15 best spray sunscreens to make applying and topping up SPF easier than ever
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn how we test.
Best spray sunscreen overall: Hello Sunday The Retouch One Face Mist SPF30Hello Sunday The Retouch One Face Mist SPF30Read more
Best spray sunscreen for sensitive skin: Avène Very High Protection Spray SPF50+ Sun Cream for Sensitive SkinAvène Very High Protection Spray SPF50+ Sun Cream for Sensitive SkinRead more
Best sunscreen spray for face: Sculpted by Aimee Sun Mist - SPF 50 SpraySculpted by Aimee Sun Mist - SPF 50 SprayRead more
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn how we test.
I'll be honest: discovering the best spray sunscreens has revolutionised the way I get my sun protection. With experts continuing to remind us that re-application is essential – no matter the weather or cloud cover – convenient forms of SPF are always welcome in our beauty routines.
“Not many people know this, but SPF only lasts on the skin for around two to three hours,” confirms Samantha Brett, founder of Naked Sundays SPF, “which is why it’s important to top up your SPF regularly, especially when you’re outdoors.”
The advantages of spray sunscreens for the face are aplenty: first, they are convenient and easy to travel around with. Next, they're lightweight enough to use even over makeup, meaning you won't have to remove and reapply your base either. And finally, they also double as refreshing face mists on warmer days or when your skin needs a little breather.
I now keep one of these clever spritzes in my handbag and at my at-home work station – or anywhere I know I'll be reminded to pick it up and re-apply it every few hours. This is important even if the weather isn't super sunny (a huge proportion of UV rays can penetrate through clouds), and if you're inside near a window (glass is no match for a percentage of rays either).
Below, team GLAMOUR rounds up our favourite formulas – plus, we ask the experts to answer your most asked SPF spray questions. Here's everything you need to know.
Is spray sunscreen better?
First of all, let's reiterate just how important SPF is in the first place. “If you want to avoid sun damage to the skin, high factor and UVA star-rated sunscreen should be the number one priority in your daily skincare routine,” says advanced aesthetics doctor Dr Catharine Denning.
Of course, with so many forms of SPF out there – from sunscreen sticks to moisturisers with SPF, liquids (and all have their own set of pros and cons), why should you consider going for sprays?
“Spray SPF can be an effective way of topping up your sun protection throughout the day,” says Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and founder of Self London clinic. “Essentially, they're a very convenient way to ensure you stay protected from the sun's UV rays day-long,” she continues.
It's worth caveating though that if you're swimming, towelling off or sweating excessively then the spray won't be as adequate – “and you’d need to use your regular facial sunscreen to reapply,” says Mahto. So, to make it clear, “sunscreen sprays are purely for top up purposes (as there’s a tendency to not use enough product).”
Can you use sunscreen sprays alone or alongside a regular SPF?
For your first SPF application, yes, the experts recommend opting for a cream or lotion to best protect skin and avoid any sunburn. “You should use about one-half a teaspoon of product to your face and neck,” says Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist. “This needs to dry for three to five minutes before applying foundation or tinted moisturiser.”
Then, “you can use an SPF face spray as often as you like throughout the day,” adds Brett, “it can double up as a body SPF spray as well.” Top tip? When layering SPFs, don’t mix chemical and mineral sunscreen lotions. One study showed that zinc oxide (a popular mineral filter) may make chemical sunscreens less robust.
How we tested the best spray sunscreens
Throughout the years, the GLAMOUR team has collectively tried dozens of spray SPFs, having tested said formulas on a variety of skin types, skin tones and age groups. When reviewing each formula, we've assessed how the spray feels when applied, its SPF level and efficacy, as well as value for money and how innovative it is compared to other options on the market. Find out more about how we test.
Scroll to view our edit of the best spray sunscreens to spritz on-the-go…
1/15Best spray sunscreen overall: Hello Sunday The Retouch One Face Mist SPF30
SPF level: 30.
Why we love it: A brilliant buy for those who like their SPF top-up to feel undetectable and lightweight, this mist disperses sparsely yet effectively. It offers an invisible finish (no white cast here) as well as one that's featherweight, and protects from pollution and blue light as well as UV rays. This is a truly great buy for application over makeup.
Save when you shop for SPF face spray with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
2/15Best spray sunscreen for sensitive skin: Avène Very High Protection Spray SPF50+ Sun Cream for Sensitive Skin
SPF level: 50.
Why we love it: If you have sensitive skin, you may already be familiar with French skincare brand Avène. The brand's SPF spray combines broad-spectrum protection and nourishing vitamin E with its famous spring water to soothe and calm.
Save when you shop for SPF face spray with these LookFantastic discount codes.
3/15Best sunscreen spray for face: Sculpted by Aimee Sun Mist - SPF 50 Spray
SPF level: 50
Why we love it: After a vegan-friendly and cruelty-free sunscreen spray? Turn your face to this invisible mist that’s brimming with moisturising vitamin E and apricot oil as well as broad-spectrum protection. At 70ml, it’s flight-friendly too.
4/15Best affordable sunscreen spray: Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Hydrating Face Sun Cream Mist SPF50
SPF level: 50
Why we love it: Affordable and easy to pick up at your local Boots or supermarket, Garnier's best selling aerosol feels refreshing and lightweight, meaning it's perfect for throwing in your handbag or keeping at your desk. As well as UVA and UVB protection (and from long UVA rays), this spritz offers 24-hour protection, too.
5/15Best sunscreen spray for high protection: Caudalie Vinosun High Protection Spray SPF50
SPF level: 50
Why we love it: Caudalie's mist has everything you'd need from a protective spray: a high level of SPF, antioxidant-rich grape polyphenols and vitamin E in its ingredients list, a non-sticky formula, an invisible finish, and a user-friendly nozzle that makes the whole process SO much easier. Need we say more?
6/15Best spray sunscreen for travel: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Invisible Fresh Mist Spray SPF50+
SPF level: 50+
Why we love it: Listen, you can always rely on La Roche-Posay for elite sun protection, meaning its best selling SPF spray is of top quality. The product contains the brand's hydrating Thermal Spring Water to hydrate and soothe, while also maintaining an anti-shine finish. With an SPF50+, it can be trusted to protect against all UVA and UVB rays.
7/15Best sunscreen face spray for exercise: Lancaster Sun Sport Invisible Face Mist SPF30
SPF level: 30
Why we love it: This refreshing, broad-spectrum and alcohol-free sun protection mist dries down instantly to provide lasting protection that is water-resistant and sweat-resistant. It can even be applied to wet skin, meaning top-ups throughout the day have never been easier.
Save when you shop for SPF face spray with these Boots discount codes.
8/15Best hydrating spray sunscreen: Vichy Ideal Soleil Hydrating Mist SPF50
SPF level: 50
Why we love it: Some mists can feel sticky and damp on this skin – but this sun spray does not. It’s invisible, lightweight and hydrating with a skin-savvy blend of glycerin and thermal spring water. For these reasons, it's ideal for dry skin thanks to its moisturizing properties.
9/15Best sunscreen face spray for scalp: Ultrasun SPF50 UV Face & Scalp Mist
SPF level: 50
Why we love it: While facial sunscreen top-ups are essential, we mustn't also forget the skin at the top of our head, particularly when it's hot. Ultrasun's non-greasy, fast absorbing formula makes it ideal for the scalp, meaning it's a two-in-one you'll never regret buying.
Save when you shop for SPF spray with these Marks and Spencer discount codes.
10/15Best spray sunscreen for everyday: Bondi Sands SPF50+ Fragrance-Free Face Mist
SPF level: 50+
Why we love it: This spray will provide you with very high broad spectrum sun protection against both harmful UVA and UVB rays and it’s fast absorbing leaving you with an invisible finish. Ideal for makeup top-ups.
11/15Best sunscreen face spray for over makeup: Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF30
SPF level: 30
Why we love it: While this spray's primary function is to set makeup in place, it also contains a blend of chemical UV filters and soothing plant extracts (including aloe vera and cucumber) to protect and refresh the skin.
13/15Best sunscreen spray for a radiant finish: Naked Sundays SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Mist
SPF level: 50+
Why we love it: If there's ever a place in the world to trust when it comes to sunscreen creation, it's Australia. With some of the strongest UV rays on the planet, a brand from here is bound to be one of the best. Enter: Naked Sundays, which looks just as chic as it is effective. This colourful spritz is jam-packed with skin-savvy ingredients that also protect from free radicals, like hydrating hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-rich watermelon extract and brightening Kakadu plum extract. Skin looks luminous after application.
Save when you shop for SPF spray with these Sephora discount codes.
14/15Best sunscreen spray for dry skin: Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF50 Reapplication Mist Skinscreen
SPF level: 50
Why we love it: Another brilliant Australian brand, Ultra Violette is a favourite amongst beauty editors, thanks to its top UV protection and lightweight, hydrating formulas that actually feel good on skin. The brand's sun spray works beautifully over makeup, and is also hydrating (thanks to bisabolol) and soothes irritation, redness and inflammation with aloe vera.
15/15Best sunscreen spray for face and body: Shiseido Sports Invisible Protective Mist SPF 50+
SPF level: 50+
Why we love it: Ideal for outdoor activities, this refreshing formula helps to cool the skin while protecting skin from sun with SPF 50. It also features ‘WetForce technology’ that provides a protective veil over the skin when in contact with perspiration or water, making it water-resistant for travel, too. Clever! This also doubles up as a body sunscreen too, making it a great two-in-one.
