SPF is a non-negotiable for protecting from harmful rays and keeping your skin healthy (the sun’s rays cause 80% of premature skin ageing, just FYI). It’s the first thing many of us reach for after cleansing and moisturising each morning. With another heatwave and anincreased UV index on the horizon, it’s more important than ever to slather it all over your skin.
There’s just one problem. Applying an initial layer every morning is commendable (and essential), but the NHS recommends reapplying sunscreen every two hours. And it’s not every day you can frolic barefaced on a beach, while topping up your protection. For everyday protection, your perfectly applied base and fluttery mascara don’t really go with constant SPF reapplication. Thankfully, we’ve found a very affordable solution: Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Make-Up Mist SPF50.
Here’s everything to know about this problem-solving buy and our lifestyle writer’s honest verdict.
Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Spray at a glance
Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Makeup SPF Spray
Pros
- Strong SPF50 protection
- Non-greasy and lightweight
- Won’t smudge your makeup
- Has a cooling effect
- Convenient mist application
Cons
- Small cannister
This ultra-lightweight spray can be applied on top of makeup, without smudging your foundation or eye makeup underneath. The invisible finish means there’s no white cast or thick, greasy layer (which suncream often leaves behind) either.
The aerosol spray format covers good ground – just a few seconds of spritzing protects your whole face, and you don’t need to rub it in. The lightweight texture won’t clog pores or cause breakouts either, which can also be common with facial SPFs. Alongside protection against damaging UV rays, each spray dispenses a dose of other nourishing ingredients: added vitamin E to protect skin from free radicals (such as air pollution), as well as hyaluronic acid, which keeps skin moisturised and plump. Oh, and did we mention, it’s currently £8.70?
My honest review of the over makeup SPF mist
It’s safe to say I was sceptical of this over-makeup mist before trying it. I thought I’d end up with panda eyes and smudged foundation. I was also worried about experiencing that painful suncream-in eyes-situation. How wrong I was!
Instead, my skin felt protected throughout the day, without any stinging eyes or greasy residue left behind. My combination skin is partial to simultaneous break outs and dry patches (fun!), but this lightweight mist didn’t exacerbate either. The spray format also offered an immediate cooling effect, which is always welcomed, especially on a hot day. I’ve got to stop myself reapplying every 29 minutes because it provides such refreshing relief.
I now keep one of these sprays in my bag and in my work locker for topping up on the go. Its cost per use is crazily good and it’s a heatwave non-negotiable.
The final verdict
Most dermatologists will tell you that daily SPF is the not-so-secret solution to premature ageing, giving you healthier looking skin. This over-makeup mist helps achieve that round-the-clock protection, as the easy top-ups extend the lifeline of your baseline SPF foranother couple of hours, before it’s time to reapply again. It won’t break the bank either, as this skin-saving solution is only £8 right now.
There’s also one formulated with brightening vitamin C if you prefer. This antioxidant helps even out skin tone by halting melanin synthesis caused by the sun (which appears on your skin as hyperpigmentation or dark spots).
With the summer months ahead, it’s a worthy – and affordable - investment. Whether it’s a quick spritz before a trip to the park over lunch, or you’re going straight from breakfast to the beach, this will keep your complexion (and makeup) safe.
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.
