{"id":367,"date":"2025-05-14T06:00:29","date_gmt":"2025-05-14T06:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/?p=367"},"modified":"2025-05-15T14:57:43","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T14:57:43","slug":"i-tried-490-worth-of-sunscreen-heres-what-was-worth-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/14\/i-tried-490-worth-of-sunscreen-heres-what-was-worth-it\/","title":{"rendered":"I Tried \u00a3490 Worth Of Sunscreen. Here\u2019s What Was Worth It"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Welcome to\u00a0Sun Blocked, Refinery29\u2019s global call to action to wake up to the serious dangers of tanning. No lectures or shaming, we promise. Instead, our goal is to arm you with the facts you need to protect your skin to the best of your ability, because there\u2019s no such thing as safe sun.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

In recent years, wearing sunscreen<\/a> has gone from a dreaded chore to a solid daily habit<\/a> \u2014 and for good reason. With the Earth getting warmer, protecting your skin from UVA (a major contributor to skin cancer<\/a> and premature ageing<\/a>) and UVB (responsible for sunburn<\/a>) is important, especially as summer approaches<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But finding a sunscreen<\/a> that ticks all the boxes \u2014 invisible<\/a>, non-greasy<\/a>, easy to apply and<\/em> reapply \u2014 is no mean feat. With that in mind, I made it my mission to try as many as I could \u2014 \u00a3490 worth, in fact \u2014 to narrow down the very best sunscreens across a wide range of budgets and skin types.\u00a0<\/p>\n

From e.l.f.<\/a> to The Ordinary<\/a>, here are my thoughts on them all. <\/p>\n

DashDividers_1_500x100<\/title><\/div>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=30283X1542341&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.elfcosmetics.co.uk%2Fsuntouchable-invisistick-spf-50%2F57505EU.html%3F\">e.l.f. Suntouchable Invisi-Stick SPF 50, \u00a314<\/a><\/h2>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/11892254.jpg\"><\/figure>\n<p>This sunscreen stick is my new favourite way to top up throughout the day. It glides on smoothly without disturbing makeup and leaves a lightweight layer of protection that looks matte, not shiny like many other SPF sticks. Even better, the advanced chemical filters, which absorb UV rays and convert them into heat released from the skin before they can cause damage, are completely invisible. Don\u2019t just take my word for it. We tested this on a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.refinery29.com\/en-gb\/elf-suntouchable-invisistick-spf-50-review\">range of skin tones<\/a>, and it was totally traceless on everyone. I also love that it\u2019s compact enough to fit into the smallest festival bags and tightest pockets.<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=30283X1542341&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cultbeauty.co.uk%2Fp%2Flancaster-sun-perfect-sun-illuminating-cream-spf-50-50ml%2F15210473%2F%3Fsrsltid%3DAfmBOoo2rnq5BtAzDJlsbY2IyeR8E7Z_g4CQ13ZkGjTlX16q17YKXJpi\">Lancaster Sun Perfect Illuminating Cream SPF 50, \u00a335<\/a><\/h2>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/11892260.jpg\"><\/figure>\n<p>The photo doesn\u2019t quite do my skin justice, but trust me \u2014 it\u2019s always juicy, plump, and radiant when I use this sunscreen. It offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA (linked to premature ageing and skin cancer), UVB (which causes sunburn), as well as visible and blue light from the sun. The glow-boosting effect comes from finely milled pearlescent particles that melt into the skin as you massage it in. I love how light it feels, making reapplication a breeze. Even better, the niacinamide helps keep my oily skin balanced all day.<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=30283X1542341&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheordinary.com%2Fen-gb%2Fuv-filters-spf-45-serum-100720.html\">The Ordinary UV Filters SPF 45 Serum, \u00a315.80<\/a><\/h2>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/11892258.jpg\"><\/figure>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.refinery29.com\/en-gb\/the-ordinary-uv-filters-spf-45-sunscreen\">Since discovering this<\/a>, it\u2019s been in regular rotation in my skincare routine. It makes my skin appear radiant \u2014 without any stickiness \u2014 and works like Velcro under makeup, helping it stay put for longer. The chemical filters mean it\u2019s invisible on all skin tones. It\u2019s a far cry from the brand\u2019s OG sunscreen, which left behind a thick white cast. You might be thinking, <em>Why SPF 45 and not 50?<\/em> In a press release, The Ordinary explained, \u201cThe UV filter number is not decided by the brand that formulates the sun-protectant but rather by the formula itself,\u201d adding, \u201cWhen The Ordinary\u2019s product underwent testing, the SPF value that it achieved was SPF 45, which is estimated to absorb only 0.2% less UVB radiation than SPF 50.\u201d The difference between SPF 45 and 50 is minimal, so what really matters is applying enough product. At this price point, I don\u2019t mind being generous with it.<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=30283X1542341&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lookfantastic.com%2Fp%2Fla-roche-posay-anthelios-uvair-daily-invisible-fluid-spf50-40ml%2F16170450%2F%3F\">La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir Daily Invisible Fluid SPF50+, \u00a325<\/a><\/h2>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/11892252.jpg\"><\/figure>\n<p>My partner, who famously hates sunscreen, has stolen this from my bathroom shelf, which says a lot about how comfortable it is to wear. As the name suggests, UVAir feels more like a lightweight moisturiser than a traditional sunscreen, while still offering high-factor protection against both UVA and UVB rays. I actually prefer it to La Roche-Posay\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=30283X1542341&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lookfantastic.com%2Fp%2Fla-roche-posay-anthelios-uvmune-400-invisible-fluid-non-perfumed-suncream-spf50-50ml%2F13494906%2F%3F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"original Anthelios formula (opens in a new tab)\">original Anthelios formula<\/a>, which has a slightly thicker texture. It sits perfectly under makeup, as you can see here. My only gripe? I wish the bottle were twice the size. Since I apply two finger lengths\u2019 worth each time, it disappears quickly.<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=30283X1542341&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.co.uk%2Fp%2Fultra-violette-future-fluid-spf-50-lightweight-zinc-skinscreen-50ml%3F\">Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF 50+ Lightweight Zinc Skinscreen, \u00a338<\/a><\/h2>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/11892262.jpg\"><\/figure>\n<p>I usually swerve mineral sunscreens because they tend to leave a white cast, but I can\u2019t get enough of this tinted version. It absorbs in seconds, leaving behind a subtle dewiness that makes my skin look fresh and juicy, not greasy. I\u2019m also convinced it airbrushes over the post-breakout staining I\u2019m dealing with. Most days, I wear it on its own with just a dab of concealer. Beyond the glow, it\u2019s packed with moisturising squalane and vitamin E, but because it\u2019s so sheer, I like to layer it over my usual moisturiser for an extra hydrating boost. I only have one issue: if I\u2019ve overdone it on the retinol, this tends to sting a little around my eyes. If you have reactive or very sensitive skin, keep reading for an alternative.<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=30283X1542341&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.co.uk%2Fp%2Faugustinus-bader-the-sunscreen-spf50-30ml%3F\">Augustinus Bader The Sunscreen SPF50, \u00a3105<\/a><\/h2>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/11892256.jpg\"><\/figure>\n<p>Like Augustinus Bader\u2019s The Cream and The Rich Cream, this sunscreen contains the brand\u2019s Trigger Factor Complex (TFC), a blend of vitamins and amino acids (essentially skin-strengthening proteins) that hydrate and help repair the skin. When my skin\u2019s feeling dry, it laps this up and I\u2019m left with a dewy, radiant finish, and minimised under-eye lines. On my oilier days, though, it feels a bit too slippery. Is it worth \u00a3105? Personally, I don\u2019t think you need to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.refinery29.com\/en-gb\/how-much-to-spend-sunscreen-spf\">spend that much<\/a> on a sunscreen, as long as it offers broad-spectrum protection, but it comes down to personal preference. If you\u2019re already a fan of the Bader range, you\u2019ll probably love it. For me, a sunscreen has to be something truly special to justify spending more than \u00a350. I really like how this makes my skin look, but others on this list deliver similar results for less.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=30283X1542341&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lookfantastic.com%2Fp%2Fgarnier-vitamin-c-daily-uv-brightening-fluid-glow-spf-50-40ml%2F14992707%2F%3F\">Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid Glow SPF 50+, \u00a312.99<\/a><\/h2>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/11892264.jpg\"><\/figure>\n<p>My fellow beauty editors couldn\u2019t stop talking about this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.refinery29.com\/en-gb\/garnier-vitamin-c-spf-50-glow-review\">tinted sunscreen<\/a> when it launched last year, so I had to try it for myself. The coverage is impressive for such a delicate texture \u2014 it breathes life into my skin. Its consistency comes down to the type of UV filters used: chemical rather than mineral. TikTok\u2019s beauty enthusiasts are sold, too, with some calling it <a href=\"https:\/\/www.refinery29.com\/en-gb\/garnier-vitamin-c-spf-50-glow-review\">\u201cbrown skin friendly\u201d<\/a> and others praising its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.refinery29.com\/en-gb\/garnier-vitamin-c-spf-50-glow-review\">\u201cnon-ashy\u201d finish<\/a>. At \u00a312.99, it\u2019s excellent value for money.<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=30283X1542341&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.co.uk%2Fp%2Ftatcha-the-silk-sunscreen-50ml%3F\">Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen, \u00a365<\/a><\/h2>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/11892267.jpg\"><\/figure>\n<p>True to its name \u2014 and despite being a mineral sunscreen, which is usually thicker \u2014 this really does feel like silk on the skin. It absorbs almost instantly, with no rubbing required (excessively massaging in sunscreen can actually <a href=\"https:\/\/www.refinery29.com\/en-gb\/how-to-apply-sunscreen-spf\">lower your protection<\/a>, as you start to mess up the layer). Also, the subtle tint helps cancel out any white cast from the mineral UV filters, which deflect both UVA and UVB rays. Better still, it offers broad-spectrum protection against those two damaging rays. When I use it, my skin looks matte and fresh \u2014 no small feat given how oily I usually am. That\u2019s all thanks to the added niacinamide, which prevents excess oil production. At \u00a365, it\u2019s not cheap. If you have more to spend and hate the greasy feel of most sunscreens, you won\u2019t be disappointed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=30283X1542341&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.co.uk%2Fp%2Fkate-somerville-hydrakate-illuminating-spf-50-drops-50ml%3F\">Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops, \u00a339<\/a><\/h2>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/11892269.jpg\"><\/figure>\n<p>I\u2019m a big fan of Kate Somerville \u2014 especially the Exfolikate Cleanser \u2014 so I had high hopes for this new mineral sunscreen. It does exactly what it promises, giving my skin a noticeable glow thanks to the sheer mineral pigments, but it feels a little too heavy on my oily T-zone, and my glasses tend to slip off. It\u2019s better suited to dry skin. Still, I like the slim, spill-proof bottle, which fits neatly into small bags and pockets and makes on-the-go application easy.<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=30283X1542341&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cultbeauty.co.uk%2Fp%2Fallies-of-skin-the-one-spf-50-invisible-sunscreen-gel%2F16583157%2F%3F\">Allies of Skin The One SPF 50 Invisible Sunscreen Gel, \u00a327<\/a><\/h2>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/11892271.jpg\"><\/figure>\n<p>I\u2019d heard good things about this chemical sunscreen, mainly that it\u2019s completely clear and undetectable, regardless of your skin tone. The texture is silky smooth thanks to dimethicone, a type of silicone that leaves a matte finish. It layers perfectly under makeup \u2014 almost like a primer \u2014 and offers up to 80 minutes of water resistance. It also includes a handful of skincare ingredients, like pollution-shielding vitamin C, green tea and pore-minimising niacinamide.<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=30283X1542341&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cultbeauty.co.uk%2Fp%2Fpaula-s-choice-resist-youth-extending-daily-hydrating-fluid-spf-50%2F11174232%2F%3F\">Paula\u2019s Choice Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50, \u00a339<\/a><\/h2>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/11892273.jpg\"><\/figure>\n<p>This is the high-factor sunscreen I recommend most to people with combination skin like mine. It\u2019s deeply moisturising (thanks to the glycerin), but the texture is featherlight due to invisible chemical filters like avobenzone. It absorbs instantly, so I never dread reapplying it on hot, sunny days. If my skin\u2019s particularly oily, I use it in place of my usual moisturiser. The precise nozzle also makes it easy to measure out two finger lengths\u2019 worth of product.<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=30283X1542341&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boots.com%2Fnaked-sundays-cabanaclear-water-gel-serum-spf50-30ml-10356863%3F\">Naked Sundays CabanaClear Water Gel Serum SPF50, \u00a325<\/a><\/h2>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/11892275.jpg\"><\/figure>\n<p>Calling all acne-prone skin types: you\u2019ll love this inconspicuous sunscreen. It feels more like a hydrating gel than a sun cream and absorbs in seconds, even over moisturiser. It may feel like you\u2019re wearing nothing, but it delivers SPF 50 protection alongside hydrating hyaluronic acid and antioxidant vitamin E. The countless five-star reviews speak for themselves, and it\u2019s imperceptible on all skin tones, though sadly, you don\u2019t get much for the price. I just wish it came in a bigger tube!<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=30283X1542341&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lookfantastic.com%2Fp%2Fsupergoop-glowscreen-spf30-50ml-various-shades%2F15237889%2F%3F\">Supergoop! Glow Screen SPF 30, \u00a336.50<\/a><\/h2>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/11892277.jpg\"><\/figure>\n<p>On lazy days, I <a href=\"https:\/\/www.refinery29.com\/en-gb\/supergoop-glowscreen-sunscreen-review\">use this instead of foundation<\/a> \u2014 and it\u2019s well worth the higher price tag. While the coverage is lighter, the finely milled shimmer pigments blur my uneven skin tone and large pores. I like the shade Dawn, though Golden Hour and Sunset are better suited to deeper skin tones. Nothing gives a glow quite like it; I often use it as a highlighter to finish my makeup. Every little bit of SPF helps!<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=30283X1542341&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lookfantastic.com%2Fp%2Fgarnier-ambre-solaire-over-makeup-super-uv-protection-mist-spf50-with-hyaluronic-acid-and-vitamin-e-75ml%2F15862277%2F%3F\">Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super UV Protection Mist SPF50+, \u00a313<\/a><\/h2>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/11892279.jpg\"><\/figure>\n<p>On beach days, I\u2019m never without this sunscreen mist. The aerosol makes it easy to apply \u2014 not just to the face, but to legs and arms, too \u2014 anywhere you need a quick top-up. Since it\u2019s invisible (thanks to the clever chemical filters), you can mist it over makeup without disturbing it. It leaves a slight glint, but that fades as it sinks in. It is fragranced, so be sure to keep your eyes \u2014 and mouth \u2014 firmly shut.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome to\u00a0Sun Blocked, Refinery29\u2019s global call to action to wake up to the serious dangers of tanning. No lectures or shaming, we promise. Instead, our goal is to arm you with the facts you need to protect your skin to the best of your ability, because there\u2019s no such thing as safe sun.\u00a0 In recent…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":369,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[15],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/367"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=367"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/367\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":393,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/367\/revisions\/393"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/369"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=367"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=367"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/baldheadedgirls.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=367"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}