9 best SPF powders that are the perfect solution for anyone who finds suncream too greasy
Just because winter is almost here doesn't mean you should sleep on SPF powders. Think of them as a powder sunscreen that you can apply to your face, particularly if you dislike the somewhat greasy and sticky feel of suncreams.
It's a popular misconception that you can't get sunburnt in gloomy, cloudy weather – and let's face it, that describes 95% of UK days between the months of December and February. A broad-spectrum SPF that suits your individual skin type is always worth the investment, especially when you consider that its main job is to minimise sun exposure, protect you from sun damage and reduce the chances of skin cancer.
If you're not entirely sure what SPF is and why it matters, don't worry. It's fairly simple. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and measures the level of protection a skincare product will give you against harmful sun rays and infrared radiation. And while it might sound a bit over-the-top, you should ideally apply SPF all year round, regardless of whether it's summer or winter.
Even, fuss-free base? Easy.
The British Association of Dermatologists generally recommends using a minimum of SPF 30, which should block out 97% of UV rays. But if you're not too sure, just remember that the higher, the better. Of course, you can go for SPF 15-rated SPF powders too, so long as you layer them with foundations, lotions and moisturisers that have protective properties too.
"SPF application should be a vital part of your routine, even when it's cold and cloudy, in order to avoid damage to the skin," says Dr Rita Rakus, renowned cosmetic doctor. "Age spots are an obvious long-term sign of sun damage, although they don’t tend to appear until your 30s - they are darker, discoloured areas of skin. Another sign of ageing that goes hand-in-hand with sun damage is wrinkles; prolonged exposure to sunlight damages the fibres that prop the skin up to keep it firm, causing the skin to appear aged."
Best SPF powders at a glance – our top picks:
- Best SPF powder overall: Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF 30, £28, Cult Beauty
- Best lightweight SPF powder: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 50, £45, Dermacare Direct
- Best loose SPF powder: bareMinerals Original Loose Mineral Foundation SPF15, £33.50, Sephora
- Best long-lasting SPF powder: Clinique Almost Powder Makeup SPF15, £33, Sephora
Some people consciously skip out on SPF as part of their daily routine due to the fear that it will cause skin problems like blemishes and breakouts. "Many people think of SPFs as thick white creams that sit on the surface of the skin and give you a pasty white cast but there are now a number of products from budget to luxury that absorb beautifully into the skin, providing both moisture and protection, some even incorporate a tint to rival many tinted moisturisers."
Thankfully, that's where SPF powders come in. Generally they work just like a setting powder by sitting on top of your makeup without absorbing into the skin. This means that your pores won't get clogged, reducing chances of breakouts. Plus, they tend to use natural mineral ingredients, which are great for your skin.
Below, we've put together a full edit of the best powder sunscreens that you can sweep across your skin for worry-free sun protection. There's options for every budget, preference and skin type, so feel free to add them to your daily skincare routine and pop one in your handbag for a quick touch-up during the day. Now, get out and enjoy that glorious sunshine – responsibly, thanks to your new mineral powder sunscreen.
Best loose SPF powder
bareMinerals Original Loose Mineral Foundation SPF15, £33.50, Sephora
Why we love it: Looking for something simple yet elegant? We've got just the thing. This loose SPF powder is also available in 30 different shades to best match your skin tone. It contains ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which provide protection from UVA and UVB radiation, as well as iron oxides and bismuth oxychloride that give the powder a silky texture and luminous finish.
Enjoy big savings when shopping for SPF powders using these Sephora discount codes.
Best SPF powder overall
Supergoop! (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF 30, £28, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: Let's face it – SPFs that leave your skin feeling greasy are a big no-no. Thankfully, Supergoop!'s mineral SPF powder can give you broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays without making your skin unnecessarily shiny. This product has a unique powder formula that uses non-nano particles that form a protective layer without sinking into your skin. The best of the best.
Save big when you shop for SPF powders using these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best long-lasting SPF powder
Clinique Almost Powder Makeup SPF15, £33, Sephora
Why we love it: We know – reapplication can be annoying. Thankfully, this natural SPF powder has a formula that's sooo long-wear, you'll forget it's there at all. It provides sun protection with an SPF 15 rating and comes in a convenient compact that's perfect for reapplying on-the-go.
Enjoy big savings when shopping for SPF powders using these Sephora discount codes.
Best matte SPF powder
Vichy Dermablend Covermatte Compact Powder Foundation SPF25, £20, Sephora
Why we love it: A compact SPF powder that provides up to 12 hours of full, buildable coverage with a matte finish? Where do we sign up? Formulated for combination skin, oily skin and acne-prone skin, this mattifying product has a non-cakey texture and features ingredients such as salicylic acid and vitamin E, which work to improve your skin texture by eliminating excess oil. There's a good reason why it's recommended by both dermatologists and makeup artists.
Save big when shopping for SPF powders using these Sephora discount codes.
Best vegan SPF powder
tarte Set & Go Mineral Powder, £28, Tarte Cosmetics
Why we love it: This vegan setting powder comes in a handy easy-to-use packaging – so you can finally say goodbye to messy applications that leave your hands feeling greasy. It has a staying power of use to 12 hours and sets on your skin without leaving a chalky residue. Plus it smells like vanilla, which is always a plus in our book.
Best SPF powder for sensitive skin
Mineral Fusion Brush-On Sun Defense SPF 30, £38.89, Amazon
Why we love it: A transparent mineral SPF powder that reduces shine, blurs pores and sets your makeup, all while protecting you from harmful UV rays and blue light. The best part is that it's a translucent powder that matches your skin tone perfectly. And did we mention that it's also paraben-free, talc-free, cruelty-free and vegan?
Enjoy big savings when shopping for SPF powders using these Amazon discount codes.
Best water-resistant SPF powder
Brush On Block Translucent Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, WAS £41.65 NOW £39.88, Amazon
Why we love it: Natural formula? Yes. Gentle on the skin? For sure. Sweat-resistant and water-resistant? Absolutely. This mineral powder features natural minerals that sit on top of your skin and reflect UV rays. And since it doesn't get absorbed into the skin, it's much less likely to clog your pores. The perfect SPF powder for the whole family.
Save big when you shop for SPF powders using these Amazon discount codes.
Best lightweight SPF powder
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 50, £45, Dermacare Direct
Why we love it: The Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-on Shield SPF 50 is a lightweight mineral powder with a non-irritating formula that can keep your skin well-protected against sun damage. It comes with a built-in brush and is both fragrance-free and chemical-free, making it perfect for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin. It's also great for hydration as it contains hyaluronic acid and antioxidants that protect skin from free radicals. And with an SPF 50 rating, it's practically dry sunscreen.
Best SPF powder for dry skin
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Loose Powder SPF 15, £13.99, Boots
Why we love it: A clinically tested mineral powder that's gentle, talc-free and provides a smooth, buildable sheer-to-medium coverage. It's great for diminishing the appearance of imperfections and blemishes, delivering a soft, satin finish that completes any look. The fact that it's also the most affordable product on this edit is a great plus too.
Enjoy big savings when shopping for SPF powders using these Boots discount codes.
