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Good skincare starts with proper sun protection: a universal skin essential that no one is exempt from. ‘Sun protection should really be a crucial part of your skincare routine, regardless of your skin tone,' explains Julia Stewart, the Head of Education and Training at Shiseido. 'While deeper skin tones have higher levels of melanin, and therefore more natural sun protection, UV rays still cause damage to the skin, from premature ageing signs, pigmentation and skin cancer to deeper skin tones.'
But, finding a sun cream that works well on darker skin tones without leaving a ghastly white tint can be a hard thing to come by. Thankfully, sunscreen formulations – from body formulas to facial moisturisers with SPF – have come a long way, with thick, white, chalky formulas now firmly a thing of the past.
Enter a new generation of sun creams with lightweight formulas for easier absorption, clear in colour to ensure no white tint, and packaged for easy reapplication throughout the day. I've rounded up thirteen of the best sun creams for darker skin tones that offer foolproof no white cast sun protection, be it for indoor or outdoor days.
Kate Somerville's UncompliKated SPF 50 Soft Focus Make-Up Setting Spray - £34
Reapplying SPF throughout the day can be a hassle, especially if you've done your make-up. This is where Kate Somerville's Uncomplikated SPF 50 Make-Up Setting Spray is a game changer. The fine mist doubles up as both SPF and make-up setting spray, offering broad spectrum SPF50 and a dose of refreshing hydration courtesy of hyaluronic acid. No reason to forgo regular SPF top ups throughout the day, and your make-up will remain intact without any white residue.
Révive Soleil Superiéur Broad Spectrum SPF50 - £95
A potent combination of anti-ageing ingredients and UVA and UVB protection simultaneously offer broad spectrum protection and combat environmental aggressors, all nicely formulated in a 100% transparent lightweight cream. Let this sun screen do the hard work for you while you enjoy the sunshine.
Omorovicza Mineral UV Shield SPF 30 - £78
A fan of mineral SPF? Look no further than the Omorovicza UV Shield SPF30, a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide UVA and UVB protection for your skin. It's also non comedogenic, which makes it great for acne prone skin, and has a matte finish, perfect for if you're prone to extra oiliness in the sun.
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Spf 30 - £32
This offering from Fenty doubles up as your daily moisturiser and sun cream. Lightweight and tinted pink, not only does it mean it absorbs instantly into skin, it leaves no traces of white cast. The end result? Hydrated glowing skin with sun protection.
Clarins Invisible Sun Care Gel-To-Oil Face SPF 30 - £20
This snazzy gel-to-oil formula is white streak-free and uses high-level filters and plant-based extracts to protect your skin from the sun. Added to that, the packaging is made from recycled materials, so you can help the environment at the same time as your skin.
Bioderma Photoderm Sun Mist SPF 50 - £17
Our go-to French pharmacy brand know how to make a sun cream that doesn't feel chalky or leave white residue. Seriously hydrating, this lightweight mist protects against UVA and UVB damage whilst being totally transparent.
Cover FX Clear Cover Sunscreen - £38
The invisible formula of this sunscreen makes it ideal for darker skin tones. Plus, its silicone-like texture leaves the skin looking matte and feeling really soft, making it a really good primer.
Ambre Solaire UV Water Clear Sun Cream Spray - £8
Enriched with aloe vera water, which is great for soothing and cooling your skin, the formula of this spray is super hydrating and it leaves a nice velvety, invisible finish.
La Roche Posay Anthelios Protective Oil SPF 50+ - £18
The satin finish you get from this oil is so stunning, it leaves your skin with a nice glow, without looking shiny. It’s moisturising and suitable for sensitive skin.
Clinique Mineral Sunscreen Fluid For Face SPF30 - £22
Apply this sunscreen after moisturising and it absorbs right into your skin. It’s not greasy, and the handy bottle size means you can throw it in your bag for when you need to re-apply.
Shiseido Clear UV Stick Protector WetForce SPF 50+ - £27
This handy sun cream stick is like applying silk onto your skin; the formula is so lightweight and not sticky. You can also use it over your make-up, which is ideal for touch-ups.
Vichy Idéal Soleil Hydrating SPF30 Protective Solar Water - £19
This sunscreen includes hyuralonic acid, so not only does it protect your skin, it also plumps it up and corrects fine lines. It’s a water spray so you’re not going to get a grey tinge or residue.
Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen - £20
A little goes a long way with this sunscreen, you just need one pump for your face and you’re covered. It has a gel-like texture, which means it glides onto the skin and it creates a great base for make-up.
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