My Australian SPF 50+ sunscreen recommendations

Australian SPF has come a long way since I was a kid and had to apply zinc stick on my nose at the beach!
For a bit of background, I have been using daily sunscreen since turning 25 (I'm now nearly 38) so I have seen the good, the bad, and the break outs. I also understand the struggle with finding an SPF that feels comfortable all day and also sits well under makeup. These are the sunscreens I currently have in my rotation and who I think will benefit from them, as well as some more affordable options.
Sunscreens shown:
⊙ MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen
Available in Mecca stores and online www.mecca.com/en-au/mecca-cos...
⊙ Naked Sundays SPF50+ Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion
Available in store and online at Mecca, or at nakedsundays.com/collections/...
⊙ Ultra Violette Fave Fluid SPF 50+ Ultralight Fragrance Free Skinscreen
Available in store at Sephora or online at Adore Beauty or ultraviolette.com.au/products...
⊙ Alpha-H Dawn to Dusk SPF 50+ Serum
Available at Mecca, Sephora, Adore Beauty and alpha-h.com/products/dawn-to-...
⊙ Naked Sundays SPF50+ Glow Mist Top Up Spray (3 sizes available)
Available in store and online at Mecca, or at nakedsundays.com/products/spf...
⊙ Ultra Violette Extreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating Body and Hand Skinscreen (2 sizes available)
Available in store at Sephora or online at Adore Beauty or ultraviolette.com.au/products...
⊙ Naked Sundays SPF50+ Glow Body Mist Top Up
Available in store and online at Mecca, or at nakedsundays.com/collections/...
Others mentioned:
⊙ Sunsense Sunscreens
Available at Chemist Warehouse, My Chemist or online at www.sunsense.com.au/where-to-...
⊙ La Roche-Posay Sunscreens:
Available at Chemist Warehouse, Priceline or online at www.laroche-posay.com.au/sun-...
⊙ Neutrogena Beach Defence range
Available at Coles, Woolworths, Chemist Warehouse
⊙ Banana Boat Baby Sunscreen Roll On SPF50+
Available at Coles, Woolworths, Chemist Warehouse, Priceline
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[@lh9884]

Here's to having some of the most regulated sunscreens in the world! When people complain about an overseas brand (e.g. Supergoop) not being available here, I tell them that it is a good thing! As a person who often hates the textures of thick greasy sunscreens, I appreciate the suggestions.

[@kpops168]

I’ve bought supergoop here in Aus and I didn’t find it any good anyway. Nothing compared to these….

[@lh9884]

@kpops168 I wonder where you found it? Its not listed on TGA's list of therapeutic goods and is therefore not approved by the TGA. www.tga.gov.au/products/medicines/sunscreens

[@taranullius9221]

I think we're behind. $45 for Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octocrylene and Octyl Salicylate? No thanks. Someone is eschewing the new-but-still-behind filters that have (finally) been approved in Australia so they can hopefully get into America, looking at you Naked Sundays. Ultra Violette still uses a lot of garbage but at least they put Tinosorb S and Uvinul in some of their products. I just do not want Avobenzone on my face. I'm Japan all the way baby. If there's a culture more sun-phobic and also concerned about UVA on the planet I'd like to see it.

[@taranullius9221]

Though things aren't looking good in the US for chemical filters. I guess that's why she made a million products mineral and mostly avoided chemical.

[@taranullius9221]

If I wanted Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octocrylene and maybe Camphor-whatever I'd just buy Cancer Council. Ego Sunsense reformulating has broken my heart. No sensitive mineral sunscreen.

[@RachieRach77]

Great video promoting sunscreen, most important step in skincare routine 😊❤

[@lizstyla88]

Yes! Thank you for promoting quality sunscreen and wearing it regularly.

[@jaffa17]

Ohhhhhh, love this, as I’ve gotten older I’ve definitely become more aware of skincare rather than makeup to cover the bad skin. Always looking for what Aussie sunscreens are available over here, thanks for the info!

[@jaimiepearce2001]

Thank you for reviewing! it’s really hard to find videos on people reviewing Australian sunscreens.

[@SuperTay1234]

Yes! I was hoping you'd do a sunscreen video. The Mecca TSF is also my favourite and I love that it smells nice too. I never thought I'd be into collecting different types of sunscreen but I think I have as many bottles as you. Kinda have to with our sun. I've also become aggressively persistent in pushing my 'tan focused' colleagues into wearing sunscreen every day of the year. I'm THAT person

[@dragonsinspace.lovemakeup]

Love these recommendations! I have been using the Cancer Council one which sits well (for me) under makeup. The 'we are feel good inc' sunscreens are great as well (and they have a recycling programs for their empties). They also have a really lovely night cream.

[@daphnebailey6223]

Which Cancer Council do you use?

[@dragonsinspace.lovemakeup]

@@daphnebailey6223 I use their face range, it's mostly white with a dash of colour. The pink one is good for my skin. You do have to be careful around your eyes though, I have had sweat run into my eyes and with it the sunscreen.

[@roseadiaz]

I'm American and find that our sunscreens don't really protect the skin as well as they claim. Summer is coming up so I'm going to give Australian sunscreens a try! I've heard good things about Ultra Violette, Naked Sundays, Cancer Council, and Hamilton.

[@daphnebailey6223]

American here too and I have been using Australian sunscreens for 6+ months now and I love it. The texture is so much better than American sunscreens.

[@beverlycole4977]

Love this video! Ultra violet matte is my favourite. Please do more videos on SPF if you try more.

[@daphnebailey6223]

Which ultra violet do you use?

[@beverlycole4977]

I use the matte

[@ashstelladavo]

I like the cancer council kids sunscreen for my body and on my kids. I like UV fav fluid too - it's my fav from UV. I liked the mecca sunscreen but i dont like the fragrance. Is it still fragranced? Also thanks for talking about going vack to work as a mum for some space and time for yourself (first beauty news return video). My second baby is 7 months and im looking forward to returning to work too. Its great to have you publicly discussing different aspects of motherhood that are more taboo xx

[@saraxtea]

Thank you for this!! I'm an American who visited australia recently for 6 weeks, will eventually live there, and I was done dirty by one of the brands I tried, and I'm sure you know the sun y'all have is not forgiving lol. I tried the cancer council moisturizing cream after that and it was lovely, even under make up. Will be taking note of these!!

[@KitschSnitch]

Yeah the sun is harsh here. The key thing is to reapply reapply reapply if you’re going to be outside for very long

[@saraxtea]

@@KitschSnitch for sure. I already burn very easily at home where I have a significantly lower average UV rating so I’m very used to applying at least every 2h if not every hour. I’ve never seen a top up spray for over make up either so I’m excited to give that a go too! Thanks again for sharing!

[@askalemuralia]

Thank you for this video. Two yeaes ago I got the UV mini bag bundle and since then the hydrating one is my holy grail. I top up with a La Roche Posay spray. But I do miss my make:prem body liquid.... Which makes me ask you the question: are there any Korean or Japanese SPFs that are sold in Australia and qualified? Assuming they are popular for a good reason. I remember you often trying beauty products from the far North East of Asia : )

[@snowmu]

ultra violette will always be my favourite!

[@KitschSnitch]

I do really like Ultra Violette, but I personally prefer Mecca Cosmetica 😆

[@snowmu]

@@KitschSnitch i do like the Mecca one too! have you tried the UV supreme screen? i think it was their original one, imo it’s the best one for under makeup, just feels like a hydrating moisturiser and primer! i have tried the fave fluid and didn’t like it as much as the supreme screen :) although i have a very “in the middle” skin type

[@KitschSnitch]

Yeah I tried it when it first launched :)

[@snowmu]

@@KitschSnitch have you seen UV has spf 50 bronze drops and illuminating drops?? they’re not at sephora or adore beauty but they’re on their website!

[@KitschSnitch]

I have seen them online, it isn't something I personally would use much so I haven't paid too much attention to them, but they look very pretty!

[@LadyChungus]

I use the Cole’s brand one but now I want to try these fancy ones

[@late_to_the_paddock]

Never tried the mecca cosmetica face sunscreen. I used their tinted spf a few years back until I discovered the ella bache which was a better colour match for me.

[@kokok3052]

The original Mecca one just doesn't blend well on my skin anymore so I'm sticking to Ultraviolette for now. I'm yet to find a mist that doesn't affect my eyes

[@sarahmoorcroft8826]

I have so much trouble with sunscreen, I’m allergic to most of them on my face and the one I can wear is $80 for 30ml bottle 😢 But love banana boat dry balance for the body. It doesn’t feel like a sunscreen at all

[@6zapping]

Thanks for the video! What are your thoughts on Bondi Sands?

[@KitschSnitch]

I haven’t used much of their sun screen, but I’ve heard good things ❤️

[@kateboy-rx6jt]

Bondi Sands now make an array of different sunscreens which are cheaper than Ultra Violette.

[@KitschSnitch]

Yep! And are many more great Australian brands, but I unfortunately haven’t tried them all ☺️

[@High_Heels_Lady]

I love the Bondi Sands Face SPF 50 fragrance free - what do you think about this one? it sits nice on my dry skin and under make up and it's really cheap 😁

[@KitschSnitch]

My parents have that at their place, but I’ve only used it once or twice on my body so I haven’t analyzed it much sorry!

[@High_Heels_Lady]

@@KitschSnitch thank you for responding, appreciate it 🥰

[@mollymetaphora]

Have you tried Kiehl's sunscreen fluid? It's one of the strongest sunscreen I've ever tried. I wonder how effective it is under Australian sun.

[@shinyhappypeople9043]

Is it approved for Australia? Keils do.not carry any products advertised as sunscreen on their Australian website. They have a number of ‘day’ and ‘anti aging products, but no sunscreen or spf products . Due to the different regulatory regimes the USA hasn’t approved many of the chemicals that are standard here, hence the Australian sunscreens cannot be sold in the USA, and many US brands cannot sell here because they don’t provide enough protection.

[@KitschSnitch]

From what I can see, it’s not sold in Australia. So Kiehl’s either didn’t want to pay to get it tested/the ingredients weren’t approved for Australian release (probably most likely), or it failed the test (but if that happens brands usually re-label it at a lower SPF)

[@mollymetaphora]

@@KitschSnitch thanks for explaining! It's very interesting how products vary around the globe. I'm in Europe and I wish we had Australian brands here. Even La Roche Posay sunscreens look different and there may be a different formula.

[@KitschSnitch]

@@mollymetaphora happy to help! Yes I do believe that we have similar ranges of La Roche-Posay sunscreens, but the specific formulations are different :)

[@becm963]

I keep waiting for the FDA to update approved ingredients for sunscreen. It has been over twenty years. The rest of the world is light years ahead. The Laroche Posay sold in the US compared to the one sold in Australia is a completely different formula.

[@KitschSnitch]

Just order them from overseas ☺️

[@becm963]

@@KitschSnitch I do order from Yesstyle or Stylevana. Takes a bit of preplanning because of the long shipping times. It would be nice to be able to pop by my local Walgreens.

[@KitschSnitch]

I guess being from outside of the US, it’s very common to have to order a lot of stuff online and have to wait for it 😝

[@victorfinke8781]

Love

[@memoonasaeed4408]

New here to use sunscreen, can u please tell any lightweight option that doesn't leave whitecast, essential oils alcohol and fragrance free also I'm looking for non water resistant sunscreen? Plz recommend the one that's easily available on aldi or woolworth

[@KitschSnitch]

I don't personally know of an option that ticks all of your boxes. The closest one is the Alpha H Dawn to Dusk SPF 50+ Serum (it contains Cetyl Alcohol which is a fatty alcohol that is good for your skin), and the second is Ultra Violette Fave Fluid (but it contains denatured alcohol, which isn't good for your skin). To get a nice thin feeling SPF, it does often does contain a small amount of alcohol. However, neither of these SPFs can be found at Woolworths or Aldi (they are widely available in places like Sephora/Mecca and online stores that have free shipping) and they are more expensive than your standard supermarket SPF. Unfortunately to tick all of your boxes you need to go for a more expensive SPF.

[@memoonasaeed4408]

@@KitschSnitch thanks a ton for such a detailed reply💗 is there any closest option by cancer council that meets my criteria?

[@KitschSnitch]

I’m personally not familiar enough with the range, but hopefully another commenter sees your question and can recommend one ❤️

[@321morlan4]

Would love to get these, but i dont think they are available in the US.

[@KitschSnitch]

You can always order them online ☺️

[@321morlan4]

@KitschSnitch i would love to, just not sure where to order! I tried to order awhile back from an Australian site, but it wouldnt ship to the US. I did see on Amazon a brand labeled something like Australian Sunscreen Council (i'm sure i got that name wrong), but I was worried it might not be legit anyway. I'll keep looking though, as I would really like to get an Australian sunscreen! : )

[@KitschSnitch]

Yeah it does require a bit of a look at the shipping info to see what brands ship internationally. Mecca Cosmetica can be shipped internationally from the Mecca website but you need to contact customer service about it - www.mecca.com/en-au/customer-care/shipping-delivery/ Looks like Naked Sundays does ship internationally from their site. Ultra Violette is stocked at Beauty Bay, which ships internationally, but they might limit where the brand can be delivered to.

[@christie3776]

I wish I’d realised about Mecca’s international shipping! I live in Singapore LOVE the Mecca sunscreens and always stock up when I’m back in Aus - but during COVID when borders were shut I was devo when my Mecca supply ran out 😅

[@KitschSnitch]

I would travel for it too haha! I don't know how much they charge for shipping, but they do offer intentional shipping exclusively for their home brands, and luckily that is part of their home brand range :)

[@ariesboi1263]

hey what are your thoughts on bondi sands ???

[@KitschSnitch]

I haven't used too much from the range, but I have enjoyed what I have tried. Once I use up some of these I might try more Bondi Sands :)

[@ariesboi1263]

@@KitschSnitch thank you for the reply

[@ChelleBeeby]

💜💜💜tfs💜💜💜

[@lee-annek6969]

Don't use any silicone based serums under the NS face SPF priming lotion...it will pill .....a lot

[@KitschSnitch]

Good tip 👌

[@daphnebailey6223]

Silicone doesn’t blend well with water-based products