As summer arrives, sun protection becomes essential. There’s no use sitting on a beach in the Maldives if you aren’t armoured up. Smearing on sticky suncream is unpleasant, but SPF-infused moisturisers offer an elegant solution, hydrating skin whilst providing UV defence. With searches for “men skincare” in the UK skyrocketing over 3,000 between mid-June and mid-July 2023, it seems men are finally catching up to women in the quest for healthy skin – only took them a few centuries!
Compared to just 1,000 searches in 2022 and 2021, us guys are pursuing skincare knowledge in record numbers, with over 2,000 more looking into products. Has the rise of the metrosexual man and celebrity-grade glowing complexions sparked this skincare revolution? Whatever the cause, British men are curiously googling cleansers and creams, trying to soak up beauty secrets on the down low.
With the explosion of SPF moisturisers on the market, how do you choose? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are the top five SPF moisturisers right now to help you find the perfect sun protection this summer.
Kicking off our list at number five is Lab Series Defense Lotion SPF 35 at £35, a cushy oil-free moisturiser meeting your basic sun protection needs without the grease. A fine choice for no-fuss types who just want to get their SPF on every day. No exotic ingredients or magic promises here.
Coming in at first base is L’Oréal Men Expert Hydra Energetic Anti-Fatigue Moisturiser SPF 15 at £12.99. This has standard sun protection but tosses in vitamins, caffeine, and other energetic-sounding ingredients to convince men it’s not a moisturiser. We see you L’Oréal! Still, the quick absorption makes it a popular affordable option for guys who know they should moisturise daily.
Now stepping up to the plate is Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Daily Energising Moisture Treatment SPF 19 at £35. This cult favourite convinced men that moisturiser could be cool — like a facial Red Bull but with SPF! Genius stroke by Kiehl’s marketing team.
Sliding into second is Clinique Superdefense SPF40 Moisturiser Gel at £43, coming in hot with higher SPF protection. This lightweight gel-cream gives oily and acne-prone folks a non-greasy option to shield skin without clogged pores. Smart move Clinique; give the people what they want!
Rounding out our starting lineup is ESPA Optimal Skin Pro-Moisturiser SPF 30 at £70, for those who want their sun protection soaked in luxury. This rosy, nourishing cream provides moisturisation in a sensorial experience, because why not pamper yourself while preventing sun damage?
There you have it, the starting roster of today’s most talked-about SPF moisturisers. Whatever your preferences and budget, apply one of these moisturising sunscreens daily as your armour against UV damage. Protect your skin so you can have fun in the sun without getting burnt – both literally and figuratively.
