The New And Improved Sunscreens You Should Know About

In this day and age, putting on sunscreen before heading out of the house would (and should) be second nature. Just have a look out of your window — chances are, you’ll notice the rays of sunlight shining through the clouds — especially when it’s summer all year round on our small sunny island.

Sunscreens in general, help prevent skin damage, thwart premature ageing and dark spots from forming, and stave off skin cancer. All of which sounds pretty daunting when you think about it but despite it all, a few of us are still guilty of not applying it because we’re: A) too lazy or B) haven’t found the right formula to fit into our routine. Besides, having a white cast on your face is probably the last thing you’d want out of applying sunscreens to your face.

Technically speaking, when your skin is exposed to sunlight, your skin produces more melanin, causing it to darken. Over time, the UV rays cause the skin to reduce its elasticity which results in premature ageing and skin cancer (which has seen an increase in younger patients diagnosed at a younger age). The truth can be a little tough to accept — but hey we’re just being as honest as we can.

But this isn’t just your typical sunscreen roundup. In fact, we’ve gathered some of the latest sunscreens with reinvented formulas and even those that come in different forms as well. We’re talking about sun sticks, translucent powders, products that don’t harm the environment, and the list continues… Convinced to get a bottle yet? If you are, then check out our list of new age sunscreens for you to consider to add to your routine.

SUN STICKS AND TRANSLUCENT POWDERS

Why limit yourself to cream sunscreens when you can try out new ways of applying them with these alternatives while you’re on-the-go! 

MAMONDE EVERYDAY SUN STICK SPF50, Shiseido Clear Stick UV Protector WetForce SPF 50+, Anti-Pollution Two-Tone Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++

Love the idea of putting on sunscreen without having to worry about that chalky white finish that we’re all too familiar about? Peep Shiseido’s latest Clear Stick UV Protector WetForce. Besides shortening your beauty routine, these sun sticks are absolutely convenient and fit perfectly into your purse — especially for midday touchups. For other options, consider Mamonde’s Everyday Sun Stick or even Laneige’s Anti-Pollution Two-Tone Sun Stick to protect your skin against strong UV rays and micro-dust.

Shiseido Clear Stick UV Protector WetForce SPF 50+, $38, available at all Shiseido counters, Sephora stores and online

Supergoop! Invincible Setting Powder SPF 45

Who says you can’t reapply sunscreen even with your makeup on? With this new alternative by Supergoop, reapplying your sunscreen on top of your makeup has totally been made possible. All you need to do is to dust on the Invincible Setting Powder any time of the day for a smooth and shine-free canvas. Plus, it doesn’t clog your pores so you can go crazy reapplying it.

Supergoop! Invincible Setting Powder SPF 45, $45 (4 shades), available at all Sephora stores and online

MULTI-PROTECTION 

It’s not just about protecting your skin from UV rays. With these new options, you’ll be well protected against other environmental aggressors like urban pollution and other free radicals too!

THE BODY SHOP Skin Defence Multi-Protection Face Mist SPF45 PA++

Here’s one for the days when you don’t feel like slathering on sunscreen to your face! Not only does this face mist protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays (as well as other free radicals), it also works to brighten your complexion that can bring a luminous glow to your skin — be it in the day or night. And don’t worry, this foolproof face mist has also been said to protect your skin without smudging your makeup!

The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Face Mist SPF45 PA++, $35, available at The Body Shop stores. 

Lancôme UV Expert Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++ UVB – XL UVA – POLLUTION

Considering how we’re all constantly exposed to daily environmental aggressors, picking a sunscreen that fit our busy lifestyles is indeed paramount in any beauty routine. For those who live or work in urban areas, especially the city, pick a sunscreen like Lancôme’s UV Expert Aqua Gel for ultimate protection against the Sun’s harmful UV rays and urban pollution — which usually tends to include pollution caused by smoke and other oxidative stress factors.

Lancôme UV Expert Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++ UVB – XL UVA – Pollution, $75, available at all Lancôme counters. 

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defense Aqua UV Gel SPF 50/PA++++

The trick to maintaining that translucent tone while protecting your skin from any sun damage? Use sunscreens that are formulated with powerful anti-oxidants to pamper and protect just like this one by Estée Lauder. The Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defense Aqua UV Gel promises to fight environmental aggressors like the ozone and micro-dust while sealing moisture and strengthening the skin’s barrier for soft, supple skin. Aside from its multi-defence formula, we’ve also heard that this newcomer helps prevent your skin from dehydration, caused by heating and air conditioning! What can it not do?

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defense Aqua UV Gel SPF 50/PA++++, $75 (30ml), available at all Estée Lauder counters, Sephora stores and online

BEACH/CORAL REEF-FRIENDLY

Did you know a lot of sunscreens contain ingredients like Oxybenzone that harm the coral reefs? For reef-safe sunscreens, consider these options. 

SIGI SKIN MORNING GLOW SUNSCREEN

Going green is no longer just the ideology of hippies. When it comes to “clean” sunscreens that don’t harm the environment, we suggest going for brands like Sigi Skin. If you’re fond of going into the waters when you’re out at the beach, this beach-safe Morning Glow Sunscreen is formulated with mineral-based UV blocking ingredients that don’t pollute the ocean and harm the marine life! On top of that, the sunscreen also includes ingredients like Niacinamide and avocado extracts — so it also works as a moisturiser too! Score!

Sigi Skin Morning Glow, $58, available at www.sigiskin.com

SOLEIL TOUJOURS Organic Set + Protect Micro Mist SPF 30

Another environmental option to consider: Soleil Toujours’ Organic Set + Protect Micro Mist. Known for their naturally-based, non-toxic and environmentally-friendly products, this mist is said to be free of Oxybenzone and Octinoxate (actives that contribute to 10% of the annual coral death). Another reason why you should check it out for yourself: The finish is weightless and leaves your skin looking matte (and fresh) throughout the day. Now you won’t have to compromise your beauty routine and reapply your sunscreen ’round the clock with this handy mist!

Soleil Toujours Organic Set + Protect Micro Mist SPF 30, $55 (59ml), available at all Sephora stores and online.  

ORAL SUNSCREEN 

Sunscreen pills are one of the newest trends in sun protection. But what are they you may ask? Well, they’re basically oral supplements that you take on a daily basis to protect your skin from sun damage by inhibiting melanin production in your skin! 

RE:ERTH PHYTOBRIGHT

 

It’s out with the old and in with the new! We’ve long been familiar with applying sunscreens to our face (and body), but what about taking oral tablets instead of the former? Yes, we’re just as sceptical as you are about these new form of sunscreens but supplements like these ones by RE:ERTH are definitely worth considering if you’re up to try something new. These pills are said to brighten your skin with Golden Yellow Tomato while impeding melanin production within the skin with Japanese Spring Turmeric and L-Cystine. Now, you won’t have to worry about constantly reapplying your sunscreen (or so we think).

RE:ERTH Phytobright, $105 (Bottle of 90 capsules), available online at reerth.com

SKINCARE HYBRIDS

These multi-tasking sunscreens help protect your skin from the Sun’s harmful UV rays while nourishing it with skin benefitting ingredients — so you can streamline your beauty routines! Perfect for the urban modern day woman. 

Jurlique UV Defence Lotion

Worried about an unsightly oil slick that comes after applying some sunscreen to your face? We feel you. This UV Defence Lotion by Jurlique is made with an ultra-lightweight formula that absorbs quickly into the skin — it’s like you’re not wearing anything (not quite literally, but you get my drift). On top of it all, this unique UV Defence Lotion also acts as a primer before your makeup, as it preps your skin with an oil-free satin finish.

Jurlique UV Defence Lotion SPF50 High Protection Lotion PA++++, $67 (50ml), available at all Jurlique stores and counters at Plaza Singapura, Takashimaya Ngee Ann City and Westgate. 

Laneige Watery Sun Cream SPF50+ PA

Ever felt tired after doing absolutely nothing in the sun but you can’t wrap your head around the reason why you feel so? Thing is, your body might be working overtime to keep you cool, it’s dehydrated or the chemical changes in your body caused by the UV rays may induce fatigue too. To rejuvenate your skin from the sweltering heat, slather on Laneige’s Watery Sun Cream. The cream is said to smooth out your skin’s texture while protecting it from the harmful UV rays that your skin’s exposed to.

Laneige Watery Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++, $36 (50ml), available at all Laneige stores and counters, including TANGS, and online on Lazada

Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturiser SPF 40

One of the most popular sunscreen brands in the market hit it off this year with the inclusion of this new addition. Supergoop! Sunscreen Daily Moisturiser is just one of the few hybrids that have launched this year and it’s literally having the best of both worlds in a tub. The moisturiser cum sunscreen comes with anti-pollution properties and SPF40 to its formula as it goes on seamlessly without weighing down on your skin. A great go-to product especially if you plan on sticking to that 3-step skincare routine of yours. (Lazy gals, rejoice!)

Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturiser SPF 40, $55 (50ml), available at all Sephora stores and online