I’ve tried over 25 face SPFs – here are my favourite non-greasy ones for all budgets

Whilst some moisturisers and skincare products contain SPF, I’ve always preferred to add a dedicated SPF as the last part of my skincare routine.

However, I was finding so many of them were super greasy or would leave a white cast, providing a horrible base for makeup.

It’s vital to use a high SPF of at least 30 according to the beauty experts at Fresha, who recommended waiting at least 20 minutes after application before going outside.

I’ve tried more than 25 SPFs throughout the last five years, with the majority proving to not be suitable for my skin, but I have found four which I love and rotate on a regular basis.

It’s important, however, to determine what sunscreen works for you and which brand you like, depending on your budget.

1. La Roche Posay Anthelios

This sunscreen comes with SPF30 and SPF50, as well as untinted and tinted varieties, of which I have tried all.

This was one of the first high-end sunscreens I had purchased, with an average retail price of £20, although it tends to always be on discount for around £16.

I love the tinted and untinted varieties, but this is definitely the best tinted sunscreen I have ever tried.

It is super lightweight on the skin, it doesn’t crease but also acts as a tinted moisturiser for me in the summer months when the weather is warm.

I usually find SPF50 to be quite thick in consistency and leave a white cast on the skin but this is completely the opposite and it blends like a dream too.

The bottle is also super sleek and easy to travel with on the go and is by far my favourite high-end sunscreen.

It can be purchased from a variety of retailers including Boots, Superdrug and LOOKFANTASTIC.

2. Garnier Vitamin C UV Daily

For around £8, you can’t go wrong with this Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Invisible Fluid by Garnier, with SPF50 protection.

Garnier claims it helps prevent dark spots with Vitamin C known to boost brightness, and whilst I hadn’t used this sunscreen for very long, it glided onto the skin beautifully and definitely helped to brighten my skin.

This is a slightly thicker consistency than La Roche Posay’s SPF and I do notice it on my skin more, but it still is brilliant for the price tag.

It can be purchased from retailers like Boots but is often found in supermarkets too such as Sainsbury’s.

3. Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Niacinamide

Formulated with niacinamide, salicylic acid and zinc PCA, this formula helps fight against imperfections with a 12-hour mattifying effect.

I absolutely love this sunscreen as I was finding some were resulting in me getting spots due to blocking my pores.

However, this doesn’t do that at all and is a very similar consistency to La Roche Posay’s, which makes it super easy to blend into the face and neck.

Garnier claims the products help to make pores look minimised as well as let the skin breathe with its non-sticky formula.

This is definitely my overall favourite sunscreen due to its ingredients, how it doesn’t leave my skin sticky, and most importantly, the £9 price tag.

Boots is currently selling it for just £9.33, reduced from £14, and I managed to pick it up for around £8 a few months ago.

4. Grüum SPF 30 Lightweight Face Sunscreen

I love this brand that offers a gorgeous lightweight fragrance-free unscreen for £8, and it’s SPF30.

It helps to keep damaging UV rays at bay without blocking pores with a non-greasy formula.

It’s been created with leading dermatologists to ensure 5* UVA and UVB protection.

I do love this sunscreen, although there is a slight white cast left on the skin initially, which disappears after around 30 minutes. 

It’s vegan-friendly, water resistant and isn’t made with any chemical nasties, which is what the brand is all about.