Protect your skin from the sun & boost your glow for good measure with these multitasking SPFs.
This article is sponsored by Vichy, L'Oréal Men Expert & Garnier
Cleanser and toner, contour and highlighter… Some beauty combinations simply belong together. There’s one perfect pairing that we can’t get enough of when it comes to skincare: SPF and vitamin C. These skincare superheroes work together to both protect skin from harmful UV rays while giving it a brightening boost.
By now, many of us have made SPF an essential step in our daily skincare routine, and for good reason. Excess exposure to UV rays has been linked to premature ageing, visible signs of damage, and increased risk of some skin cancers, so it’s important to protect our skin all year round.
As dermatologists and beauty experts alike will attest, SPF products should be a permanent part of your routine, no matter what the weather is like. It’s easy to remember SPF when the sun is out in full force, but even on dull or rainy days, UV rays can still penetrate through clouds and reach our delicate skin.
Think SPF products are destined to always be a dull-but-necessary step on the road to healthy skin? Think again. With innovative formulas and active skincare ingredients, there are more multi-benefit SPF products on the market than ever.
So, what makes vitamin C so special? Well, this antioxidant’s benefits go well beyond the breakfast table. Applying vitamin C topically allows it to work its magic on the skin, from making the skin tone appear brighter and more even, to helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
If you’re keen to make it a staple in your beauty cabinet, look no further! Discover our top three favourite vitamin C products that either offer SPF within their formulas, or can be layered up with an SPF as part of a multitasking morning routine.
For a brightening boost
Try: Vichy Liftactiv Vitamin C Brightening Skin Corrector Serum
• Size: 20ml
Brighter skin, ramped-up radiance and fine lines that appear smoother? Yes please. With this super serum, you can add 15% pure vitamin C to your skin every single morning. While the formula doesn’t provide built-in SPF, its lightweight texture makes it perfect for layering up with an SPF product afterwards. It’s also hypoallergenic and free from fragrances, too.
What we thought…
“I have loved using this product. Since using it my skin has felt really moisturised and certainly appears brighter. I was really impressed with how quickly this product absorbed into the skin and it didn't leave me feeling sticky or greasy. It also sits really nicely under make-up, as it’s lightweight, and I like the fact it is scent-free as I have particularly sensitive skin, so I avoid heavily scented products. I like to use this morning and evening before moisturising. In the day I always add an SPF afterwards.”
- Charlie Hadfield – Client Manager
How to use it
After cleansing and patting skin dry, apply a few drops of Vichy Liftactiv Vitamin C Brightening Skin Corrector Serum over the face, avoiding the delicate eye and lip areas. Follow with a facial SPF that provides at least SPF30 to help protect your newly revealed radiance, such as the Vichy Capital Soleil UV-Age Daily SPF50+.
For an energising routine
Try: L'Oréal Men Expert Energy Routine Set
• L'Oréal Men Expert Hydra Energetic Wake-up Effect Face Wash 100ml
• L'Oréal Men Expert Hydra Energetic Anti-Fatigue SPF 15 Moisturiser 50ml
• L'Oréal Men Expert Hydra Energetic Anti-Fatigue Eye Roll On 10ml
• Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive
Struggling with tired skin that needs a wake-up call? We’ve all been there before. Luckily, this energising set is just the thing when it comes to shaking off sleep and starting the day feeling (and looking) fresh. With a guarana and vitamin C-packed* face wash, a brightening and hydrating SPF moisturiser and a refreshing eye roll on, it’s the perfect three-step solution to tackle the appearance of dull skin and dark circles.
What we thought…
“This set has quickly become a staple in my skincare routine. As a man, I've often felt that skincare products weren't tailored to my needs, but this one is specifically formulated with men in mind.
The texture of these products works wonders for softening my skin, particularly after shaving. It reduces the look of redness and leaves my skin glowing, refreshed, and well-hydrated. Plus, its simple three-step routine makes it easy to maintain, without overwhelming me with too many products.”
- Tom Anchell – Social and Content Assistant
How to use it
First, cleanse skin with the L'Oréal Men Expert Hydra Energetic Wake-up Effect Face Wash, then gently pat the face dry. Next, hydrate and protect with the L'Oréal Men Expert Hydra Energetic Anti-Fatigue SPF 15 Moisturiser. Finally, use the L'Oréal Men Expert Hydra Energetic Anti-Fatigue Eye Roll On around the contours of the eye area, to help energise and fight the appearance of dark circles.
For complexion-perfecting protection
Try: Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Fluid SPF50+ Glow
• Size: 40ml
Brightening vitamin C?* Check. Protective SPF50? Check. Lightweight texture? You guessed it, that’s another check. This glow-boost-in-a-bottle ticks every single box. It’s even formulated with mineral pigments to help ramp up the radiance, giving a sheer finish that’s perfect for everyday wear. Plus, the handy 40ml bottle is perfect to stash in your handbag, work tote or gym bag, ready to re-apply when you’re out and about.
What we thought…
“I love the Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Fluid SPF50+ Glow! It has SPF50 in it and is super moisturising, which speeds up my morning routine because I only have to apply one skincare product after cleansing. The texture is lightweight, so my make-up glides on smoothly afterwards and it keeps me looking radiant and glowing all day long!”
- Nina Snape – Assistant Marketing Manager
How to use it
Use your fingers to apply to the face and neck in the morning. Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Fluid SPF50+ Glow can be used as a moisturiser after cleansing, or layered on top of your day cream or serum before you apply make-up.
