Having the palest skin means I have to wear SPF all year round. Now the weathers getting better (thank goodness!) I really have to up my SPF routine and make sure my skin is protected! Obviously it’s best to avoid being in the sun between 11am and 3pm but I understand that for most of us this isn’t practical. If you have to be out in the sunshine make sure to wear a hat and some sunglasses to protect your eyes and of course lots and lots of suncream! Here’s my top picks for both the face and body.
Face SPF
Garnier Mattifying Suncream – SPF 30
This is my favourite suncream for everyday! There’s a full post on this suncream and it’s incredible mattifying properties. It doesn’t have a smell or leave your face looking ghostly, shiny and sticky so it’s perfect for going under makeup. I use this suncream all year round before I put my makeup on and it’s a life saver! Definitely an amazing find and something that will be in my skincare routine permanently.
Piz Buin Ultra Light Hydrating Sun Spray – SPF 30
The reason I love this suncream is in the name, it’s ultra light! Although this doesn’t dry matte like the Garnier suncream it’s very light and hydrating on the skin. This applies well below makeup as long as you put it on around half an hour before you apply your foundation. This gives it enough time to settle in to your skin so it won’t effect your foundation and make it go patchy. It has a spray applicator so as long as you don’t mind a little bit of shine this can be easily reapplied throughout the day.
Bioderma Hydrabio Moisturising Anti-UV Mist – SPF 30
I’m sure you all know my love for facial sprays by now. This one is amazing because it’s SPF 30! It’s from the Bioderma Hydrabio range so is extremely hydrating to the skin as well as protecting it from the suns harmful rays. It’s in a little can so it’s perfect for popping in to your handbag and having little top ups throughout the day!
Bioderma Photoderm Max Aquafluid – SPF 50+
As the weather gets warmer and warmer and the sun gets brighter I like to really up my sun care protection. This factor 50+ suncream from Bioderma’s photoderm range is created for sensitive skin so doesn’t irritate my face. I make sure to use this whenever I know I’m going to be outside a lot. It has a very runny texture and doesn’t really have a smell. It’s very lightweight and thankfully doesn’t leave you feeling sticky or greasy.
Body SPF
PHD Skincare Sunscreen – SPF 50
This is a seriously awesome suncream! This aerosol spray is invisible and drys almost instantly after spraying on the skin. I love it because it has a long wand perfect for getting awkward parts of your body like your back and neck! It has quite a strong smell when first applied but this goes away once it’s dried in. This is perfect for bringing to the beach or when you’re out for the day in a summer dress or shorts as it’s so quick and easy to apply. I personally don’t like to use this on my face as the aerosol is quite strong so you’re likely to breath it in. (May or may not have happened and it wasn’t pleasant!)
Bioderma Photoderm Bronz – SPF30
This is new to my SPF collection and I’ve been trying it out over the past couple of weeks. It applies as an invisible mist. It has an oily feel when first applied and takes a few minutes to settle into the skin but once it does there’s no greasy residue which I like! This sun mist is supposed to prevent you getting sunburnt but allow you skin to tan. Obviously as I’m so pale I don’t tend to ever tan but I’m looking forward to using this on my legs during the summer to see if it will allow them to look slightly less ghostly! This also smells really nice, it smells like a fruity sort of body mist!
Malibu Clear All Day Protection – SPF 50
This has been my go to for the past few summers. It has a non greasy formula and a spray bottle. I spray this all over my body and it lasts the whole day. It’s even water resistant so would be great if you’re going on holiday! Even my boyfriend uses this in the summer. It quick and easy to apply and gives all day protection. It does have a smell but it’s not too overpowering. This is also a relatively cheap suncream.
Piz Buin Ultra Light Hydrating Sun Spray – SPF 30
As I mentioned above this is ultra light and hydrating. I like to apply this to my body if my skin is feeling rather dry as I think the cream feels more hydrating than an invisible oil. This is a great all round suncream if you don’t want to have a separate facial suncream as well as one for your body.
I hope this guide helps you to decide what suncream you need to get this summer! I’m always trying out new suncreams to make sure I get the best protection! What’re your top sun care picks?
PaleGirlRambling xo
Very helpful post 😊. I hate sun creams that take all day to sink into the skin and ones that feel sticky! I’m on holiday at the moment with a Ladival one 😊
I love the look of the Malibu spray, it sounds so quick and easy! Must get around to picking that up xx
Hannah | luxuryblush
This post is so useful!! The sun has finally emerged in the Midwest and I’ve been hunting for a new facial sunscreen. Body creams that dry fast and don’t ruin your clothes are a bonus!
Xx
Emily
Hi what a helpful post nothing worse than suncresm that takes a long time to sink into the skin. Have you tried Tesco’s sensitive range great and a bargain, Chloe #TeacupClub
This is such a helpful post! I’m off to America in September and this post will help me so much with what to buy 💖
Great post, very helpful, my skin is so pale and really sensitive and can burn so easily!!
Amazing post! Getting sunburns is the worst thing ever. I’m always trying to protect my skin and use SPF products. Although sometimes some of them don’t actually do their job. Definitely going to check out some of these ones you mentioned. xo
Antonia || Sweet Passions
Ohh this is such a helpful post thank you! I have extremely pale skin too, but weirdly I also tan very easily, so I really worry about skin damage. I think I’ll check out the Garnier face SPF as my oily skin needs a matte product. Great post! 🙂
I can relate to this post so much!! Ive started wearing tan so I actually worry about this a little less now!! Love some of the products youve mentioned!!
Sarah | sazsinclair.blogspot.co.uk xx
This post is a serious life saver and super useful – especially with the stunning weather we seem to be having already. I must admit I don’t use sun cream as much as I probably should! Thanks for sharing! – Ruminvte xo
This is a very helpful post for me as I’m heading off travelling this summer in different countries and sun cream is something I’m never sure on what type is suitable!
Jessica | growchangeaccept.co.uk
So many products. But so helpful to know. My skin is quite tanned yet super sensitive so I always burn really badly. While my sister is super white but never get sunburnt. So weird! I will remember these tips! xx corinne
I have to admit, I’m absolutely terrible when it comes to facial SPF! I have rarely ever worn it apart from the odd moisturiser that has SPF15! I dread to think what it’s done to my skin, but I’m definitely going to buy one, I like the sound of the Bioderma ones!! xx
Laura | http://www.blushandbronzeblog.com
The Garnier SPF sounds interesting! I use ‘Ultrasun Face’ everyday, have you ever tried it? 😘
This post is so helpful! I have such sensitive skin. I love the Body Shop skin defence for my face as it is a factor 50!!
Nicole x Nicoleannx
I’m also a part of the pale girl club (hooray for being a ginger!) and I’m always trying to find SPF products that don’t make my face break out. I’ll definitely have to try the Bioderma Aquafluid! Thanks for the tip xx
Amber || mylifeinlimbo.com
Thank you this is so helpful! I never used to burn quite as much as I do now its so hard to get it right.
I really identify with you! Having sensitive and light skin means better protection! Great post!
The mattifying one sounds great, perfect for everyday!
Outdoors in Australia continual use of spf 50 seems to be necessary. When in Europe though I can get away with less. Loved your article. 😊👌
This is such a great post! I have that Garnier sun cream and I put it on under my makeup during the summer months too. I have to say though, I’m guilty of forgetting on the cloudier days so I really need to get into a good routine with it!
Claire xo
clairelouiisexo.co.uk
Great post! Personally I hate wearing a hat but a few years ago we found a head spray that Malibu made (spf 15)! It’s a clear liquid that you spray onto your head and it’s not at all greasy and smells incredible!
I always stick with Piz Buin! I’m always paranoid with SPF so try and get the highest SPF possible
Ronnie
http://www.veronicabizzarri.com
xx
This is a really helpful post. Thank you 🙂
Glad it was helpful!
PaleGirlRambling xo