If you’re interested in preventative skincare, a daily dose of broad spectrum sunscreen is the easiest place to start. A generous layer will protect skin from UVA rays (responsible for skin cancer and signs of ageing, such as fine lines and dark spots) and UVB rays, which cause painful sunburn. In other words, slotting sunscreen into your morning skincare routine is a no brainer, and if you’re using skincare ingredients like retinol or exfoliating acids, it’s even more of a necessity, as they can make skin sensitive to sunlight.

But when the sun is shining, one single application of sunscreen isn’t enough to protect your skin throughout the day. Experts say sunscreen loses its potency after just two hours on the skin, so topping up is a must to shield against damaging UV rays. But when you’ve spent your morning applying foundation to perfection and nailing your blush contour, the last thing you want to do is disrupt your flawless finish by rubbing in sunscreen. That’s where SPF face mist comes in…

SPF mist provides a sheer veil of protection, rather than a heavy slathering, and thanks to advances in skincare, the majority are entirely invisible meaning you’ll avoid telltale tidemarks, smudges and the dreaded white film. Even better, the mists are easy to apply on the go, so you can safeguard your skin in a single spritz.

As a self-confessed sunscreen aficionado, I’ve tried pretty much all of the buzziest SPF mists out there. Here are five that are actually worth your money.

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Not only does this setting spray pack in SPF 50, but it feels insanely refreshing on tired skin thanks to the addition of soothing peppermint oil. The fine mist is practically weightless, so you can reapply with wild abandon.

Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $, available at ModeSens

Spritz on this SPF 30 formula for a long-wearing mattifying effect and a boost from skin-care ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid.

Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30, $, available at Cult Beauty

If you love a soft-focus finish, this SPF 50 setting spray is for you: It blurs and softens the appearance of skin with a fine mist that won’t disrupt your foundation.

Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF 50 Soft Focus Setting Spray, $, available at Space NK

Refresh your makeup — or just your bare face — mid-day with this £8.99 option, which can be used alone or over makeup for a pick-me-up that provides hydrating, non-greasy sun protection.

Ambre Solaire Sensitive Face Sun Cream Mist SPF50 75ml, $, available at Superdrug

This has earned rave reviews for its dewy, non-makeup-disrupting finish.

Pixi Sun Mist SPF 30, $, available at Cult Beauty

There’s a reason why this spray is constantly selling out. It’s totally traceless: no sticky feel, white marks or obvious shine, which makes applying regularly throughout the day a breeze. It’s so fine, you can’t feel it at all. If you have oily skin prone to breakouts, this is the SPF mist for you, as it’s matte to the touch.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shining Invisible Fresh Mist SPF50, $, available at Cocooncenter

This is quite similar to La Roche-Posay’s offering, but is a little more moisturising, making it perfect for those with dry or combination skin. The mist itself disperses so evenly over the face and though it has a slight fragrance, it doesn’t make eyes sting. It’s my new favourite for sure.

Ultrasun Face & Scalp UV Protection Mist SPF50, $, available at Just My Look

If you’re serious about skincare, you’ll love this. It’s a little thicker in texture compared to others, but it isn’t greasy or clogging and provides excellent UVA and UVB protection with SPF 50. Be sure to spray at arm’s length to avoid any white marks or product gathering in your hairline.

Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF 50, $, available at Cult Beauty

At first spritz, this broad spectrum SPF 30 is quite wet (though refreshing!) compared to others, but it dries down to a matte finish very quickly and is non-comedogenic (less likely to clog pores). The brand claims it is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it’s great for sweaty summer days, but it’s also hydrating thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid.

Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30, $, available at Cult Beauty

This is an ultra-fine mist that works very well for both face and body. It lends skin a dewy glow and revives makeup as it guards against UV. It smells like holidays, too.

SVR Sun Secure SPF50 Mist, $, available at SVR

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