We’ve all had a mate who decided to skip the sunscreen and spent the summer with Rudolph’s nose and an aggressive singlet tan. Any sun exposure can unleash harmful, long-term consequences on your skin, or leave you dealing with annoying and painful short-term issues. Even cloudy days can wreak havoc, so the best option is to always follow the golden rules: slip on a long-sleeve or into the shade, slop on some sunscreen and slap on some sunnies and a hat.
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Quiz: Why wear sunblock?
- Your mum told you to
- You read it online
- Sunblock can reduce the signs of ageing, lower your risk of skin cancer, and help you avoid regular discomfort from sunburns.
Things to look for:
- SPF rating
- How long it lasts
- If it leaves a greasy residue
Low on time? Skip ahead!
- Best overall: NIVEA SUN Protect and Moisture Sunscreen SPF50+ (1L Value Size)
- For the whole team: Sun X 30+ SPF Oil Free Sunscreen Lotion
- Best sensitive: EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen
- Best non-greasy spray: Sun Bum Original SPF 70 Sunscreen Spray
- Strong UV protection: Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70+
1. Best overall: NIVEA SUN Protect and Moisture Sunscreen SPF50+ (1L Value Size)
Aussies know a thing or two about the sun and it shows, with a huge range of successful sunblock ranges at reasonable prices. Taking their self-proclaimed title as the “World's No.1 Suncare brand,” Aussie-made Nivea Sun Protect stands out as our top pick because of its great value and reliability. It gets the job done and doesn’t leave an overly shiny residue. The handy 1L bottle and pump also means that you can leave one in the back of the car or at home and it’ll last ages.
Top features:
- SPF 50+ protection
- Non-greasy formula
- Cost-effective 1-litre bottle
- Recommended to reapply every 2 hours, water resistant for up to 4 hours
2. For the whole team: Sun X 30+ SPF Oil Free Sunscreen Lotion
If your role involves taking care of a team of people - or perhaps if you have a family who love to spend time outdoors, buying bulk may be the solution. Specifically designed for tradespeople, the American-made Sun X sunscreen passes their ‘Lineman’s glove test', which ensures that the product will not degrade the effectiveness of utility gloves. It's oil-free and water-based, helping to avoid annoying white streaks, grease and shininess. As a boss, foreman, team leader (or just a responsible person), having sunblock to spare is never a bad idea. A gallon of sunblock on hand means that you and your co-workers can protect themselves as needed, avoid sunstroke and avoid any excuses not to cover up.
Top features:
- SPF 30+ protection
- Lightweight and non-greasy
- 1 Gallon
- Recommended to reapply every 80 minutes
3. Best sensitive: EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen
Described as the ‘holy grail’ of sunscreen, this zinc-based facial sunscreen helps decrease wrinkles and is fragrance-free, paraben-free and non-comedogenic. The small bottle goes a long way, as its spreads cleanly and absorbs quickly. As an oil-free sunscreen, it avoids leaving any residue on your hands that could make getting back on the tools a slippery endeavour. Although more on the expensive side, it has the added benefit of doubling as a skincare product by reducing the appearance of fine lines and helping to prevent breakouts. Fragrance-free and highly recommended by dermatologists, it combines the protection of zinc oxide along with UVA/UVB protection. Dermatologists describe it as “the best sunscreen on earth.”
Top features:- Zinc-based protection
- SPF 49+
- Skin-enhancing benefits
- Recommended to apply every 2 hours
4. Best non-greasy spray: Sun Bum Original SPF 70 Sunscreen Spray
This high-coverage SPF 70+ spray provides a quick way to apply Sun Bum’s lightweight and non-greasy sunscreen. As a bonus, Sun Bum’s SPF 70 formula provides a boost of Vitamin E, largely known for its ability to counteract premature skin ageing. They also have a strong dedication to eco-conscious standards, making their products vegan, compliant with Hawaii Act 104 Reef guidelines, cruelty-free and gluten-free. Their sunscreen is also free from chemicals such as Propylene Glycol and Retinyl Palmitate, making it a suitable choice for those with sensitive skin. Plus, it offers water resistance for up to 80 minutes!
Top features:
- SPF 70+
- Spray application
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Is water resistant for up to 80 minutes
5. Strong UV protection: Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70+
Specifically designed for those out in the sun all day, this SPF 70+ significantly reduces the risk of skin cancer and premature ageing. It’s got a minimal fragrance, so you avoid smelling like a chemically enhanced coconut throughout the day. Known for its effectiveness in resisting water, rubbing, sweating, and wiping, it's ideal for tradies who work up a proper sweat. Its non-sticky, lightweight texture leaves no white residue or build-up, although users recommend avoiding your eyes. Plus, with added electrolytes, it adds hydration as it protects.
Top features:
- SPF 70+
- Lightweight
- Added electrolytes
- Is water resistant for up to 80 minutes
P.S. The answer to the intro quiz is 3! Sunblock can reduce the signs of ageing, lower your risk of skin cancer, and help you avoid regular discomfort from burns.
Add your favourite pair of sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen to your toolkit, and you'll be in for a significantly more comfortable summer. For the best tool to to organise your business, check out Tradify free for 14 days.
