The best sun care products to invest in now

There’s no denying the restorative effects of a few hours in the sun – the warm, cocooning feeling of the heat on your skin and the confidence-boosting glow a few hours of sunbathing leaves you with. But with studies showing that 80% of us fail to apply sunscreen before heading out to enjoy the warmer weather, we could all do with being significantly more diligent when it comes to sun care.

Whether we’re frolicking on a beach somewhere scorching or just going about our day-to-day lives at home, protecting our skin needs to become part of our daily routine. Can’t stand the gloopy, greasy feeling of heavy sun lotions? You’re not alone. Things have come on leaps and bounds in the sun care industry during the course of the past few years though, meaning there are myriad ultra-light formulas that work in harmony with your skin rather than against it.

National Sun Awareness Week is upon us and with this in mind, we’ve tried and tested a whole line-up of sun care formulas to find the best ones out there - some new, some not. From refreshing mists to hand creams, these clever SPF products will help you learn to love sunscreen.

The best sun care products to invest in now…

Specifically designed for sensitive and oily skin, this ultra-light SPF 50 mist from La Roche-Posay makes application a breeze. There's no need to rub it in and it can be spritzed on under or over make-up for a shine-free complexion all day long.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Invisible Fresh Mist SPF 50, £14, available at boots.com

Brimming with cutting-edge UVA and UVB filters, Sisley's clever, non-comedogenic formula is ideal for sensitive complexions. It delivers stellar sun protection and helps to strengthen the skin's natural defence barriers.

Sisley Super Soin Solaire Facial Sun Care SPF 30, £139, available at sisley-paris.com

Vichy's beautiful, velvety lotion sinks into the skin immediately. It's incredibly hydrating, water-resistant and the smooth, non-sticky finish means that sand can be brushed off easily. Just the thing for days spent lazing at the beach.

Vichy Ideal Soleil Anti Sand Milk SPF 30, £18 , available at feelunique.com

Elemis have just introduced this new formulation of their award-winning anti-ageing Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, featuring a clever micronized sunscreen. It delivers impressive broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection while reducing the appearance of fine lines. A true must-have product.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30, £82, available at elemis.com

This clever sun defence spray from Margaret Dabbs forms a sheer, breathable film to protect hands from harmful rays and free radicals. Oh and it's packed with deeply nourishing Vitamin E to leave your skin feeling silky-soft.

Margaret Dabbs SPF 30 Sun Defence for Hands, £22, available at margaretdabbs.co.uk

Water-resistant and oh-so-easy to apply, this protective stick from Sensai is perfect for sensitive areas such as the lips, earlobes and the eye area, and it's small enough to keep with you while you're out and about.

Sensai Silky Bronze Cellular Protective Stick SPF 30, £41, available at harrods.com