The sunscreens we swear by
Our favourite companions to protect our skin from the sun
Sometimes, you need extra protection on top of your sunscreens.
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What Nejla Loves…
I enjoy having a little tan and I believe that I look better (i.e. less tired) when I am tanned. But living under the tropics and having passed the 4.0 version of me, I know that sunscreen is not only a must but a never-to-skip step in my beauty routine. My main issue with sunscreen is that I generally do not enjoy the application of it. Plus, I absolutely detest the white cast that some can leave on your skin. For me, the worst is when I can feel my sunscreen all day long - I see it on my phone or hands. I just can’t.
After a multitude of trial and errors here are the 3 sunscreens that I have on heavy rotation:
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 from Sephora Singapore
This is the one I use religiously every single day. I love the fact that it is a transparent sunscreen and that it does not leave any white cast on my face. It glides smoothly on the skin and makes it even easier to apply the right quantity. I enjoy the fact that when I am in a dryer climate, the texture of this particular sunscreen ads a layer of hydration and protection at the same time. While in Singapore, I can go from serum to sunscreen without feeling that I am dehydrating my skin. Because of the particular texture, it also acts as the perfect primer for the rare days when I need to wear makeup.
I also enjoy the fact that the Supergoop Unseen sunscreen comes in a mini size that makes it even easier to not skip re-applying on the go. The application is so enjoyable that other members of the family started using it as well. Now I just wish it came in a bigger than 50ml so I would not need to constantly stock up on it.
Lancaster Sun Sport Invisible Face Gel SPF30 50ml
I use it mostly for when I am doing outdoor activities and because I can’t resist the smell of Lancaster sunscreen. It brings me right back to my childhood when we used sunscreen with little SPF. The texture makes the application a bliss even on humid skin, the scent is heaven - at least for me. Plus, it does not sting my eyes as some outdoor sunscreens do. I also notice that even after a day outdoor in the sun, my skin doesn’t feel dehydrated even after being at the beach. Again, the entire family uses it.
Laroche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Spray SFP50+ (Broad Spectrum UVB & UVA Facial Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin) 200ml
This range from LaRoche-Posay doesn’t need any introduction as it is considered as one of the must-have sunscreens. If you really don’t know which one or where to start from, this range is for you. In my case, I use this spray when I need a heavy duty all around sunscreen when we are out and about. On top of that my daughter is an avid swimmer and on her swimming days, I like that she can easily apply this one on her own. As with any spray-on sunscreen, make sure you spray from very close to get the most of it. This one also makes it in the suitcase when we are traveling as a family. The only con is that I find it a little drying on the skin and hence needs to be followed by a good moisturiser when done with your day out.
You’ve protected your face. Now, shield your peepers in style.
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What Angie Loves…
ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Suncare Gel SPF50+ PA++++ and ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Suncare Spray SPF50+
This sunscreen was a cult favourite and has become a favourite due to its overwhelming popularity. I've used Anessa for years and it has never failed me. It has the perfect consistency for my combination skin and provides me the coverage that I need. As someone who is super fuss free with my face routine in the mornings, this is really all I need on most days as it's also a fantastic makeup primer on days that I need to even out my skin tone with face makeup. I hate feeling anything on my face so my most important requirement is that my skin has to feel au naturel always, and the Anessa sunscreen makes it feel this way
For those who love pool time or the beach and are deathly afraid of UV rays, this sunscreen is waterproof for up to 80 minutes in the pool so when you're out and about you don't have to worry so much about reapplying that constantly. What I usually do for a quick touch up is to use the spray version of the sunscreen which leaves zero residue on your skin so it's perfect if you have a fully made up face or when you're out on the boat and need to jump into the sea and don't have time to layer sunscreen super thoroughly.
Spending the day at the beach or poolside, and out int he sun? Get comfy in sandals and slippers.
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What Chelsea Loves…
Bioré UV Watery Essence SPF 50+ with Bioré UV Spray
Having super sensitive, breakout-prone skin with a combination of oily and dry tends to make it challenging for me to find the perfect sunscreen. I’ve always hated the idea of layering even more products onto my skin especially when the weather is already so humid. I’ve come across many “oil-free” sunscreen that just ends up clogging up my pores, being too messy and oily, often leaving a white cast and the feeling that it's never fully absorbed into my skin.
Texture, consistency, and of course price point are my main factors when looking for the perfect sunscreen that works for my face all year long! The Bioré UV Watery Essence SPF 50+ definitely checks all of the boxes and I’m even on my 5th bottle. It is light and absorbs really well especially using the patting method instead of rubbing it in. This gives the perfect in-between consistency for all skin types to tackle hyperpigmentation. Also, if you’re not a fan of product layering, you can use this as a regular daytime moisturizer. It’s very affordable for how great and fuss-free this is as it doesn’t need much blending!
To top it off, I’d bring around the Bioré UV Spray (also SPF 50+) to touch up when I’m heading out later in the day. Because of how convenient and lightweight a bottle is, I keep one in my everyday bag, on my office desk, on my dresser, and in the car for any on-the-go touch-ups! And if you love wearing make-up, it’s great to have one as it gives that powdery finish without ruining my make-up.
What Hanz Loves…
Supergoop Every Single Face Watery Lotion
This has been my go-to sunscreen!
As someone who never leaves the house without makeup, this sunscreen provides the perfect base texture for all of my products. It leaves my skin feeling refreshed, and unlike other sunscreens, it is not sticky. My face tends to get very dry and patchy. However, since discovering this sunscreen, my peeling skin has stopped. It has an "invisible" texture and a cooling sensation which is appropriate for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. The product also contains an SPF of 50 and components such as cress sprout extract to maintain the skin barrier and wild butterfly ginger root extract to defend against free radicals.
The Supergoop Every Single Face Watery Lotion is also waterproof and sweat resistant, which came in handy during the pandemic. When I started wearing this sunscreen, I no longer had to worry about my makeup or skin sticking to my face mask. Furthermore, another issue I've noticed with other sunscreens is that it runs white, so when I used other brands, my face becomes pale and the product isn't well absorbed. The Supergoop sunscreen, on the other hand, was able to provide a transparent feature with a stronger grip, while maintaining a serum and dewy consistency.
I've been using this sunscreen for about a year now. I was skeptical of its durability at first because I had never heard of it. I discovered it when I was at my friend's house for a quick catch-up before our day plans and I noticed her doing her skincare. She asked if I wanted to give it a shot, and I agreed! To my surprise, it kept my skin moisturized and protected throughout the day.
I went straight to Sephora after trying it out. Not only did I like how effective it was, but it was also reasonably priced. As a student at the time, it was definitely something I had to consider when purchasing products.
What Rohai Loves…
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Moisturizer
When I was much younger, I never use sunscreens. As a guy, and someone with dark skin, I was under the impression that my melanin means that I don’t need to use them. After all, I’m already dark. But years of working with beauty journalists (many of whom are close friends of mine now), I have come to the realisation that sunscreen is essential. It’s not just to prevent the skin from getting darker, but it also helps to reduce the chance of early onset wrinkles, and protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
While all these made sense to me, putting on sunscreen after moisturiser and toner seems like a chore to me. So many steps; so little time.
That is until I figured I could combine some steps by getting moisturisers that are infused with SPF. I have tried a few but nothing, in my opinion, comes close to Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Broad Spectrum Sunscreen moisturiser. One of my main issues with sunscreens, apart from the fact that it is an extra step to do, is that it always leaves a white film on my skin. While my teammates have given some great suggestions above to counter this issue, I am always not convinced. This is especially because I have dark skin - no matter what the sunscreen says, I can always spot the white film, no matter how little.
That is why I love moisturisers that come with SPF infused, and this one from Fenty Skin is at the top of my list. Ok, disclaimer, I am as much a fan of hassle-free beauty regimen as I am of Rihanna. And when she announced that she was launching her skincare line, I was excited. I bought almost everything.
Reading up on the product, I know that the Hydra Vizor is packed with great ingredients like moisturising hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. It is also a TikTok favourite, and reduces dark spots while evening out skin tone. Plus, it has SPF 30 content, which is not bad for someone who does not really spend alot of time in the sun. Again, I don’t go out tanning or stay out in the sun too much. I’m more of an AC and indoors type of person.
The texture is light and blends well into the skin. What I really liked about it is that it gives you a slight dewy glow, which is very much welcomed. After all, it protects me from harmful rays, and keeps my skin feeling hydrated throughout the day. A little goes a long way with this. So, I usually only use one pump for the whole face.
On Sephora Singapore website, the products costs $61 for the full-sized 50ml bottle.