The UV index has been relentless this month. Every weather app I open warns me to stay indoors, but the pull of sunshine is too strong to resist. I still want my afternoons by the pool, my morning coffee on the terrace and that blissful late-day light when everything turns golden. The key is balance, which for me means finding products that let me enjoy the sun while knowing my skin is protected.
This summer, I have been gravitating toward formulas that feel more like a treat than a task. These are SPFs that smell fresh, feel weightless, and make me actually look forward to reapplying. From an ultra-fine mist that disappears instantly to a silky dry oil that leaves skin gleaming to a bronzing oil that gives my ideal vacation glow, these products have made their way into my everyday routine. They are proof that SPF can be as pleasurable to use just like your favourite fragrance or body cream.
BABÉ LABORATORIOS Protective Mist SPF 50
This has been my ultimate on-the-go sunscreen. The mist is so light and fresh it almost feels like spraying water, yet it gives me full SPF 50 protection. I can use it on my face without ruining makeup, on my body without feeling sticky and even on my hair for an extra layer of care. The formula leaves no trace on the skin, which is perfect for those moments when I need a quick top-up before heading out. I love keeping it in my beach bag, and my day-to-day bag as well, so that a few spritzes can carry me through an entire afternoon outdoors.
PHARMACERIS S Protective Dry Oil SPF 50
This is SPF at its most indulgent. The satin finish gives my skin a healthy, just-moisturized look, and the hydration it delivers lasts for hours. I reach for it on pool days when I know I will be spending a lot of time in and out of the water because it works just as well on damp skin as it does on dry. It feels nourishing without being heavy, and it is gentle enough that I never worry about using it after a day when my skin has had a lot of sun exposure. It has turned sunscreen into part of my self-care ritual rather than something I rush through.
URIAGE Bariesun Beautifying Dry Oil SPF 30
This is the one I pack when I want something everyone can use. It has a smooth, silky texture that makes the skin feel instantly soft while offering advanced cellular protection. I think of it as a hybrid between skincare and suncare because it keeps my skin soft and healthy even after hours outside. It is sophisticated enough for my own beauty standards but gentle enough that friends and family with more sensitive skin can enjoy it too. It feels like summer in a bottle, but with the reassurance of real protection.
KORRES Aegean Bronze Intense Bronzing Oil SPF 10
When I want my skin to glow as if I have been on an island holiday, I reach for this. The bronze sheen catches the light beautifully and makes every photograph look like it was taken during golden hour. The coconut and argan oils make my skin feel conditioned and smooth, and the finish is luminous without being greasy. I never rely on SPF 10 for full protection, so I always layer it over a higher SPF. That way, I get the radiance I want without compromising safety. It is my final step before heading out to meet friends or enjoy a sunset drink by the water.
These four have earned a permanent place in my summer beauty collection. They work exactly as promised, they feel luxurious and they make SPF something to enjoy instead of something to tolerate. The best part is that they fit into every kind of day, whether it is a busy one spent running around the city or a slow one stretched out under the sun.
All products are available at Aloe Pharm & Beauty pharmacies.
