Your ultimate SPF wardrobe decoded for every skin mood

But if you’ve ever stood in front of your mirror wondering whether your tinted moisturiser “counts” or if reapplying over makeup is even possible, you’re not alone. SPF has gone from a basic step to a slightly confusing category. One minute it’s a lightweight gel for everyday wear, the next it’s a setting spray you’re meant to mist on mid-commute without ruining your liner.

There are formulas for every mood and moment now. Quick swipe sunscreen sticks for when you’re running late, powders for touch-ups between meetings, lip balms that save you from sunburnt lips (yes, that’s a thing), and foundations that promise coverage with a side of protection. It all sounds great, but it also raises the obvious question: what do you actually need, and what’s just extra?

This list is your cheat sheet to every kind of SPF out there, what each one does, and where it actually fits into your routine. Whether you like to keep it minimal or you’re open to layering, consider this your guide to building an SPF wardrobe that actually works.

Lakmē 9to5 Hya Beach Edit Cushion Foundation and Concealer with SPF 40, ₹999 and ₹799 respectively 

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+, ₹1,400

Eucerin Oil Control Dry Touch Sunscreen Gel-Cream SPF50+, ₹720

Embryolisse Sun Stick SPF50+, ₹1,925

Coola Makeup Setting Sunscreen Spray SPF 30, ₹4,499

Caudalie Vinosun Invisible High Protection Stick SPF 50, ₹2,275

Kay Beauty Hydra Glow Tinted Sunscreen SPF 40 PA++, ₹1,199

LoveChild Masaba One Take 5-in-1 BB Cream With SPF 20 PA++, ₹ 1,500

The Face Shop Mattifying Oil Control Compact SPF 30 PA ++, ₹1,590

Juicy Chemistry Moisturising Mineral Sunscreen, ₹799

Clinique Even Better Clinical Vitamin Makeup Foundation with SPF 50, ₹4,150

Dermalogica Powerbright Moisturiser Sunscreen with SPF50, ₹4,700

Beauty Of Joseon Ginseng Moist Sunscreen Serum, ₹1,830

Aminu The Overall VitB Body Lotion, ₹1,650

82°E Pomegranate Sheen SPF 15 PA++, ₹1,500

All images: The brands

Also read: The best tinted sunscreens for glow, coverage, and serious SPF

Alsp read: The best Korean sunscreens that give you glass skin and SPF in one