Opinion

Hot or not? 9 sought-after sunscreens and what I think of them

9.9.2024

Translation: Katherine Martin

Hi, I’m Natalie and the product I most enjoy testing is facial sunscreen. Here’s my two cents on nine sun creams I’ve come across this summer.

If you think about it, a decent sunscreen is like your own personal Fountain of Youth. With this in mind, I’ve always got my eyes peeled for sun creams suitable for everyday use all year round. What am I looking for? UV protection that absorbs quickly, is non-greasy (I have combination skin) and, ideally, goes well with my make-up. This summer, I tried a bunch of different sunscreens and took some time to figure out what I thought of them. Here are nine that I haven’t yet written about on Galaxus, including their ratings out of five. A five-sun rating stands for perfection.

But do bear in mind that your skin’s needs are probably different from mine. Products that feel too greasy on me, for instance, might be a real godsend if you have dry skin. So take my sun ratings with a pinch of salt.

If you need a cheat sheet for deciphering SPF and other sun-related lingo, you’ll find a summary of the most important abbreviations and their meanings here:

Background information
Don’t be blinded by the SPF
by Natalie Hemengül

Bright Reveal Dark Spot UV Fluid by L’Oréal

Protection: SPF 50+, UVB + UVA
Filter type: chemical

L’Oréal’s bottle has a pointed applicator tip, so the fluid can be dispensed cleanly. It has a light, serum-like texture that absorbs super quickly, without leaving a greasy film or visible residue behind. This means you’ll have no problem using it as a primer under your make-up. It also contains vitamin C, vitamin E, niacinamide and LHA. The fluid supposedly prevents wrinkles and pigmentation spots if you use it regularly. Unfortunately, it’s heavily perfumed, which I find unpleasant. The sunscreen comes in a flat, slim bottle, so you can slip it into your handbag. I also used it on my arms and legs during the day. Don’t forget to give the bottle a good shake before putting on the sun cream.

☀️☀️☀️

Sunscreen

L'Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot UV Fluid

Suntan cream, SPF 50, 50 ml

Mermaid Skin Gel UV No. 01 by Canmake

Protection: SPF 50+, UVB + UVA (PA++++)
Filter type: Mixture of mineral and chemical filters

This sunscreen ticks all of my boxes: texture, protection, feel and theme (mermaids!). The mixture of cream and gel is effortless to apply, feels refreshing on your skin and gives it plenty of moisture. It covers your skin in a silky, transparent coat that looks great under make-up. Although it smells nice, it isn’t perfumed. Plus, it doesn’t contain alcohol, so it’s suitable for sensitive skin too. Produced by Japanese brand Canmake, this skin gel is my number one right now, and I use it every day.

☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel (Sun gel, SPF 50+, 41 g)

Sunscreen

CHF20.90

Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel

Sun gel, SPF 50+, 41 g

Glowy Sunfluid by Nø Cosmetics

Protection: SPF 50+, UVB + UVA25, sweatproof
Filter type: chemical

Sunfluid by Nø Cosmetics has a rich texture. This fragrance-free sunscreen was a touch too heavy for my combination skin. In fact, it was almost greasy – especially applied in combination with make-up. Because of this, I’d recommend Sunfluid if you have dry skin. The brand, however, says its formula is light, non-greasy, suitable for all skin types and that it strengthens the skin barrier. It also says Sunfluid is sweatproof and makes your skin glow. I can certainly attest to that last part. The product also contains rice starch and rice wax for suppleness. I’ll continue using this sunscreen, but only on my body. I have some nicer options to use on my face.

🦸🦸

Nø Cosmetics Glowy Sunfluid (Sun lotion, SPF 50+, 50 ml)

Sunscreen

CHF20.50 CHF410.–/1l

Nø Cosmetics Glowy Sunfluid

Sun lotion, SPF 50+, 50 ml

Anthelios UV Mune 400 Oil Control Gel Cream by La Roche-Posay

Protection: SPF 50+, UVB + UVA
Filter type: chemical

The Oil Control Gel Cream has a thick consistency. It reminds me of a balm that covers the skin like a protective layer. So, it’s all the more surprising that a few minutes after putting it on, you can barely feel it. When I tried it, it kept my T-zone matt while leaving my skin feeling all moisturised. It goes extremely well with make-up, and is unperfumed.

☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

La Roche Posay Anthelios Oil Control (Sun gel, SPF 50+, 50 ml, 77 g)

Sunscreen

−5%

CHF18.70 was CHF19.70 CHF374.–/1l

La Roche Posay Anthelios Oil Control

Sun gel, SPF 50+, 50 ml, 77 g

Classic Face Mist Sunscreen by Coola

Protection: SPF 50, UVB + UVA, water-resistant
Filter type: chemical

This product is an absolute disaster. When I take off the spray cap for the first time, the sunscreen already seems to be leaking. There are traces of leaked liquid all over it. To apply the sunscreen, I squirt it into the palm of my hand and then spread it over my face. A noxious scent of alcohol and mosquito spray attacks my nostrils. Initially, my skin’s shiny – as if I’ve just done a workout in the sun. That’s despite the fact I probably didn’t apply nearly enough product. After a few minutes, the extreme shine subsides a little, but my skin feels greasy. It’s a shame, because I would’ve liked to use the transparent spray as a touch-up over my make-up.

🦸

Sadly, Coola’s Face Mist turned out to be a total letdown.
Source: Natalie Hemengül

Coola Suncare Classic Face Mist (Sun cream face, SPF 50, 100 ml, 100 g)

Sunscreen

CHF30.70 CHF307.–/1l

Coola Suncare Classic Face Mist

Sun cream face, SPF 50, 100 ml, 100 g

Sensolar sunscreen

Protection: SPF 50, UVB + UVA, water-resistant
Filter type: chemical

If you’ve got your heart set on a spray, then go for a Sensolar one. Although I find this sunscreen slightly greasy too, it somehow feels more pleasant to wear. It’s not scented either. That said, I definitely wouldn’t wear it under my make-up. But on make-up free days spent out in the open, it’s certainly an option. The spray is available in different sizes. I personally think the 50-millilitre bottle is really handy when you’re out and about. Again, you need to shake the bottle well before spraying so that the two phases mix. According to the manufacturer, it can also be used on hair. What’s more, it’s alcohol-free and reef-friendly. Thanks to Community member ClaudiaK550, who recommended Sensolar in a comment under one of my articles.

🧹🧹🧹🧹

Sunscreen

CHF18.90 CHF378.–/1l

Sensolar Sun protection

Protect & Care Face by Daylong

Protection: SPF 50+, UVB + UVA, infrared, water and sweat resistant
Filter type: Mixture of mineral and chemical filters

Daylong’s sunscreen leaves a silky film on the skin, which I find pleasant. But to get to that point, you’ll need some elbow grease. The fluid contains mineral filters as well as chemical ones, so it goes a little white at the beginning. If you really work in the cream (this is a more accurate word than fluid, in my opinion), that whiteness will rub off. There are no fragrances in the sunscreen, so it’s suitable for hypersensitive skin too.

☀️☀️☀️

Daylong Protect & Care (Sun cream face, SPF 50+, 50 ml, 93 g)

Sunscreen

CHF19.50 CHF390.–/1l

Daylong Protect & Care

Sun cream face, SPF 50+, 50 ml, 93 g

Vitamin C Daily UV ultra-light fluid by Garnier

Protection: SPF 50+, UVB + UVA
Filter type: chemical

This is a new Garnier product, and the manufacturer says you need to shake it thoroughly before putting it on. Pretty unusual for a sunscreen that comes in a tube, but it really is necessary. If you skip this step, the fluid separates as it’s coming out of the tube. Besides that, I think the packaging’s on point. Quite literally, actually. The pointy opening makes it easy to apply the sun fluid to your face. Its light, liquid texture is brilliant too. It absorbs quickly, is non-greasy and harmonises perfectly with make-up. In fact, if it weren’t for the pungent smell of perfume, it’d be absolutely perfect. There are several fragrances in the sunscreen, so it’s really surprising to see Garnier claiming that the product’s suitable for sensitive skin. Side note: the vitamin C in the formula is supposed to lighten dark spots over time.

🦸🦸

Not for me: the fragrance in the Vitamin C Daily UV Fluid is simply too strong.
Source: Natalie Hemengül

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Natalie Hemengül

Senior Editor

Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.ch

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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Search

Hot or not? 9 sought-after sunscreens and what I think of them

Don’t be blinded by the SPF

Bright Reveal Dark Spot UV Fluid by L’Oréal

Mermaid Skin Gel UV No. 01 by Canmake

Glowy Sunfluid by Nø Cosmetics

Anthelios UV Mune 400 Oil Control Gel Cream by La Roche-Posay

Classic Face Mist Sunscreen by Coola

Sensolar sunscreen

Protect & Care Face by Daylong

Vitamin C Daily UV ultra-light fluid by Garnier

These articles might also interest you

The ultimate facial sunscreen comparison – part 1

The ultimate facial sunscreen comparison – part 2

«Mind if I take a look?» – the secret inner workings of my mirror cabinet

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Don’t be blinded by the SPF

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