Shifting from a seasonal staple to an everyday essential, today many SPFs go beyond their call of duty. How? By adopting innovation from all your major beauty categories – think skin care, hair care and make up. Providing personalised protection, this new generation of sun care not only streamlines your routine but helps relieve your common concerns too.
So, without further ado let’s get up close and personal with the hybrid sunscreens that make shielding from the sun a breeze…
BUT FIRST, WHAT ARE HYBRID SUNSCREENS
While typically hybrid sunscreens refer to formulas that use both physical and chemical filters to help block UV rays, today the term has shifted to also include multifunctional blends. From scalp and microbiome-nurturing formulas to breakout-preventing products, this new era of hybrid sun care offers specialist solutions that have a plethora of benefits.
WHERE HAS THE DEMAND IN HYBRID SUNSCREENS COME FROM
With Google searches showing a 150% uplift in interest, the demand for hybrid sunscreens is increasing – and shows no signs of slowing down. But that’s not all, according to WGSN’s reports the global sun care market is set to grow by another 5% between 2023 and 2030. Driven by skintellectual consumers (who are eager to take prolong skin health), these multifunctional marvels not only simplify regimes, but personalise them by adhering to each consumer’s specific needs too.
SPF SKIN CARE
Before we dive into the best SPF skin care, it’s important to understand what it actually means. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which measures how well your formula shields skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Always present even on grey and cloudy days, these rays are one of the main causes of premature skin ageing, pigmentation, fine lines and dull skin. So, it goes without saying, protecting your complexion with a SPF skin care (such as a moisturiser) keeps your visage looking healthy and hydrated, plus – most importantly – guarded. To find out more about the benefits of SPF, head over to our sunscreen guide.
BEST SPF SKIN CARE
Primed to plump and protect, ELEMIS’ Pro-Collagen Skin Protection Fluid SPF50 not only defends against UV rays but increases hydration levels while supporting the skin's own vitamin D production too. Powered by the brand’s patented Padina Pavonica (a marine algae rich in water-attracting molecules that help maintain moisture), this featherweight formula offers a dew-drenched complexion that keeps sun damage well and truly at bay.
SHOP ALL ELEMIS >>>Protecting your face from UV rays doesn’t stop with your skin. Oh no. Each and every facial feature needs to be shielded – even your pout. And, for us the best lip balm with SPF on the market right now has to be Ultra Violette’s Sheen Screen Hydrating SPF50 Lip Balm. The ultimate triple threat, this hybrid offers skin care benefits, a subtle tint of cosmetic colour while fending off the dreaded rays. Featuring a broad spectrum of SPF50 UVA and UVB protection, it’s kissed with lanolin to hydrate, shea butter to soften and cacao butter for a sweet-smelling sign off.
SHOP ALL ULTRA VIOLETTE >>>So, now your complexion and lips are covered, there’s only one thing left to do. Protect your peepers. Cue: Hello Sunday’s The One For Your Eyes Eye Cream SPF50. Leaving you looking bright-eyed all day long, this solution is packed with protein to illuminate your under eyes then features 100% mineral and antioxidant filters to get you ready for some fun in the sun.
SHOP ALL HELLO SUNDAY >>>SHOP ALL SPF SKIN CARE >>> SPF MAKE UP
From the best foundation with SPF to protecting primers and sun-shielding tints, SPF make up has become essential for creating your ideal skin finish, even coverage and for packing two benefits into one formula. Oh, and did we mention these hybrid heroes leave no white cast too? But, while this may sound like a dream, as always with SPF you must be mindful when applying. For example, cosmetics with SPF 30 offer sufficient coverage for a day spent working in the office, but if you’re spending extensive time in direct sunlight, you’ll want to layer your sunscreen make up with SPF underneath.
BEST SPF MAKE UP
Blurring the lines between skin care and make up, IT Cosmetic’s CC and Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation and Glow Serum with SPF 40 delivers medium coverage with radiant results. Holding the title as the first CC cream to be formulated with 90% skin care ingredients, the colour-correcting tint blends hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and green tea extract to boost brightening benefits while screening your complexion from glaring rays.
SHOP ALL IT COSMETICS >>>Powered by pearlescence, NARS’ Cosmetics Radiance Primer SPF35 enhances your make up look while prolonging its overall wear. Supercharged with encapsulated sunscreen beads that release when applied to the skin, it boosts broad-spectrum protection and a soothed, smooth sign off. What’s more, complete with evodia rutecarpa plant extract, this oil-free formula reduces the appearance of puffiness too. There’s really not much it can’t do…
SHOP ALL NARS >>>Imparting a dewy glow on-the-go, Milk Makeup’s Sunshine Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF30, is not only a tinted moisturiser but provides protection too. Housed in a roller pen for easy application, it’s available in 14 sheer shades that create a natural finish – no matter your skin tone. Plus, perfectly proportioned to slip seamlessly into your gym, work or travel bag, you can top up your subtle yet shielding finish throughout the day.
SHOP ALL MILK MAKEUP >>>SHOP ALL SPF MAKE UP >>>
SPF HAIR CARE
Driven by the skinification of strands, SPF hair care is booming – and our manes couldn’t be more pleased. It’s no secret, along with damaging our skin, UV exposure causes strains on our tresses too. While UVB rays are associated with the loss of our lock’s protein and UVA causes colour changes, prolonged sun exposure can damage scalp health, dry out lengths and cause breakages. With that in mind, it’s just as important to protect our scalps and strands as it is our skin.
BEST SPF HAIR CARE
Initially developed at the request of the first US Olympic Artistic Swimming Team, Philip Kingsley's Swimcap Water Resistant Mask acts as your scalp’s ultimate bodyguard. Letting nothing get in your mane’s way, this award-winning solution is designed to be water-resistant, prevent against colour fading and provide UV protection. Combining strengthening hydrolyzed elastin, moisturising castor oil and fatty acid-rich olive oil, it works hard to counter breakage and boost shine while shielding strands against harmful rays, chlorine and salt water.
SHOP ALL PHILIP KINGSLEY >>> Quenching the thirst of dehydrated strands (and skin), Caudalie’s Vinosun Very High Protection Water SPF50 has you covered from head to toe. Forming a non-greasy defence against UV rays, it’s designed to protect, nourish and leave a sweet-scented trail on your hair, face and body. Plus, renowned for its half water, half oil texture, the lightweight liquid is easily absorbed without a single trace. Now, who said packing for your sun-seeking getaway needs to be hard? Not us…
SHOP ALL CAUDALIE >>>Doing exactly what it says on the tin, Aveda’s Sun Care Protective Hair Veil creates an invisible shield against the drying effects of UV rays. Made with UVA and UVB filters derived from wintergreen and cinnamon bark oils, this mist not only prevents straw-like strands but is water-resistant to keep your tresses in tip-top condition whether you decide to take a dip or not.
SHOP ALL AVEDA >>>SHOP ALL SUNPROECTION FOR HAIR >>>
READ MORE ON THE BEST SUN PROTECTION FOR HAIR >>>
So, there you have it; now you have everything you need to know about the new generation of sun care, it’s time to reap the benefits of hybrid sunscreens while tackling your beauty bugbears.
SHOP ALL SPF >>> 
