Sunscreen sprays are the truth, and will make applying SPF on your face easier than ever

Newsalert! It’s hot outside. Very hot. There are only two things that could ease this hot and sticky weather: a fan and sunscreen spray galore. Of course in this England the sun does shine sporadically, but the truth of the matter is, those UV rays are active and as much as we’re tired of banging on about it, you need SPF and having sunscreen in spray form might just be the most valuable product you will carry in your bag all summer long, heatwave and beyond.

We get it, applying sun cream and face sunscreen every two hours is not a sexy task most of us like to implement in our day-to-day. The fact it’s an extra step in my skincare routine, putting on SPF when it’s grey and miserable outside almost feels like a daily kick-in-the-teeth that we live in one of the rainiest countries in the world.

However, needs must. SPF is the best tool we have against sun damage (besides staying inside, in the dark 24/7, which we do not recommend) and can prevent premature ageing of the skin as well as hyperpigmentation, especially if you have darker skin, so it’s well worth investing the time, even if the weather can sometimes trick you to suggest otherwise.

If you never opted for SPF sprays before, we’re not saying you’ve been missing out on a trick to ease your existence, but we’re saying is if you value a soft life, then you most definitely need one now to turn what once was a chore into routine, stat. In fact, Samantha Brett, Founder of Naked Sundays SPF tells Glamour: “Not many people know, but SPF only lasts on the skin for a maximum of two hours! So you’ll need to top up your SPF regularly, especially if you are outdoors.” She also answered a few of your most asked SPF spray questions below:

Are sunscreen sprays better used alone or in conjunction with a cream SPF?

“You should always use an SPF50 cream, lotion, or serum before you leave the house, and if you’re wearing makeup, your SPF should be the last skincare product you put on before you put on your foundation or tinted moisturiser. You can then use your SPF mist to top up your SPF when you’re out and about.” says Samantha Brett.

At which stage of your usual skincare and makeup routine should sunscreen spray be applied? 

“Your SPF mist should be used as the very last step after your SPF cream and after your makeup if you’re wearing a full face. You can use it as often as you’d like throughout the day, and it can double up as a body SPF spray as well.” she adds.

How often should we apply it throughout the day?

“SPF only lasts around two hours and if you’re wearing a non-water-resistant sunscreen, then you’ll need to top up after swimming or towel drying. Mists are so easy to use because you don’t have to rub them in so you don’t get any sticky fingers either, and you can just throw them in your handbag or keep one in the car for ease.” says Samantha.

To try and make matters easier, we’ve rounded up our favourite sunscreen sprays which are a sure way to speed up the applying sun protection process, as well as the least likely to leave a greasy film on my face right before, or right after you apply makeup. Requiring no more than a few quick spritzes, there’s really no excuse not to wear SPF every day, come rain or shine.

For more from Glamour UK Beauty & Entertainment Assistant Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona