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The pigmentation warrior SPF
L'Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot UV Fluid SPF 50 with Niacinamide 50ml
The pigmentation warrior SPF
L'Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot UV Fluid SPF 50 with Niacinamide 50ml
Credit: BootsUV rays are known for bringing out dark spots so this clever, sheer SPF helps to reverse the look of them while protecting skin from getting more. Plus, we get extra smoothness from the niacinamide. Triple tick.
The reapplication hero
Dr. Jart+ Every SunDay Ultra-Sheer Priming Sunscreen Stick
The reapplication hero
Dr. Jart+ Every SunDay Ultra-Sheer Priming Sunscreen Stick
Credit: Space NKConfession, while I am very, very good at applying SPF, reapplying is another story. So thank goodness for the new iteration of sticks and sprays that make it so much easier. This sun stick from K-beauty brand Dr Jart+ glides onto the skin so easily leaving no residue at all. It also acts as a great makeup primer too.
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The gel-like SPF
Glossier Invisible Shield SPF50
The gel-like SPF
Glossier Invisible Shield SPF50
Credit: GlossierThe water-gel consistency of this sunscreen means that not only does it not leave a white cast it’s a great base for makeup (you can thank the formula’s active microcapsules for this) leaving more of a dewy finish.
Imagine a traditional makeup primer texture without the silicone slip, that’s how this gem applies on the skin so you also don’t have to wait ages for it to sink in before cracking on with your makeup.
The primer SPF
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30
The primer SPF
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30
Credit: Courtesy of BrandThis is a totally transparent SPF 30 formula with marine-friendly ingredients and contains red algae, which neutralises blue light damage too. This formula dries matte so if you prefer a more matte/satin-y base you’ll definitely prefer this one over the Glossier.
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The hydrating SPF
Coco & Eve Daily Daily Water Gel SPF50+ Sunscreen
The hydrating SPF
Coco & Eve Daily Daily Water Gel SPF50+ Sunscreen
Credit: Coco & EveWith hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and vitamin E, this lotion is super moisturising, delivering daily radiance and hydration as well as high UVA and UVB protection. With this baby you can skip your moisturiser altogether.
The vitamin C-infused SPF
Garnier Garnier Vitamina C Crema Fluida Diaria Invisible Antimanchas Anti-UV, Previene, protege y reduce las manchas SPF50+ - 40ML
The vitamin C-infused SPF
Garnier Garnier Vitamina C Crema Fluida Diaria Invisible Antimanchas Anti-UV, Previene, protege y reduce las manchas SPF50+ - 40ML
Now 31% Off
Credit: GarnierWe love a multi-tasker here at Cosmo and getting a vitamin C hit along with sun protection is a win. The texture is lightweight and dries down quickly so is great for makeup application, too. It leaves your skin a little dewy but if you’re after even more shine, you can try the Glow version.
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The one for all skin types
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50
The one for all skin types
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50
Credit: Space NKThe old adage goes, the best sunscreen is the one you’ll wear everyday, and this is mine. It’s the perfect texture so you can forego a moisturiser and just apply this as a does-it-all step before heading out. Plus, it’s water-resistant, so minimal reapplication is required.
The lightweight SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream 50ml
The lightweight SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream 50ml
Now 20% Off
Credit: Courtesy of BrandThis gem proves that there is no excuse for brands creating SPF that leaves a white cast. This is probably the most “traditional” sunscreen of the bunch but doesn’t even leave a whisper of residue on the skin. The formula is super runny and lightweight, making it ridiculously easy to blend.
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The youth-protecting SPF
No7 Future Renew UV Defence Shield SPF 50 50ml
The youth-protecting SPF
No7 Future Renew UV Defence Shield SPF 50 50ml
Credit: Courtesy of BrandThis baby is all about the highest protection in the lightest formula. Fast absorbing and hydrating, it works beautifully under makeup. And it's part of the Future Renew line, so, of course, there's age-defying peptide technology.
The oil-free SPF
Fenty Skin Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Spf 30
The oil-free SPF
Fenty Skin Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Spf 30
Credit: Courtesy of BrandRiri strikes again with her latest industry-approved skincare drop. The SPF 30 formula, which pumps out pink, is highly-moisturising and offers more hydrating benefits thanks to the hyaluronic acid in the ingredients list. Plus, it’s oil-free so there’s none of that overly greasy residue. We love to see it.
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Sculpted by Aimee Sun Mist - SPF 50 Spray
Sculpted by Aimee Sun Mist - SPF 50 Spray
Now 51% Off
Credit: SculptedThis is golden if you are going out with makeup on and you don’t want to disrupt your masterpiece by rubbing in sunscreen every two hours. With this SPF you can do your normal AM skincare routine and your makeup and then mist it on top to protect you from harmful rays. We stan a multitasking product.
The SPF for Acne Prone Skin
Heliocare 360 Oil-Free Gel SPF 50 50ml
The SPF for Acne Prone Skin
Heliocare 360 Oil-Free Gel SPF 50 50ml
Now 26% Off
Credit: Courtesy of BrandElena Says; "If you're worried about sunscreen triggering acne or making it worse, look for something labelled oil-free and non-comodogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores. With its oil-free gel formula, matte finish and affordable price point, Heliocare is a popular recommendation from derms for those who struggle with acne."
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The high-tech formula
Ultrasun Anti Pigmention Face Lotion SPF 50+
The high-tech formula
Ultrasun Anti Pigmention Face Lotion SPF 50+
Now 29% Off
Credit: Courtesy of BrandStory-time – When I was 18, I went skiing with my sixth form and high factor suncream was on the packing list. Being the skin-conscious teen that I was, I slathered on factor 50. I now can’t look at any of those pictures because the white cast was so bad, I looked like I dipped my face in flour. If only I had this Ultrasun find. It helps to prevent dark spots and is suitable for sensitive skin. It has a slight tint to it which as first seems like it won’t blend but once smoothed on it’s not detectable.
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The face and body SPF
Vichy Ideal Soleil Hydrating Sun Protection Water SPF 30 200ml
The face and body SPF
Vichy Ideal Soleil Hydrating Sun Protection Water SPF 30 200ml
Credit: Courtesy of BrandThis one's a water spray, so no grey tinge and no residue. It sets quickly so won't ruin makeup, and includes hyaluronic acid which helps to plump the skin up whilst protecting from the sun. Plus as an added bonus, thanks to it being designed for face and body, it’s a whooping 200ml so you can spray your entire self as well as your whole family and everyone else on the beach without running out. It's also available in factor 50.

Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.

Elena Chabo is Cosmopolitan UK's former beauty writer, working on everything from buzzy celeb news and trending beauty, to sincere first-person reviews and engaging video content for social media. She also creates meatier features and expert-led how-to guides, for print and online. Her passion for Black beauty, textured hair, and the ways beauty interacts with culture, society, identity and relationships, quickly took over her writing career and led her into beauty journalism. Following an MA in Magazine Journalism in 2017, she cut her teeth across various roles at Stylist Magazine, before taking on a Digital Writer role at Good Housekeeping. It was here that beauty took centre stage and she launched and ran the site's first stand-alone beauty section. Remaining at Hearst, she joined the Cosmo beauty team in 2022. Find her on LinkedIn.
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