For years, SPF had a branding problem. People associated sunscreen with thick textures, chalky white casts, greasy finishes and something reserved exclusively for beach holidays. SPF felt functional rather than enjoyable, a product people knew they should wear, but rarely got excited about applying.
Fast forward to now and the category has completely transformed. From featherlight Korean formulas and skincare-SPF hybrids to invisible mists and UV-protective haircare, SPF has become one of the most exciting areas in beauty.
At Latest in Beauty, we talk about the beauty benefits of SPF a lot and for good reason. Protecting your skin from UV exposure remains one of the most effective things you can do to support long-term skin health and help defend against premature skin ageing, pigmentation and environmental damage.
But what we love most about this edit is that it forms part of something much bigger. We could not be more excited to announce our newest collaboration: the UV SAFETY: Sun Smart Edit with the British Beauty Council.
Featuring 15 products worth over £300, this curated collection showcases just how much SPF and UV-smart beauty has evolved. From face SPF and body protection to lip care, UV haircare and post-sun recovery, this collection has been created to help make suncare feel effortless, enjoyable and part of your everyday routine.
Dean says:
"When we started building this edit we kept coming back to one thing. SPF has changed so much and we wanted people to see just how exciting and innovative the category has become."
BEAUTY MEETS A BIGGER MISSION
This edit follows closely behind the release of the UV Safety Report in Parliament, created after a year-long inquiry by the APPG into UV safety, supported by the British Beauty Council.
The inquiry was launched after growing concerns around public awareness of UV exposure and the health risks associated with overexposure to all forms of UV.
Released in May, the report made 29 recommendations designed to improve awareness, education and protection across the UK.
The APPG and the British Beauty Council’s UV Safety Coalition now aim to help turn those recommendations into meaningful action.
This edit has been created as part of the British Beauty Council’s UV Safety Coalition, bringing brands and retailers together to improve SPF accessibility, strengthen consumer education and support meaningful progress around UV protection in the UK.
Because when it comes to skin health, awareness really matters. 86% of melanoma skin cancer cases are preventable.
Dean says:
"We talk about the joys of SPF all the time because, genuinely, it's one of the best things you can do for your skin. But what makes this project so exciting is that it goes beyond beauty. It’s part of a much bigger conversation around education and awareness."
SPF IS NO LONGER JUST SUNSCREEN
One of the biggest changes in the market is that SPF no longer exists as one category. Consumers want products that fit around routines, lifestyles and skin needs. That means lightweight textures for everyday wear, makeup-friendly reapplication, nourishing body formulas, lip protection and even UV defence for hair.
Take Ultra Violette PreenScreen™ SPF 50 Reapplication Mist, for example. An ultra-fine SPF mist specifically designed for topping up protection without disrupting makeup. Reapplication has traditionally been one of the biggest barriers to SPF consistency, but innovations like this are changing daily habits entirely.
By Sarah Serene Daily SPF 50+ delivers calming protection for sensitive skin, whilst Childs Farm Bluey SPF50+ Sun Cream turns one of summer's biggest battles (I remember hating applying SPF as a child) into something more manageable (at least we hope!).
Body SPF has evolved too. Skincycles Lumina Body Shield delivers broad-spectrum protection in a fast-absorbing formula that feels more like skincare than traditional sunscreen, whilst Supergoop! PLAY™ Mineral Lotion SPF 30 offers a gentle mineral option with impressive water resistance.
Angelika says:
"The days of forcing yourself through a thick sunscreen because it was your only option are gone. There are so many textures and formats now that there really is something for everyone."
PROTECTION GOES BEYOND YOUR FACE
Consumers are becoming increasingly aware that UV protection extends beyond facial sunscreen. Lips, hair and scalp are often overlooked despite being regularly exposed.
Philip Kingsley Swimcap Water Resistant Mask protects against chlorine, salt water and UV exposure whilst deeply conditioning hair.
Hello Sunday The One For Your Lips Lip Balm SPF50 brings high-protection care to an area many people forget.
Meanwhile Lancaster Sun Beauty Body Milk SPF30 combines broad-spectrum protection with sensorial textures and tan-enhancing technology.
Because being sun smart is not just about avoiding damage. It is about feeling and looking your best too.
Angelika says:
"I think people still forget areas like lips and hair. We are much more aware now that sun protection is about your whole routine, not just one step in the morning."
SPF CAN FEEL LUXURIOUS
Perhaps the biggest surprise? SPF has become genuinely enjoyable.
Products like Rodial Bronze Glowlighter Deluxe and Tan-Luxe Super Glow reflect a wider beauty shift toward healthy, radiant skin without relying on sun exposure. Protecting your skin from UV damage can also help support brighter, more even-looking skin over time.
Dean says:
"Years ago SPF felt like the boring step. Now some of the most exciting innovation in beauty sits in this category."
GLOBAL INNOVATION IS CHANGING SPF
This edit also showcases just how global sun care has become. Inside you will discover UK brands, Australian SPF innovation, US formulas and K-Beauty favourites.
KSECRET SEOUL 1988 Sun: Pine Tree + Ceramide perfectly represents modern Korean SPF technology with a lightweight, invisible finish and barrier-supporting ingredients. This new generation of formulas proves SPF is no longer a compromise.
Angelika says:
"It is amazing seeing ideas and innovation from all over the world shaping what SPF looks like today. We wanted this edit to reflect that."
EDUCATION MATTERS TOO
Education sits at the centre of this collaboration. Included in the edit is an educational booklet from SKCIN Charity designed to raise awareness around UV risks, teach simple ways to protect skin and help people recognise changes and early warning signs of skin cancer.
The SKCIN Charity Mole Ruler also encourages regular skin checks through ABCDE melanoma guidance.
Post-sun support remains equally important with Dr Organic Aloe Vera Gel, which helps soothe sun-exposed skin.
Alongside these, Gatineau Radiance Enhancing Vitamin C Serum and the Guinot Thermal Pouch demonstrate how far UV-smart beauty has evolved.
THE FUTURE OF SUN SMART BEAUTY
This collection has been created to help you enjoy sunshine smartly, making SPF a seamless part of your routine and helping protect your skin, body and hair from UV damage.
Dean says:
"We genuinely loved creating this edit and cannot wait for people to discover products they might never have picked up otherwise."
