Guide

Sunscreen I wear all year round

My mirror cabinet has already seen numerous sunscreens come and go. A few of them even stayed because I can easily wear them under my make-up. Six recommendations.

For a good three years now, daily sunscreen has been part of my morning facial care routine. Without it, I feel downright naked. Many of my friends feel the same way. But when talking to people outside the skincare bubble, I often discover that they haven’t yet found a suitable product for their daily needs. One no-go: make-up that doesn’t sit well over sunscreen. Thankfully, there are now enough products on the market that aren’t only compatible with make-up, but even make a really good base. You just have to know them. Here are my six favourite facial sunscreens that:

  • care for my skin.
  • Don’t coagulate (form pieces on my skin).
  • Don’t leave a long-lasting greasy feeling or white haze.
  • in addition to UVB protection (SPF), also contain UVA protection.

Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+ by Isntree

This lightweight, water-based formula from Korean brand Instree contains no fewer than eight types of hyaluronic acid to provide a hefty dose of moisture. After application, your face feels sticky for a short time, but after a few minutes you can hardly feel the cream or its chemical filter. Its classic sunscreen scent, always the first thing you smell at your local swimming spot, mostly remains undetected. Side note: the packaging says that you can even apply the product over make-up. However, during my trial, foundation, bronzer and blush suffered and were barely visible after application. So underneath is still preferable to me, but maybe you’ll have better luck depending on your make-up.

Suitable for all skin types according to the manufacturer, but especially for sensitive and dry skin.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel (Sun cream face, SPF 50, 50 ml)
Sunscreen
CHF18.70 CHF374.–/1l

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel

Sun cream face, SPF 50, 50 ml

Every Sun Day Tone-up Sun Fluid SPF 50+ by Dr. Jart+

Again from the K-Beauty category, we have Dr. Jart+ brand fluid. Currently my go-to protection when I’m on the go, as the small 30 ml tube is travel-friendly. In addition, the product doesn’t just hold up great under make-up, but also makes a visible difference on my skin by itself: the light pink tint in the cream provides a brightening effect that makes my sallow skin glow again in seconds. Perfect for when you’re running late and there’s no time for make-up.

According to the manufacturer, suitable for sensitive skin.

Dr. Jart+ EVERY SUN DAY Tone-up Sun Fluid (Sun gel, SPF 50+, 30 ml)
Sunscreen
CHF25.90 CHF863.34/1l

Dr. Jart+ EVERY SUN DAY Tone-up Sun Fluid

Sun gel, SPF 50+, 30 ml

Light Gel-Fluid SPF 30 by Daylong

The very liquid texture of Daylong’s gel fluid from the Sensitive line mattifies your skin, absorbs ultra-fast and contains no fragrances. In addition, the formula is free of fats and emulsifiers. It’s also available with a sun protection factor of 50+.

According to the manufacturer, suitable for sensitive, oily or sun-allergy prone skin.

Daylong Face (Sun cream face, SPF 30, 30 ml, 58 g)
Sunscreen
Quantity discount
CHF14.70 CHF490.–/1l

Daylong Face

Sun cream face, SPF 30, 30 ml, 58 g

Anthelios UVMune 400 Transparent Fluid SPF 50+ by La Roche-Posay

If you’re on social media, you can hardly avoid La Roche-Posay's Anthelios line. But it isn’t just there that the product is recommended to me non-stop. I also know many fans personally – and rightly so. The unscented product leaves my skin feeling pleasant, and seems to me a tiny bit richer than Daylong’s fluid. In terms of texture and colour, however, the two are almost identical.

According to the manufacturer, suitable for all skin types.

Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50+ by Kiehl’s

Kiehl’s cream was the very first to convince me that sunscreen and make-up can get along well. Compared to all the other products in this article, it still sits the «heaviest» on your skin. Nevertheless, a reliable companion through the day, including that classic sunscreen scent.

According to the manufacturer, suitable for all skin types.

Essential Glow Moisturiser SPF 30 by Paula’s Choice

Paula knows what’s up. Her Essential Glow cream with antioxidants from kiwi and liquorice root extract grant a soothing effect, giving the skin a healthy glow and providing plenty of moisture. At first glance, the slightly thicker, mineral protective cream appears to be tinted. But it’s not. After applying the cream, all that’s left behind is well-nourished skin. Whether this is also the case for darker skin types, I can unfortunately not judge.

According to the manufacturer, suitable for all skin types.

From left to right: Kiehl’s, La Roche-Posay, Daylong, Isntree, Dr. Jart+, Paula’s Choice.
From left to right: Kiehl’s, La Roche-Posay, Daylong, Isntree, Dr. Jart+, Paula’s Choice.

Importantly: even the best sunscreen will only protect you according to its SPF if you apply enough of it:

  • Guide

    How much sunscreen does your face need?

    by Natalie Hemengül

Want to know what the individual symbols, special characters and numbers on your sunscreen mean? Find the answers here:

  • Background information

    Don’t be blinded by the SPF

    by Natalie Hemengül

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As a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions. 


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