After what feels like weeks of grey skies, drizzle, and debating whether we really needed to pack away our winter coats, it finally looks like the UK is about to get some proper sunshine. It may have taken until the second May bank holiday of the year, but warmer weather is officially on the horizon — and with it comes the annual reminder that SPF is an everyday essential, not just something reserved for holidays abroad. Whether you’re heading to a beer garden, planning a park picnic, or simply enjoying your morning coffee in the garden, protecting your skin from UV damage should be at the top of your beauty routine. The good news? SPF formulas have come a long way. Gone are the days of thick, chalky sunscreens that pill under makeup or leave a white cast. From lightweight facial fluids to glow-boosting formulas, these are the five SPF products worth adding to your routine this summer.
Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect
If you’re looking for an SPF that feels more like premium skincare than traditional sun cream, this Medik8 formula is well worth the investment. Advanced Day Ultimate Protect combines broad-spectrum SPF50+ protection with environmental defence, helping to shield skin from pollution, blue light, infrared rays and premature ageing. Despite its high protection, the texture is lightweight, nourishing and comfortable enough for everyday wear, sitting beautifully under makeup without pilling. The formula also contains hydrating and antioxidant-rich ingredients, making it a great choice for anyone wanting to streamline their morning routine. It’s an especially good option for mature, dehydrated or city-exposed skin types.
Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defence SPF30
Mineral SPFs have a reputation for being thick or leaving behind a noticeable white cast, but Dermalogica’s Invisible Physical Defence manages to avoid both. This sheer SPF30 formula uses non-nano zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum protection while blending surprisingly seamlessly into the skin. Lightweight and fragrance-free, it feels comfortable enough for daily wear and layers easily beneath makeup or worn alone on no-makeup days. The addition of antioxidant-rich matcha green tea helps defend against environmental stressors, while soothing ingredients make it particularly suitable for sensitive or reactive skin. It’s proof that mineral sunscreen formulas have come a very long way in recent years.
Jan Marini Daily Face Protectant SPF30
For those who prefer their SPF to feel completely invisible on the skin, Jan Marini’s Daily Face Protectant is a standout option. This lightweight SPF30 formula offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection while maintaining a silky, breathable finish that works beautifully as a makeup base. Unlike heavier sunscreens that can feel greasy throughout the day, this one absorbs quickly and leaves skin looking smooth rather than shiny. It’s particularly well suited to combination and oily skin types, thanks to its elegant texture and non-comedogenic formula. Simple, reliable and easy to wear daily, it’s the kind of SPF that slots effortlessly into any skincare routine.
Murad Multi-Vitamin Clear Coat Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Murad’s Multi-Vitamin Clear Coat SPF50 is ideal for anyone wanting high-level sun protection alongside a healthy, radiant glow. This lightweight formula combines broad-spectrum SPF50 with a cocktail of antioxidant-rich vitamins designed to help defend against environmental damage and dullness. Despite the skincare benefits, it never feels heavy or sticky on the skin, instead leaving behind a fresh, luminous finish that works especially well during warmer weather. The sheer texture layers comfortably under makeup without pilling and gives skin a subtle glow even on bare-skin days. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to simplify their morning routine while still prioritising daily protection.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50
Affordable, reliable and dermatologist-loved, CeraVe’s AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50 is proof that effective sun protection doesn’t need to come with a luxury price tag. Combining broad-spectrum SPF50 with the brand’s signature ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this multitasking formula helps protect the skin barrier while delivering long-lasting hydration throughout the day. The lightweight lotion absorbs well without feeling overly greasy, making it a practical everyday option for normal to dry skin types. Fragrance-free and gentle enough for sensitive skin, it’s particularly well suited to anyone wanting a fuss-free SPF that fits seamlessly into a simple morning skincare routine.