MOISTURISER - day - SPF

Once upon a time, not so long ago, we were in the beauty camp that maintained it wasn’t really necessary to wear an SPF day cream year-round, in these gloomy isles – unless you spend your life outdoors, rather than scuttling from car to house. But in the light of mounting evidence about the impact of blue light (emitted by those devices we’re so addicted to), we’ve definitely changed our tack. 

Always firmly believing that protection is far better than trying to ‘cure’, when it comes to lines, wrinkles and dark spots, we would point you in the direction of one of these winners – lots of them, here, all with incredibly close scores – but whatever your skintype (even if it’s super-sensitive), there’s an SPF match within this line-up. 

Be aware, meanwhile, that with a couple of notable (SPF50+ exceptions), these aren’t really suitable for beach exposure, but for daily life at home. To that end, we also asked our 10-strong tester panels to answer questions about how nourishing the product was, as well as ease of make-up application, afterwards.

GOLD AWARD Ultrasun SPF50+ Anti-Pollution Face Fluid

This Gold winner is from Ultrasun, a brand which is an absolute titan in the suncare world. Specifically designed for city-wear, it’s ultra-lightweight, non-greasy, water-resistant and most definitely make-up-compatible, protecting against UVA, UVB, HEVL (blue light from devices) plus Infrared-A rays. It also shields against urban pollution and environmental aggressors, which – as Ultrasun explain – ‘can lead to hyper-pigmentation and UV-induced skin ageing.’ Skincare benefits also feature, via the brightening action of SulforaWhite, together with a UVA-protective, anti-inflammatory natural enzyme, Ectoin. It’s free of perfumes, mineral oils, silicones, preservatives and emulsifiers, and Ultrasun counsel applying 15 minutes before venturing outdoors.

£28 for 40ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘This product works really well on my combination skin; I love that it's non greasy and water-resistant. It also protected my skin all day long, without blocking pores’ • ‘I like to use this as a primer, as my makeup looks flawless after using this SPF – it’s an excellent make-up base, actually BETTER than most primers’ • ‘Very light formula made my skin silky, hydrated and ready for make-up; good, even consistency, easy to apply’ • ‘Someone commented my skin looked fresh while wearing this – always nice!’ • ‘Nice glow-y/semi-matte finish, offering lasting hydration – although older skins might require a touch more hydration’ • ‘Protected my skin well in this summer's heatwave; I didn’t need to apply any additional protection to my neck/face and did not burn’ • ‘Blends in well without leaving a white cast that sometimes other sunscreens can’ • ‘My skin did not burn while using this – a great all-rounder if you don’t want to be bothered with separate moisturiser and SPF. It’s also suitable for all age ranges, as my goddaughter with normal skin stole some when she visited and commented how well it went under make-up’ • ‘I really wasn’t aware of it on my skin, as it’s so featherlight – I don’t like the heavy feeling of a lot of SPFs’ • ‘Goes on well and doesn’t pill under make-up’ • ‘I spent lots of time on sunny walks and didn't burn once whilst wearing this, which is what you want from an SPF’ • ‘Used this in hot weather on the coast with no redness. Impressive.’

£28 for 40ml - click to buy 

SILVER (JOINT) AWARD  Saltee City Serum SPF50

Sooooo… this isn’t a day cream, but a serum. However, we’re still including it here because it can be layered over your regular favourite (non-SPF) day cream, to shield skin with an SPF50 UVA/UVB screen – a boon if you’re wedded to a specific moisturiser. This constitutes your final skincare step, before applying make-up (they suggest waiting a minute or two) – and suncare brand Saltee have this advice: ‘Repeat every day. And we mean it with every day part, rain or shine.’ It’s based around chemical sunscreens, but some botanicals feature: black ginger extract, to counter photo-damage; Nordic pine bark, to prevent hyperpigmentation; panthenol (a super-moisturiser) and Venuceane, a marine ingredient that provides ‘natural photo-adaptive protection’, Saltee tell us. 

£38 for 55ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘I didn't find the serum sticky (no annoying strands of hair sticking to my face on the beach this summer!), nor did it clog my pores or cause any irritation. It feels really light on the skin and not at all greasy. A great all-rounder’ • ‘Absorbed well and quickly into the skin, too, so I didn't find that I had to wait long before I could apply my foundation’ • ‘I used this cream when I was on holiday at the seaside, so I was definitely putting it to the test. I never stay in the full sun with my face, except when I go for a swim, and the cream did protect from the sun. I was in the Med and the cream did a very good job’ • ‘If you could bottle the smell of your holiday, this is it. it's great on drier skin, offering excellent protection’ • ‘My mum commented that my skin hadn't burned whilst being out in the sun, and was impressed when I told her about this’ • ‘I’d buy this. It didn’t sting or nip my eyes, which I have found with others’ • ‘I wore this on the hottest day on record and managed to stay out in the sun the whole time - unheard of for me, I'm usually wearing a big hat or sitting under an umbrella or having to seek the shade like a vampire hiding from the light!  

£38 for 55ml - click to buy 

SILVER (JOINT) AWARD  We Are Feel Good Inc SPF50+ Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion

Touchy types, this one’s for you. Recommended for anyone with sensitive skin, ‘expecting mums, children and babies over six months old’, it can also be used on bodies, offering broad spectrum protection that is water-resistant for up to four hours. It’s free from fragrance, PABAs and the sunscreens oxybenzone and octinoxate, as well as parabens. Now, perusing the marketing on this stylishly-packaged product, it definitely comes across as more ‘beach-y’ than some of the other winners here, but We Are Feel Good Inc – an Australian brand – specifically entered it as an SPF day cream, so we’ll just go with that, shall we? 

£29 for 200ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘I ran the London Marathon, and whereas other SPF's have really stung my eyes, this SPF didn't at all. Absolute holy grail SPF!’ • ‘Give it a few mins to absorb, and you're good to go; this has become a staple part of my daily skincare routine – a great broad-spectrum SPF for every day’ • ‘I've been happy with the product I was already using this summer, but what I love about the Feel Good Inc. sunscreen was that it has a really creamy texture which is quickly absorbed with no hint of stickiness/greasiness, leaving a delicate dewy finish on your skin, in the way a highlighter would. Also, it's unscented which will appeal to a lot of people’ • ‘I would definitely recommend this product and will likely buy it again as a staple in my make-up bag: a good all-round moisturiser/sunscreen which leaves skin feeling really hydrated and protected’ • ‘Excellent high protection with the SPF50 in the form of a light, gentle lotion that sinks into the skin easily without greasiness and stickiness. Perfect everyday protection’ • ‘Matte feel on the skin that is nice and light’ • ‘I found it to be a good sunscreen and my skin was left feeling soft and moisturised.  It was excellent used in conjunction with my retinol serum as it protected my skin – a must, when using retinols’ • I think this fragrance-free product would work well as a “global” sunscreen for protection top to toe, not just as a facial product.’

£29 for 200ml - click to buy 

SILVER (JOINT) AWARD BeautyLab Skin Perfecting Moisture Cream SPF30

This was a Gold Beauty Bible Award-winner back in 2019, and we welcome it back for an encore. If you find that SPF day creams aren’t generally rich enough for your thirsty skin, we signpost you to this winner, which is formulated to be deeply hydrating, powered by ‘anti-ageing collagen tripeptide microspheres capable of penetrating deeper into the skin, stimulating collagen synthesis and reducing signs of wrinkles.’ (Their words, not ours.) Alongside antioxidants and vitamins, there’s a luxury angle, with ‘liquid white diamond’, chosen for its ‘thermal, electromagnetic properties’, and ruby ‘for its high energy and promotional healing powers.’ As ever, we’re actually more interested in what our testers have to say about the product – so here goes.

£32 for 30ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘A really good moisturiser for dry skins that sinks in, but also provides moisture that lasts all day; easy to apply and there is no white cast. Sits well under make-up, too’ • ‘If you want an SPF30, you can't go far wrong with this, which is delivered via a very easy, good pump system’ • ‘I have been complimented on the condition of my skin since using this. A moisturiser with added sunscreen is not something I usually purchase, but I will now that I’ve experienced it; I found it was weightless, did not clog my pores and was a perfect canvas for my makeup’ • ‘A premium, luxury daily moisturiser with added SPF to help perfect skin, smooth and even out the skin tone, while providing a smooth and perfect base for lasting, seamless make-up’ • ‘This was revolutionary for me. It is much more sanitary than putting your fingers into a pot and much easier to dispense the right amount out of a pump rather than a tube; it’s also helped my skin to look more even toned, healthy and hydrated. It even helped to reduce the appearance of my pores and imperfections without having to use a primer before makeup’ • ‘The smell of SPF is subtle and once applied to the skin and absorbed it is undetectable, so you don't feel like you are wearing SPF at all.’

£32 for 30ml - click to buy 

SILVER (JOINT) AWARD and BEAUTY STEAL Cetaphil Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF50

Hoo-flipping-ray. Many of the Award-winners in this section have hefty price-tags attached – but not this one, from an affordable, much-loved high street brand. It ‘defends against the five signs of sensitivity,’ Cetaphil maintain, and the principal sunscreening ingredient here is titanium dioxide, micronised to the point where it doesn’t leave a chalky cast on skin (unlike some), instead absorbing quickly without residue. Glycerine and vitamin E also feature on the ingredients list, to maintain moisture levels through the day. In a simple flip-top tube – you don’t get fancy-schmancy packaging, at this price – it’s also vegan.

£16.50 for 50g - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘I work on construction sites & outside a lot, so my face gets everything – wind, rain, sun etc. This really protected my skin throughout the day, with no redness’ • ‘Much cheaper than my normal moisturiser yet felt just as nice – a lovely everyday moisturiser that helps to protect your skin without feeling too heavy. My new must-have. I was really impressed – much better than more high-end brands’ • ‘Something unexpected happened; my skin felt better and wasn't as prone to redness – it’s like my redness went down a couple of levels. My skin seems plumper – or less worn/ruddy is probably a better way of putting it. Now, I can't think of not using it. In fact, when I ran out, I went back to my usual moisturiser (ten times the cost of this!) and found it didn't match up’ • ‘My skin feels protected throughout the day from sun, wind and cold. I went right out and purchased another tube when it ran out and am a convert. This is under a tenner! Bargain!’ • ‘Lovely feeling on the skin, delivering super-high protection, which is the most important for me’ • ‘I felt instantly moisturised, and my skin was glossy after application’ • ‘I find the packaging very handy as the lid doesn’t completely come off, and it’s easy to close, too’ • ‘Goes on smoothly and sinks in fast – surprising for an SPF50 – and make-up went on straight away without pilling. I travel a lot to hot countries for work, and this is a good size for travel, too.’

£16.50 for 50g - click to buy 

BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD  Super Facialist Rosehip Hydrate Radiance Day Cream SPF15

Another of the more affordable winning products in this year’s line-up – but also the one which ties with the lowest daily SPF rating, out of all the ‘medallists’. Our advice, then, would be that this is a cream that you could happily wear from October to early April, but during the summer months we’d advise ramping up the SPF factor. Again, this targets dry and sensitive skins, offering soothing cucumber oil and marshmallow ‘to keep skin protected, moisturised and calm’. It’s dermatologically tested. This all-British range was originally formulated with the help of – yes – a superfacialist, to make you ‘feel like you have had an expert facial every day.’

£16.80 for 75ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘I wasn't aware of the level of protection; It didn't feel heavy or have any kind of white cast to it – just felt like a very dewy moisturiser’ • ‘I can’t say I’ve had any compliments on this, but I feel my skin is plumper after using it for a good few weeks now, so I can complement myself?’ • ‘This very delicate moisturiser is light and leaves the skin glowy and with a lightly smell of rose; perfect for all skin types, even for a sensitive skin’ • ‘So impressed with the Super Facialist radiance day cream. I've been using expensive moisturisers for years thinking that they give the best results when actually this cream can give you the same at a fraction of the price’ • ‘This definitely changed my view on premium skincare. It's a beautiful product; it’s surprising how light the texture is and how comfortable it feels on the skin – it just melts in. An absolute bargain’ • ‘Friends have commented on how glowing my skin appears, particularly with no make-up. Love the fragrance, with its subtle hints of rose – although if you don’t like the smell of rose, this is not the cream for you’ • ‘I didn’t burn, yet we've had some cracking sunshine. I used it just as I would an SPF: back of neck and tops of ears. It was easy to use to top up throughout the day and didn’t pill’ • ‘The lightweight consistency will not cause breakouts or clog pores.

£16.80 for 75ml - click to buy 

BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD  Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF50

One glance at Glow Recipe and you’ll get the sense of fun that infuses this skincare line. Founded by two skincare ‘fanatics’, Sarah Lee and Christine Chang – and that’s their description, not ours – they combined 20 years of experience in the global beauty industry to launch a range of prettily-packaged, sorbet-hued skincare, based around different fruit extracts, ‘laced with results-driven actives that are both hardworking and gentle.’ The fruit showcased in this lightweight, mega-moisturising formula is juicy watermelon, powered up by niacinamide for a glow-getting one-two punch and then boosted by hyaluronic acid. The skintone-evening sunscreen also targets dullness, dark spots and ‘larger-than-life pores

£31 for 50ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘Scent and application aren’t like a traditional SPF; it has a subtle scent and absorbs into the skin quite easily. Make-up goes on well, gliding over the moisturiser’ • ‘Gives an immediate glow which makes the face look highlighted/ illuminated and healthy’ • ‘Moisturises brilliantly and protects skin at the same time. You need this product in your life!’ • ‘I now use SPF daily, in any weather; I didn’t use SPF when I was younger and sadly now have the pigmentation spots to show for it. This is definitely being applied every day and is in my handbag to reapply throughout the day’ • ‘10/10! I used this on two holidays, yet I still have plenty left as a little goes a very long way’ • ‘Light, fresh fragrance, applied well and looked dewy I very much enjoyed using this product, especially as this was a lightweight cream which did not block my pores or feel heavy. The smell was delightful and added to the experience’ • ‘I am Afro Caribbean, and my skin is naturally dark. A couple of people told me that I looked well – I think because the cream gave a nice level of hydration without looking chalky or white’ • ‘Because it’s not like the usual bulky sun tan creams, I think you are are more likely to carry this with you and USE it’ • ‘Melted like butter on a  crumpet into my skin. This is a bottle of action-packed ingredients that also works as a sunscreen.’

£31 for 50ml - click to buy 

BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD  Vive CBD Beauty Vive Day Defence Cream SPF15

Again, this is at the lower protection end of the winning line-up – a product that is designed to help strengthen the skin’s barrier, which is quite the beauty ‘buzz’ at present. (And not before time, in our opinion.) Swiftly absorbed, it features antioxidant, skin-strengthening niacinamide (vitamin B3), with zinc in the role of key sun-protective ingredient. This is the only one of our winners that taps into the trend for CBD products, harnessing the non-psychoactive element of the cannabis plant, which ‘works with endocannabinoid receptors in our skin to provide a balancing action and mitigate the appearance of imperfections.’

£40 for 50ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘I liked the moisturising benefits. Using it over time, I had fewer red patches, and a more even skin texture – someone commented my skin looked fresh’ • ‘A wonderfully gentle moisturiser, super-soft with great absorbing qualities, mega hydration and the added bonus of SPF. Great for daily use as it’s non-sticky and due to its absorbency, is quick to use; make-up can be applied soon after’ • ‘Wonderful, subtle fresh fragrance’ • ‘A thicker consistency than I would normally use. Saying that, it was pretty easy to work into my skin and I particularly liked the sheen it left behind if I was having a no make-up day’ • ‘Earlier on in the test period the sun was continuing to make an appearance and I definitely felt the day cream provided suitable protection from the sun’s harmful rays. The day cream left a healthy sheen to my skin’ • ‘I tested this last, as CBD products don’t really appeal to me, but I was pleasantly surprised; the scent is almost spa-like and not over powering. it has a very moisturising texture’ • ‘My mum said in the morning, after applying, that my skin looked fresh and healthy’ • ‘I like the overall performance of this cream; it's a lightweight formula which is super- absorbent, and you can easily apply makeup over it. The regular use brightens up your complexion and gives deep nourishment’ • ‘I was able to put primer and then powder foundation on without any problems – no pilling’ • ‘The scent is pleasing – a bit citrusy, very subtle.’

£40 for 50ml - click to buy