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The weather has been extremely hot and humid – and you’re not imagining it. We’ve seen reports that February was one of the hottest in 90 years and meteorologists say that the temperature isn’t going to get much lower soon.

While you sip on a glorious cup of bubble tea or ice-blended mocha, don’t forget about your skin. Don’t forget to step up your sun protection game and be well-prepared to fight the heat.

But we know what’s stopping you: that icky, sticky feeling that you get after you apply sunscreen and that white cast it forms that makes makeup application a chore.

The good news is that many sun care products have been launched recently and they’re all easy breezy on skin. What’s more, these sunscreens we’re about to introduce don’t just protect your skin against harmful UV rays, many of them also have benefits like defending our skin against city pollutants and the effects of ageing that UV rays have on skin.

1. Biore UV Aqua Rich SPF50+

Sunscreen Roundup Biore

No matter how smooth our skin may look – let’s face it – under the microscope, the surface our skin is still somewhat uneven. This uneven texture affects the way UV products are applied our skin because there are definitely going to be crevices (like our pores!) that the product can’t reach and protect against UV rays!

Biore took the step to counter this and introduced its new UV Aqua Rich range. It has an improved formula that provides UV coverage for your skin even if there are fine lines and uneven surfaces under micro level. On top of that, the formula is lightweight, refreshing, and water-resistant, and just a thin layer of it will get your skin fully covered from the harmful rays.

Biore UV Aqua Rich will retail at SGD18.90 and is available on Lazada, Shopee, Guardian, Don Don Donki and Welcia BHG outlets from April 2019.

2. Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++

Sunscreen Roundup Kiehls

UV and pollution are probably two environmental aggressors that damage our skin most. This is why Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel doesn’t just protect your skin from UV rays, but also help defend against environmental aggressors.

Suitable for humid conditions, the new water formula is lightweight, non-sticky and shine-free, making it an ideal product to use even if you have oily skin.

The new Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel also comes with vitamin E to moisturise, protect, reduce appearance of pores, and combat first signs of ageing.

Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel retails at SGD56 and is available at all Kiehl’s boutiques.

3. Lancome UV Expert Range SPF 50 PA++++

Sunscreen Roundup Lancome

If you loved Lancome’s UV Expert range, you’ll definitely not want to miss this out – their well-loved sunscreens are now infused with Edelweiss for antioxidant benefits. The upgrade to this series targets at protection against city pollution and UV rays.

Shield your skin from the harsh environment with one of the four types of sunscreen in the range to suit your needs: Aqua Gel for a lightweight and refreshing finish, Milky Bright for hydration, BB Complete for lightweight coverage (two shades available), and Tone Up Milk Pearly White for brightening. They also have textures that resemble a moisturiser, which means you’ll barely feel it on your skin.

Each of these sunscreens retails at SGD75 at all Lancome stores and counters.

4. The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Face Mist SPF45 PA++

Sunscreen Roundup Thebodyshop

No time to apply sunscreen in between meetings or think it’s too bulky to carry a heavy bottle of product around with you? The Body Shop’s Skin Defence Multi-Protection Face Mist might just be what you’re looking for. A handy 60ml-sized face mist with SPF45 PA++ that fits snugly into handbags or even lunch bags, this makes getting protection while on the go so much more effortless.

In this pocket-size mist, you’ll get all the goodness from ingredients like red algae extract from North Atlantic and Vitamin C, which give your skin added skincare benefits and protect it against pollutants. The super lightweight formula and cloud-like mist can be easily topped up throughout the day for an invisible, comfortable finish – even over your makeup without smudging it!

The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Face Mist retails at SGD35 and is available in all The Body Shop stores and Lazada.

5. Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturiser SPF40

Sunscreen Roundup Supergoop

Who doesn’t love a dual-purpose producr? The latest Superscreen Daily Moisturiser from Supergoop! is a morning moisturiser that doubles up as a sunscreen with an SPF40 protection.

The formula is also delightful; bouncy, lightweight, and whipped, it has a beautiful finish that sits comfortably under makeup. As a clean beauty brand, it also uses only natural ingredients and is free from more than 100 types of nasties including parabens and oxybenzone.

Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturiser retails at SGD55  and is available in all Sephora stores and online.

6. Soleil Toujours 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Sunscreen Roundup Soleil Toujours

Eco-warriors tend to have this gripe about sunscreens: the chemicals from it can harm marine animals and corals when you wear it while in the sea.

Earth-loving and organic luxury sun care brand Soleil Toujours solves this problem. It uses ingredients that are free from harmful chemicals that may potentially harm the environment. Now you can apply as much sunscreen you want at the beach without worrying about harming marine life!

They have many great products, but for a start, you can check out the best-selling Soleil Toujours 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30. It offers all-mineral broad-spectrum UV protection while moisturising and nourishing skin with potent antioxidants, vitamins, and botanicals. The product applies white at first but blends in clear and smoothly.

Soleil Toujours 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 retails at SGD58 and is available in Sephora.

7. Anessa Mild Range Sunscreen SPF50+ and SPF35+

Sunscreen Roundup Anessa

Another brand that’s taking a step in reducing pollution, Anessa has released the new Mild range of sunscreens that are free of seven harmful sunscreen ingredients including Octinoxate and Oxybenzone. Both these ingredients have been shown to contribute to coral bleaching.
The Mild range of products are gentle on the skin, but offer SPF protection of as high as 50+++. The sunscreens come in two variants, one for normal or oily complexion and one with lower SPF but highly moisturising for dry and sensitive skin.
On top of these, you’ll be happy to know that Anessa‘s signature Aqua Booster technology makes the product sweat-proof and highly water-resistant, so you wouldn’t have to worry about losing protection during your outdoor activities. Even with makeup on, its anti-pollutant feature ensures that the sunscreen forms an intact film on your skin and acts like a barrier to dust and makeup.
Both sunscreens are available at two sizes, 20ml (SGD13.90) and 60ml (SGD39.90). They are available at selected Watsons, Welcia-BHG and Don Don Donki stores.