Hi Impact

A new world of choice, curated for you.A new world of choice, curated for you.A new world of choice, curated for you.A new world of choice, curated for you.A new world of choice, curated for you.A new world of choice, curated for you.A new world of choice, curated for you.A new world of choice, curated for you.A new world of choice, curated for you.A new world of choice, curated for you.A new world of choice, curated for you.A new world of choice, curated for you.A new world of choice, curated for you.
Beauty Bytes 12 November 2021

7 Clear Sunscreens That are Perfect for Everyone

Transparent SPFs to get you excited about sun safety in the lead up to summertime.

All skins rejoice! If you’re unsatisfied with the white-casting, makeup-pilling, or breakout-producing sunscreens you’ve tried before, we’re excited to introduce you to the world of clear SPF products. If you’re not wearing daily SPF then we must have a serious chat. One of the only ways to mitigate life threatening skin cancers, as well as signs of premature ageing, is by practicing proper sun protection. Thanks to the sophisticated formulators working in our beloved beauty world, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to sunscreens. If you’re deterred by white casts left from zinc-heavy creams, pilling when you put on your base or your SPFs breaking you out, we have the solution. Here are 7 of the best translucent sunscreens that you’re sure to fall in love with.


Words By Brittany Lyons

Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield SPF 30

Relying on your base or foundation is certainly not going to cut it when it comes to daily protection from harmful UV rays.

It is absolutely imperative that you’re applying a dedicated sun protection product post moisturiser and pre foundation.

Lucky for us beauty junkies, we have access to sun block products that wear multiple hats and Murad’s Invisiblur Protecting Shield does just that.

An SPF like you’ve never seen it before, this transparent formulation is a gel-like consistency that doubles as an SPF 30 as well as a blurring primer.

Leaving a velvety smooth finish, the skin’s complexion is perfectly prepped for anything you apply after Invisiblur.

The clear and lightweight formula also ensures that no white cast is present, as well as properly being universally suitable for every skin tone out there.

Also featuring some skin-loving ingredients such as peptides, this cosmeceutical product is simultaneously encouraging collagen production and mitigating signs of ageing while protecting from both UVA and UVB rays.

Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield SPF 30, £65, Cult Beauty

Supergoop! Glow Stick SPF 50

If you’re a lover of a dewy, glowy complexion but haven’t found the right SPF to support it, this may just be a game changer for you.

Supergoop! is the Texas-bown brand (no, no affiliation with Gwyneth Paltrow) who have been bringing us fun and effective sunscreens for over 15 years.

The innovation of their Glow Stick is especially game-changing due to its dry oil, invisible and glow inducing formula.

This solid stick is completely transparent, reminiscent of a hard oil but never leaves an oily residue.

Gliding onto the skin dry and evenly, it is a fantastic pre makeup primer, and even a highlighter to induce a strobing glow.

With an SOF rating of 50+, you can’t really get any better than this little guy.

It’s chubby stick applicator makes it a fun and convenient way to ensure reapplication is carried out throughout the day.

Chuck the Glow Stick in your beach bag and never again be sunburnt while you’re out and about.

SUPERGOOP! Glow Stick SPF50, $53.18, Net-A-Porter

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Another transparent option from innovative outfit Supergoop!, the Unseen Sunscreen 40+ is an invisible, weightless and smoothing protective product.

Acting similarly to the Murad option above, this formulation provides a smoothing, velvety finish which is great for skins who are on the oilier side.

If you prefer a matte finish rather than a dewy and glowy one, this may be the perfect option for you.

Harnessing oil controlling ingredients to keep shininess at bay, it is especially impressive at regulating the t-zone for shine through.

Perfect as a daytime makeup primer for each and every shade of skin out there, this completely transparent sunscreen preps the skin for whatever base you follow with afterwards.

Formulated with red algae to help negate any blue light pollution from devices, as well as the all-important broad spectrum SPF component, this ultra-protective elixir is one that certainly works hard.

If you’re after a mattifying, oil regulating transparent sunscreen that works amazingly under makeup, this one is certainly a contender.

SUPERGOOP! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, $50.56, Revolve

Hello Sunday The One For Your Lips Clear Lip Balm SPF 50

When it comes to protecting yourself from the harmful UVA and UBV rays, it must be considered that all areas of the skin exposed to the sun needs SPF.

The sometimes-forgotten parts of the body and face are typically the ears, chest and lips.

Due to the fragile nature of the lip, as well as how painful sun damage can be when experienced here, it’s imperative to have a sound sun protection plan for your luscious lips.

We totally understand the stark chalky white zinc on the lips look isn’t for everyone, so our solution is instead a transparent lip balm that doubles as a 50+ SPF.

Perfect for the beauty junkie who is a devout glossy gal, the ‘Hello Sunday The One for Your Lips Balm’ is the ultimate in lip protection.

Formulated with skin-loving ingredients such as shea butter, squalane and hyaluronic acid, this packed-full-of-humectant balm is not only protecting but ultra-restorative.

Leaving your lips hydrated, protected and perfectly healthy, beach days are better with this SPF lip balm by Hello Sunday.

Hello Sunday The One For Your Lips Clear Lip Balm SPF 50, £5, Cult Beauty

Supergoop! 9 100% Mineral Sun Balm SPF 40

Another ultra-hydrating and nourishing SPF product, this time brought to us by none other than Supergoop!, is the Cloud 9 Mineral Sun Balm.

Still transparent but this time in a balmy formulation, this sunscreen is better suited to be used to protect the body rather than the face.

The revolutionary balm consistency provides the perfect vehicle for nourishment.

Delivering a concentrated dose of creamy shea butter, sea buckthorn, rosehip and buriti oils, this balm is intended to be used on dry areas such as the lips, elbows, and knees.

Offering broad spectrum protection with SPF 40, it’s sometimes hard to comprehend that such a creamy textured translucent product can hold such defence against the sun.

Bought to us in an easily transportable tin and that will never leak, we think this balm is the perfect addition for your carry all bag, all year round.

Free from parabens, sulphites, palm oil and other nasties, everyone in the family should feel confident using this revolutionary product.

SUPERGOOP! Cloud 9 100% Mineral Sun Balm SPF 40, $51.99, Net-A-Porter

Beachfox SPF50+ Daily Sunscreen

On the topic of clear sunscreens perfect to be used on the body, let us introduce you to the wonderful world of spray SPF.

Long gone are the days of spending a substantial time on the sand rubbing in thick, zinc-y white sunscreen creams that not only leave a white cast, but an oily residue.

A clear and sprayable sunscreen is the perfect way to apply and reapply protection throughout the day, pre and post swim.

It also makes application when sand is involved a lot less carefree.

This option from beauty brand Beachfox is a chemical SPF, meaning it must be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure, as well as every 2 hours following.

The ability to spay this clear mist on dry or wet skin ensures that no excuses are made to protect your skin while you’re enjoying yourself in the sun.

Presented in a perfectly portable bottle and delivered with a heavenly scent, using this no-need-to-rub-in sunscreen is an absolute joy!

BEACHFOX SPF50+ Daily Sunscreen 200ml, $30, Sephora

Estee Lauder Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defense Aqua UV Gel SPF 50

For those with a penchant for the finer things in life, we are pleased to introduce you to a clear sunscreen from luxury cosmetic brand, Estee Lauder.

This lightweight, 3-in-1 sunscreen is a non-greasy, fast-absorbing and non-sticky gel consistency that works beautifully under makeup.

Created to be used as your last product in the AM routine before makeup, this sophisticated formulation is also packed full of antioxidant ingredients to extend the level of protection given throughout the day.

Alongside SPF 50+ to repel harmful UV rays, actives such as tiger lily extract and vitamin c is used to combat free radical damage which contributes to premature signs of ageing and damage.

This antioxidant rich sunscreen is perfect for those who are experiencing signs of ageing and collagen loss to the skin.

Amazing for all skin types and pre makeup application, this skin smoothing and protecting clear formulation is a dream!

ESTEE LAUDER Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defense Aqua UV Gel SPF 50 with 8 Anti-Oxidants 30ml, $58, Selfridges