As a 46-year-old beauty editor, the one piece of advice I give to everyone is the importance of wearing a high-factor sunscreen every day. “Even when it's cloudy outside, harmful UV rays are still present; just because you can’t see the sun’s rays, does not mean they can’t see you,” dermatologist Dr Nkem Ugonabo tells Express.co.uk. He recommends wearing sun protection all year-round, regardless of skin type.
What’s more, in these warmer months, if you’re in direct sunlight, the British Skin Foundation advises reapplying suncream every two hours. But if you’re on the school run, or alfresco lunching, rubbing suncream into made-up skin isn’t ideal. That’s where face mists come in. These are clever, non-sticky formulas that top up your sun protection without disrupting your makeup.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Protection Invisible SPF50+ Face Mist used to be my go-to when I needed to top up my sunscreen over makeup, but I’ve recently discovered a new, very affordable favourite: the Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Over Make-Up UV Mist Invisible with SPF50+ and Vitamin C.
I’d seen people enthusing about its virtues all over social media (it’s racked up over 28.1M posts on TikTok), praising it for "its fine mist" and "no tell-tale white marks". So, I decided to give it a try for myself.
After using Garnier’s UV Mist during this recent sunning spell, I can concur that yes, it does deliver easy, over-makeup protection, and the mist is super lightweight (and really refreshing). But what I loved the most was the lovely glow it gave my skin. I credit the added vitamin C and Niacinamide, known for their brightening and hydrating properties.
57-year-old Davina McCall, Garnier UK’s longest-standing ambassador, is also a fan; “It’s such a good top-up if you’ve already got your makeup on. I find that’s a barrier to reapplying (SPF), but just being able to spritz on extra SPF and not mess up makeup is so helpful.”
Every two hours for any SPF is a big ask, but it’s made a lot easier with a mist.
Ultra Violette is a regular on influencer grids, but don’t let that put you off; it warrants a place there.
It is known for its non-greasy formulas (and cute packaging), making it ideal for oily, problematic skin. The fact that it’s a mist means there’s no need to touch your face, which can spread dirt and bacteria and dislodge foundation.
Makeup artist Aimee Connolly just gets women’s skin and likes to solve the beauty challenges we face without too much faff.
The Sun Mist Spray (SPF50) simultaneously hydrates and shields from sun damage. It delivers a featherlight, broad, and even spray that catches every part of your face without the need for extra dousing.
Another light and airy high-protection spritz that's non-comedogenic (not a clogged pore in sight), has no added fragrance and contains Vitamin E to nourish, not irritate your complexion. My skin looks a little (too) dewy at first, but it dries down within seconds, not a smudge of makeup in sight.
You can currently buy the Bondi Sands Sunny Face Mist from Superdrug for £14.99.
