6 of my top sun creams that I highly recommend: Sunscreens I've selected for this summer, which I've used and evaluated over the years!

Is it sun cream or sunscreen? Who knows what the correct saying is? I switch between sun cream, sun lotion, sunscreen, and sun protection depending on how fancy I want to be! As the weather is getting warmer and the temperature is already beautifully high for May, I thought it was time to get ahead and be ready with the sun creams before the height of summer is upon us. Here are a couple of my favourite sun creams that I have been using over the past 5 years. I tend to stick to what I know works for me and helps to keep me safe in the summer sun.

Suncream for the Face

I love Bioderma sunscreen SPF 50. This sun cream is a very lightweight formula that doesn't leave your face or your hands feeling greasy. I started using this brand years ago after a client had been recommended Bioderma products after seeing a dermatologist at Harley Street. Ever since, I have been a big fan of the Bioderma range of products. I use this all year round, from the hottest days to the winter sun.

Touch-up spray

I use a spray to touch up my face if I have applied makeup; a spray is always easier than rubbing a cream into my face and messing up my makeup. We need to remember to touch up our sun creams regularly, even if we have makeup applied. Foundation or moisturisers with SPF combined are not enough. Please don't think that you are having full coverage from the sun with these. Most foundations start at SPF 15 and only go up to SPF 35, when you should be using SPF 50 on the face to protect against the sun and prevent premature ageing.

Lip protection!

Yes, there is such a thing as lip protection! So you don't have to nearly eat the suncream when applying it to your lips, because we all know that doesn't taste nice in the slightest, and although it won't cause any harm, it's probably not good for us anyway. I always choose Nivea as it also boasts a SPF 50 protection just for your lips!

Piz Buin moisturising Sun lotion

I have used Piz Buin moisturising Sun Lotion for at least 15 years. Of course, I start with a high SPF and work my way down to the lower ones as the summer passes. This Cream is a lightweight formula that doesn't leave you feeling greasy or tacky.

I first used Piz Buin when I went on holiday with my friend Lucie to Menorca; she used it, and I have ever since. I love the smell of this sun protection; it always brings back memories of California, as I have spent many summers over there in the past and always used this sun protection when visiting that part of the world. Sometimes a smell takes you back to a happy place, and this takes me there. As a bonus, it is sweat and water-resistant; however, this does have a lot more chemicals in it. I will be thinking about switching over to Nivea, as I continue my health journey and detox my body from some chemicals, but it will just be sad to leave my 'California dreaming' in the past.

Nivea protect and Moisture lotion Spf 10-50+

Nivea protect and moisture lotion. This immediate UV protection & moisture sun cream will leave your skin feeling protected, soft and moisturised. It includes glycerine, a natural product which I assume supports the "48-hour hydration" claim by Nivea. I have always loved using this on and off over the years; again, it has a scent of certain holidays that I love and takes me back. It is a perfect choice for going in the sea or the pool as it is water-resistant. This sun cream is a winning choice for the health-conscious as it is 'free from UV filters, Oxygenate, oxybenzone and microplastics'. It also states that it consists of a '77% biodegradable' formula and comes in a bottle made from '50% recycled plastic'. It also doesn't have an added label like many others, as it is printed directly onto the bottle. Although with these Nivea bottles I feel a little 'old', like I have changed my text on the phone to read in large print. I'm not a fan of the new design, but it's the product formula that counts.

Boots Soltan Protect and Moisturise

I would say Soltan is Boots' answer to Nivea, so again, I love this product. It supports UVB and UVA protection. It is a thicker consistency and can be a little greasy, but just wipe it off on your beach towel, and you will be fine. I would avoid the face as heavier creams leave me with pimples on my forehead and around my nose, but you should be using a separate face protection anyway!

What I would love to try.

I want to try Vichy and Nuxe, so if you have tried these or use them, let me know how they are. I hope to be getting my hands on them soon! They are both hydrating brands, so I would assume that these sun creams are just as hydrating as they protect from the sun.

What I don't like.

I don't like the oil spray suncreams, I am not a fan! Let's face it. No one's really attractive in the heat anyway, especially when they are sunbathing and smothered in oil. I know it's just not a good look for me. I prefer the lotions over the spray oils. I feel like I get better coverage, and I can see where I am rubbing the sun lotion, where I am protected and where I am not. 

Tips

However water and sweat resistant a product is, don't think that you don't need to reapply sunscreen after swimming or sweating profusely. You should be reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours, especially after swimming and sweating, regardless of the resistance of the lotion. Set a timer, as I am sure you will get carried away having fun in the sun.

Don't forget the soles of your feet if you're lying on your front! The ears, back of the neck, lips and hands are smaller areas often overlooked.

I am not a skincare professional or a sun care specialist; these are my views, and all product information should be read thoroughly before use. These are ones that I have tried and loved over the years and will continue to use in the future!

Yay! Warmer days are coming!

Disclosure: Some of the Links included may contain affiliate links. When you click on those links, I may receive a small commission for your purchase. It will not affect your order in anyway.

Some products are included for up to 20% off with Look fantastic.

Click the Links and use code LFTFHAYLEYL at checkout to claim your discount.

Ts & Cs apply.