Despite knowing that we should wear sunscreen on our faces every single day, it can be hard to find the motivation to do so. Not because it’s an extra step in our skincare routines or because we want to tan, but because traditional formulas are just so… blergh.
They can be sticky, greasy and tacky, leave skin looking ashy and, in some cases, even irritate the skin, resulting in redness, breakouts and inflammation. So yes, if you’re not fully on-board the daily SPF train, we get it. But please, trust us, when we say that such facial SPF formulas are a thing of the past. Nowadays, not only are there a whole bunch of products for different needs, but overall, facial SPFs are surprisingly wearable.
25 best sunscreens and sun creams to shield your skin from harmful UV raysGallery25 PhotosHaving said that, creating a totally flawless facial SPF isn’t easy. It’s hard to formulate with, has to go through rigorous testing and, in its very nature, is sticky and unpleasant in comparison to the lightweight skincare serums we’re used to applying. So it makes sense that when a new facial SPF comes out that genuinely does feel like lightweight skincare, it’s going to get some hype. And that is exactly what happened when The Body Shop launched its Skin Defence Essence a few years ago.
Totally weightless and with impressive protection, The Body Shop’s Skin Defence Essence shot to fame thanks to its invisible, entirely traceless finish. It experienced mass sell out, leaving skincare buffs desperately trying to hunt a tube down to experience the wonders for themselves. But then, without warning, it disappeared from the shelves.
The Body Shop has just reformulated its hero skincare range with an ingredient that has 43% more antioxidant power than retinolGallery9 PhotosLast year, the brand announced that it had reformulated the product into the Skin Defence Multi-Protection Lotion SPF 50+ PA++++. It came with higher levels of sun protection (against both UVA and UVB rays), it had antioxidant benefits thanks to the inclusion of vitamin C and contains marula oil to leave skin deeply nourishing and glowing. And yes, it’s a great product, especially for those with drier skin types. The problem was it doesn’t have that no-trace finish that the previous essence possessed. It leaves skin hydrated and glowing, sure, but more in the way that a moisturiser does.
Those that loved the previous invisible results were left longing for the previous essence and, if you ask us, no SPF that has come to market since has managed to achieve the same lightweight, second-skin finish.
But listen up Body Shop stans, because it is finally back. As of today, you can get The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Light Essence SPF 50 PA+++, £22 back on your faces. It leaves no cast, no film and has skin feeling wonderfully hydrated. Sure, the protection is a fraction less than what the lotion has to offer, but it’s worth noting that an SPF 50 and PA+++ is still considered decently high protection compared to heaps of others on the market.
Whereas other products out there leave a non-greasy film on the skin, this stuff leaves no film. It sort of just applies as a very lightweight lotion and disappears into nothingness. Just pop it on first thing as the last step in your morning skincare routine and be sure to top up throughout the day. If you’re not wearing any makeup, simply pop another layer on without fear of greasy build up. If you are wearing makeup, it still might be better to opt for an SPF mist if you don’t want to disturb your handy work.
Trust us when we say this is quite possibly the most fast-absorbing and lightweight facial sunscreen around. It’s available now at The Body Shop for £22 and you can save when you shop with these The Body Shop discount codes. Run, don’t walk.
Putting SPF on every morning but still burning? You'll need this fool-proof guide in a heatwaveGallery5 PhotosncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLjApqauqp2WtKLGyKecZ5ufY8Kse8Crq6KbnJp8tbTEZpmonKliwKm7z2aqpKGeYrGmssSnmp5lnaq5tbWMqamorJWYwaq7zWajop%2BYqXqmv9KepZydXZuupLXApWSsqJZignE%3D