Our Sunscreen Guide

If you’ve ever experienced super-sore sunburn then you probably know the importance of finding a top quality suncream.

The best suncreams not only protect you from the sun's rays, they're easy to apply, don't leave you feeling sticky, and help you enjoy your holiday properly, or the rare Irish sunshine.

Our first tip is to always make sure to look for a suncream that is "broad spectrum", meaning there's protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

UVAs are skin-damaging long waves that can penetrate deep into the skin’s thickest layer. Unprotected exposure can lead to premature skin ageing, wrinkling, dark spots and the suppression of the immune system, while UVBs are short waves that cause redness and burns, which can lead to skin cancer.

The SPF number is the UVB protection, so make sure there is a UVA stamp, too.

Once you have this covered then all you need to do is choose the right type of sunscreen for you. Whether you're looking for sensitive skin, oily skin, tan accelerators, or high SPF, our round-up of the best sun creams below has got you covered.

Best Moisturising Sun Cream: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Comfort Lotion SPF30 250ml

La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 30 Lotion is suitable for all the family's sensitive skin. This is a new, more minimalistic dermatologically-tested formula which is fragrance free, paraben free and lighter in chemical filters compared to the previous formulas. This moisturising, velvety texture is non-greasy which leaves no white marks and it’s also water-resistant. Perfect for any sun filled occasion.

Best Sunscreen Oil: Bondi Sands Sunscreen Oil SPF30+ 150ml

Enjoy a sun-soaked day the Bondi Sands way with their unique summer fragrance. This SPF 30 broad-spectrum formula is non-greasy and water resistant for 2 hours and leaves your skin feeling moisturised and protected so you can step into the sun with confidence.

Best Value Sun Lotion: Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture SPF 30+ 400ml

Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture SPF 30 provides you with long-lasting and intensive moisture. The formula is readily biodegradable and water-resistant. It will provide you with highly effective UVA and UVB protection that immediately protects you and the family against sunburn and premature skin aging.

Best Sunscreen for Kids: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Kids Mist SPF50+ 125ml

Specially formulated for children's fragile, sensitive skin. The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Kids Mist is designed to provide fine, continuous distribution in an easy to spray product which is slightly whiter than other Anthelios products to ensure full coverage of your children. This formula is very high resistance to water. Tested under dermatological control. Suitable for children's face and body. Perfect to keep your little one's safe in the sun!

Best Sun Cream for Sensitive Skin: Ambre Solaire Sensitive Hypoallergenic Sun Protection Cream SPF50+ 200ml

Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced Sun Cream SPF50+ provides very high protection against sun induced skin damage and sunburn. The formula is developed for all skin types, but focuses on fair, sensitive and sun intolerant skin with a non-greasy formula that can be used on the face and body. This sun protection cream is hypoallergenic and is tested under dermatological control. Perfect for any one with sensitive skin on a budget. 

Best Rated Sun Spray for All Skin Types: Riemann P20 Continuous Spray Sun Protection SPF20 150ml

Riemann P20 Continuous Spray Once a Day Sun Protection provides up to 10 hours protection from one application. The new easy to use multi-angle Continuous Spray has a quick-drying, transparent formula that is very water resistant. One application of P20 Continuous Spray offers 10 hours protection with 5-star UVA & UVB protection.

Best Sun Spray to Wear Over Makeup: Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super UV Protection Mist SPF50+ 75ml

Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super UV Protection Mist has a fresh, ultra-light texture that gives an invisible finish on skin. Developed for the sensitive face area and enriched with hyaluronic acid, this hydrating non-greasy mist can be applied under or over makeup, to help it settle. Non-comedogenic. Perfect for daily use.

Best Tinted Sun Cream: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Tinted Hydrating Cream SPF50+ 50ml

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Tinted Hydrating Cream SPF50+ 50ml. Very high UVA/UVB tinted facial sun protection in a moisturising formula for dry to very dry skin. Provides ultimate protection with Ultra Long UVA protection. Specifically developed for sensitive skin.

Enjoyed our round-up of the best sun creams? We hope so!

We’re all about helping you find the best products at the best prices, so be sure to check out more of our top summer recommendations on our Sun & Travel collection.