Forgetful type? You only need to apply these 15 SPFs once a day

Perdita Nouril

29 July 2024 at 5:59 am·7-min read

spf — 15 best SPFs you only need to apply once a day Hearst Owned

Do you find yourself spending more time religiously applying and reapplying a thick layer of SPF than whizzing through your latest must-read? If so, a once-a-day suncream could provide the answer to your protection problems.

Here's everything you need to know about once day sunscreens.

Do once-a-day suncreams last all day?

Well, here's a quick disclaimer: don’t take any once-a-day promise too literally. Using these formulas doesn't mean you can slap on a light layer at 9am and forget all about your skin until sundown. You will still need to stay vigilant and reapply after sweating or getting wet.

But, whether you're sat in your local park, enjoying the British coastal lines or doing a workout in your garden, keep these SPFs handy.

What is the best sunscreen for everyday use?

All dermatologists will give you the exact same answer. The best suncream for everyday use is one you're going to actually use. Therefore, make sure you find a formula that you love, works for your skin type and caters to your daily needs. Got dry skin? Hydrating suncream is best, love to be in the sea or pool? Waterproof it is. You get the jist.

What's the best once-a-day sun cream?

That's going to depend on your specific skin type and needs. Check out which might work best for you, from the WH edit, below.

1.Best overall once-a-day sunscreen: Soltan Once Lotion SPF50+

This Boots own brand has won a legion of fans for having a non greasy texture and its ability to sink in quickly. Formulated to last for 8 hours as well as being water resistant, it also has the maximum 5 star UVA protection.

As one reviewer said; 'I have brought other sun screens. But seem to go back to Soltan.' It's a winner every time.

2. Best spray once-a-day sunscreen: Riemann P20 Once a Day Sun Protection Spray SPF30

This quick-drying formula is designed to give up to 10 hours of protection from UVA and UVB rays, and comes in a super-convenient spray bottle. The lightweight, invisible spray can resist water for up to 80 minutes - an ideal choice for keen swimmers.

Just be sure to give your swimming costume or bikini a good rinse after using this SPF as some users claim it can leave a yellow mark on white or light coloured swimwear.

3. Best budget once-a-day sunscreen: Aldi Lacura Lacura Sun SPF 30 Once A Day Sun Spray

Next time you pop into Aldi, be sure to pick up this bargain bottle. It contains vitamin E to keep skin soft whilst also offering brilliant all-round protection.

4. Best pregnancy safe once-a-day sunscreen: Calypso Once A Day Sun Protection Lotion SPF50

This cruelty free and pregnancy safe SPF has been shown to last for up to 12 hours. With its spray and go formula that becomes active after just 15 minutes, keeping the family sun safe just got a whole lot easier.

5. Best gel sunscreen for body: Ultra Sun Sports Gel SPF30

Made with athletes and fitness fans in mind, this gel has won a legion of devotees for its ability to stay whilst you work out. Its secret is lamellar technology, which is composed of fine, alternating layers, that form an even bond with the skin. In a nutshell, it guarantees complete and even distribution, giving hard-working and long-lasting protection to skin, even at its deepest layers.

6. Best waterproof sun cream for body: Shiseido WetForce Expert Sun Ageing Protection Cream Plus SPF50+

Easily one of the best once-a-day options, this game-changing sunscreen is designed to actually strengthen with water contact. The protection is heavy-duty, even when sweating and swimming, yet the creamy texture is lightweight and comfortable with no chalky residue.

7. Best Organic sunscreen for body: Soleil Toujours Organic Sheer Sunscreen Mist SPF50

Instead of being loaded with the usual UV-absorbing chemicals, this organic cream contains a proprietary blend of antioxidants such as red algae, vitamin E, vitamin C ester, green tea and bisabolol to defend against rays and free radical damage. The fine mist has a white finish so you can see where it has landed on skin, but it disappears once you've massaged it in.

8. Best suncream for kids: Soltan Kids 8hr Protect & Play SPF30

Any parent knows that kids don’t sit still at the best of times, let alone when you’re trying to smother them in sun cream. Thankfully this brilliant skin protector provides coverage that lasts just as long as their energy levels.

9. Best sunscreen mist for body: Ambre Solaire Dry Mist Fast Absorbing Sun Cream Spray SPF50

For those of you who really can’t stand the feeling of any sunscreen on your body at all, behold this brilliant bare skin feel mist. We’re not kidding, you can’t feel a thing. It’s not a cause for concern though, the clever mist still offers ultimate protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

10. Best gel sunscreen for body: Dr Russo Once a Day SPF30 Sun Protective Body Gel

The clever gel harnesses organic UV filters that leave behind an invisible, second-skin finish while warding off damage for up to 12 hours. Not only that harm, the gel is brimming with antioxidants like ferulic acid, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, all of which come together to improve the appearance of existing damage.

11. Best lightweight sunscreen for face: Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin & Ultralight UVA/UVB SPF25

A brilliant all-rounder, this barely-there SPF also doubles up as a moisturiser and a foundation primer all rolled into one. It does a brilliant job art protecting without interfering with your make-up and the added liquorice, lecithin and hydrating hyaluronic acid give skin a nourishing boost, too.

12. Best cream sunscreen for face: Supergoop Play Everyday SPF50

This hero SPF has a gel like texture that melts into skin and is championed by those who are fed up of white marks or breaking out when using sunscreen. Adored by beauty editors, it's packed with sunflower, rosemary and rice antioxidants to shield against the impact of pollution, too.

13. Best mist sunscreen for face: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Protection Invisible SPF50+ Face Mist

If you’re prone to breakouts, this SPF is worth checking out. It offers exceptionally high, broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays but is cleverly fortified with Airlicium with means upon misting, the formula creates a breathable veil over the skin so that pores don’t become clogged. It’s a game-changer.

14. Best gel sunscreen for face: Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defense Aqua UV Gel SPF50

Perfect for urban dwellers, this gel-like formula tackles both UV rays and pollution, while elastin protecting tiger lily helps to avoid fine lines and loss of skin bounce. If that wasn’t enough, eight antioxidants and cactus plant extract prevent moisture loss and control shine so your make-up doesn’t do a disappearing act by 11am.

15. Best face suncreen for sensitive skin: Ultrasun Ultra Sensitive Very High SPF50+ Extreme Formula

This formula really goes the distance. It's provides intense and long lasting coverage that waterproof and sweatproof but best of all, it won't aggravate sensitive skin types thanks to its oil-free formula. Added vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5 also help to nourish a weakened skin barrier.

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