When it comes to the best SPF products, most notably the best facial sunscreens, we all have our preferences. Perhaps you want an SPF for oily skin, a sunscreen for mature skin or even an SPF for sensitive skin. Whenever anyone asks me what kind of sunscreen I prefer, my answer is always the same. Something glowy.
In fact, my skincare cabinet at home is practically overflowing with some of the best glowy sunscreens, so I thought it was only right that I shared my recommendations with you.
I've been busy testing lots of the best glowy sunscreens.
We all know that SPF should be the final step in your morning skincare routine, and using a glowing formula can help create a beautiful base for your makeup. Or, if you feel like having a "no-makeup" makeup day, these dewy formulas can help add a little oomph to your complexion. I especially love these sunscreens during the summer months, and whenever I apply one, people always compliment me on how healthy my skin looks.
My skin after testing one of the best glowy sunscreens.
So, if you fancy giving this product a go, keep on scrolling for my tried-and-tested edit of the best glowy sunscreens on the market. You are welcome...
The Best Glowy Sunscreens, Tried & Tested
- Best glowy sunscreen overall: Kosas Dreambeam Sunscreen SPF 30
- Best glowy sunscreen for under makeup: Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 30
- Best lightweight glowy sunscreen: Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+ Luminising Skinscreen Serum
- Best glowy sunscreen for all skin types: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+
1. Kosas Dreambeam Sunscreen SPF 30
SPF: 30
Formula: Liquid
First up is one of my personal favourites, the Dreambeam Sunscreen from Kosas. There are two versions of this product available: Original and Sunlit. However, if you want a serious glow, I recommend opting for Sunlit.
Designed to be an SPF and primer in one, this product creates the most radiant base for makeup and offers a satin-like finish on the skin. Plus, it's packed with skin-loving ingredients such as peptides and ceramides to hydrate and brighten your complexion.
My review: I seriously love this product. When I first tried it, I was a little confused by the thicker consistency, but it blended into my skin like a dream, and my foundation practically glided on after using it. It adds a radiant, lit-from-within kind of glow that always earns me compliments.
Pros
- Adds a beautiful glow
- Perfect base for makeup
- Packed with skincare ingredients
Cons
- Consistency is a little thicker than other products in this roundup
2. Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 30
Best for: Under makeup
SPF: 30
Formula: Liquid
Next up is a team Who What Wear UK favourite, the Glowscreen SPF from Supergoop!. This sunscreen is known for its glow-giving properties, alongside its hydrating formula that perfectly preps the skin for makeup.
It is enriched with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin B3, helping to create a plump, dewy base, and the pearlescent sheen has a somewhat blurring effect that makes your skin look like your skin, but better.
Who What Wear UK editor review: "I find myself reaching for this SPF most days, particularly when I don't fancy a full face of makeup but still want a bit of skin blurring and glow. That being said, it works amazingly as a radiance-boosting primer underneath makeup, too," says beauty editor, Eleanor Vousden.
Pros
- Adds a glowy sheen to the skin
- Works well under makeup
- Packed with skin-loving ingredients
Cons
- Only comes in one universal shade (it would be great to see more in the future!)
- Not the best option for very oily skin
3. Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+ Luminising Skinscreen Serum
SPF: 50
Formula: Serum
If you're looking for a lightweight, glowy formula, then you'll love this SPF serum from Ultra Violette. Packed with ingredients such as pink algae extract and vitamin C, the formula imparts a beautiful glow onto the skin and leaves your complexion feeling silky soft.
Who What Wear UK editor review: "This product feels lightweight and hydrating on the skin while also leaving it with a radiant, dewy finish. Plus, it’s got a lovely rose scent, which makes it feel extra luxurious," says contributor, Jazzria Harris.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Adds a beautiful glow to the skin
- Lovely rose scent
Cons
- Quite expensive
4. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+
Best for: All skin types
SPF: 50+
Formula: Liquid
From Korean skincare brand Beauty of Joseon comes this incredibly lightweight, glowy sunscreen that beauty editors can't get enough of.
Suitable for all skin types, this SPF practically melts into the complexion, leaving you with a glowy, nourished finish that will have people thinking you're getting weekly facials.
My review: The texture of this SPF feels more like a luxury face cream, and has made me genuinely excited to apply my sunscreen every single day. It's practically invisible on the skin and creates the most radiant base for your makeup.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Leaves you with a glowy finish
Cons
- Struggling to think of any!
5. Elemis Pro-Collagen Skin Protection Fluid SPF 50
Best for: A luxury experience
SPF: 50
Formula: Liquid
Elemis skincare products are unmatched, so it's no surprise that the brand's SPF 50 is just as good. With a creamy yet lightweight consistency and an incredibly radiant finish, this is the perfect product when your skin is in need of a little boost.
Containing an advanced blend of encapsulated UV filters and the brand's patented padina pavonica algae extract, this SPF protects against UVA and UVB rays, fine lines and pigmentation caused by the sun's rays.
My review: I reach for this SPF most mornings as it gives a really dewy, radiant finish. Whether I'm having a makeup-free day or I am applying a full-coverage foundation, I know I can rely on this to create the perfect base.
Pros
- Feels like a skincare and SPF hybrid
- Adds a glowy finish
- Packaging makes it easy to apply
Cons
- May be a little too dewy for super oily skin types
- Very expensive
6. Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF 50+ Drops
Best for: A skincare and SPF hybrid
SPF: 50+
Formula: SPF drops
This particular product very much blurs the line between skincare and SPF, with the mineral formula containing ectoin to soothe, protect and hydrate the complexion. Plus, sheer pigments blur and smooth the skin, so you are left with a naturally glowy finish.
My review: Similar to Elemis, Kate Somerville is behind some of my go-to skincare products, so I know that I can rely on the brand's SPF formulas to deliver. I love the lightweight, silky texture of this SPF.
Pros
- Adds a natural-looking glow
- Soothes and hydrates the skin
Cons
- Not everyone will love a mineral formula
7. Templespa Life Defence SPF 30
SPF: 30
Formula: Liquid
This luxurious-feeling formula from Templespa is one of those products that is great to have on you all year round. It adds a natural-looking, dewy finish to the skin and works really well both on its own and under makeup.
Packed with a cocktail of powerful antioxidants including rocket, ginseng root, vitamin E and sodium hyaluronate, the SPF works to create a barrier against things such as city pollution and damaging free radicals. Pretty handy if you find yourself constantly running around London like me.
My review: This is another great formula if you like your SPF to feel more like a luxury face cream. I love the way that this product sits on the skin, and the naturally dewy finish is perfect for everyday wear.
Pros
- Adds more of a natural glow
- Feels luxurious to use
Cons
- Some people might not love the thicker consistency
How We Tested
As a beauty editor who tests skincare products for a living, I've tried my fair share of SPF formulas over the years.
When writing this article on the best glowy sunscreens, I put some of my favourite formulas to the test in the sunny London weather, and I also reached out to my network of beauty editors to ask for their top recommendations, too.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
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