Along with fish and chips and salt air, the smell of sunscreen is synonymous with a Kiwi summer. That’s for good reason – nobody wants to relive the sting of a childhood sunburn – but in fact, SPF should be worn from January 1 to December 31. Yes, even in winter. That’s because harmful UV rays are a year-round issue, especially with New Zealand’s extra-harsh sun.
Don’t worry. Sunscreens have come a long way since the thick goop we were coated in as kids. Now there are ultra-sheer, tinted and hydrating options packed with skincare goodies, to give your skin a glowing finish year-round. From the beach to the bar, the school run and everything in between, we’ve rounded up our favourite sunblocks to buy this season.
2025’s TOP SUNSCREENS
- The best ultra-sheer sunscreen (here’s why)
- The best tinted sunscreen (here’s why)
- The best mineral sunscreen (here’s why)
- The best sunscreen-skincare hybrid (here’s why)
The best sunscreens to buy, no matter your skin type
THE BEST ULTRA-THIN, ULTRA-SHEER FORMULAS
In recent years, sunscreen makers seem to have cracked it when it comes to making watery, fluid-like sunscreen with a barely there feel, perfect for those of us who tend towards oily (ok, sweaty) complexions in the summer. Ultra-light in weight, but packing a punch in terms of sun protection? Sign us up.
01
Go-To Nifty Fifty Fluid
$45 from Go-To
If you hate the feeling of lotion on your face (or you’re trying to gently ease your partner into an SPF habit) this sheer sunscreen should be top of your list. This Nifty Fifty formula is ultra-light and absorbs almost instantly while playing nice with your pre-existing skincare routine.
The chemical formula means no white-cast worries, and the handy packaging makes it easy to chuck into your gym bag or work tote while on the move.
Key features:
- Suitable for all skin types
- Made in Australia
- Sulfate and paraben-free
- Sustainable packaging
- SPF 50
02
Avène Sunsitive Sunscreen Fluid (Invisible Finish) SPF50+
$39.99 from Life Pharmacy
On its arrival at the Now to Love office, this sunblock beat out the competition for the quickest absorption on the back of the hand. Leaving behind an invisible texture and dry touch feel, it’s our top recommendation for those in a rush in the morning… so, all of us.
The fragrance-free formula is fab for those with sensitive skin. And throw it in your beach bag this summer; it provides four hours of water resistance, making it excellent for beach days.
Key features:
- SPF 50+,
- Invisible finish – no white cast
- 4 hours water resistant
- Specifically formulated for sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologically & clinically tested
- Broad spectrum UVB-UVA protection
03
Hey Bud SPF50 Serving Shade Sunscreen
$38 at Hey Bud
If you’ve struggled to find a sunscreen that doesn’t break you out, you need to opt for calming, acne-fighting ingredients. You’ll know that we’re already big fans of Hey Bud’s hydrating serum, and in the daytime, we’re layering on the SPF 50 sunscreen, which is acne-prone skin approved.
Fragrance-free, non-greasy and with an ultra-lightweight feel and finish, it won’t clog pores or exacerbate acne. Use it as the last layer in your skin routine: Vitamin E will help to reduce inflammation and support the skin barrier, while hyaluronic acid helps to deliver deep hydration for plump, bouncy, moisturised skin.
Key features:
- Non-greasy and lightweight
- Hydating formula
- Vegan & cruelty-free
- Reef-safe
- Suitable for all skin types
THE BEST TINTED SUNSCREENS
Say it with me: we are NOT mixing our sunscreen with skin tints this summer. It lowers the efficacy of our sunblock to almost nothing. Instead, we’re opting for tinted sunblocks to even skin tone while providing coverage. Here are a couple of our faves.
01
Thank You Farmer Rice Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
$40.86 from iHerb
This tinted sunscreen does triple duty in your daily skincare and makeup routine. If you’re looking for a tinted mineral sunscreen that will leave your skin glowing, forgo foundation and reach for this SPF 40 rice-tinted sunscreen by Than You Farmer. The natural beige tint helps even out skin tone and provides seamless coverage to help skin tone and texture appear more even. The sun protection comes from the 22.24% zinc oxide. UV protection and a primer in one? That’s the kind of one-stop shop we’re looking for in our beauty routine.
Key features:
- High UVA/UVB protection
- Light natural tint
- Gentle, lightweight texture
- Reef-friendly mineral formula
02
Bondi Sands Fragrance-Free Tinted Face Fluid
$18.99 from Chemist Warehouse
If you’re on a budget, this tinted sunscreen is an excellent sub-$20 option for light coverage and strong SPF protection. Combining broad-spectrum UVA & UVB protection with skin hydration and a subtle tint, this ultra-lightweight fluid provides up to 72 hours of hydration. Use it as a correcting primer under makeup or alone for a clean-girl makeup look.
Key features:
- Cruelty-free
- Australian-made
- Broad spectrum UVA & UVB protection
- SPF 50+
- Non-comedogenic
03
Alpha H Protection Plus Daily Moisturiser
$69.95 at Alpha H
Apha H is known for its gold-tier skincare, and the SPF 50 is no exception. With a silky matte finish, it makes a lovely base for makeup and is a great potion for those of us who run a little oilier by the end of the day.
Packed full of antioxidants without skimping on sun protection, this SPF 50+ absorbs UVB and short UVA rays while pomegranate seed oil assists with skin regeneration and protects against free-radical damage. The natural tint comes from NZ pine bark extract, blurring and evening skin tone and disguising pigmentation.
Key features:
- Broad-sectrum sun protection
- Semi‑matte finish
- Non‑comedogenic, fragrance‑free, and sulfate/paraben‑free
- Water- and sweat-resistant
THE BEST MINERAL SUNSCREENS
Mineral sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to physically block and reflect UV rays from the skin’s surface. They’re typically considered better for sensitive or acne-prone skin types. If you fall into this camp, you might be keen on one of the following formulas.
01
Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF 50 Mineral Face Creme
$110 from Emma Lewisham
Using 20 per cent zinc oxide as the active ingredient, this multitasking mineral-powered face creme delivers SPF 50 protection. It also supports healthy-looking pores, minimising their appearance with a blurring, primer-like effect and enhancing skin tone with a hint of tint for radiant skin. The resulting finish is satin and silky, making it a fabulous primer for under makeup.
Key features:
- Broad-spectrum SPF 50 with 20% non-nano Zinc Oxide
- Mineral-based with no chemical filters
- Free from parabens, silicones, aluminium and artificial colours
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Available in carbon-positive refillable pods
02
Nifty Fifty Mineral
$62 from Go-To
If you’ve turned your sun-kissed nose up at mineral sunscreens for too long because of their reputation for leaving a white cast, this sunscreen will cause you to rethink that theory. This new release from Go-To has a slight tint and thanks to the inclusion of iron oxides, removes the white cast that can be a crime of some other mineral sunscreens.
It’s also rich in aloe and Kakadu plum, for skin soothing and nourishing effects.
Key features:
- Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin
- Made in Australia
- Sulfate & paraben free
- Sustainable packaging
- SPF 50
THE BEST HYDRATING SUNSCREEN/SKINCARE HYBRIDS
These days, sunscreens aren’t just about protecting from the sun’s harmful rays. Many formulations include antioxidants, moisturizers, or anti-ageing ingredients to enhance skin health. For those who tend to err on the drier side, opt for sunscreen with hydrating and nourishing ingredients.
01
Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect
$154.10 from Adore Beauty
This sunblock promises to literally defy ageing. We can’t attest to that, but we can attest to it being a super hydrating and nourishing – but still lightweight – daily moisturiser that offers SPF 50+ protection against the sun’s damaging and ageing effects.
Yes, it’s a little pricey. But infused with squalane and hyaluronic acid, it’s a hydrating moisturiser with SPF-protection, so basically, it’s all your skincare bases covered.
Key features:
- Cruelty-free
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Vegan
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Cosmeceuticals
02
Avène Sunsitive Sunscreen Serum SPF50+
$54.99 from Life Pharmacy
The hydrating ingredients in this silky serum-like sunscreen will give your skin a dewy glow and help you cut down on skincare routine steps. A new release from the French pharmaceutical brand, it’s formulated with ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid, along with soothing vitamin E and aloe vera. It’s also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so even those with acne-prone skin have no excuses not to wear it.
Key features:
- SPF 50+
- Ultra-lightweight, non-greasy texture
- Fast-absorbing with no white cast
- Specifically formulated for sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologically & clinically tested
- Broad spectrum UVB-UVA protection
What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?
A handy way to remember the difference between UVA and UVB:
- “A” is for ageing – the type of ultraviolet light the sun emits that penetrates deepest through the dermal layer and causes skin ageing, such as wrinkles and spots. UVA rays are dangerous because there’s no immediate sign of burning like UVB rays.
- “B” is for burning – it harms the top layer of your skin in a shorter amount of time than UVA rays.
How are sunscreens tested in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, SPF is measured by applying the product to human skin and exposing it to controlled UV light (basically, lab-grown sunshine) to see how well it protects against redness and sunburn. To earn “broad spectrum” status, a sunscreen also has to block harmful UVA rays, tested separately on special UV-sensitive plates. If a product claims SPF 50, it’s been through this rigorous process, either in accredited labs here or overseas.
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