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Any makeup artist, beautician or doctor worth their salt will stress the importance of wearing sunscreen - in fact, the advice we hear time and time again is that there's no point investing in beauty treatments of any kind if you aren't already wearing SPF on your face every single day! Yes, this includes your wedding day too! But some of the best SPFs aren't suitable for brides to wear on the big day - some leave a white cast on the skin that doesn't look great in photographs.
That's why, here we're bringing you our list of the best SPFs for brides, with specific picks for lots of different skin types and issues. Our top tip? Once you've found an SPF you love, start wearing it daily, no matter how cloudy the skies. Your skin will thank us for it!
The Best SPFs and Sunscreens for Brides
1. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+] SPF 30, 40ml
Specifically formulated for oily, blemish and acne-prone skin, this dual-action daily gel moisturiser reduces the appearance of spots and controls shine all day long. The clear gel formula provides hydration to oilier skin but works brilliantly under makeup. It's suitable even for oily skin on the sensitive side.
Best for: oily skin
2. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50, 50ml
This ultralight sunscreen has a mix of chemical and mineral protection that works beautifully for a destination wedding or here at home if it's warmer. Massively hydrating, it drenches skin with much-needed moisture all day long. Aloe Vera soothes the skin and the dreamy cream is packed full of antioxidants. Great for all skin types who want decent protection, hydration, and a zero white cast on the skin.
Best for: dehydrated skin
3. Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF50, 50ml
This mineral sunscreen effortlessly glides over the face, neck, and décolletage, absorbing quickly without an unwanted greasy residue. The formula boasts a broad spectrum UVA and SPF 50, which protect skin from all UV rays, pollution and blue light from devices. A great sunscreen for daily use or a wedding day, it has a peachy tint that works with all skin tones.
Best for: all skin types
4. Ultra Violette Clean Screen Fragrance-Free Sensitive Facial Sunscreen SPF 30 50ml
Ultra Violette has formulated this sunscreen without fragrance, alcohol, or colourants, which suits more sensitive skin. The gel texture sunscreen is lightweight, easily absorbed and durable for 10 hours under makeup. For skin that's easily irritated by skin and suncare, this hydrating sunscreen is perfect for oilier or blemish-prone skin.
Best for: sensitive skin
5. SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Sunscreen 40ml
Matte skin provides the perfect blank canvas for a dewy bridal look. Oil control that can go beyond the initial application is best for your wedding day. This sunscreen has 1% Tranexamic Acid and 2% Niacinamide to even and balance the skin, tackling signs of ageing and sun damage, while an SPF 50 works to prevent further damage.
Best for: oily skin
6. The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF30 50ml
This one is invisible, weightless, and an easy sunscreen to wear for all skin types. Offering broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, this sunscreen is an adaptation of The Inkey List's hugely popular Polyglutamic Acid serum that is more hydration than Hyaluronic. Perfect for dehydrated skin regardless of skin type, it works perfectly under makeup, it creates no pilling, and the finish is clear and glowy.
Best for: invisible protection and dehydration
7. Nuxe Sun Fluid SPF 50, 50ml
Water-resistant and fast-absorbing, Nuxe Sun Fluid has notes of gardenia and vanilla, which give it a delicate aroma. The fluid is lightweight and has a Water Hyacinth extract to protect against dehydration. The pocket-sized bottle is full size, but an easy one to pack away for a honeymoon afterwards.
Best for: normal to combination skin
8. Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer SPF 50, 30ml
Charlotte Tilbury's sunscreen has a lot going on. An everyday sunscreen, it protects, hydrates, and moisturises. But like a lot of Charlotte's products, it also blurs pores and wrinkles. The brand's MagicCream ‘Magic 8’ oil complex is inside, as is Hyaluronic Acid, and it’s fragrance and silicone-free. Tilbury's Airbrush technology gives an added filter effect which blurs fine lines and wrinkles. For makeup lovers, this is one of the best SPFs for brides on their big day.
Best for: multi-tasking sunscreen primer
9. Vichy Capital Soleil UV-Age Daily SPF 50+, 40ml
Vichy UV-Age sunscreen has a water-like formula that melts instantly on the skin. It offers incredible sun protection with almost equal UVA and UVB filters. The lotion protects against pollution and boosts skin strength with peptides, Niacinamide, and Vitamin E. For a hot, sunny wedding day, this type of formula can be used without fear of flashback or staining on the neck, hands, and décolletage.
Best for: anti-ageing UV Care
10. Lancaster Sun Sensitive Oil-Free Face Sun Protection Cream SPF50 50ml
Sun-allergic skin needs specific sunscreen that will protect from a reaction but is also low on irritating ingredients. Lancaster Sun Sensitive Oil-Free Face Sun Protection Cream SPF50 has a Sunsicam complex to soothe and restore the skin while offering maximum sun protection. Oil-free, the lightweight cream is suitable for any skin type that suffers from reactions to the sun.
Best for: sun-allergic skin
It's never too early to start thinking about your wedding day skincare routine. Read our Complete Wedding Skincare Timeline For Treatments & Products or follow our 6 Tips for Healthy, Glowing Skin!
