Many women have a love-hate relationship with sunscreens. While most of us recognise their importance and include them in our daily regime, it is often a struggle to find a sunscreen that offers high protection, feels great (read: lightweight) and primes the skin perfectly for makeup application. More often than not, those with high protection feel thick and sticky while those that feel lightweight usually have to be reapplied by midday, derailing us from building a streamlined skincare routine. Not forgetting the need to layer on makeup bases before applying foundations so you look polished and immaculate for a big day in the office.
To optimise comfort and convenience while saving precious time, here are the best lightweight sunscreens that provide long-lasting protection while doubling up as a skin-smoothing makeup base. All you have to do is apply a dollop of it over cleansed and moisturised skin and you’re good to go.
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This famed Japanese brand of sun protection goes beyond UV protection and makeup base properties but also regulates melanin synthesis for clearer and brighter skin. Perfect for daily use, this water-based product is also lightweight and glides effortlessly over the skin – giving it a moisture boost and a smooth finish.
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This lightly tinted fluid goes on sheer and feels virtually weightless as it instantly boosts the complexion by evening out skin tone irregularities. Packed with potent antioxidants, it helps to protect the skin from air-bourne pollutants and other environmental aggressor. And thanks to its mineral zinc oxide content, it blocks out UVA and UVB rays while remaining gentle even on sensitive skin.
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Formulated with precious natural peony extracts, this product restores radiance, hydrates the skin and promotes a healthy complexion with a powerful all-in-one potion that also shields against UV rays and pollution. Now you can get instant luminous skin that is also smooth and incredibly supple.
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Completely free of chemicals, this lightweight gentle-on-skin defence against harmful UV rays is truly a class of its own. Using skin-strengthening Opuntia Cactus Extracts, it cleverly creates a moisture barrier that surrounds the skin – giving it natural resilience against damage caused by unseen pollutants in the air.
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This refreshing fluid protects the skin from the ill effects of UVA, UVB and urban pollution damage – like sun spots, dullness and stops all sources of hyperpigmentation right in its tracks with its Youth Shield technology. It also boasts a featherlight Aqua Gel texture that mattifies the skin, making it perfect for those with combination-oily skin. Skin texture is smoother and clarity is restored day after day.
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Fight of signs of early aging in the skin with this ultra-thin facial sunscreen that boasts a broad spectrum sun protection level of SPF 50 PA++++. Using advanced state-of-the-art technology in a compact bottle, it also offers resistance against pollutant damage, UV rays and other kinds of free radicals. Providing 12 hours of moisture, this fluid also gets absorbed quickly into the skin; leaving a matte finish—creating the perfect base for makeup application.
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Formulated with Atmosphere Therapy Compolex O, this sunscreen uses natural ingredients like Japanese plum, Vitamin B3, Opuntia Cactus Extracts and its signature Pitera – so potent and rich in precious vitamins, minerals and amino acids – to create a barrier against environmental stresses. And as its name suggests, the airy texture feels next-to-nothing when applied onto skin and makeup glides over seamlessly for a flawless finish.
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Formulated with olive extracts sourced from the pristine Shodoshima Island in Japan, this sunscreen doesn’t leave any white residue and forms an invisible SPF 48 PA++++ protective veil over the skin. In addition, it also infuses skin with nourishing olive extracts to keep skin soft and supple all day long—perfect for those with skin that’s prone to dryness or those who spend long hours in harsh air-conditioning.
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This tinted sun protector works hard for your money to provide sublime defence against harmful UV rays, environmental pollutants and photo-ageing. Containing prized skincare ingredients that deeply moisturise and condition the skin, this high-coverage sunscreen also improves skin texture and imparts a natural radiant glow after application.
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Perfect for those on a skincare budget, this all-in-one sunscreen feels next-to-nothing on the skin and offers multiple benefits. Featuring ultra-fine pearl pigments, this has a subtle pink tint to give skin an instant rosy glow. Plus, the sweat-resistant formula also minimises the appearance of pores and absorbs excess sebum while protecting skin against UVA and UVB rays without any stickness or greasiness.
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