Why SPF 50 Will Always Be My Favourite Beauty Must Have
How much we really need on our face, low cost heroes and my ultimate favourites
I’ve wanted to do a face SPF 50 post for awhile now as it’s a permanent spot in my morning skin routine literally all year round. It’s something in my early 20’s a really didn’t know enough about or I thought it was just for “summer months only”. It wasn’t until I really started getting interested in the beauty science side of things and I attended a skin conference in London that really left me saying….woah… and since then I’m an SPF 50 girl all the way.
The Benefits of SPF 50:
• An Anti-aging powerhouse : Daily SPF 50 use can slow down the formation of fine lines and wrinkles by up to 24%, keeping your skin looking youthful and smooth for longer.
• Prevents age spots and hyperpigmentation: Regular use helps maintain an even skin tone by preventing those pesky dark spots that can appear over time from sun exposure.
• Protects existing moles: SPF 50 helps keep your moles healthy by shielding them from UV damage that could cause changes in size, shape, or colour.
• Maintains skin elasticity: Sun protection helps preserve your skin’s natural collagen and elastin, keeping it bouncy and firm.
• Reduces redness and sensitivity: Many people find their skin becomes less reactive and more comfortable when properly protected from daily UV exposure.
• Prevents broken capillaries: Regular SPF 50 use helps protect the delicate blood vessels near your skin’s surface, particularly around the nose and cheeks.
• Keeps skin hydrated: A lot of more modern SPF 50 formulas actually boost your skin’s moisture levels while protecting, giving you that healthy glow.
• Prevents sun-induced acne: A lot of people actually think its the opposite but a good SPF can actually help prevent breakouts caused by sun damage and inflammation.
If you’re thinking yes Lou, I knew most of this already “but I already have SPF in my foundation,” I was also once this person too! But actually - the amount we would use as foundation versus the amount of spf we actually need on our face and neck… well let’s just say we’d all be walking around totally caked to the max in foundation. A fellow blogger pal Karen from Lovely Girly Bits actually made a really hilarious and great point on this before - I’ll link her video below :)
The thing about SPF in foundation…it’s a lovely bonus, but it’s not going to give you the correct protection. Most of us apply foundation much more sparingly than we would a dedicated sunscreen, which means we’re getting a fraction of the promised protection. Think of it like having a beautiful umbrella that’s only a little bit opened – it’s better than nothing, but you’re still getting exposed to a lot of rain! Really our skin deserves the full protection that only a dedicated SPF 50 can give us.
The Magic Amount: How Much SPF 50 Do You Actually Need?
The golden rule is about a quarter teaspoon (roughly 1.25ml) for your face and neck combined or two finger lengths full. That might sound like a lot, but trust me, your skin will thank you for it and its also based on the guidelines from skin foundations and cancer charities too!
Don’t forget your neck and décolletage : these areas are just as precious and often the first to show signs of sun damage. A few extra seconds of application can make years of difference!
Some of my SPF 50 favourites:
You might have heard me talk about these before and please do let me know if you have a personal favorite you’d like to share too. The below I find to just be all absolutely gorgeous products, all in different ways but giving us the skin protection and love we need.
( products denoted with an * represents an affiliate link )
Clarins SPF 50 Stick:
This is a handbag essential for sure in the summer months. Especially if you have a lot of freckles or moles. It’s so easy and convenient to use - and like all Clarins products the scent is divine! Perfect for sensitive skin, it’s not sticky in anyway and glides on the skin beautifully. As its a perfect ‘ on the go’ SPF the sun care stick means you don’t have to worry about your hands feeling stick when your out and about.
You can find it at local Clarins stockists on here* for €29.
Neutrogena SPF 50 Hydro Boost:
For anyone who would really suffers with skin dryness or dehydrated skin this a fabulous product from the Hydro Boost range. With this you get sun protection with that plump, hydrated feeling and a texture that’s as light as air on your skin.
Really easy to come across and you can usually see this on special offer from time to time too.
On offer at the moment here* for €15
Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50 for Face:
Garnier is a brand we’re all familiar with and they're ones who have been quietly perfecting the art of face-friendly sun protection for years. They’ve an incredibly impressive range for everyone in the family and all different skin concerns you might have. I tried out their invisible super serum a few months ago and I loved how fast drying & absorbing it was. If you're hyper sensitive to texture I think this would be a lovely option as it gives that barely there feeling.
For fellow makeup lovers they’ve got their over makeup mist ( ideal on those really hot days) where your skin needs that extra top up but without impacting you makeup or giving a greasy look to your skin.
UV serum around the €10-€16 mark in most places. You can find it here*
And the over Makeup SPF Mist here* you can find it in supermarkets too.
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery :
Dermalogica is certainly a leader in the world of skincare and skin protection. Their Dynamic skin is something to consider if you want to focus more on anti aging but also if you are conscious of dark spots or pigmentation issues you might have. I’ve used this in the winter and summer months - and I can confirm it is effortlessly beautiful on the skin.
More of the premium side of SPFs but worth every penny. €69 here or at main Dermalogica stockists.
Boots’ own brand SPF 50 range
The Boots Sultan range is proof that excellent sun protection doesn’t have to break the bank. Their formulations are incredibly sophisticated for the price. You might have seen me talk about their Age Defence Spy if you’ve followed me from my old blog days. Recently I came across two new additions “ hydrating” and “ brightening” which is great to see new options to cover various skin issues.
You’ll find this for around €13 in Boots or here but you’ll also find it on offer every now and again in their 3 for 2 offers.
Skingredients SPF 50
This a beautiful Irish brand that’s been making waves with their “skincare that works” philosophy for quite a while. Their SPF feels more like a luxury moisturiser that happens to protect your skin beautifully. What’s more is that it has a subtle glow pigment to it, so whether you decide to go makeup free or add foundation over it- it will give you that instant “ awake” look to your skin.
You can find it here for €45 or at expert skin clinics.
One thing I often hear from people is the reason they don’t like to wear SPF 50 on their face is that “white ghost” look that can or might happen. This might have happened years ago but SPF formulas have modernised so much now that this is largely a thing of the past! :)
The products mentioned above have all been formulated with wearability in mind. They blend seamlessly into skin, work beautifully under makeup, and actually enhance your complexion rather than masking it. Many of them even have subtle tints or blend to match your skin tone, giving you that natural, protected glow rather than any chalky residue.
Making SPF 50 Your Daily Ritual
Adding your SPF50 in your routine consistently for a week will quickly make it part of your every day ritual quickly… you won’t even end up thinking about applying it, it will just be second nature to you. Apply it after your moisturiser but before your makeup, and you’re giving your skin the best possible foundation for whatever the day brings.
Remember, sun protection isn’t just about the obvious factors, it’s about keeping your skin healthy, comfortable, and radiant for years to come. Whether you’re heading to the office, meeting friends for brunch, or just popping to the shops, your SPF 50 is working quietly in the background, letting you get on with being your fabulous self.
If you have your own favourite go-to or maybe you’ve come across something new recently you love then be sure to comment below :)
Lou xxx