If you’re someone who finds sun creams and lotion-based SPF products too greasy for your skin, an SPF powder is exactly what you need.
Just because summer is at an end, does not mean SPF should no longer be a priority. In fact, Autumn and Winter is when investing in a decent SPF is more important than ever as it’s when many of us are the most lax about our skincare.
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Enter powder SPFs.
These little pots of genius can be easily applied on top of makeup – or to bare skin – just as a finishing powder would be. They’re quick and simple to use and you can touch up without any problems throughout the day. Something that is harder to do with your SPF cream.
We should note that we also pair our SPF powder with a foundation or CC cream that contains SPF, just to be on the safe side! This may be overkill but we like to know we’re well protected.
But where do you start? We’ve rounded up the best SPF powders to help you start protecting your skin in the Winter sun.
None of these are particularly cheap but this is common for products with SPF. You’re paying for protection so we think it’s worth investing.
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£54 | ZO Skin Health
Why we love it: ZO Skin is renowned for skincare which is kind to acne-prone skin – a skin type that fares particularly badly with oily SPF lotions – so this powder SPF is a great choice for anyone with such skin concerns.
The brush is very soft and its bristles densely-packed so as to provide a flawless application.
Powered by Triple-Spectrum Protection and exclusive ZO antioxidant technology, there is both superior skin protection, as well as pigmented powder going on here. Simultaneously minimise skin shine while maintaining your natural glow as you protect your skin from the sun. It’s available in three shades – light, medium and deep.
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Buy now from ZO Skin
£33 | Buy now from SpaceNK
Why we love it: Unlike many other SPF powders which have a colour tint, this powder from Ilia Beauty is completely translucent.
Emulating the effect of your regular finishing powder, it also offers sun protection. At SPF 20, it is on the lower end of the spectrum, compared to others we’ve found but this is still better than powders without any SPF.
Ingredients such as zinc and sunflower oil help protect skin from the sun and irritation and the neat, compact nature of the product make touch ups throughout the day easy. Aided by its twist-up mechanism.
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Buy now from SpaceNK
£17.80 | Buy now from Amazon
Why we love it: Offering a broad spectrum SPF 30, this powder is fully translucent and suitable for all skin types.
Natural, mattifying and oil-free, it is also enriched with antioxidants, such as green tea, chamomile and vitamin E. This means it’s a good addition to both your skincare and makeup routine.
Leaving your skin silky soft and fully protected from the sun, it also helps absorb excess oil so your skin is kept looking fresh all day long. This SPF powder is 100% vegan, GMO and cruelty-free, too.
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Buy now from Amazon£27 | Buy now from Clarins
Why we love it: Suitable for all skin types, Clarins is a brand that can be trusted when it comes to skincare.
This SPF powder is packed full of antioxidants, botanical extracts and a Sun Plant Complex made up of ingredients such as senna, baobab and aloe vera – which all reduce the signs of visible ageing brought on by sun.
It’s portable case makes it an excellent compact option for when you’re on-the-go, and the powder SPF is water resistant too.
Protecting your skin from sun damage, it hydrates the skin and is very light in its application – leaving an even and luminous complexion that’s velvety soft. This is the pick for anyone who fears thick, heavy foundations or powders.
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Buy now from Clarins£28 | Buy now from Amazon
Why we love it: Another big name in skincare solutions, Peter Thomas Roth’s powder SPF makes reapplying your sun protection simple.
This mineral powder sunscreen offers SPF 45 – the highest we’ve found in our search for the best SPF powders.
It works as a protective finishing powder and can be used for touch-ups on top of your makeup.
Containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for UVA/UVB protection, the sun’s harmful rays are immediately blocked, while the transparent and fine powder leaves your skin residue-free, but fully protected.
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Buy now from Amazon
£22.50 | Buy now from Brush On Block
Why we love it: Chemical-free and full of minerals, this SPF powder does more than just protect your skin from the sun.
As well as UVA and UVB protection, it includes naturally-occurring active sunscreen ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Providing full coverage that’s easy to apply, it’s goodbye to sticky or greasy sun lotions and hello easily protected skin.
FURTHER READING: How to layer your skincare: Knowing the best skincare order will help make the most of your products
Buy now from Brush On Block
Amira Arasteh is a freelance journalist and content creator. Find her making sense of beauty trends, tips and topics – when she’s not stuffing her face with the best food in London or travelling the globe
