Ask any dermatologist (and, believe us, we have) what their one skincare non-negotiable is and they will say SPF. According to recent studies, the sun’s UV rays are responsible for around 80% of the visible signs of ageing, in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness and hyperpigmentation. A good facial SPF (we’re talking 50+) protects our skin against these damaging rays, making it the holy grail when it comes to slowing down signs of ageing.
But although it’s an absolute essential, many daily SPFs can cause breakouts, pill under makeup or just sit on the skin rather than sinking in. So, finding the right formulation takes a fair share of trial and error, but that’s where we come in.
We’ve discovered there’s one product every member of our team has in their beauty bag: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid. Here’s why it’s our everyday staple.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid at a glance:
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50+
Pros:
- Strong SPF50 protection
- Formulated with oil control technology
- Doesn’t leave a white cast
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Water, sweat and sand-resistant
Cons:
- Higher price point than standard suncream
Our La Roche-Posay Anthelios review
So why does every editor in our beauty team wear this SPF every single day? Well, if you’re used to slathering on the suncream, only to be left with a white cast and stingy eyes, this daily SPF has been formulated to avoid those common gripes. It’s fragrance-free, sinks in beautifully and is suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
The key is the extremely lightweight (some might say ‘weightless’) texture, which also means it sits well under makeup. Plus, it’s formulated with oil control technology, which helps absorb all that excess sebum on hot, sweaty days, banishing any oiliness and replacing it with a matte finish.
“I used to frequently get into hot water with my beauty industry peers for not religiously applying SPF every day (I know!) – until I added this to my daily routine,” explains Lifestyle Writer Madeleine Evans.
“I have combination skin – specifically, dry cheeks and a spotty chin, so I’ve got to be careful that whatever I apply adds hydration without clogging the pores. This lightweight formula treads that line perfectly. As well as the strong UV protection, the added glycols keep my skin feeling moisturised and supple, and the vitamin E further protects against those damaging free radicals. After too many accidental red noses, my fair complexion is finally getting some TLC.”
“This SPF has seen me through many-a holiday and festival, where things get hot and sweaty,” adds Senior Beauty Writer, Florence Reeves-White. “The oil control tech really comes in to play here and eliminates any shiny (not to be confused with dewy) reflective foreheads. More crucially, as someone who rarely wears foundation, I love that this SPF doesn’t leave behind any white marks. And even when I do decide to slather it on, my makeup sits on top of it seamlessly with no pilling. I’ve never heard anyone say a bad word about this product, and that’s impressive for an SPF.”
The final verdict
It’s hard to argue with a skincare product that our entire beauty team uses and loves. SPF is essential to help keep skin protected against any harmful UVA and UVB rays. So, it’s important that you have one you actually want to wear every day.
While the original Invisible Fluid is a very solid all-rounder, there are two other versions of the Anthelios to choose from, each catering to a different skin concern. If SPF causes your skin to break out (as they often can do), then it’s worth opting for the Oil Control Fluid, as it absorbs any spot-inducing excess oil.
And if your complexion is on the uneven side, with a few dark spots, then the Anti-Dark Spots Fluid is the one for you. This formula counteracts sun-induced hyperpigmentation with the help of its ‘Melasyl’ technology, which intercepts melanin precursors before they form dark spots in the skin.
Whichever you choose, think of this lightweight SPF as a secondary barrier for your skin, helping to ward off sun damage and signs of premature ageing. It’s probably the best purchase you can make for your skin this summer.
Have you heard we’re about to have a heatwave?
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
