We all know SPF is our daily non-negotiable – yes, even in the winter time!
Gone are the days where you’d be stuck lathering on a thick, white, uncomfortable sunscreen.
Texture is more important than ever – and so is the experience of applying your sunscreen each and every morning.
According to research from Olay, Australian women are skipping sun protection in their skincare ritual if they are rushed. Of the 77 per cent of Australian women who have a morning and/or evening skincare ritual, 34 per cent report skipping sun protection.
That’s where a moisturiser with SPF comes in.
These formulas apply like a dream – they’re protective, hydrating, and you don’t even notice you’re wearing them.
Our new favourite is Olay’s new Super SPF50 that’s designed to work as a moisturiser, primer and SPF all in one. Combining multiple steps means you’ll get out the door faster, and also means you’re less likely to skip on the necessary sun protection.
I’ve been testing it for the past few weeks and the “beautiful formulation” has quickly become an “essential” in my routine.
NEED TO KNOWOUR TOP PICKSOUR PICK OF THE BEST MOISTURISER WITH SPF
Olay Super SPF50 Fluid Moisturiser, $69.99 at Myer
Why we love it: Considered a 5-in-1 multi-tasker, so it brightens, firms, hydrates, protects and primes the skin for makeup.
What to consider: Mid-range price tag.
Formula: Fluid moisturiser | Skin type: All skin types | Size: 50ml
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, Deputy Editor
Formulated with all the skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide, collagen peptides, glycerin and more, Olay’s Super SPF50 Fluid Moisturiser is the step you need for moisturised and protected skin.
Now I’m not one to skip on my morning SPF, but the extra step can certainly apply pressure on how quickly I need to be out the door.
Thankfully Olay’s new SPF has saved the day for me these past few weeks.
Offering a beautiful formulation, it has quickly become an essential in my morning skincare routine.
The almost invisible finish to the skin is extra handy when you’re in a rush, and I especially love how quick it dries down. I can easily apply my makeup over the top with no pilling woo!
Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.
OUR PICK OF THE BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY MOISTURISERS WITH SPF: UNDER $30
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50, $13.50 (down from $27) at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: It’s super hydrating thanks to the hyaluronic acid.
What to consider: May not be right for those with oily skin types.
Formula: Water gel | Skin type: All skin types, particularly those with dry skin | Size: 85ml
What You Need To Know
Forget a thick, oily and uncomfortable sunscreen, this is the perfect way to moisturise and protect your skin for just a mere $13.
This formula from Neutrogena is super lightweight, oil-free, non-greasy and non-sticky – it’s also packed with loads of hyaluronic acid to really focus on hydrating your skin.
Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.
Natio Aromatherapy Daily Defence SPF50+ Face Moisturiser, $21.95 at Myer
Why we love it: Great price tag for the amount of product you get.
What to consider: Some users found it quite irritating around the eye area.
Formula: Cream | Skin type: All skin types | Size: 100ml
What You Need To Know
Natio’s Daily Defence Moisturiser is a great pick if you’re looking for something to protect and hydrate the skin at a budget-friendly price point.
The daily moisturiser is great for all skin types, thanks to its comfortable and non-greasy formula, and formulated with aloe vera and vitamin E to really nourish and soften the skin.
We’re also impressed by the average rating on Myer – 4.8 out of five from over 400 reviews – with loads of happy shoppers calling it their “go to moisturiser each morning”, loving it as it “works well under makeup”.
Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.
OUR PICK OF THE BEST MOISTURISER WITH SPF FOR DRY SKIN
We Are Feel Good Inc. Good Morning Daily Face Sunscreen SPF50, $34.95 at Oz Hair & Beauty
Why we love it: It’s fragrance free and great for everyday use.
What to consider: Not stocked at loads of retailers.
Formula: Cream | Skin type: All skin types, but best work dry skin | Size: 50ml
What You Need To Know
The Australian-made sunscreen from We Are Feel Good Inc. is perfect for those with naturally dry skin. It’s packed with loads of skin-loving ingredients like antioxidant-rich tomato extract, carnosine, hyaluronic acid, jojoba and plant derived squalane. They all work together harmoniously to really nourish and hydrate the skin, while also focusing on a brighter complexion.
The bonus? It’s also formulated with broad-spectrum SPF50.
Five-star rating shoppers from Oz Hair & Beauty claim it is “super hydrating” and “not very greasy”.
Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.
OUR PICK OF THE BEST MOISTURISER WITH SPF FOR OILY AND ACNE-PRONE SKIN
Why we love it: Specifically formulated for those with normal to combination skin types.
What to consider: SPF protection is not as high as others on our list.
Formula: Cream | Skin type: All skin types | Size: 50ml
What You Need To Know
Estee Lauder’s DayWear Moisture Creme is the kind of product that does it all. The antioxidant-rich formula helps to fight signs of ageing, while also providing the skin with moisture.
The humble cream has racked up an average rating of 4.8 out of five on the Myer website from over 750 reviews.
“Great to use everyday” said one user, with another noting how it works “great under makeup” and “doesn’t feel too great or oily”.
OUR PICK OF THE BEST MOISTURISER WITH SPF FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 15, $26.99 at Priceline
Why we love it: Great price point.
What to consider: SPF level is not as high as others on our list.
Formula: Cream | Skin type: All skin types | Size: 52ml
What You Need To Know
Who knew you could simplify your morning beauty routine for just $27?
CeraVe’s Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 15 is perfect for those looking to hydrate while also protecting their skin barrier.
It’s free from fragrance, parabens, alcohol and sulfates, making it both comfortable and gentle enough for even the most sensitive of skin types. This is truly a moisturiser for all!
Don’t just take our word for it, rave reviews from Adore Beauty shoppers have named this budget buy the “best everyday moisturiser”, noting how it’s “well priced and effective” and feels “super lightweight” on the skin.
OUR PICK OF THE BEST MOISTURISER WITH SPF FOR MATURE SKIN
Dermalogica Powerbright Moisturiser SPF50, $137 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: It offers a really nice glow to the skin while also keeping it protected and moisturised.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formula: Cream | Skin type: All skin types | Size: 50ml
What You Need To Know
Not only does this Dermalogica moisturise and protect your skin, but it also helps fight against skin ageing.
Mature skin types have to deal with pigmentation and dark spots, and this moisturiser is the perfect thing to combat it. Formulated with a bunch of antioxidants, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and licorice root extract, all skin types can enjoy this lightweight and skin-loving moisturiser and sunscreen hybrid.
One five-star rating Adore Beauty shopper commented, “After about a week of using this product I noticed a difference in my skin with some discolouration on my face definitely improved.”
Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A MOISTURISER WITH SPF
When choosing SPF moisturisers to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Budget: If it’s something you’re using every morning, you might want to consider the cost per use. That’s why we’ve included a bunch of picks sitting at a variety of price points to keep your wallet happy.
Skin Type: Do you have normal, combination, dry, oily or sensitive skin? Different formulations may be targeted to your type of skin.
Finish: Some SPF moisturisers offer a dewy finish, while others provide a matte look – generally ones that contain zinc oxide will have more of a mattifying effect if that’s what you’re after. You also want to look for something that will smooth any skin texture.
Added Ingredients: With sunscreen becoming a greater part of the skincare world, added ingredients such as antioxidants and actives can offer boosted anti-ageing benefits.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds of SPF moisturisers available, it’s impossible to test every product out there. To help you find the best SPF moisturisers, we tested a few well-known brands at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best SPF moisturisers for your skin.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSWHAT IS THE CORRECT WAY TO APPLY SUNSCREEN?
According to SunSmart, you should apply broad spectrum SPF 20 minutes before you go outside and reapply every two hours, or after swimming or excessive sweating.
The correct amount to apply is one teaspoon for your head and neck, each limb, and the front and back of the body.
DO I ONLY HAVE TO WEAR SPF IN THE SUMMER TIME?
No, protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays is required daily. While you may not be able to see the UV rays, they are always there – even on a cloudy day. Using a broad spectrum sunscreen will ensure you always stay protected.
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When using sunscreen, always read the label. Use only as directed. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Remember to slip, slop, slap, seek shade and slide on sunglasses. Frequent reapplication or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection.
Marina TataseCommerce Deputy Editor