5 sunscreens to keep you fresh under the sun

Beat the mid-summer heat with a smarter skincare approach. Move beyond heavy, greasy sunscreens and embrace lightweight, multi-functional formulas that protect against environmental stressors while keeping skin fresh, breathable and glowing

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Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++

Picture: Lane Crawford

To effectively protect dry or combination skin without risking a suffocating, heavy texture, turning to traditional, fermentation-focused Korean skincare yields the most soothing results. This has achieved absolute cult status due to its incredibly lightweight, organic cream formulation that glides onto the face effortlessly. Even when you apply a generous amount throughout a humid afternoon, the product refuses to turn sticky, melting instead into a soft, moist finish reminiscent of a premium, daily moisturising cream. Enriched with a potent blend of 30% rice extract and grain fermented extracts, it continuously pumps deep nourishment and barrier-strengthening hydration back into the skin.

Giorgio Armani Beauty UV Master Primer SPF 30 PA+++

Picture: Giorgio Armani Beauty

The Giorgio Armani Beauty UV Master Primer SPF 30 PA+++ tackles skin protection through a dual-action formula, fighting off harsh UVA/UVB rays and free radicals while actively evening out your complexion. This lightweight fluid provides an impressive 12 hours of non-stop hydration, working deep within the skin cells to soften and brighten dull areas. It wraps the face in a beautiful, soft-focus glowing halo, allowing you to walk out the door looking illuminated and unified with or without foundation.

Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA++++

Picture: Kiehl's

When your daily routine demands a rugged, comprehensive shield against both intense city smog and harsh sunlight, turning to an oil-free clinical standard delivers the most practical results. Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA++++ acts as a powerful triple-threat barrier, blocking UV rays and microscopic pollution particles while preventing the formation of dark spots and early aging lines. Packed with antioxidant-rich Vitamin E, the formula neutralises free radical damage and delivers a solid 24 hours of non-comedogenic moisture that stops dry patches in their tracks. It maintains a beautifully matte, breathable finish that is dermatologically tested to be completely free of oil, parabens, fragrances and artificial colorants, making it perfect for sensitive skin.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+

Picture: La Roche-Posay

If your summer agenda involves heavy outdoor cardio, beachside water sports, or intense sweating, securing a bulletproof, ultra-fluid formula is completely necessary. La Roche-Posay's Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ features their game-changing, patented Mexoryl 400 filter, which stands out as one of the few technologies capable of blocking destructive "ultra-long UVA" rays that cause deep-tissue ageing and sun spots. This water-like lotion boast an incredibly high resistance to water, sweat and sand, meaning your protection stays completely locked in during high-impact movement. The texture absorbs into the skin in seconds, leaving an entirely invisible, non-whitening barrier that doubles as a seamless, non-greasy makeup primer.

Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 35 PA+++

Picture: Sephora

Reapplying sun defence over a full face of cosmetics in the middle of a hot summer day used to be a messy, near-impossible task – until specialised mineral powders rewrote the rules. The Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 35 PA+++ solves this dilemma by packing a broad-spectrum, 100% mineral sunscreen directly into a portable, brush-on translucent finishing powder. This innovative formula effortlessly dusts over existing makeup to absorb excess midday oils and sweat, instantly re-establishing a clean, soft-focus matte texture. It acts as an incredibly convenient, zero-mess touch-up tool that keeps your complexion perfectly guarded and shine-free all afternoon without disturbing your look.

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