Take 5 Fabulously Fragrant Sunscreens
Let’s just admit it: if sunscreens smell great, we’re going to use them more often. And while these five creamy, holiday-dream-y SPFs have us lusting for a summer getaway – we’re currently slathering these on in the U.K. heatwave to smell sublime while protecting our skin…
WORDS: SUZY NIGHTINGALE
Yes, yes – we all know we should be slathering it on every day, reapplying every couple of hours, and religiously checking the UVA and UVB ratings… but what actually makes us want to reach for a sunscreen again and again is how it feels on our skin and, crucially, how it smells. For fragrance obsessives like us, a sun cream that smells properly gorgeous can tip daily SPF from a nagging chore to a daily fragrance-led ritual, even if we’re only popping to the shops instead of sunning ourselves on the Côte d’Azur (though the current run of heatwaves in the U.K. makes it feel more Seychelles than supermarket run).
There are so many ‘solar’ and ‘sunscreen’ scents around right now, but before we dive into that burgeoning fine fragrance family on the next podcast, first we’re focusing on “proper” sunscreens whose scents just happen to be so good they could almost be bottled as perfume. Think of the softly golden, Riviera-fantasy waft of Nuxe’s sweet orange, tiaré and vanilla; Lancaster’s quietly posh “holiday in a bottle” florals and woods that smell more yacht deck than beach bar; and contemporary, skin‑drenching mists of coconut water, white flowers or lime and mint that make you feel instantly better about being coated in factor 50.
Of course we realise that not everyone enjoys a scent in their SPF, and if you have very sensitive skin or prefer your sun care unscented, this one might not be for you. But for those who secretly wish their sun lotion behaved like a beautifully judged summer fragrance, or who find they actively use SPFs more often if they smell sublime – these are the formulas that have us actively looking forward to topping up the tanning lotions…
Lancaster SPF50 Sun Beauty Body Milk
The signature Lancaster sun protection range is famous for its iconic, luxurious "holiday in a bottle" aroma. Rather than a typical sweet coconut scent, it features a warm, sophisticated, and slightly sweet floral-woody profile that is creamy, balsamic, and airy with a cedar-ish dry down.
‘Since 1946 mastering light and its impact on skin cells, across the years Lancaster scientists have decoded the full light spectrum to bring you its broadest sun protection of tomorrow. Lancaster enables all skin types to adapt to sun light and safely achieve our legendary golden tan, enjoying ultra-sensorial lightweight textures and iconic pleasurable fragrance.’
£34 for 175ml selfridges.co.uk
Rituals SPF30 Milky Spray
Enriched with powerful skin-drenching moisture and revitalising, glow-boosting vitamin E, the biggest bonus for fragrance lovers is their stunning summery scent of white tea and lotus flower, for a fresh and floral fragrance that smells like ‘quiet luxury’ spa resort without the price tag.
‘Protect and nourish your skin while enjoying the sun with our invisible SPF 50 milky spray. Fast-absorbing and non-sticky, it’s infused with vitamin E, white tea and lotus flower, plus our deeply moisturising Hydra-Boost Complex.’
£22.90 for 200ml boots.com
Caudalie Very High Protection Water SPF50+
The ultra-light, silky texture absorbs quickly with an invisible, non-greasy finish. Skin is left feeling soft, hydrated and delicately fragranced with notes of white flowers and coconut water.
‘Nourish and protect skin of all ages with the Caudalie Vinosun Very High Protection Sun Water SPF50+. Powered by Caudalie’s patented CollagenSkinProtect™ technology, the water-resistant formula helps to defend against UVA, UVB and infrared rays.’
£22 for 150ml uk.caudalie.com
Hello Sunday The Take-out One SPF30
Scented with lime, geranium and mint, this sunscreen stick features an invisible formula that leaves behind zero residue. Hyaluronic acid helps to reduce water loss from the skin's surface, while jojoba oil hydrates the skin and leaves it looking brighter.
‘Get brighter, more supple-looking skin with Hello Sunday The Take-out One, a multipurpose sunscreen stick that works to nourish and hydrate the skin while providing SPF 30 protection to help defend the skin against signs of photoageing.’
£20 for 35g hellosundayspf.com
NUXE Melting Sun Lotion SPF50
The sumptuous, melting texture of the formula infuses the skin with a blend of rice extract, rosemary and vitamin E, delivering antioxidants to help minimise the visible effects of premature photo-ageing. Suitable for face and body, the sunscreen blends notes of sweet orange, tiare flower and vanilla for a summer-inspired scent.
‘Combining a rigorous selection of three sunscreens, NUXE’s Sun SPF50 High Protection Melting Lotion provides protection from UVA and UVB rays, while enveloping the skin in a moisturising veil that resists any greasy or white residue.’
£27 for 150ml uk.nuxe.com