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Best for All Skin Types – SolRX SPORT SPRAY SPF 50 Sunscreen Best for Toddler Use – Beauty by Earth SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Spray Best for Sensitive Skin – La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Body and Face Sunscreen Spray Best Skincare for Daily Protection – COOLA Organic Sunscreen SPF 70 Sunblock Spray Best for Fast-Drying – Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 Best Biodegradable Sunscreen – Alba Botanica Sunscreen for Face and Body Best for Long Water Resistant – Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Spray Best Overall – Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 15 Keen to add an SPF sunscreen spray to your daily skincare routine? Here, we've rounded up our favourite formulas that are lightweight, refreshing and effective. The key, according to Mahto, is to ensure that you’re using enough – “which is why I like to spray the product into my hand first to see the quantity.” Another good tip from Dr Mahto is to apply the spray in layers (letting it dry between each application), “as otherwise it can end up making your face too wet.” But is this a must? “For some sprays, you do – but the vast majority that I've seen for the top up purpose don't technically require you to rub them in,” confirms Mahto.
BEST SPRAY SUNSCREEN FULL
If you have a full face of makeup on, the last thing you’re going to want to do is spray a sunscreen on top and then rub it in. Do you still have to rub in spray sunscreen? But if you've been swimming, sweating or towelling off, a regular sunscreen needs to be reapplied straight afterwards.

“Every two to three hours, depending on the sun protection factor,” says Mahto. View Gallery How often should we apply sunscreen spray? “You can then use your SPF mist to top up your protection when you’re out and about," says Brett. After cleansing and layering your best facial serums, reach for your regular SPF (be it a cream, gel or lotion). “Sunscreen is the last skincare product applied before makeup,” says Mahto. When should you apply sunscreen sprays in your beauty routine? One 2021 study showed that zinc oxide (a popular mineral filter) may make chemical sunscreens less robust. Then, “you can use an SPF face spray as often as you like throughout the day,” adds Brett, “it can double up as a body SPF spray as well.” Top tip? When layering SPFs, don’t mix chemical and mineral sunscreens. “This needs to dry for three to five minutes before applying foundation or tinted moisturiser.” “You should use about one-half a teaspoon of product to your face and neck,” says Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist. So, to make it clear, “sunscreen sprays are purely for top up purposes (as there’s a tendency to not use enough product).” Should you use sunscreen sprays alone or in conjunction with a cream SPF?įor your first SPF application, the experts recommend opting for a cream or lotion. It's worth caveating though that if you're swimming, towelling off or sweating excessively then the spray won't be adequate – “and you’d need to use your regular facial sunscreen to reapply,” says Mahto. “Essentially, they're a very convenient way to ensure you stay protected from the sun's UV rays day-long,” she continues. They're especially handy if you're wearing makeup and can’t completely reapply your facial sunscreen. “Spray sunscreens can be an effective way of topping up your sun protection throughout the day,” says Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and founder of Self London clinic. Tick, tick! Below, we round-up our favourite formulas – plus, we ask the experts to answer your most asked SPF spray questions. While creams and lotions can be too heavy to re-apply, SPF face sprays offer a lightweight alternative for on-the-go top-ups that will protect the skin without disrupting your makeup. “Not many people know this, but SPF only lasts on the skin for around two to three hours,” confirms Samantha Brett, founder of Naked Sundays SPF, “which is why it’s important to top up your SPF regularly, especially when you’re outdoors.”
