The Best Facial Sunscreens at MECCA
September 4 | 3 minute read
Words by Arabella Roden and Kerri Gordon
No skin tone is immune to the harmful (and ageing) effects of UV rays – and one part of our defensive arsenal is layers of SPF. As the most powerful product ever formulated for skin ageing, it’s never too late to add it to your daily routine.
But while we all want our skin to stay as protected as possible, we also want to avoid the terrible trio of sunscreen side effects: excessive shine, breakouts and white cast. Thankfully, the days of ghostly greasiness are gone; when it comes to choosing the best facial sunscreen, these are the non-negotiable options that slip into your everyday routine without a trace. Plus, many of them pose as skincare, containing actives such as vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to plump and prime pre-makeup. Look how far we’ve come…
Best Skincare/SPF Hybrid Sunscreens
For the one-and-done skincare types – or those that love a multitasking product – look no further. MECCA COSMETICA’s genre-bending TO SAVE FACE Brightening Sun Serum SPF50+’s fluid formula has been cleverly designed to counteract the visible signs of sun exposure with 3 percent niacinamide, and prevent future damage with broad-spectrum SPF50+. For a suncare-meets-skincare formula loaded with Kakadu plum, CoQ10 and aloe vera, reach for Go-To’s ultra-light, satin-finish Nifty Fifty Fluid. It will leave skin looking as juicy and radiant as can be – like you’ve just completed a 10-step skincare routine!
For oily, combination and breakout-prone skin, Dermalogica ClearStart Clearing Defense SPF30 knows everything there is to know about protecting without clogging pores. It’s a lightweight, mattifying solution that shields skin from environmental stressors while working to moisturise and soothe the look of redness.
Editor’s note: Dermalogica ClearStart Clearing Defense SPF30 is not currently available at MECCA in Aotearoa (New Zealand).
Best Mineral (Physical) Sunscreens
A mineral sunscreen uses compounds like zinc oxide to physically reflect UV rays rather than absorbing them. Because these formulas sit on top of the skin, they’re incredible for those with sensitive or easily irritated complexions. We love Emma Lewisham’s Sunceutical SPF 50 Mineral Face Crème,which blends zinc oxide with blue-light protection, antioxidants and hydrating ingredients that make it feel delightfully nourishing. Go-To’s Nifty Fifty Mineral also includes a variety of antioxidants to improve skin tone, texture and hydration while protecting it – without looking shiny or greasy.
Best Sunscreen for Under Makeup
MECCA's number one bestselling SPF and receiver of nearly 2,000 five-star reviews, MECCA COSMETICA TO SAVE FACE SPF50+ Superscreen is the undisputed queen of chemical sunscreens. This luxe lotion has a featherlight matte finish, SPF50+ UVA and UVB protection and a soft floral scent. Plus, it was designed specifically for makeup wearers, leaving skin delightfully smooth and hydrated – ready and waiting for your foundation over the top.
Another skin-perfecting base that’ll save you from doubling up with a primer is Naked Sundays’ BeautyBarrier™ Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion SPF50. Packed with watermelon extract to hydrate, rice amino acids to brighten and Centella asiatica to calm and soothe the barrier, it takes multitasking to the nth degree – leaving you with a velvety, blurred, makeup-ready base.
Best Matte Finish Sunscreens
When glow is not the go and a sleek, matte finish is all you want in an SPF (and makeup base), MECCA MAX Screen Saver SPF30 Broad Spectrum Facial Sunscreen is a true winner. Suitable for all skin types – even the sensitive, oily, blemish-prone types – this fragrance-free cream is infused with aloe vera, goji berry extract, vitamin E and chamomile to keep your skin cool and calm when the weather heats up. And you can bet it looks phenomenal under any makeup look (it was made by the makeup-obsessives at MECCA MAX, after all!).
If you prefer a lighter, liquid formula, MECCA COSMETICA’s TO SAVE FACE Matte Sun Serum SPF50 will render all your excuses for not wearing sunscreen obsolete with its ability to control shine and reduce the appearance of pores, all while offering broad-spectrum SPF protection. Too shiny, too oily, too sticky – no more!
Best Tinted Foundation Sunscreen
Coverage should be easy – and now it is. Bottling the effortless, ‘no-makeup makeup look’ into 20 flexible shades, MECCA COSMETICA’s WEEKEND SKIN Hydra Tint with SPF50 is for anyone who’s looking for natural coverage with a dewy finish and all-day freshness. Bonus: this formula also fits snugly into the sunscreen-posing-as-skincare category with brightening vitamin C and plumping peptides.
For SPF served with a side of glow, the Naked Sunday BeautyScreen™ SPF50 Mineral Peptide Foundation Tint is ready for you. The skincare-y formulation is loaded with polyglutamic acid, niacinamide, peptides and squalane for added moisture and skincare benefits, as well as SPF50+ protection. Available in 15 shades, this oily skin-approved tint delivers light-to-medium coverage and leaves you with a natural, airbrushed finish while protecting you from harsh UV rays.
These are secondary sunscreens, designed to complement your primary SPF as top-up protection.
Best Hydrating Sunscreen
If dry, dehydrated skin is your key concern, you’ll be notably impressed by a generous layer of Go-To's Nifty Fifty Hydrating Sunscreen. As well as its primary purpose of protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays (and that it does, with next-gen SPF filters) this SPF50 – dreamt up by Zoë Foster Blake – is packed with powerful antioxidants and hydrators to feel delightfully light and fresh on the skin. It’s super comfy, makes your skin look great on its own and under makeup, and offers protection for a day on the run – and in the sun!
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Sunscreen is only one form of sun protection. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply as directed.
