The best budget sun creams for your face with extra skin care benefits

Recently, I was chatting with friends about memorable holiday experiences. The awe-inspiring adventures kept on coming. Swimming in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, seeing the sun rise over Machu Picchu. And then the "vacation moment I’ll never forget" baton came to me. My contribution was slightly less exotic: a comment made by a Greek waiter when my father complained about the service.

The incident occurred on the island of Rhodes at a rustic hillside restaurant we’d traipsed to so my father could sample the undiscovered Greece. His main discovery was how fabulously unfazed this eatery was by any concept of time. When a menu failed to materialise after 45 minutes, the waiter laughed, "Soon!" before sitting down at a nearby table to smoke a cigarette.

"It’s how they do things here," my father smiled, "you must respect the local culture."

When our food arrived three hours later, my father was showing slightly less respect for the local culture. "This looks superb,’ he told our server, ‘but the service is somewhat slow."

The waiter beamed before suddenly gesturing up at the night sky, "Yes, sir. But the moon? She is very beautiful."

It may be the greatest response to tourist feedback in the history of foreign travel.

I do have one slightly less fond memory of that holiday. And that’s how much I punished my skin with my teenage disregard for sun protection.

Someone go back in time and hand that girl a decent SPF50.

Fortunately, I’m now a little more clued-up on sun damage, and practically militant about protecting my face. And with a whole load of new-gen sunscreens with multitasking skin benefits, there’s no excuse to not slather up.

Especially as these ones won’t set you back more than £15.

1. Garnier Ambre Solaire Anti-Age Super UV Protection Cream SPF50 – £13

Imagine a sunscreen that could also help reduce wrinkles and dark spots. Actually, you don’t have to because Garnier Ambre Solaire Anti-Age Super UV Protection Cream SPF50 does just that.

It offers advanced protection from UVA and UVB rays, works as an anti-ageing powerhouse and is packed with wonder ingredient hyaluronic acid to smooth and firm. It also glides on like silk.

Check price

2. Nivea Sun UV Face Shine Control SPF50 – £10

If you’re after an SPF that will help eradicate shine, say hello to Nivea Sun UV Face Shine Control SPF50. This mattifying cream absorbs excess oil to leave you shine-free in the sun.

A skin protecting hero, it’s also infused with soothing vitamin E and liquorice extract to help repair sun damage. Bonus points, this formula is friendly to sensitive eyes. 

Check price

3. Bondi Sands Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ for Face – £9.99

Oh Australia, you really are spoiling us. First we get Kylie Minogue and now we have Aussie brand Bondi Sands, which is leading the way in affordable sunscreen. Bondi Sands Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ for Face has a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that applies like a total dream.

Enriched with soothing, hydrating aloe vera, it also delivers an unbeatable sun shield. Bonzer.

Check price

4. Revolution Skincare SPF50 Shimmer Protect Sunscreen – £11.40

When I first came across Revolution Beauty in Superdrug, it seemed terrifyingly Gen Z. But this UK brand genuinely delivers on quality and price. 

Revolution Skincare SPF50 Shimmer Protect Sunscreen gives top-notch sun protection and is brimming with skin brightening vitamin C. It also has a subtle shimmer, which leaves a hint of divine, dewy radiance.

Check price

5. Hello Sunday The One That’s A Serum SPF50 – £10.50

Finally, for the ultimate skincare and sun care combo, meet Hello Sunday The One That’s A Serum SPF50. This multitasker comes in handy droplet form, so you can use it alone, or pop a few drops into your moisturiser or foundation.

Infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid, this wonder serum tackles sun, pollution and blue light. And the featherlight texture is dreamy.

Check price

Whatever you do this summer, do it with one of these skin saviours. And if you happen to visit a certain restaurant in Rhodes, maybe bring along a book to read. The Complete Works of Charles Dickens should do it!