SPF is your BFF all year round!

That’s right! Sunscreen or SPF isn’t just for summer when you’re chilling at the beach or when its sunny. This is an all-year-round product for everyone, regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity. Yes, even in winter when there is little to no sun in Naarm/Melbourne (or anywhere) those pesky UVA and UVB rays can get ya!

Not only is SPF the only anti-aging product that will make a difference to your skin, it is also vital in protecting you from developing skin cancers like melanoma. Also, who doesn’t wanna look youthful af at 50! Remember, doing your 10-step skincare routine won’t do anything if you’re not using SPF!

Things to look out for when purchasing an SPF are the AUST L number which is usually located at the bottom of the packaging. This number means the SPF has been approved under the TGA and the strict guidelines that exist for Australian sunscreens. If this number is nowhere to be found on the packaging, it is likely you won’t get adequate protection from the sun by Australian standards or that this SPF hasn’t been approved by the TGA. Another thing to look out for when buying an SPF is UVA and UVB protection or broad-spectrum protection. In simplified terms, UVA relates to rays that Age the skin and UVB rays relates to ones that Burn the skin. By investing in a broad-spectrum SPF you are ensuring the best possible protection for your beautiful skin!

I know that SPF can be associated with being overly white and having the ability to turn anyone into Casper the friendly ghost! As well as being greasy and uncomfortable on pretty much everyone. On top of this, the common misconception that people of colour do not need to wear sunscreen due to having more melanin than white folks. This message has largely been perpetuated by the media as well as SPF companies who have in the past only created SPFs with white folks in mind! Luckily and finally times are changing.

Below I’ve listed my Top 10 facial SPFs with handy Yes/No answers in relation to specific categories. These categories are whether the SPF has a white cast, what the formula of it is, whether it can be used on all skin types, if it is fragrance free and whether the SPF is accessible or affordable.

Just a heads up, when applying your sunscreen, you need 6 pumps or ¼ teaspoon of the product to apply to your face/neck to get the recommended amount of protection. And remember to reapply every 2 hours for maximum protection.

 Enjoy! And I hope you find you SPF match!

**Also to note I am not a licensed Doctor, Dermatologist or Aesthetician, just someone who has a keen interest in all things skincare and SPF!

1.      Cancer Council Invisible Matte SPF 50+ 75ml tube: Chemical SPF

-          White cast? = No

-          Formula? = Chemical SPF with UVA UVB protection; Cream; Matte once dried down

-          All skin types can use this? = Yes. One SPF I recommend to everyone regardless of age, gender or race!

-          Fragrance free? = Yes

-          Accessible? = Very! Available at Chemist Warehouse for $13.49 (regularly on sale at CW and Coles too)

2.      La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+ 50ml tube: Chemical SPF

-          White cast? = No

-          Formula? = Chemical SPF with UVA UVB protection; Liquid; Satin finish once dried down

-          All skin types can use this? = Yes

-          Fragrance free? = Yes

-          Accessible? = Very! Available at Chemist Warehouse for $28.99 (regularly goes on sale) or at Adore Beauty for $33.95 (UniDays discount available)

3.      Nivea UV Face Shine Control SPF 50+ 50ml tube: Chemical SPF

-          White cast? = No

-          Formula? = Chemical SPF with UVA UVB protection; Cream; Matte/Powdery finish

-          All skin types can use this? = Yes. However, drier skin types may find the finish uncomfortable

-          Fragrance free? = No. Has that classic sunscreen scent

-          Accessible? = Very! Available at Chemist Warehouse for $12.49 (also available at Coles, Priceline and Woolworths)

4.      TBH Skincare Skin Shady 50+ 100ml tube: Chemical SPF

-          White cast? = No

-          Formula? = Chemical SPF with UVA UVB protection; Cream; Satin to Matte finish

-          All skin types can use this? = Yes! This product is mainly targeted at people with acne prone skin but is available for all to use!

-          Fragrance free? = Yes

-          Accessible? = Higher end. Available through the tbhskincare website for $42.00  

5.      Ultra Violette Supreme Screen 50+ 75ml tube: Chemical SPF

-          White cast? = No. But it does have a slight tint that fades once rubbed in

-          Formula? = Chemical SPF with UVA UVB protection; Gel/Cream hybrid; Dewy to Satin finish

-          All skin types can use this? = Yes! It is mainly targeted at those with drier skin types but is available for all to use!

-          Fragrance free? = No. This one has a clean scent that dissipates once rubbed in

-          Accessible? = Higher end. Available through Adore Beauty for $49.00 (UniDays discount available)

6.      Ultra-Violette Clean Screen 30 75ml tube: Part Chemical Part Mineral SPF

-          White cast? = No. But does have a tint to offset the titanium dioxide, fades once rubbed in

-          Formula? = Part Chemical Part Mineral SPF with UVA UVB protection; Lightweight gel; Velvet to Matte finish

-          All skin types can use this? = Possibly. This one is targeted for those that have very sensitive skin or oily combination. Drier skin types may be averse to the finish

-          Fragrance free? = Yes!

-          Accessible? = Higher end. Available through Adore Beauty for $47.00 (UniDays discount available)

7.      Naked Sundays Collagen Glow Crème SPF 50+ 50ml tube: Chemical SPF

-          White cast? = No

-          Formula? = Chemical SPF with UVA UVB protection; Water cream; Dewy to glowy finish

-          All skin types can use this? = Probably not. This one is particularly good for those with Normal to Dry or very dry skin types. Those with oily skin types may use this in place of a moisturiser

-          Fragrance free? = Yes

-          Accessible? = Mid-range. Available at Naked Sundays for $34.95 or at Mecca for $34.95  

8.      Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face Sunscreen SPF 50+ 75g tube: Chemical SPF:

-          White cast? = No. Slight tint that rubs in clear

-          Formula? = Chemical SPF with UVA UVB protection, cream with a satin finish

-          All skin types can use this? = No. Best suited for normal to oily skin types as it can be quite drying for drier skin types

-          Fragrance free? = No. Has the classic Mecca floral-y scent.

-          Accessible? = Mid-to High-range. Available at Mecca Cosmetica or Mecca Maxima for $19.00 for 30g or $42.00 for 75g

9.      New Day Skin Good Vibes or Happy Days SPF 50+ 100ml tube: Mineral SPF

-          White cast? = No. Does have a tint to it though to offset the white cast from the zinc.

-          Formula? = Mineral SPF with UVA UVB protection, cream with a satin and lightweight finish

-          All skin types can use this? = Yes! Very calming for sensitive skin due to the zinc

-          Fragrance free? = No. Good Vibes has a fresh apple scent and Happy Days has a creamy vanilla scent

-          Accessible? = Yes. Available at New Day Skin for $29.95. Also available in bundle packs to save extra $

10.  Naked Sundays Collagen Glow Mineral SPF 50+ 50ml tube: Mineral SPF

-          White cast? = No. Slight tint to offset the white cast from the zinc oxide

-          Formula? = Mineral SPF with UVA UVB protection, cream with a slightly glowy finish. It is a thicker consistency due to the zinc, but doesn’t make the skin feel heavy after applying it.

-          All skin types can use this? = Yes. Its non-greasy and non-drying so perfect for all

-          Fragrance free? = Yes

Accessible? = Mid-range. Available at Naked Sundays and Mecca for $39.95