Skincare in the Sun Best Sunscreen Tips from Life in Sunny Countries

Elena Sullivan — Sun, 03 May 2026 18:57:35 +0000

I remember my first year living in Cancún, Mexico, when I stayed at the beach longer than my skin would like, which very often resulted in red, irritated skin. In simple words, I looked like a “lobster” quite often.

When you are young (and free), in that “Eat.Pray.Love” phase of life, getting used to a new culture as I was back then, you don’t always think about your skin. I definitely didn’t. I cared very little about the brand of the sunscreen I was using and mostly went for something like Nivea or any other sunblock sunscreen available at Walmart or Chedraui.

Not taking enough care of my skin at that point resulted in some skin discoloration and dark spots on my face, which I am still trying to improve with the help of different serums.

Nowadays, living in Spain, with the abundance of sun on the Costa del Sol, and carrying that past experience with me, I take much better care of my skin.

Best Sunscreens for face and one SPF lip balm

I like to experiment and try different skincare products, including sunscreen for face and body. After moving to Spain and adjusting to a new lifestyle, part of that process naturally became finding products that actually work for daily sun exposure.

Here in Spain, the sun is very intense in the summer, and even off-season it’s still strong enough to require daily sunblock. I noticed that in places like El Corte Inglés and local pharmacies, rows of sunscreen are positioned right at the entrance. That says a lot – it’s a necessity in this region.

Here is a list of best sunscreen options I currently use interchangeably. So far, I can say my favorite is ISDIN sunscreen.

ISDIN HydroOil SPF 30 Fotoprotector

This is my personal favorite and one of the most interesting sunscreen products I’ve tried.

The mist it sprays is so light that you barely feel it on your skin, yet ISDIN HydroOil SPF 30 Fotoprotector provides very good protection. The diffuser works smoothly, and the whole experience of applying it feels effortless and pleasant. Unlike many oils, it doesn’t leave that heavy, greasy layer that sits on your skin.

It’s a biphasic sunblock sunscreen with SPF 30 protection against UVB and UVA, plus Pro-Melanin Technology, which enhances tanning. I do notice that it gives a more even, natural glow to the skin.

One important thing to know, you cannot apply it on your face. So if you are looking for a single best sunscreen for face and body, this is not it. When I use it, I always pair it with a separate facial sunscreen like CeraVe.

SVR Sun Secure Eau Solaire SPF 30+

This sunblock sunscreen has a very light, almost refreshing texture. I picked it up during a promotion just to try, and it turned out to be a nice surprise.

It feels comfortable on the skin and gives solid protection without heaviness. From what I’ve seen and experienced, this product is actually known for its ultra-light, almost “invisible” finish.

It’s a biphasic formula (water + oil), so when you shake it, it creates that very fine mist that spreads evenly and doesn’t feel sticky. Reviews of SVR Sun Secure Eau Solaire SPF 30+ often highlight that it leaves a soft, satin-like finish and feels hydrating rather than drying, which I can relate to.

I wouldn’t say it replaced my absolute favorites, but it’s definitely a good option if you like a lighter sunscreen that feels almost like nothing on your skin, which makes you more likely to actually use it consistently.

CeraVe SPF 30 Invisible Protection

This is my go-to sunscreen for face, especially for daily use. I have it in a smaller tube, which makes CeraVe SPF 30 Invisible Protection perfect to carry in my purse when I’m out exploring or traveling. It feels light, absorbs well, and also works as a moisturizer. Sometimes I apply it before makeup, and it sits nicely on the skin. For me, this is a very practical version of a best sunscreen for face, simple, effective, and easy to reapply throughout the day.

Uriage Dry Oil SPF 30

This one feels quite different compared to ISDIN. It leaves a thicker, more noticeable layer of oil on the skin.

Some people might actually prefer that “glowy” finish, especially for beach days, but for me, it feels a bit too heavy. If you are looking for a lightweight best sunscreen, Uriage Dry Oil SPF 30 might not be the best option but if you like a more nourished, glossy look, it can work.

SVR Moisturizing After Sun

This is not a sunscreen, but I think it’s just as important. After a long day in the sun, using an after sun lotion makes a big difference. SVR Moisturizing After Sun leaves a very soft, hydrated feeling on the skin and helps it recover faster. It has a light, soothing texture that absorbs quickly without feeling sticky, which I really appreciate after being out in the heat. I also noticed that it helps reduce that tight, dry feeling the skin sometimes gets after sun exposure, making it feel calmer and more comfortable.

Avène SPF 50+ Lip Stick

This is something I used to completely ignore SPF lip balm.

Now I always carry Avène SPF 50+ Lip Stick with me when I heading to the beach or to the pool to suntan.

It moisturizes really well and protects the lips, especially during long beach days or when walking around the city under the sun.

Avène Thermal Water

This is one of those small things that became essential for me. I carry Avène Thermal Water mini version in my bag and use it throughout the day. A quick spray refreshes the face instantly, especially in the heat. It doesn’t replace sunscreen, but it complements the whole skincare routine beautifully. Avène Thermal Water gives that immediate cooling effect that feels almost like your skin is taking a deep breath in the middle of a hot day. In a way, it’s like having a fresh glass of delicious lemonade when the sun is strong and everything feels a bit too warm. It’s a simple step, but it makes being outside for long hours much more comfortable.

My relationship with sunscreen has definitely evolved over time. From randomly using whatever was available to now actually choosing products based on how they feel and how they protect. Living in sunny places like Cancún and now Spain taught me that the best sunscreen is the one that protects your skin well and still feels comfortable enough to use every day. And once you find that, your skincare routine becomes much more natural.

All images in this article were taken by Elena Sullivan, ArsVie Photo Studio and are protected by copyright. If you are interested in using any of the them, please contact me for permission. Thank you for understanding!

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