When three SPFs failed Which? testing, many people were left panicking, wondering which brands to turn to – so Mirror writer Danielle Kate Wroe wanted to try their ‘great value’ option
Finding the perfect SPF can be really tough, especially if you’ve got a skin concern such as oiliness, sensitivity, or dryness.
And with the recent concerning news that some SPFs have failed Which? testing, many people are panic-buying new ones, opting for brands that came in the top spots. One of the brands that came out smelling of roses (not literally, sadly) was Aldi’s Lacura brand, and their £2.49 offering was the “most affordable suncream tested” by Which?.
Which? gave it a “great value” label, and Which? expert Grace Forell explained on ITV’s This Morning that “it would’ve been a ‘best buy’ but it’s slightly harder to apply than some of the other creams”, but she said you “can’t argue” with the price.
By now, we all know that suncream needs to be worn to protect our skin, and enough needs to be applied. The NHS recommends: “Adults should aim to apply around 6 to 8 teaspoons of sunscreen if you’re covering your entire body. If sunscreen is applied too thinly, the amount of protection it gives is reduced.”
They also share: “Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin, including the face, neck and ears, and head if you have thinning or no hair, but a wide-brimmed hat is better.”
With that in mind, I decided to try three of Aldi’s SPF offerings – the Factor 50+ face, the Factor 50+ spray, and the Factor 50+ cream. My skin is super sun sensitive, so I can’t take any risks when out and about, so the higher the factor the better for me.
I prefer a facial SPF to give a subtle glow, without containing any make-up properties. When I’m going out with just SPF on, I’d rather be completely bare-faced, as I don’t want to be panicked that my sunglasses have left me with awkward marks on my nose.
But, I also want it to go seamlessly under my make-up when I wear it, so I gave the Lacura sensitive face cream SPF 50+ a go. At just £1.99 for 50ml, it’s five-star UVA protection, but how would it wear?
After cleansing my face, I gave it ten minutes before applying the SPF, using the two-finger rule (cover your index and middle finger with cream, downwards, and this is about the amount you need for your whole face). Upon application, I was slightly disappointed to see that it left a really obvious white cast. I almost looked like I’d decided to celebrate Halloween early.
After some vigorous rubbing in, noting that it doesn’t really have a scent (which I think is good!), I finally resembled myself again. That is until I applied my ELF power grip primer five minutes later, and it disturbed the formula of the SPF, re-activating the whiteness. This was really frustrating, as normally my primer goes on seamlessly over my usual SPF, but again, I blended and blended and it finally settled in.
It didn’t feel too heavy on the skin, which was good, but when I did initially apply it, it did make my skin tingle slightly – but this is probably because, as I mentioned earlier, my skin is sensitive and it’s a brand new product.
I found that the SPF wore really well, and when wearing it in the sun, my skin felt protected. Despite the white cast, it doesn’t feel horribly greasy, which is a win as my skin tends to err on the oily side. When wearing it alone, as well, once it’s rubbed in, it doesn’t leave you looking sweaty, which is great.
Coming in similar packaging to its facial counterpart is the Lacura SPF 50+ Sensitive Lotion 200ml, which will set you back just £2.89. No wonder Which? deemed it to be “great value” – but as they said, it was a little trickier to apply than some other SPFs I’ve tried.
Much like the face SPF, it left a white cast which takes a lot of rubbing in – however, I don’t mind it so much on the body, because it makes it much easier to know where you’ve already applied to.
The lotion isn’t too thick, and it doesn’t have a scent, so if you’re looking for that quintessentially holiday smell, this one won’t fit the bill for you.
But I like to know I can spend an hour or so in the sun without stressing out about burning myself at all, so I’ll definitely be packing this in my suitcase when I jet off again. I’ll just be sure to lather up and rub in well in advance.
However, the show-stopper for me has to be this Lacura SPF 50+ Refreshing Dry Mist 200ml, which retails at £3.29. In my opinion, it’s worth the extra 40p for the scent of it – it’s incredible. It has a really expensive suncream-esque smell, which is reminiscent of holidaying and exploring gorgeous beaches and restaurants.
Not only does it offer five-star UVA protection, but it also makes your skin feel silky smooth and lovely afterwards. Perhaps a little trickier to apply as it sinks into the skin quickly, so you might not be able to tell where it’s gone and where it hasn’t, if you’re careful, I think you’d be just fine with it. And if you’re on your own, it’s easier to apply a spray onto your back than try and reach with a lotion.
Overall, despite the difficulties that some of the SPFs posed, I’d say it’s well worth it to be well-protected in the sun, and to know that you’re doing your bit to keep yourself safe.
Aldi says that you need to “wait until fully absorbed and re-apply every 1-2 hours. To stay protected frequently apply, especially after perspiring, swimming and towelling.”
When you’re having fun in the sun, The Cancer Council recommend that you remember the 5 S’s of sun safety:
- Slip on sun-protective clothing.
- Slop on SPF 30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen.
- Slap on a broad-brimmed hat.
- Seek shade.
- Slide on some sunglasses.
Aldi has been contacted for comment.
Have you tried Aldi’s SPFs? Let us know in the comments what you think.
Do you have a story to share? Email: danielle.wroe@mirror.co.uk
