Why wear sunscreen? There’s so much talk around sunscreens that most of us are confused – is sunscreen really important? Or is it just a marketing hype?
Yes, it is important to wear sunscreen daily. According to the New York-based The Skin Cancer Foundation, daily use of a sunscreen with at least SPF15 coverage will decrease the chances of you developing skin cancers and pre-cancers. Serious health risks such as cancer aside, a daily swipe of sunscreen can help you prevent the development of skin concerns such as winkles, fine lines, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and saggy skin.
Easier said than done, right? Getting started with a daily sunscreen routine is a huge commitment and tall order. And somehow, we conveniently skip the sunscreen when we’re pressed for time. How do you fix that? Well, get a sunscreen that you truly like – in terms of texture, benefits, coverage, and down to the scent.
Here, our editors share their all-time favourite sunscreens.
“I love the whipped texture of the Supergoop! Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30 ($52) and use this just before my primer and foundation. Not only does it dry quickly, it does exactly what its name suggests: provide sheer but effective coverage.” – Elizabeth
“For WFH days where I shy away from putting on any makeup, I use the IDS S3 Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++ ($73.83). This formula is sheer and dries down matte, evening out skin tone. It’s also been fortified with Iron Oxide, an ingredient that reportedly affords greater protection against visible (blue) light.” – Elizabeth
“There’s nothing I dislike more than greasy and heavy sunscreens and this oil-free sunscreen ($49) is neither. The lightweight formula sinks in quickly to leave a demi-matte finish, and has a lovely, subtle floral scent. Plus, it’s got white tea and shiso extracts that are said to offer antioxidative benefits.” – Michelle
“I’ve been using the Lancome UV Expert Youth Shield Aqua Gel SPF50 PA++++ ($75) for about three months now and I really appreciate the light texture and how easily it goes over my moisturiser. My skin tends to veer towards the oily but this doesn’t leave me looking any worse for wear. It has quite a light, liquid texture which can be a bit messy to put on but the pay-off has worked for me so far.” – Karen
“While I like to try new products, I’ve recently come back to an old favourite and have to say at the end of the day, it’s an old favourite for a reason. La Roche Posay’s Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+ ($46.90) is one of those great products well it has strong protective properties without feeling heavy or drying (or oily) on the skin. I’ve worn it to the sun-blazing beaches of the Maldives but I find it works just as well in my WFH set-up (aka my dining room table).” – Karen
“I’ve always used budget sunscreens from Olive Young (skincare hauls when visiting Seoul) but the travel ban has depleted my sunscreen stash in the past year. Earlier this year, I found this newly-launched sunscreen ($76) by the French heritage skincare brand, Clarins. The formula absorbs quickly and dries into a matte finish on my dry-combination skin, blocks UV rays, blue light, and urban pollution particles. The greatest draw is, however, the beautiful botanical scent which makes me look forward (and find lots of excuses) to slather this all over my face and neck every day.” – Guan
“If you are, like me, averse to sticky and icky sunscreens, try sunscreen sticks like this Clear Suncare Stick by Shiseido ($39). The application method is fuss-free, very much like a deodorant stick. All you need is to pop open the cap, roll the stick so it comes out, and rub it all over your face. More often than not, these sunscreen sticks come with a smooth, primer-like texture which smoothens out your complexion.” – Guan