A protective face mask may help protect you against Covid-19, but it’s not a magic shield against the sun’s rays. It’s still important to prep and protect your skin against UVA and UVB rays. After all, no one wants to get a “mask tan” after a day outside, right?
Yes, I know that sunscreens in general can feel heavy and uncomfortable, and when worn under a mask, it can result in a hot, sweaty mess – trust me, I’m living proof that this happens. But not to worry, we’ve rounded up 14 ultra-lightweight sunscreens that aren’t only perfect for Singapore’s humid weather but also care for your skin at the same time.
We tested each one for an entire day and here’s how the sunscreens held up:
If there’s one sunscreen that I always find myself turning back to, it’d have to be L’Oreal Paris’ UV Perfect Even Complexion. Especially during this pandemic era where we constantly have to don our masks, I use this sunscreen as my base as it evens out my complexion (hence, the name), and it also protects my skin from the harmful UV rays at the same time. Whenever I use it, I rarely find the need to reach out for my foundation as it provides light coverage while enhancing my skin’s radiance.
Available at Watsons and online at Amazon.
If you love a lightweight, matte finish, meet your next one true love. The Supergoop 100% Mineral Matte Screen works like a charm if you’re looking to fill your pores while looking matte the whole day. It cancels out that unsightly shine — which is great if you struggle with a shiny forehead — and it’s also suitable for all skin types — be it dry, normal, oily or combination.
Available at Sephora.
highly raved by many for its beautiful, illuminating finish, the Supergoop Glow Screen Sunscreen is a cult favourite if you’re looking to achieve a fresh-faced complexion. Not only is it lightweight, but this sunscreen also works as a pearlescent primer that protects you from harmful UV rays and blue light.
What’s great about this is that you can also layer it on top of your makeup and it doubles as a highlighter too if you need to add more shine to your look.
The only setback is that it doesn’t really work well for oily skin or if your skin is prone to that midday oil slick, as it may just make your face look more oily than dewy.
Available at Sephora.
Besides UV protection, this gentle botanical formula also contains ingredients that protect the skin against oxidative stresses, pigmentation and dryness.
While the texture is like a thick lotion, it spreads easily. I didn’t need to rub much to help it absorb into my skin. My complexion looked less tired and brighter, but not in a shiny way. It makes a good makeup base, and even helped my BB cream last longer.
Available at the Sulwhasoo boutique and counters.
A moisturiser and sunscreen in one, it contains a blend of physical and chemical UV filters along with skincare ingredients of niacinamide, licorice and cica extract to soothe and care for the skin.
This ultra-lightweight lotion feels just like a moisturiser – it glides on super easily too. In fact, there are times I forget that it’s got sun-protective properties because it feels so un-sunscreen-like. It doesn’t give skin a white cast or a tacky finish after. Good for normal to combination and/or oilier skin types.
Available at Skin Inc stores and www.iloveskininc.com.sg.
Uses water-soluble UV filters, along with powder and oil filters, to create a feather-light and breathable texture that sits comfortably on the skin for up to eight hours.
Feels like a light cream-lotion upon application and it gave my complexion an instant brightening effect.
It doubles as a makeup base, giving my skin a subtle glow after I apply foundation over it, just like the actresses on the Korean dramas I’ve been binge-watching on Netflix.
Available at all Dior Beauty boutiques and counters, Sephora stores and www.sephora.sg.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen that shields against both UVA and UVB rays, combined with various botanical extracts like aloe vera and olive tree, to care for the skin.
The texture, the bottle and even the scent reminds me of a beach vacation, allowing me to escape for a quick moment to some tropical island paradise. And while it’s meant for the body, it can be used for the face too.
It spritzes easy and gives my skin a slight sheen and instant glow, which is good when I go makeup-free. It’s also hydrating enough as my skin doesn’t feel dry after a day out in the sun.
Available at Clarins boutiques and counters, and www.clarins.com.sg.
A lightweight sunscreen – it claims to be eight times thinner than the classic sunscreen, with skin-loving active ingredients of pure niacinamide and Morrocan citrus peel. It protects skin against urban aggressors like UV rays, pollution and dust, all of which can accelerate the signs of skin ageing.
Feels really lightweight thanks to its fluid lotion-like texture, which makes application really easy. It makes a good makeup base too, giving my complexion a slight brightening effect while leaving it soft and smooth. I find that it even helps my BB cream adhere better.
Available at Yves Saint Laurent Beaute boutiques and counters.
Reformulated to promise even stronger protection against damaging UV rays when skin is exposed to water, perspiration and heat.
Its lightweight texture spreads really easily over the skin and dries instantly with no chalky or sticky finish. There is a rather strong powdery-fresh scent, but it dissipates quite fast.
The sunscreen works best if I’m going makeup-free or if I’m only using a light dusting of powder on my skin. And I was pleasantly surprised that my skin still felt fresh after I removed my mask.
Available at Shiseido counters, Sephora stores and www.sephora.sg.
A non-greasy moisturiser with SPF to defend against environmental aggressors like pollution and UV rays. Also contains red algae extract and vitamin C to keep skin even-toned and healthy.
Has a light cream texture, but absorbs well and easily. My complexion feels well-hydrated and there’s no sticky or greasy residue after application, which is a bonus, especially with our humidity. It also feels really comfortable and is perfect for when my skin gets a little drier with prolonged mask-wear.
Available at The Body Shop stores and The Body Shop official stores on www.lazada.sg and www.shopee.sg.
A lightweight lotion that uses a new sunscreen formula, along with vitamin E and jojoba esters to protect and nourish skin. It also shields the skin from blue light exposure.
As its name states, it not only absorbs really fast but leaves the skin dry and velvety-matte. There is no need to wait if you need to apply base makeup after too. I found the light refreshing scent pleasant too. Better suited for those with normal to combination skin types.
Available at Watsons and Guardian stores, and www.guardian.com.sg.
Promises even stronger UV protection when you sweat or get into the water, or if your body heats up when you’re out in the sun. Also contains super hyaluronic acid, collagen and glycerin to hydrate and nourish skin.
Applies really easily across the skin, absorbs well and leaves skin with a soft matte touch. Plus, it doesn’t give skin a chalky white appearance. Can be used for both the face and body, so I’m definitely keeping this in my bag for my next outdoor activity.
Available at Watsons stores, Don Don Donki outlets and www.watsons.com.sg.
Uses naturally derived ingredients, including pink flowers to brighten and even out a dull complexion while protecting skin against UV rays.
The slightly thick texture is similar to lots of sunscreens in the market. But the fragrance-free formula is something sensitive skin types will appreciate. Upon application, my complexion looked instantly brighter and less tired. But I’d recommend that you apply base makeup like a BB cream or foundation after – worn on its own, the sunscreen made my skin look slightly shiny.
Available at Watsons stores and the AHC Flagship store at www.lazada.sg.
A chemical-free sunscreen that protects the skin against UV damage but also soothes and reduces skin redness. Also contains a proprietary complex that helps rebuild and repair skin’s barrier for stronger and healthier skin. Its fragrance-free formula is also especially suitable for sensitive skins that flush easily.
I’m a fan of the watery lotion-like texture. It’s so lightweight and doesn’t feel greasy on the skin at all. It also doubles as a makeup base when I’m heading out and want to apply a little BB cream. And when worn alone, it doesn’t give my skin that dreaded midday shine, unlike other sunscreens.
Available exclusively at Watsons stores and www.watsons.com.sg.