day – it’s a pleasure to apply, and not a chore!

Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+

£38 at Cult Beauty

The silky fluid is a dream to blend in, effortlessly sinking into my skin lending a radiant sheen. I love wearing it alone but if I’m going out and want to layer on foundation, it sits beautifully under without pilling. It’s hydrating, non-greasy and it doesn’t feel like I’m wearing sunscreen – and that’s the top goal

Next up is my beloved Clean Screen, my go-to whenever my skin isn’t playing ball. It’s completely free of fragrance and has a very delicate formula, making it ideal for those with sensitivity or acne-prone skin. It’s deffo one of the most comfortable sunscreens I own as it seamlessly layers on without leaving a greasy feel – which, if you have oily skin, is a big box ticked.”

Ultra Violette Clean Screen SPF30

£32 at Sephora

Shop All Ultra Violette's Sunscreens Here

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, beauty director Lauren Balsamo, and beauty e-commerce writer Clare Stephenson, put Ultra Violette’s entire line to the test to give an unfiltered review of the brand.

Clare Stephenson

Senior Fashion & Beauty E-commerce Writer

Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.

Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.

Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson. 

Jasmine Hyman

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. 

Lauren Balsamo

Beauty Director

Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.