The Ultimate SPF Guide 2026: The Best Face & Body Sunscreens Tested
If there’s one beauty product I’ll never stop talking about, it’s SPF. So, I’ve pulled together the ultimate SPF guide for 2026; everything you need to know, from the best formulas to buy right now to exactly how much you should be applying and why it matters so much.
Despite the British summer once again keeping us on our toes, my feelings about SPF remain unchanged: it is the most important step in your skincare routine. With skin cancer rates continuing to rise, I will never stop banging the SPF drum. Whether it’s sunny, cloudy, raining, freezing or you're sitting by a window working from home, SPF deserves a place in your daily routine. Every single day.
And before anyone says, “But Lisa, SPF 50 means I won’t tan!” let me reassure you. I recently returned from my beloved Ibiza, where I wore factor 50 religiously and still came home with a gorgeous golden glow. SPF doesn't stop you from tanning; it helps you tan more safely. And safe skin will always be the most beautiful skin.
Think of this as your one-stop SPF handbook. In this guide, I’m sharing the SPFs I’m loving right now, the common mistakes I see people making, how much you actually need to apply, and the simple habits that can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your skin. Because I care about your skin, and I will absolutely be that person reminding you to wear your SPF.
What do the +’s mean on SPF?
You’ve seen the little plus signs after the SPF rating – SPF 50+, 30+ etc. – but what do they actually mean? The more +’s, the higher the UVA protection. Simple.
What is the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?
It all comes down to how they protect your skin from the sun.
Mineral Sunscreen:
Also known as physical sunscreen, this type sits on top of the skin and acts like a shield. It uses ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect UV rays away from the surface. These are a great shout if you’ve got sensitive, reactive, or acne-prone skin, as the formulas tend to be gentler and less likely to irritate.
The downside? They can be a bit thicker, and some might leave a slight white cast (although newer formulas are MUCH better – no ghostly vibes here).
Chemical Sunscreen:
These are the smooth operators of the SPF world. Lightweight, easy to blend, and often totally invisible on the skin. Instead of sitting on top, chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, which then gets released from the skin. Clever, right?
Why do you need a separate SPF for your face and body?
Short answer: yes.
Long answer: the skin on your face is thinner, more delicate, and exposed to way more throughout the day – pollution, weather, makeup, blue light… you name it. Facial SPFs are designed with this in mind and often include added skincare benefits like antioxidants or hydrating ingredients. Plus, body SPFs can sometimes clog pores or feel too heavy on the face. So, treat your face to its own formula, it deserves it.
Does sunscreen expire?
Yes, and it’s more important than you think. Once opened, SPF typically lasts around 6–12 months. Unopened, it can last up to 2 years.
Top tip? If you’ve had the same bottle of sunscreen for over a year, you’re probably not using enough. Daily application means you should be working through it regularly – especially if you’re doing it right (remember the two-finger rule!).
Now onto my favourites...
Best For Face:
I always apply my SPF before makeup as the last step of my skincare routine. We all know it’s so important (hello, anti-aging and saying NO to sun damage!). But what actually makes a SPF pleasant to use? This is where this list comes in.
From silky-smooth face formulas to glow-boosting body oils, these are SPFs I reach for daily. They’re heard working, effective and most importantly – nice enough that you’ll actually want to reapply them to your face multiple times a day.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios offers superior UV protection with MEXORYL400. This SPF 50+ formula is ultra-light, non-comedogenic, and sweat-resistant. Ideal for sensitive skin or oily types who still want full protection without the weight. Recommended by dermatologists, it's also suitable for cancer patients undergoing treatment.
The OG. Feels like skincare, works like serious sun protection. This one’s hydrating, slightly glowy, and layers beautifully under makeup. My everyday go-to.
CeraVe is a brilliant, affordable brand. I feel like this is the ultimate multi-tasker. It’s a morning moisturiser, barrier-repairing skincare and broad-spectrum SPF all in one. Packed with niacinamide and ceramides, it’s perfect for sensitive or compromised skin days.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Skin Protection Fluid SPF50 is a luxury choice that truly delivers. A cult classic for a reason – hydrating, anti-aging and gives your skin that “just-had-a-facial” look! This is amazing under makeup so I love to take it on a shoot with me.
Ok this baby is serious. The Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect does it all. High protection, DNA repair for enzymes, peptides, antioxidants. Suitable for all skin types but amazing for anyone looking to combine SPF with serious anti-aging power!
Aussies know suncream! Luxe, lightweight, non-greasy with a semi-matte finish that is so seamless under makeup. Absolutely love their minimal, chic, packaging too!
Super lightweight with a matte finish, shine-free finish, this is amazing for oily or combination skin. It uses a mix of mineral and chemical filters plus oil-absorbing silica to keep your skin protected and velvety all day.
Best Tinted SPF:
If you're someone who wants protection and a little complexion boost in one step, tinted SPFs are an absolute game-changer. Not only do they help shield your skin from UV damage, but many also contain iron oxides, which can offer additional protection against visible light, particularly beneficial if you're prone to pigmentation or melasma.
They're also brilliant for those low-maintenance makeup days when you want your skin to look fresher, more even and glowier without reaching for a full-coverage foundation. Think of them as skincare, sun protection and complexion-enhancing makeup all rolled into one.
This is my ideal "your skin but better" product. It gives a beautiful, healthy-looking glow with lightweight coverage that evens everything out without masking your skin. The addition of peptides makes it feel more like skincare than makeup, and it's the perfect choice for days when you want radiance, protection and minimal effort.
If you like your tinted SPF to work a little harder, this one is a winner. It delivers sheer, natural-looking coverage that blurs and evens out the complexion while still feeling incredibly lightweight on the skin. I love how fresh and healthy it makes my skin look, and the high SPF protection means it's the perfect throw-on-and-go product for busy days when you want minimal makeup but maximum protection.
This is one for anyone who loves that effortless, fresh-faced look. The coverage is light and breathable, but it does a beautiful job of softening redness and evening out skin tone while letting your natural skin shine through. It gives the kind of healthy, luminous finish that makes people ask what you're wearing, when really it's just great skin and great SPF.
If you usually find SPF too heavy or greasy, this could be your perfect match. The serum-like texture feels virtually weightless on the skin, while the subtle tint helps to even out the complexion and add a healthy, natural-looking finish. Packed with skincare ingredients too, it's one of those products that makes your skin look better the moment you apply it and helps protect it long-term.
For those days when you want your skin to look impossibly fresh and glowy, DreamBeam is such a joy to wear. The lightly tinted formula helps brighten and blur the complexion, giving skin a healthy, lit-from-within radiance without feeling heavy or makeup-like. It's the kind of product that makes you look well-rested, even when life says otherwise.
Best SPF Over Makeup:
Enter the SPF mist. So great when you’re out and about and want to touch up your protection without ruining your makeup... obviously, suncream is always better on naked skin so you can really make sure you’re covered! But that’s not always possible so keep one of these babies in your bag!
A refreshing, ultra-fine mist that makes SPF top-ups a breeze. This hydrating spray sits beautifully over makeup and doesn’t leave a sticky residue – perfect for on-the-go glow and protection.
Lightweight, cooling, and reef-friendly, this mist is ideal for a quick spritz of hydration and high protection. It’s oil-free, smells like summer, and won’t mess with your makeup—win, win, win.
Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist SPF 50+ is an award-winning formula with Australian botanicals. It sets makeup, adds a luminous glow, and offers high-performance sun protection. Infused with hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract, and Kakadu plum, it's perfect for on-the-go reapplication.
Ultra Violette's Preen Screen Reapplication Mist SPF 50 provides an extra dose of protection with a glowy finish. This lightweight, silky mist fits seamlessly into your routine, making midday top-ups easy and effective.
Fine, refreshing mist that won’t mess up your makeup. Pop it in your bag for top-ups throughout the day – it’s a city girl’s dream.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible SPF 50 Anti-Shine Mist offers high protection with a light, fresh thermal spring water texture. It provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with an invisible, ultra-dry finish and can be worn under or over makeup. This is as good as the cream version and so easy to apply on the beach etc.
Best Sunscreen for Your Body:
Whether you’re a spray or cream girly, I’ve got you covered! I personally like to use a cream before I head out for the day. That way I can really take my time applying it (usually before getting dressed so I don’t miss anywhere) and then I take a spray out with me for reapplying. The sprays are particularly good on the beach as sand sticks to them less!
Don’t forget to top up your SPF every 2-4 hours. Set yourself an alarm if you’re forgetful (or likely to have multiple margaritas!).
You already know this smells amazing. It is like summer in a bottle and leaves your skin glowing (not sticky!). Inspired by the "Summer of the Cans," this fragrance evokes a nostalgic, sun-kissed memory.
I love this as it hydrates like a body lotion but protects so well. And the smell? It’s giving fruity cocktail. Not sure how they do it but I’m so here for it. Also, it leaves a beautiful healthy sheen on the skin.
Shiseido Expert Sun Protector SPF 50 offers responsive UV protection that strengthens with heat and water. Its lightweight, invisible formula maintains hydration and combats photo-aging, ensuring smooth, plump skin.
I have loved this product for years – the Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Spray delivers broad-spectrum protection in an ultra-sheer, dry touch formula enriched with Vitamin E. Even the bottle just give summer!
Ok this one is in the list as it is one of the most natural suncreams on the market. The Coola Body Spray Coconut SPF 50 features a natural scent and 70%+ organic formula. Love that it is water-resistant sunscreen but provides broad-spectrum protection and nourishes skin with an antioxidant-rich Plant Protection complex.
Does anyone else feel like they could just bathe in Nuxe products?! They always feel so luxurious. The Nuxe SPF 50 Sun Spray protects face and body from UV rays while preventing dark spots and premature ageing. Absorbs super quickly. Amazing for those of you who love to tan but want to do it safely.
Lancaster Sun Protective Water SPF 30 offers broad-spectrum protection and helps repair sun damage. Its lightweight, refreshing texture provides a golden tan with a nude skin sensation, suitable for wet skin application.
Biotherm Waterlover Sun Mist is eco-tested for marine safety – which makes it so amazing for taking on holiday. This invisible, hydrating sun mist protects skin while preserving aquatic life. Enriched with Life Plankton, it absorbs quickly, leaving skin radiant. Honestly, what’s not to love?!
Is Hawaiian Tropic super nostalgic for anyone else?! I feel like I’ve been using this forever. It smells amazing as it is enriched with cocoa and shea butter. Not only that, it offers high UV protection with skincare benefits – 12-hour moisturisation and protection against premature ageing.
Shimmery SPFs:
You know I had to include SPF’s that basically make you look like the best disco ball at the (beach) bar, right? And if you're anything like me, summer is all about glowing skin. And while I'll always prioritise protection, I absolutely love a sunscreen that gives a little extra radiance while it's at it. Shimmery SPFs are perfect for holiday night outs, weddings, garden parties or simply those days when you want your skin to look healthy, luminous and expensive. Think sun protection with a side of glow; what's not to love?
This is the body SPF I reach for when I want legs, shoulders and décolletage to look incredible. The lightweight oil gives skin the most beautiful golden sheen without looking too glittery or over-the-top, while still delivering serious SPF50 protection. It makes skin look smoother, healthier and instantly more radiant; basically holiday skin in a bottle.
If you love that just-stepped-off-the-beach glow, this one is a dream. The ultra-fine mist is so easy to apply and leaves skin looking beautifully glossy and sun-kissed, without feeling sticky or heavy. It's perfect for topping up your SPF throughout the day, and the subtle luminosity makes bare skin look instantly healthier, fresher and ready for summer.
This is what I call a feel-good SPF. The silky lotion melts into the skin beautifully, leaving behind a gorgeous, dewy glow that catches the light in all the right places. It gives skin that healthy, hydrated holiday look while still delivering broad-spectrum protection, making it perfect for everything from beach days to summer evenings when you want your limbs to look their absolute best.
For anyone who loves a subtle shimmer, this is such a clever summer buy. It combines reliable broad-spectrum protection with delicate light-reflecting particles that give skin a beautiful sunlit glow. Think radiant rather than glittery; the kind of finish that makes bare legs and shoulders look healthy, luminous and effortlessly polished.
Best Sunscreen For your Lips:
DO. NOT. FORGET. ABOUT. YOUR. LIPS. Ok? Honestly, SPF lip balm is so so important as our lips are easily damaged. And if you are a cold sore sufferer like me, these are vital.
The pink packaging is honestly enough for me to buy this… um, hi Barbie! But seriously, the Ultra Violette Sheen Screen SPF 50 Hydrating Lip Balm offers glossy colour, hydration, and sun protection. Available in six shades with a peppermint scent, it's perfect for everyday use.
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Targeted Sun Defense Stick SPF 50 protects over-exposed areas like lips and nose. Combining intense sun protection with the benefits of Eight Hour Cream, it's convenient for year-round use.
Bondi Sands SPF 50 Lip Balm hydrates and soothes dry lips with a toasted coconut scent, offering high sun protection.
Moisturising and doesn’t leave that dreaded chalky film. I stash one in every bag. Also LOVE the berry scent of this!
I feel like this is a no fuss option. It shields lips from UV rays and prevents chapping. Infused with blackcurrant seed oil, it offers intense moisturisation and is perfect for everyday wear.
Nivea Sun Lip Balm SPF 30 protects lips from UVA/UVB rays while moisturising for 24 hours. For the price of these, I feel like you can’t go wrong.
SPF Eye Cream:
SPF for your eyes… yes, really. You know how you’re incredibly careful about choosing an eye cream because of the delicate skin around our eyes? Well, apply that thinking to your SPF too and you won’t regret it. Also amazing, if you’re someone like me who has very sensitive eyes or wears contacts. Sometimes, I find face creams applied to closely to my eyes make them water, so these are perfect to prevent that.
Designed specifically for the delicate eye area. No sting, no pilling – just bright, protected under-eyes. Is there anything Medik8 can’t achieve when it comes to our skin?!
This is a slightly more affordable option over the Medik8. I find this goes on with a slight mauve colour which really helps you see exactly where you’re applying. But don’t worry, that skins in after a few seconds! A great option.
Best for Sport:
You know me, guys. I love sports and being active. Wild swim or a long cycle on a hot day? I’m there! Using a standard SPF doesn’t tend to do the job when you’re sweating or immersed in water. But these babies do…
Ultra Sun has been my OG for years. Honestly the best suncream you’ll ever use for swimming! This offers non-greasy, transparent sun protection, its fast-absorbing and a dry-touch formula provides long-lasting UVA, UVB, and Infrared A protection.
Shiseido Sports BB SPF 50 features sweat-activated protection and quick-dry technology for a fresh, healthy glow. It provides amazing sun protection for active days.
Lancaster Sport Sun SPF 30 gel targets the full sun spectrum and helps repair skin. Its weightless, invisible formula is perfect for intense activities, offering a matte finish and easy application on wet or dry skin. Also as we’ve talked about, the spray is amazing for when you’re out on a cycle or even in the pool and want to top up!
Hair SPF:
So we’ve covered your entire body, face, and lips, but what about your hair? Yep, that’s right, don’t leave out the locks. Along with a hat, these are the best SPFs to protect your hair. Ps: If you can’t get your hands on any of these, your UV hair protector will also help to protect.
Tan Accelerating Lotions:
These are brilliant to use as your body moisturiser after you’ve been in the sun to keep your tan glowing. Because who want’s their holiday to ever end?!
Lancaster Golden Tan Maximizer After Sun Lotion prolongs your tan and soothes sun-exposed skin. With Buriti oil, it intensifies melanin production for a long-lasting, golden tan.
Gatineau Tan Accelerating Lotion prepares, boosts and prolongs your tan. It enhances natural melanin production, providing effective self-protection for a beautiful, long-lasting tan. Love the size of this product as it really feels you can slather it all over your skin!
There you have it. My ultimate holy grail of SPFs. PLEASE remember protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is an ESSENTIAL part of maintaining long-term health AND keeping your skin looking fabulous. Whether sunny or rainy, make it part of your daily routine. You won’t regret it, I promise.
Stay safe in the sun always.
Love,
Lisa xx