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ELLE Edit: 17 Of The Best Sun Creams To Prevent Sunburn

Bronzed, hydrated, glowy skin is what we're aiming for.

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best sun creampinterest

Wearing SPF and feeling sassy don't necessarily go hand-in-hand. Childhood memories of being forced to wear white paint-like sun cream that somehow stuck to every grain of sand on the beach come to mind. But trust us, there are plenty of sun creams and sunscreens out there that can work magic on your skin.

'Always apply SPF before putting on your bikini or clothes,' advises Camila Pierotti, Founding Partner and Lead of Product Innovation at Sol de Janeiro. 'That way if anything moves around, your skin will be protected and you avoid burning and ruining a tan! No one wants a sun burn. So, don’t forget the tops of your hands and feet, ears and on your scalp, where your hair parts.'

As well as saving you from sunburn, picking the right sun cream can save you money and space in your luggage (check out the new wave of genius roll-ons) as the latest gen of sun creams double up as silky moisturisers, hair protectors and even body firmers.

Check out our edit of the 15 best sun creams helping you to get your bronze on and avoid that lobster look for good.

Shop the best sun cream that's lightweight but high protection

1

Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF50 Reapplication Mist Skinscreen™

Preen Screen SPF50 Reapplication Mist Skinscreen™
1

Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF50 Reapplication Mist Skinscreen™

£32 at Space NK

It's fair to say we've never been quite so impressed with an SPF spray. Leave it to sun protection experts, Ultra Violette, to develop an invisible, ultra-lightweight SPF 50 spray that makes reapplying your sun cream almost too easy. Designed specifically with those regular top ups in mind, this vitamin C and E-infused formula is ideal for taking on-the-go and for protecting those bits we tend to forget about - think hands, scalp and anywhere else that's enjoying a hit of sunshine.

2

Caudalie Vinosun Very High Protection Water SPF50

Vinosun Very High Protection Water SPF50
2

Caudalie Vinosun Very High Protection Water SPF50

Now 28% Off

Caudalie's super smart bi-phase sun screen combines the skin-nourishing properties of an oil with the skin-protecting powers of an SPF50 water. Non-sticky or greasy with zero white cast or residue, simply shake and spritz for sun protection.

3

Clarins Sun Care Cream for Body SPF30

Sun Care Cream for Body SPF30
3

Clarins Sun Care Cream for Body SPF30

If a more traditional sun cream is your preference, then Clarins' modern take on a classic formula is the one for you. Combining high level sun damage filters and plant-based extracts, this lightweight lotion delivers on skincare benefits and sun protection minus the chalky white streaks. Plus, the packaging is made from recycled plastic so you get snaps for sustainability.

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4

Sun Bum Original SPF30 Sunscreen Spray

Original SPF30 Sunscreen Spray
4

Sun Bum Original SPF30 Sunscreen Spray

Now 44% Off

This super fine invisible spray makes the boring task of applying sun cream seriously quick and easy. The mist applicator means applying sun cream to even the most tricky to get to areas is a breeze, while the dry touch, vegan formula means sticky, sand-covered limbs are a thing of the past.

5

Supergoop! Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++

Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++
5

Supergoop! Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++

If the thought of a sun cream stick has you picturing dodgy throwback images of 1980s ski trips, then think again. Supergoop! have created a genius clear SPF50 balm that sits transparently and comfortably on skin - ideal for upping the sun protection on areas like your nose, parting or ears without the tell tale white stripes. Additionally, it makes a great highlighter for those summer nights where make-up just isn't an option.

6

NIVEA Sun Protect & Dry Touch Sunscreen Spray SPF30

Sun Protect & Dry Touch Sunscreen Spray SPF30
6

NIVEA Sun Protect & Dry Touch Sunscreen Spray SPF30

A high street favourite for a reason, Nivea know a thing or two about protecting your skin from sun damage. This satisfyingly ergonomic bottle (that's also made from 95% recycled materials) houses a dry touch, 100% clear SPF30 formula that immediately absorbs into skin. For swimmers or water sports fans, it's also extra water and sweat resistant, 89% biodegradable, and free of ocean damaging ingredients, so you can feel reassured even when you're in the water.

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7

Lancaster Sun Sport Cooling Invisible Mist SPF50

Sun Sport Cooling Invisible Mist SPF50
7

Lancaster Sun Sport Cooling Invisible Mist SPF50

If there's something about sun protection Lancaster don't know, we're yet to discover it. The cult sun screen brand have developed a genius sun screen spray that packs in SPF50, is water-resistant, ocean-friendly and even cools our hot and flustered skin on contact. We haven't even mentioned its super fine mist texture, that you can apply it directly onto wet skin and its totally transparent - perfect for all skin tones.

8

Hello Sunday The Essential One - Body Cream SPF 30

The Essential One - Body Cream SPF 30
8

Hello Sunday The Essential One - Body Cream SPF 30

Credit: .

Wave white casts goodbye, Hello Sunday's invisible sun cream formula disappears instantly on every skin tone.

9

Oskia SPF30 Vitamin Body Milk

Oskia SPF30 Vitamin Body Milk
9

Oskia SPF30 Vitamin Body Milk

Now 50% Off

If you like your sun cream to be more than just a barrier between you and harmful UV rays, choose this Oskia offering. First and foremost, it's a luxurious, skin replenishing, gorgeous smelling moisturiser, complete with vitamins and omegas. And secondly, but by no means any less importantly, it's an effective, factor 30 sun cream. Smear it and smile.

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10

Ultrasun SPF 50+ Extreme Sun Lotion (400ml)

SPF 50+ Extreme Sun Lotion (400ml)
10

Ultrasun SPF 50+ Extreme Sun Lotion (400ml)

Credit: .

It might be called 'Extreme' sun lotion but trust us when we say this factor 50 sun cream is a total essential. Ideal for even the most sensitive skin, regular applications of this water-resistant lotion will leave you feeling safe in the knowledge that sun burn is fully off the cards.

11

Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super UV Protection Mist SPF50

Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super UV Protection Mist SPF50
11

Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super UV Protection Mist SPF50

An SPF50 spray you can wear over your make-up? Sign us up. Garnier's genius hyaluronic acid-infused sun cream mist is the ultimate way to top up your sun protection on the go.

12

Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel Cream SPF 50+

Oil Control Sun Gel Cream SPF 50+
12

Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel Cream SPF 50+

Now 30% Off

Leave sticky sun cream smothered skin in the past with Eucerin's genius dry touch gel formula. A sophisticated combination of sebum-regulating Oil Control technology, Licochalcone A that neutralises free radicals caused by UV and HEVIS light and added Glycyrrhetinic Acid that supports the skin’s own DNA repair mechanism, this is the face sun cream that really works.

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13

Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF 30

Prisma Protect SPF 30

Protecting your skin from the sun might be good for you, but it's not always good for the environment. With up to 10% of coral reefs being threatened by sunscreen-induced bleaching, it's time to swap your regular sun cream for an earth-friendly one. Dermalogica's reef-friendly SPF provides broad spectrum protection whilst also boosting your skin's natural luminosity. Win, win.

14

Vichy Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water Hydrating SPF50

Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water Hydrating SPF50
14

Vichy Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water Hydrating SPF50

If heavy, paint-like white creams aren't your bag (are they anyone's??) then this super lightweight spray is for you. Formulated with hero ingredient hyaluronic acid, this keeps parched skin hydrated and protected.

15

Avène Very High Protection Spray Sun Cream SPF50+

Very High Protection Spray Sun Cream SPF50+
15

Avène Very High Protection Spray Sun Cream SPF50+

Formulated specially for sensitive skin prone to sunburn, this super high protection spray defends against harmful UVA and UVB rays, whilst the Avène Thermal Spring Water soothes any heat-inflicted irritation.

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16

Institut Esthederm Adaptasun Body Lotion Strong Sun

Adaptasun Body Lotion Strong Sun
16

Institut Esthederm Adaptasun Body Lotion Strong Sun

Based around the concept of using melanin to train your skin to protect itself against the sun, this SPF-free lotion lets you tan the safe way whilst still protecting against photo-ageing and free radical skin damage.

17

RIEMANN P20 Sunscreen SPF20 Lotion

Sunscreen SPF20 Lotion
17

RIEMANN P20 Sunscreen SPF20 Lotion

One application of this genius sun cream is enough for ten hours worth of protection which means no messy lotions while you're trekking through the jungle. Or, you know, sitting by the pool...

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