I’ve Had Acne for Almost All My Life—These Are the SPFs That I Can Trust Not to Cause Any Breakouts

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I've been contending with acne for most of my life, which has led me to discover the exact skincare that I can trust not to cause breakouts. That includes SPF for acne—because a product that I use on my face daily has to be one that my complexion agrees with. Not to mention, applying SPF daily can prevent dark spots and hyperpigmentation that can be left behind after a breakout.

Although my skin is now much clearer than it used to be, it only takes one misstep for my chin to flare up with whiteheads and painful red bumps under the skin. Perfecting my skincare routine for acne has made the world of difference, so much so that I'm very reluctant to experiment with new products that could hinder my progress.

However, with gentle experimenting over the years, I've managed to curate a list of sunscreens that keep me safe from the sun without causing any breakouts. Whilst I'm confident in recommending the following SPFs, I always suggest doing a patch test on a small area of the face and introducing a new product gradually (and only one new product at a time) to ensure it won't create any issues for your skin type.

From oil control formulas to nourishing finishes to improve the skin barrier, these are my tried and tested favourites for acne-prone skin.

How We Test

The Marie Claire UK team takes product testing seriously, with a commitment to delivering accurate, honest and genuinely helpful reviews for our readers. For this piece, I tested each SPF for a minimum of one week, though some I've used for far longer. I assessed texture, absorption, residue and how each formula performed under makeup, checking in throughout the day for shine and general skin behaviour. At the end of each week, I looked for any increase in congestion or breakouts compared with my usual baseline.

The Best SPFs for Acne

• Best everyday: La Roche Posay, £17.60 at LookFantastic (save 20%)
• Best oil control: SkinCeuticals, £40 at LookFantastic (save 20%)
• Most affordable: CeraVe, £17.90 at Boots
• Most hydrating: Aesop, £47 at Space NK
• Best for severe acne: Dr Sam's, £31 at Sephora
• Best SPF primer: Charlotte Tilbury, £42 at Sephora
• Best lightweight: Beauty Pie, £29 at Beauty Pie

Best everyday formula

(Image credit: Amelia Yeomans)

La Roche-Posay almost single-handedly saw me through my severely acne-riddled teenage years, and it was the first brand that made a noticeable difference to my breakouts and complexion. I've trusted the products for years, and this SPF is one of my top picks for anyone acne-prone. It's designed for oily skin types, including skin prone to blemishes and sensitivity, with a mattifying effect that will prevent shininess throughout the day. It has a very watery, milky formula that turns invisible on the skin and feels weightless too. Despite being matte, it doesn't feel at all drying or chalky on the skin, and it provides a smoothing base for makeup application on top. It's a true all-rounder for acne-prone skin with impressive SPF 50.

La Roche-Posay

Anthelios Oil Control Fluid SPF 50+ for Oily Blemish-Prone Skin

Best oil control

(Image credit: Amelia Yeomans)

SkinCeuticals has slowly but surely become one of my holy grail brands. Yes, the products are on the pricier side, but I've yet to encounter one that isn't worth every penny. This SPF has a thicker formula more like a mineral sunscreen, but it's still extremely easy to blend in and it doesn't leave a white cast. It feels more matte than the La-Roche Posay SPF, both to apply and on the skin, but it still sits comfortably and doesn't dry me out even though my skin isn't excessively oily. It works wonders at keeping shine at bay, and it's perfect for humid weather and preventing makeup from sliding around on the face. If you have particularly oily acne-prone skin, this will make a very noticeable difference to your complexion.

Skinceuticals

Oil Shield Uv Defense Sun Cream SPF 50

Most affordable

(Image credit: Amelia Yeomans)

Although this SPF is designed with oily skin in mind, it's also suitable for normal skin and isn't excessively mattifying. It has a smooth, milky formula that's lightweight, breathable, and fast-absorbing for an invisible finish that primes the skin for makeup. One of my favourite things about this SPF is that it contains niacinamide, which has always worked brilliantly for preventing breakouts in my skin. It keeps oil to a minimum all day and won't clog pores either.

CeraVe

Invisible Dry Touch Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50 for Normal to Oily Skin

Most hydrating

(Image credit: Amelia Yeomans)

Another SPF containing niacinamide, Aesop's lotion formula is both hydrating and nourishing. It's my top recommendation if your skin needs some TLC due to any tightness or discomfort, particularly if you apply any drying nighttime skincare for spots. It functions just like a regular day moisturiser with the addition of sun protection, but it doesn't leave the skin greasy or shiny. NB: this SPF isn't fragrance-free, so if you don't respond well to fragrance, you may want to try another formula. However, it has never caused me to break out or have any irritation.

Aesop

Protective Facial Lotion SPF 50

Best for severe acne

(Image credit: Amelia Yeomans)

If you have very acne-prone skin that needs a lot of care and attention, Dr Sam's Daily Sunscreen is a foolproof option. It's specifically designed for blemish-prone skin, with a soft-focus primer-like finish that applies like a moisturiser. It's fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and formulated with niacinamide to brighten and boost the skin. It's an extremely minimalist SPF suitable for all skin types, and it perfectly balances sun protection with a comfortable feel that provides a skin-like finish with no added shine. It's a true all-rounder that will work for anyone with acne-prone skin.

Dr Sam's

Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50

Best SPF primer

(Image credit: Amelia Yeomans)

For my skin, I've found that less is more—particularly in the daytime. The best way to keep my acne at bay is not going overboard under my makeup, and Charlotte Tilbury's SPF 50 primer offers exactly that. It kills two birds with one stone with priming and sun protection, as well as providing pollution defence to further halt skin stressors that can cause breakouts. It has a very subtle tint that leaves the skin with a beautiful glow and a weightless feel that's comfortable on the face. It also hydrates without a shiny finish, which makes for smooth makeup application.

Charlotte Tilbury

Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer

Best lightweight SPF

(Image credit: Amelia Yeomans)

The clue is in the name with Beauty Pie's SPF 50: it's a truly invisible, lightweight, watery formula that blends in with minimal effort. I've used it for years, and it has never failed me or caused blemishes. It's completely non-greasy and also acts as a primer, so you can expect a skin-like finish with natural radiance and no shine. The advanced UV filters also work to fight sunlight-induced inflammation, which can make red, painful breakouts less troublesome. With no white cast, it's suitable for all skin tones and requires minimal blending to sink in.

Beauty Pie

Super Healthy Skin Featherlight SPF 50 Sunscreen + Primer

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If You Like Your Summer Sandals to Be Flat, Comfortable and Approved by Fashion Insiders, These Are the Chicest Styles I Know

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Do you want to know what everyone has been snapping up this month? Slides. The slip-on sandals that make getting dressed that little bit easier. And after much demand from Marie Claire readers about which ones are actually worth the investment, here is our edit of the best slides to shop now and wear this summer and for many more to come. The best investments last far longer than a single season, after all.

The slide's popularity comes down to three things. First, comfort: fewer straps means less chance of rubbing, especially if you're someone who hates the feeling of a flip flop between the toes. Second, ease: no buckles, straps or ties to faff around with. And third, versatility: they've moved well beyond the old-school rubber sports styles, which means they now work for a whole host of occasions.

(Image credit: Getty Images/Future)

You'll find a slide in every iteration of colour—from classic black leather to bold pink canvas—and design. And some have become so synonymous with their luxury labels—take the Saint Laurent Tribute or the Hermès Oran—that they're seriously coveted shoes that often sell out as soon as the weather warms up.

Just scroll on for the sleekest designer slides of the summer, from staple styles to more of-the-moment designs. And if you aren't sold on slides, our luxury sandal guide has plenty of other options.

Best Designer Sliders of 2026

SAINT LAURENT

Babylone Embellished Gathered Glossed-Leather Slides

The Tribute may be the most iconic Saint Laurent shoe design but this gathered leather style is just as sleek with far fewer chances of being spied beside another sun lounger.

LOEWE

Petal Anagram Leather Slides

Thanks to the rise of quiet luxury, we've shifted away from glaringly obvious labels—think slides with the likes of Balenciaga written across them—and more towards subtle branding that's actually quite beautiful.

Ancient Greek Sandals

Filia Jelly Flat Sandals

Jelly shoes are one of the most popular trends of the season and the colourful slides are especially cool. While not exactly a designer brand, these are crafted by a particularly well-made shoe label.

Tory Burch

Pierced Slide in Black

I've spoken before about how Tory Burch shoes are some of the most underrated designs around and the pierced slide is a perfect example of why.

MANOLO BLAHNIK

Haribalmu 10 Cutout Leather Slides

Mariko Kuo recently wrote that the best shoes she's ever worn are all crafted from shoe-only labels, and Manolo Blahnik is known to be one of the most comfortable.

ZIMMERMANN

Embellished Metallic Leather Sandals

If you're after a slider that feels more evening ready, these gold-tone floral slides are certainly up to the task. Dresses, trousers and even beach-ready looks will all pair effortlessly.

Jimmy Choo

Lova Mule Flat

These may be the most beautiful slides of the entire round-up, worthy of even an evening dress should you wish to stick to flats.

STAUD

+ Da Adolfo Tove Beaded Leather Slides

It's often hard to find flat shoes that feel as occasion-worthy as heels, but crafted from leather with a beaded design, these Staud slides are up to the task.

AQUAZZURA

Infinity Chain Perforated Metallic-Leather Flats

Aquazurra is a Marie Claire go-to for elegant, timeless and most importantly comfortable flat sandals. The Infinity chain sandals with go with everything.

VALENTINO GARAVANI

Rockstud Bead-Embellished Suede Sandals

Valentino Garavani's rockstud designs are back in the spotlight and these caged sliders are a sleek flat version of the classic heeled styles.

MISSONI

Viola Sequin-Embellished Striped Woven Sandals

A chunkier slide works especially well for daytime, though the small sequins on this style make them feel far from casual.

HERMĒS

Oran Sandals

Step into any luxury beach club or hotel and you'll soon find a swathe of Oran sandals in every shade.

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If Your Ponytail Gives You a Headache—Your Hair Is Trying to Tell You Something

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When the temperature rises, so does our hair. Ponytails, slicked-back buns and polished knots are summer’s chicest form of heat management—keeping lengths off sticky necks while making even the most thrown-together outfit look intentional. Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande love a slicked-back ‘do, and Kate Middleton opted for a sporty ponytail at this year’s Wimbledon.

The only catch? Wearing your hair pulled back on repeat, particularly when it’s secured too tightly, can put stress on both strands and scalp, causing that all-too-familiar dull, tight-band headache creeping in by mid-afternoon. From tension headaches and split ends to tension-related hair loss, your sleek summer updo may be doing more damage than you realise. Here, the experts reveal the mistakes worth avoiding—and how to keep your hair up without the pounding head that comes with it.

So, can a tight ponytail really cause a headache?

First, the reassuring news: wearing a slicked-back ponytail or bun occasionally is unlikely to leave you with more than mild, short-lived discomfort. The tension is real, though—when hair is pulled tightly at the root, it can trigger what's sometimes called a "ponytail headache," a dull, tight sensation caused by strain on the scalp's nerve endings. When this tension is happening for prolonged periods, a slicked-back ponytail is your everyday go-to style, and it can cause more lasting damage.

The keywords here are repeated and prolonged. According to Cos Sakkas, global creative director at TONI&GUY, regularly pulling hair into a tight ponytail or top knot places pressure on the roots and can, over time, create tension—particularly around the temples, where that headache-like sensation is often felt. "The real issue isn't the occasional sleek style," agrees Proctor. "It's wearing your hair tightly in the same position every day without giving your scalp a break."

Jade Proctor, co-owner, senior director and colour specialist at Scullion & Scot, agrees: "Traction alopecia is a medically recognised form of hair loss caused by repeated, prolonged tension on the hair follicles over months or years—not by wearing a sleek ponytail for a special occasion or now and then."

In other words, there's no need to retire the slicked-back bun entirely. The way you wear it—and how often—is what matters.

Know when your hair is asking for a break

A snatched ponytail might look immaculate, but it shouldn’t feel uncomfortable. Itching, tenderness or redness around the hairline can all indicate that a style is placing too much strain on the follicles. Look closely at the temples, too: short, snapped strands can easily be mistaken for new growth.

“If your ponytail is giving you a headache at the end of the day, it’s a sign it’s too tight,” says Proctor. Sakkas agrees that a hairstyle should never make the hairline hurt or visibly pull at the skin. That familiar soreness when you finally take your hair down? It’s often a sign that the weight has been concentrated in one place for too long. If you notice discomfort, don’t try to push through it in the name of a cleaner finish. Take the style down, loosen it or wear your hair loose for a few days. Sleek should feel secure, not punishing.

Switch up your style—and spread the load

Wearing your ponytail at exactly the same height each day repeatedly pulls on the same areas, so a little variation can make a meaningful difference. Alternate a high ponytail with a low one at the nape, swap a sculpted bun for a softer knot and build loose or textured styles into the rotation. For thick or heavy hair, Sakkas recommends dividing the ponytail into two sections—one above the other—to distribute its weight more evenly. The technique can help alleviate pressure at the base while creating a fuller, more dimensional-looking tail.

And resist the urge to pull your hair tighter each time a flyaway appears. “Sleek doesn’t have to mean the tightest,” says Proctor. “The best-looking styles always come from healthy, conditioned hair and using the right tools and styling products.” A smoothing cream or leave-in treatment can create polish before the hair is secured, while hairspray and shine mist will deal with flyaways and add that expensive, glassy finish. Unless you deliberately want a hard, fixed effect, Sakkas suggests stepping away from heavy gel and letting a smoothing formula do the work instead.

Be smarter about brushes, bobbles and bedtime

The smallest details can make the biggest difference in breakage. Worn-out bobbles create friction and uneven tension, so replace them once they become stretched, rough or damaged. Avoid ordinary rubber bands entirely; soft, snag-free elastics, satin scrunchies and hook elastics are gentler alternatives.

Your brush matters, too. Proctor recommends choosing a good-quality brush that glides through the hair without catching, while Sakkas advises using a comb rather than a brush on wet hair. Hair is more vulnerable when wet, making it easier for bristles to snag, stretch and snap the strands.

Finally, however flawless your bun still looks at bedtime, take it down. “Always give your hair and scalp a chance to relax overnight,” says Proctor. Sleeping in a tight style adds pillow friction to an already stressed hairline. If you need to tie your hair back at night, Sakkas recommends a loose satin scrunchie and a silk or satin pillowcase.

The happy updo shopping list

Color Wow

Mist-Ical Shine Spray

This spray gives a glossy, glass-hair finish without pulling the style tighter.

Aveda

Air Control Light Hold Hair Spray

If flyaways are an issue for you, this light-to-medium hold mist to keep them in place.

Denman

D81m the Style & Shine Smoother

Smooth dry hair with less snagging and unnecessary friction.

Hair Gain Comb

Opt for this comb as a gentler choice for detangling hair when wet.

SILKE London

Silk Hair Ties

These silk hair ties are ideal for loosely securing hair with less friction.

Rehab.

Silk Top Pillow Case

A silk pillowcase will help reduce overnight rubbing, breakage and damage.

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This New York-Based Label Made Its Name With Bags—Now Everyone Wants the Clothes

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When Hailey Bieber posted a picture on "Rhode Island" (get it?), she did so wearing a pair of flip-flops from what might be the brand of summer 2026: STAUD. The Freja leather sandals—a barely-there thong with a 6cm heel that feels somewhere between naughty and nice—is a fitting symbol of a brand that found a following courtesy of its handbags (and still does) but has now built its ready-to-wear to be similarly formidable.

Hailey Bieber (Image credit: @haileybieber)

STAUD is summer, summer is STAUD. That is the impression you get from its tagged images on Instagram, whether it's a little beaded purse adding interest to butter yellow capri pants on Whitney Port, or a lime silk kaftan on Blair Eadie, its zesty shade contrasting with her peach background.

It's also managed to position itself as enviably vacation-adjacent; the brand that's ideal for the "holiday" version of you. Take its collaboration with Da Adolfo, a famous seafood restaurant in Positano. Featuring the eatery's motif that runs along the bottom of its umbrellas—a red fish—on garments such as cheerfully-striped rugby shirts, swimsuits and crocheted bucket hats, you can almost taste the salt in the air just scrolling through the collection on Net-a-Porter. The Instagram comments summed up the pairing: "Such a vibe!!!!", "Summer, distilled ❤️" and "Heaven."

Whitney Port (Image credit: @whitneyeveport)

The "out-of-office" section of your wardrobe can't take up too much real estate, but the point about this collection is that weaving a piece into your everyday life—a straw bag shaped like a fish, say, or a square-necked sundress decorated with cascades of studs—will instantly pick up your mood.

And if the novelty bags or beaded flip-flops don't feel "useful" enough, STAUD's summer dresses are truly unparalleled. For wedding-guest season, the brand's minimal red column dress—its strapless neckline and shade of pomodoro means it's impossible to ignore—will serve excellently well (Blair Eadie's trick is to pair a bold dress with an even bolder necklace, FYI). Daytime calls for something airy and easy to pair with straw baskets and sandals. Enter STAUD's Margi, a pleated cotton-poplin sundress available in white, black, burgundy and vanilla.

Never felt like summer was "you"? STAUD might have something to say about that.

Shop Our Favourite Staud Buys

STAUD

Liliana Tulle Maxi Dress

STAUD

+Da Adolfo Gavin Striped Logo-Embroidered Cotton-Blend Shirt

STAUD

Cleo Fish Mini Leather-Trimmed Raffia Tote

STAUD

Corinna Lace-Trimmed Cotton Top

STAUD

Milano Striped Cotton-Blend Maxi Skirt

STAUD

+ Da Adolfo Meyers Crocheted Logo-Embroidered Cotton Hat

STAUD

Margi Cotton-Blend Midi Dress

STAUD

Freja Embellished Leather Thong Sandals

STAUD

Palm Leather-Trimmed Raffia Tote

STAUD

Port Logo-Embossed Leather-Trimmed Striped Canvas Tote

STAUD

Wylie Embellished Paneled Cotton-Blend Poplin Midi Dress

STAUD

+ Da Adolfo Tove Beaded Leather Slides

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Water-Based Bronzers Gave Me the Glow That Cream and Powder Never Could—Here's the One I Can't Stop Using

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Despite the sunny weather we’ve been experiencing, my hunt for a post-holiday glow continues. As a beauty editor, I live by the belief that it’s my job to try every bronzer on the market, from powders to creams. But despite all that rigorous testing, only a handful of products have made the cut—it’s rare to find a powder that blends seamlessly, and I’ve found that many cream formulas can end up looking muddy on my complexion.

Enter the water bronzer. This new category has proved to be the solution to all my bronzer-related woes. They’re exactly as they sound: incredibly lightweight and effortlessly blendable, offering a wash of colour with enough pigment to create a believable bronzed look. Despite being a relatively new concept in the beauty world, there are already several different options on the market. First up is the one that got me hooked in the first place: Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash.

(Image credit: Nessa Humayun)

This long-wearing, watercolour-inspired formula has a slow-setting stain, giving you enough time to blend the watery texture with your fingers or a brush for a diffused flush that lasts all day. And it feels like water because, in part, it is: the formula is made with seawater sourced from the rocky cliffs of northern France for mineral-rich hydration. It comes with a dropper for precise application, and what I love most is how seamlessly it melts into the skin. There are no harsh lines, just a fresh bronzy glow that looks completely natural, as though it's come from within. This has true, I-just-stepped-off-a-plane energy.

But that's not all… There are a handful of other water bronzers on the market right now. Read on to see how they compare.

Refy

Water Bronzer

It’s almost impossible to overdo this bronzer; it’s so easy to apply that it feels virtually foolproof. Inspired by K-beauty cushion compacts, it uses the same buildable, weightless formula that moves with your skin throughout the day for a breathable, barely-there feel. It also comes in five excellent shade ranges.

By Terry

Tea to Tan Face & Body

This innovative bronzer comes in a super lightweight mist, which dries down to a matte finish. It can be applied to both the face (you can mix it in with your usual day cream here), and the body. The water is also infused with skin loving ingredients—in fact, 97 per cent is naturally-derived, including black and red tea tea extract to hydrate the skin and prevent it from environmental damage, and bio-active cherry essence to brighten. The best bit is that it all washes away at the end of the day with a little face wash and shower gel; easy peasy.

Westman Atelier

Sun Tone Bronzing Drops

This watery liquid has a beautiful matte-dry down, which makes it perfect for contouring or all over bronzing—and its streak-free finish means that it can be layered under or over make-up. The drops are also packed with goodness; there’s an amino-infused active blend that helps boost the skin’s natural tan over time. Plus, a hydra nourish blend and carrot oil helps to nourish, improve elasticity and support cell turnover.

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