The heat is on: Slather on these lightweight sunscreens for the ultimate protection

Lightweight, spreads easily and leaves no sticky feeling — basically none of the yucky things we hate about sunscreen.

Formulated with the unique WetForce technology, the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector S SPF 50+ / PA++++ (S$63) forms an even stronger barrier against the sun when its wet, making it perfect for outdoor sports.

Image: Shiseido 

The Fresh Sugar Sport Treatment Sunscreen SPF 30 (S$36) goes wherever you go. Packaged in a handy stick, you can easily swipe it on your lips and face (even on the under-eye area) to protect yourself against UV damage. It’s also water-resistant, making it the ideal companion for those who lead an active lifestyle.

Image: Fresh

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Unlike chemical sunscreen which protects UV rays by absorbing it, mineral sunscreens like the Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++ (S$72) reflects them, making it more comfortable for those with sensitive skin.

Image: Kiehl’s

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The Daylong Light Gel for Face and Body (S$32.90) offers a cooling sensation when applied and dries to a comfortable matte finish. Formulated without parabens and fragrance also means it’s suitable for sensitive and oily skin.

Image: Cetaphil

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It’s advisable to reapply sunscreen every two hours, but that can be hard when you have makeup on. The DrGL Sun Protection Mist SPF29 PA++ (S$88) allows you to reapply sunscreen without ruining your makeup. Just hold it about 20 centimetres away from your face, and spritz away.

Image: DrGL

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Children have more sensitive skin compared to adults so ensure that the sunscreen they use is suitable for their skin. The Biore UV Mild Milk SPF 50 / PA++++ (S$13.90) protects children from getting sunburnt, and has a light milky texture that doesn’t leave behind any stickiness.

Image: Biore

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Although this product is not strictly a sunscreen, the Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating Lightweight Emulsion SPF 25 (S$100) stimulates skin regeneration and protects the skin against the full light spectrum including UV, visible light and infrared. This means that skin is not just shielded from the sun, but also your computer and mobile phone screens.

Image: Philosophy

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The Kenzoki White Blossom Delicate UV Shield SPF50 / PA+++ (S$65) hydrates dry skin and leaves behind a dewy finish. Its plum blossom essence inhibits melanin production, which prevents the formation of dark spots and pigmentation.

Image: Kenzoki

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When you apply the Sunplay Skin Squa Sarafit UV Essence SPF 50 + / PA ++++ (S$16.90), you’ll banish all misconceptions about sunscreens feeling heavy and greasy when you apply them. This one goes on smoothly like a gel-based moisturiser and dries to a light-weight matte finish, forming the perfect base for your makeup to go on.

Image: Sunplay

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Wear it alone or with makeup, the Clarins UV Plus Anti-Pollution SPF50 PA+++ (S$74) comes in three shades, Translucent, Rosy Glow and Fairness, to correct dull complexion or minimise redness. Plus, it contains a high concentration of antioxidants to fight against pollution and free radical damage. Talk about killing two birds with one stone!

Image: Clarins

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Glossier may have launched a new “see-through” sunscreen, but we know that Emily Weiss took inspiration from Asian sunscreens. Biore has consistently produced good sunscreens at affordable prices and the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+ PA++++ is no exception.

With a lightweight gel texture that absorbs easily, and a waterproof formula to boot, this is definitely one of our go-to sunscreens to wear under makeup.

Image: Biore

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There’s a lot to hate about sunscreens – thick texture, doesn’t go well under makeup and leaves a white cast. But you won’t find any of that in the Shiseido Senka Perfect White UV Milk. Its watery texture goes on easily, and leaves a powdery finish, allowing for foundation to apply easily over. 

Image: Shiseido

This story was originally posted in The Singapore Women’s Weekly, May 17, 2017. 

READ MORE: These insanely handy all-in-one tinted sunscreens work like makeup for lazy girls and Don’t make these sunscreen mistakes that are compromising your SPF protection.