We all know the importance of wearing SPF every day – UV exposure is not only responsible for sunburn and skin cancer, but also signs of damage that speed up the skin aging process (like pigmentation, loose skin, and fine lines), and for triggering inflammatory conditions like acne and rosacea.
However, finding the right formula can be the hard part. We’ve all used SPFs in the past that have looked greasy or chalky, felt sticky, left a white cast, or caused breakouts. It goes without saying that if you don’t like wearing a product, you’re less likely to use it. Fortunately, new brand on the block, Hello Sunday, is on a mission to modernise sun protection and create products that you want (as well as need) to wear.
From an SPF serum to a hand cream with sun protection, scroll down to discover the Hello Sunday range.
The Everyday One Face Moisturiser
Best for: Daily use, sensitive skin.
Suitable for: All skin types.
Texture: Light lotion
SPF rating: 30 and 50
Type: Chemical
Bonuses: Protects skin from blur light, pollution, and infrared rays.
How to use: Apply generously (approx 5 pumps) to dry skin half an hour before exposure as the final step in your skincare routine before makeup. Reapply every two hours.
Beauty editor’s verdict: This may be the most ‘traditional’ SPF product in the range, but it’s by no means anything like the thick, chalky SPFs I grew up using. The lotion texture feels just like a moisturiser – lightweight, hydrating, and quick to absorb. No chalkiness whatsoever.
The One That’s A Serum Face Drops
Best for: Those who want an alternative approach to traditional SPFs.
Suitable for: All skin types.
Texture: A fast-absorbing, non-sticky serum.
SPF rating: 45
Type: Chemical
Bonuses: Fragrance-free, and contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.
How to use: Apply generously (approx half a teaspoon) to clean, dry skin as the final step (after moisturiser) in your skincare routine.
Beauty editor’s verdict: If you’re still struggling to get into the habit of applying SPF every single day, this one will convince you to make it a habit. The silky serum texture is a totally modern approach to sun protection, perfect for those who prefer thin, lightweight products.
The One That’s Got It All Sun Primer
Best for: When you’re wearing makeup, going to be working out, or in hot and humid weather.
Suitable for: All skin types
Texture: Super smooth, glides onto skin with a velvety finish.
SPF rating: 50
Type: Chemical
Bonuses: Sweat- and water-resistant, contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
How to use: Apply one teaspoon’s worth to skin half an hour before exposure as the final step in your skincare routine before makeup. Reapply every two hours.
Beauty editor’s verdict: If you’re worried about SPF compromising your makeup, you no longer have to be. Formulated to act as much as a primer as sun protection, this silky smooth primer-SPF hybrid helps makeup to last longer and look fresh, no matter what life throws at you.
The Essential One Body Lotion
Best for: Head to toe protection on days in the sun.
Suitable for: All skin types.
Texture: A lightweight gel-cream.
SPF rating: 30 and 50
Type: Chemical
Bonuses: Contains hyaluronic acid, and has an uplifting lime, geranium, and mint fragrance.
How to use: Apply all over the body, half an hour before sun exposure. Reapply regularly and generously.
Beauty editor’s verdict: Until now, finding a body SPF that was also a body moisturiser was practically impossible. Without compromising on anything we ask of a body lotion – moisturising, fragrant, quick to absorb – this luxurious gel-cream just so happens to protect skin in the process.
The One For Your Hands
Best for: Protecting your hands from UVA and UVB.
Suitable for: All skin types.
Texture: A light, fast-absorbing cream.
SPF rating: 30
Type: Chemical
Bonuses: Contains hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. Helps to soothe and repair damage and signs of aging.
How to use: Apply liberally to hands before sun exposure, massage in until absorbed.
Beauty editor’s verdict: Finally, an SPF for hands! Our hands are one of the first areas of the body to show signs of UV damage (think loose skin and age spots) due to how much exposure they get throughout our lives. This one will become a handbag essential.
The One For Your Lips
Best for: protecting and nourishing lips.
Suitable for: All skin types.
Texture: A balm which melts on application.
SPF rating: 50
Type: Chemical
Bonuses: Enriched with shea butter and hyaluronic acid. Has a subtle monoi fragrance.
How to use: Apply generously before sun exposure, and reapply as required.
Beauty editor’s verdict: Our lips also have an increased risk of UV damage – the skin of our lips is thin and contains very little melanin so had minimal natural protection from rays. They’re also constantly exposed, so applying this daily is a good habit to get into.
