A version of this article was originally published June 25, 2024.

When it comes to sunscreen the verb we should all be using is slather. We should be slathering it on, kids – think Zuckerberg, not Paltrow. The ideal amount is half a teaspoon on our faces (that’s three finger lengths worth) and remember to include your neck and ears. And this goes for all genders, ages, races, and geographical locations. 

Wearing a face SPF every day is key to keeping skin looking, feeling and being healthy. It protects against the damaging effects of UVB and UVA rays which wreak havoc on our skin cells, leading to decreased collagen and elasticity, fine lines, age spots, pigmentation, and, of course, an increased risk of skin cancer.

It’s important to wear an SPF all year around – UVA rays will penetrate through even clouds and windows – but it's particularly vital now, during our brief window of hot weather when the sun is out in full force. Sunscreen should be the last step of your skincare routine and the first of your make-up routine. Don’t put moisturisers or oils on top of SPF as they can dissolve the sunscreen and make it less effective. With a market saturated with choices, we know it can be hard to know where to start. So here are some of our favourite sunscreens with SPF 50 to keep you healthy and glowing.