Favourite Facial City SPFs

By the time you read this I will be in Rome putting a few of these to the real test. With average temperatures of 37 degrees C/98 Fahrenheit I am more than a little scared of a melasma explosion and thus spare no expense when it comes to city/face SPFs. They are in the same category as serums for me. Way more important than a moisturiser. It’s one of the true investments in your future face.

When I’m thinking ‘no nonsense’ protection, but I need/want to wear makeup, these are the four products I am never without. In alphabetical order – no favourites. Links in the titles.

Creme de La Mer The Reparative Face Sun Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF30

Obviously this is the luxury option and boy does it feel it. Absorbs beautifully, leaves a comforting ‘glow’ layer on the skin – softens, hydrates, contains all the usual Le Mer key ingredients including Golden Algae Ferment that is triggered by sun exposure, the sea waters etc etc. 

I literally only use this for holidays where I want my skin to glow and have the option of wearing makeup, like you keep your new or best shoes/handbags for the same reason. I reapply throughout the day no problem. If reapplying over makeup, I stick to CC creams. Particularly Lauder or Kate Somerville, which has the edge because its tints are good colours. £90.00/$130.00 for 50ml (I know I know)

SkinCeuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF50

When I’m feeling oilier/more prone to breakouts this is what I head to. Broad Spectrum, 100% mineral filters, this has a slightly mattifying effect and although it has only one colour tint, that disperses upon application and doesn’t cause problems for darker skins (to the best of my knowledge and reader feedback). I love SkinCeuticals products and this is no exception. £35.00 for 50ml.
N.B. – The SkinCeuticals range is different in the USA and appears to be called Physical Fusion and is a shockingly more affordable $34.00. How rude.

Kate Somerville Daily Deflector Moisturiser SPF50+/PA+++

This one is actually my favourite feel. I love the glow and the smell of sunscreen and this has both in abundance. Broad Spectrum SPF50, this is substantial enough to use as a moisturiser without another one underneath – something regular readers will know I very rarely advocate/do.
Contains the same delivery system for the SPF ingredients as the Zelens so they both offer less chance of an allergy or dermal uptake. Genius. Also contains retinyl palmitate and Matrixyl 3000 peptide. Super.
$48.00 for 50ml (approx £31.00 plus import duties)

Zelens Daily Defence Broad Spectrum SPF30

Probably the one that I trust the most, if I had to pick, primarily because I was working with Dr Lens when he was developing this product (I’m not now, we’re just mates) and know what dedication went into the formula. 

Broad Spectrum SPF30, this is loaded with all sorts of proven antioxidants including polyphenols and pycnogenol. Most importantly, it contains unique micro-encapsulated filters that prevent direct skin contact with the active ingredients. Great for sensitivity. £55.00/$85.00 for 50ml

All of these are highly, highly recommended.