Splurge or Save: Ten light sunscreens to beat the summer heat

Summer season may be almost over, but the sun never goes away. You need protection 365 days a year! If you haven't gotten into this habit yet because you hate the thick, tacky feel, there’s hope yet. Brands are coming out with more lightweight sunscreen options across different price points, so you can get UV protection that feels comfortable on your skin as well as your wallet! Here are 10 of our top picks.

SPLURGE OPTIONS worth P1000 and up

Bioderma Photoderm Max AquaFluid SPF50+ (P1,100/40ml)

This sunscreen promises to be lightweight, mattifying, non-comedogenic, and water-resistant. I’ve worn this on a very hot day while at a job site and it felt like nothing on. As a makeup base, it made my normally matte foundation extra glowy in a good way. I had to blot after a while though. There are tinted variants in Light or Golden but I haven't come across those yet. This brand is available in Beauty Bar, Watsons and SM Beauty.

Kiehls Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA++++ (P1,995/30ml)

As the name suggests, this sunscreen is more for daily use than for the beach. Light with a matte finish and a high SPF, Kiehl's adds anti-aging benefits with vitamin E. Those with sensitive skin will be happy to try this one. Stop by their flagship store in Greenbelt 5 or any Kiehl's branch for a consultation.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector SPF 50+ PA++++ Sunscreen (P2,100/50ml)

PV readers have already seen this in action when I tested waterproof makeup, so you know how much I adore this sunscreen! I also use this as a makeup base as it dries matte and doesn’t make my skin oil up under foundation. Shiseido also has a dedicated Sun Protection Liquid Foundation that you might want to check out for more coverage.

SPEND OPTIONS worth P500 to P700

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++ (P536/88ml)

We recently featured the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen as part of our sunscreen recos for different occasions. This one’s labeled "water-resistant and sweat-resistant" so it's perfect for swimming and sports, or even just lounging by the poolside.

Happy Skin Catch the Sun Hydrating UV Mist SPF35 PA++ (P699/50ml)

This is a must for people who forget to apply sunscreen before applying makeup, as you can just spray it after. The spray application also makes this a good option for reapplying sunscreen on top of makeup or while on the go. This mist was part of the brand's Catch the Sun line launched alongside the Festival of Colors collection. They also have a UV Gel Cream version which Liz reviewed here.

SAVE OPTIONS below P500

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+ PA++++ (P445/50g)

A list of lightweight sunscreens isn't complete without this PV favorite. Liz has been raving about this since 2015! The formula claims to be water- and sweat-proof, which means you'll be protected (a bit) better but you'll still have to reapply as with any sunscreen. The non-sticky consistency makes it wearable under makeup, while the clear matte finish ensures that it looks good even on its own. You can find this in Watsons stores and online at BeautyMNL.

Solstice Whitening Sunscreen Face Cream SPF50 (P229/50ml)

Like other sunscreens, the Solstice Face Cream has a high SPF to protect your skin and you can use this together with the Solstice Body Lotion. On top of that, this variant of the Solstice sunscreen has whitening effects while the other has anti-aging effects. I’ve been using this under my makeup and so far, I find that it’s a good alternative to my Shiseido Wet Force. You can grab Solstice at Watsons as well.

Belo SunExpert Perfecting Shield Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ (449.75/50ml)

If you want to add sun protection to your daily no-makeup makeup look, you can check out the Belo Tinted Sunscreen. This can even be a primer substitute or a base that evens out the skin by providing light coverage, which would cut time off your makeup routine. Take note though that their "medium to deep" shade is still a little light on my medium skin tone, so you may need to layer it with a different foundation for a perfect match. This is available in Watsons and other online stores like Lazada and Shopee.

Kojie San Body Lightening Lotion SPF 25 (P158/150ml)

Sunscreen is supposed to be applied all over the body, and what better way to do that than through a lotion? The Kojie San lotion has SPF 25 and it's lightweight enough for commuter sun exposure. To see more of a skin lightening effect, this can be used with the brand's best-selling soap.

Silka Whitening Lotion with Shea Butter SPF 23 (P71/100ml)

Another fave PV lotion with SPF are the Silka Whitening Lotions which we featured in a challenge video last year. My sister is also a big fan of these, particularly the Deep Hydration one, and I really saw how her dry, irritated skin healed just by using the lotion. This provides moisture upon application but doesn't feel greasy when you sweat.

Have you tried any of these lightweight sunscreens? What’s your go-to sunscreen for the summer heat?