Photo: Alana Landsberry / Are Media
The smell of sunscreen is synonymous with the words “Kiwi summer”, right up there with fish and chips, jandals and afternoons beach. But here’s the thing: SPF isn’t just for summer. New Zealand’s famously fierce UV rays don’t take holidays, which means sun protection is a 365-day-a-year non-negotiable.
Take that from me. After I had a melanoma removed from my ear last year, I now treat sunscreen like my morning caffeine: essential, daily and never skipped. Face, neck, chest, ears… if it catches the light, it’s getting slathered.
Luckily, sunscreens have come a long way since the thick, ghostly goop of our childhoods. Today’s formulas are sheer, silky, hydrating and makeup-friendly. I outsourced my research around the office to find my colleagues’ daily faves, as well as tapping into the beauty experts’ best sellers. From beach days to school runs and backyard barbecues, here are the best sunscreens to slap on this summer (in a chic way).
The best sunscreens to buy, no matter your skin type
Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF 50 Mineral Face Crème
$85 (50mL) at Emma Lewisham
Best for: Sensitive skin in need of serious nourishment and glow
I had to put Emma Lewisham’s Sunceutical formulation up top, given it’s my ride-or-die SPF. As someone with very sensitive skin that throws a tantrum at the slightest provocation, finding a mineral SPF 50 that doesn’t pill or clog has been… a journey. But this one? It’s just magic.
With 20% zinc oxide, it’s slightly thicker than chemical formulas but melts in beautifully, leaving a satin, hydrated finish that feels like a protective cocoon. In summer, I mix it with the tinted mineral fluid, Sunceutical SPF 50 Mineral Glow Serum, for a bronzy hint of colour.
Key features:
- NZ-developed
- TGA-certified SPF 50
- Broad-spectrum protection
- 72-hour hydration
- Smooths with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
- Fully recyclable packaging
Thank You Farmer Rice Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
$40.86 from iHerb
Best for: A three-in-one sunscreen that protects, primes and hydrates
This tinted mineral sunscreen does triple duty in your skincare and makeup routine. If you want a tinted sunscreen that leaves your skin glowing, skip foundation and reach for this SPF 40 Rice Tinted Sunscreen by Thank You Farmer.
The natural beige tint evens out skin tone and gives seamless light coverage, while 22.24% zinc oxide provides strong protection. UV protection and primer in one? That’s the kind of beauty multitasker we all want this summer.
Key features:
- UVA/UVB protection
- Light, natural tint
- Lightweight texture
- Reef-friendly mineral formula
iyvos BB cream
$105 at iyvos
For extra sun protection, choose a BB cream or tinted moisturiser that offers the benefits of SPF, as well as all your daily coverage needs. This medical-grade, multitasking formula from iyvos does double duty in your morning routine, bridging the gap between skincare and makeup. Admittedly, nobody in our office had heard of this brand before it made its way to the Woman’s Day office, so our brave Senior Content Producer Katie put her hand up to try the ‘light’ shade in her morning routine.
With skin tone correction, antioxidants, vitamins and other skin-boosting ingredients, it leaves a glow and just enough coverage for those no-makeup makeup days.
“It’s a dream to put on, gives you an instant glow, and is the perfect summer make-up to look put together with very little effort.”
Key features:
- SPF 30+ broad-spectrum protection
- Skin boosting ingredients
- Three shades available: light, medium and tan
- Deep hydration and barrier repair benefits
CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50
$29.99 from Chemist Warehouse
Best for: Budget-friendly, everyday protection
If you’re after a no-frills pharmacy formulation, CeraVe is, in my humble-ish, opinion, one of the best in the game. This lightweight 2-in-1 sunscreen and moisturiser contains broad-spectrum SPF, is fragrance-free, oil-free and non-greasy. It’s a great option for teens too, as it’s non-comedogenic and contains ceramides and niacinamide to help keep early acne at bay.
It’s the favourite of our Commercial Brand Manager, Georgia, who uses it daily.
“This is my go-to. I love the pump packaging — super easy to throw into my bag for after my morning pilates class. And my partner has started using and loving it, which is a win!”
Key features:
- Broad-spectrum SPF 50
- Ceramides + niacinamide
- Non-greasy
- Great for acne-prone skin
Avène Sunsensitive Sunscreen Fluid (Invisible Finish) SPF 50+
$41.99 from Life Pharmacy
Best for: Ultra-light protection with no white-cast worries
This one practically evaporates on contact. It won the prize for “fastest to absorb” when tested on the backs of every hand in the Woman’s Day office. With a dry-touch finish and SPF 50+, it’s perfect for frantic mornings (so, all mornings). It’s also the go-to formula of our Commercial Brand Manager Angela, who says she swears by it.
“It’s so light, and has no white cast. I was lucky enough to be given this one to try, but I’m going to repurchase it with my own money when I run out”.
Can’t say better than that.
Key features:
- SPF 50+
- Invisible finish
- 4 hours’ water resistance
- Fragrance-free & gentle on sensitive skin
- Non-comedogenic
- Broad-spectrum protection
- Dermatologically tested
Nivea Sun Kids Protect & Play Roll-On SPF 50
$16.99 from Life Pharmacy
Best for: Squirmy toddlers and quick application
Parents, rejoice! This roll-on is a summer lifesaver. Throw it in the nappy bag or beach bag this summer. The gentle formula and extremely convenient packaging make it a parenting winner. It’s free from fragrance, parabens and colourants, and contains a natural mineral active (zinc oxide) with four hours’ water resistance to protect the delicate skin of those delicious croissant arms.
Our Shopping Editor Hemma calls it her summer must-have for her 18-month-old.
“This SPF for toddlers/small children is a lifesaver because it’s roll-on – so less mess and quicker to apply. Ignore any social-media ‘makeup brush method’ application tips (which are meltdown-inducing).”
Key features:
- Mineral active (zinc oxide)
- Water-resistant
- Gentle on delicate skin
- Ultra-convenient roll-on
Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF 50+
$115.58 (usually $154.10) from Adore Beauty
Best for: Luxe skincare lovers + advanced hydration
This sunscreen promises to defy ageing. I can’t promise that, but I can confirm this is the SPF for anyone who wants protection and a plumping, hydrating skincare moment. Infused with squalane and hyaluronic acid, it feels like a nourishing day cream with bonus SPF 50+. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Also yes.
Key features:
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- No artificial fragrance
- Alcohol-free & paraben-free
- Broad-spectrum UV defence
Mukti Organics Solar Veil SPF 30
$99 from Mukti Organics
Best for: A hydrating mineral moisturiser + SPF in one
By the numbers: This is number two on my list of mineral sunscreen faves, and is my one-stop shop on no-makeup days. If you want glowy, dewy and done in one step, this is your girl. With a whisper of tint (just enough to avoid a white cast), Solar Veil sinks in beautifully and leaves skin fresh and radiant.
It’s packed with certified-organic goodies like Kakadu plum and snowflower extract to calm and protect even the most delicate skin. If you’re someone who tends to react to chemical formulations and strong ingredients, I couldn’t recommend this beautiful bottle more. Powered by non-nano zinc oxide (22%), it offers broad-spectrum support without synthetic UV filters, silicones, or artificial fragrance. Also, the generous 100ml bottle lasts ages, even when applying the recommended two teaspoons of sunscreen to face, ears and neck.
Key features:
- Certified organic
- Mineral broad-spectrum protection
- Cruelty-free
- All-natural ingredients
Should I be concerned about the sunscreens pulled off shelves?
If you’ve seen sunscreen recalls popping up lately (and wondered whether to panic-toss every bottle you own), take a breath.
After years of dermatologists and consumer groups pushing for tighter rules, New Zealand finally introduced the Sunscreen (Product Safety Standard) Act in 2022. It requires every sunscreen sold here to meet the official AS/NZS 2604:2012 standard — meaning brands must prove their SPF claims with independent testing. If they don’t? The Fair Trading Act steps in, and companies can face fines of up to $600,000.
So why the recalls? Usually, it’s one of two things:
• Ingredient contamination
• SPF results not matching what’s on the label
The safest move is to stay updated via Consumer NZ, and choose sunscreens that clearly state they’ve been independently tested and certified.
How are sunscreens tested in New Zealand?
According to the experts at MoleMap, SPF is measured on human skin in New Zealand under controlled, lab-created UV light (think sunshine, but in a very organised, fluorescent sort of way). Researchers look at how long it takes the skin to redden with sunscreen vs without it.
For example: If unprotected skin burns in 10 seconds and protected skin takes 300 seconds, the math is: 300 ÷ 10 = SPF 30
One important note: SPF only measures UVB protection (the burning rays). To earn the “broad-spectrum” label, the formula also has to shield against UVA rays, which cause deeper, long-term skin damage. The Cancer Council Australia recommends using a non-expired sunscreen labelled as SPF30 or above, water-resistant, and broad-spectrum.
What’s the difference between UVA and UVB?
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.
You want protection from both. Always look for “broad-spectrum” on the label.
SPF 30 vs SPF 50 — what’s the real difference?
On paper? Only 1%.
• SPF 30 blocks around 97% of UVB rays
• SPF 50 blocks around 98%
It might sound small, but for fair skin, sensitive skin or anyone with a history of sun damage, that extra sliver of protection can make all the difference, especially under NZ’s uniquely harsh UV.
Related articles:
- Emma Lewisham has launched a new mineral sunscreen just in time for summer
- The Aussie beauty brand using superfoods to power skincare and makeup
- Get up and glow: Your new streamlined summer morning routine
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