It’s an on-going mantra every summer: slather on the SPF. Whether you’re going on a hike, junk, or just walking to work, choosing a dream cream is harder than it looks. With all the options out there, we’ve boiled it down to our ten favourites to keep your skin protected all summer long. Get that Vitamin D without the worry!
Back to Basics
Neutrogena is always a great budget-friendly option, and their Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 55 is no exception. This lightweight facial sunscreen is a great match for most skin types and it’s, well, dry to the touch! You won’t need to worry about that sticky sunscreen feel with this bad boy. We suggest mixing a dime-sized drop with your favourite foundation for an easy barrier against the summer rays.
City Slicker
Hong Kong is notorious for its palpable smog and unrelenting summers. Your solution? Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 PA+++ is developed specifically for harsh urban environments. Not only does it contain herbal extracts and mineral powders that conceal blemishes and pores, it leaves a matte finish – a life-saver for grease and acne-prone skin.
Available here for $259.56.
Sheerly Protected
A brand hailed by dermatologists around the globe, it’s no surprise that SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 would be anything short of an all-around win: it’s water-resistant, lightweight as can be, boosts skin’s natural radiance and contains plankton extract to give your skin a power-up in fighting off broad spectrum UV rays and heat stress.
Available here for $263.59.
Ozzie Ozzie
A sunscreen, self-tanner and bronzer, this all-in-one product will cut your makeup time and product costs in thirds. Slather Australian Gold Faces Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer Plus Gradual Tanner all over to avoid the rays and the heinous orange glow. The gradual tanner will ease you into a perfect sun-kissed shade. If you’re still not convinced, the delicious coconut scent will transport you to the tropics faster than you can say “bikini”.
Available here for $77.45.
Natural Wonder
Clarins UV Plus High Protection Day Screen SPF 40 is a non-greasy formula that not only absorbs quickly to help speed up your pre-work beauty routine, it’s a mineral-based cream that doesn’t use chemicals to protect your skin from the sun. A natural formula that gives you a natural look – what’s not to love?
Available here for $360. See all Clarins stores in Hong Kong here.
Cover-Up the Sun
When you get that dreaded pimple, sheer coverage just doesn’t cut it. Cue Bobbi Brown SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer Oil-Free for full coverage that won’t melt off in a cakey disaster throughout the day. To conceal blemishes and red spots, dab on a cream-based concealer a shade lighter than you usually use for a flawless summer complexion.
Available for $341.13. See all Hong Kong store location here.
Young & Younger
A product with sunscreen, full coverage, and anti-aging properties? The day has come. Estee Lauder Daywear BB Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Creme SPF 35 contains a generous dose of vitamin C and E to target aging skin and a kick of hyaluronic acid to keep skin looking plump and hydrated. Fair warning: it’s only available in two shades.
Available at all Estee Lauder store locations here.
The Brush Off
Be ready to revolutionise the way you think about sunscreen. Say goodbye to your old school greasy formulas and hello to Brush On Block Broad Spectrum Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 30. Set your base by dusting this product loosely over your face, neck and collar bones, and forget about getting greasy and slick two hours into your summer day.
Available here for $210.10.
Stick It to ‘Em
Worry no more about messing up your look with a haphazardous dollop of sunscreen. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Targeted Protection Stick SPF 60 glides on like a lip balm, making it easy to reapply on the areas where you need it most (think T-zone and the tips of your ears). And it’s water-resistant. Sassy approved.
Available at La Roche-Posay, see all Hong Kong store locations here.
Wet ‘n’ Wild
Stick a bottle of Aveeno Hydro Sport Wet Skin Spray SPF 30 into your beach bag as you pack for your next junk trip. This sunscreen is not only water resistant, but clings even to damp skin for protection in and out of the water. We love the easy-to-use spray nozzle; it keeps your hands clean and the application even.
Available here for $154.98.
Breakout Star
For oily and acne-prone skin, we recommend this Smashbox Liquid Halo HD Foundation Broad Sepctrum SPF 15 Oil-Free for ultra-light coverage that evens out skin tone and conceals blemishes without clogging pores. It’s long-lasting, illuminating and delivers an airbrushed finish. We’re in love.
See all Hong Kong store locations here.
Born in Hong Kong, raised in Toronto, and educated in Montreal, Roseanne is now back in her hometown and is taking it by storm! When she’s not scouting out the latest beauty buzz, she’s sipping on cocktails in Socialito and shopping in Causeway – check out more of her fab work here.