Reader, I'll admit it. I'm an SPF snob. This, however, is for good reason, and allow me to explain why. As a beauty journalist I've swiped and swatched my way around my fair share of sunscreens. And one thing has become clear: not all have been made equally. After falling in love with Emma Lewisham's and Augustinus Bader's of late, a consistent theme remained. Spend more, get more. Yet I found myself getting through these products quickly. Really quickly. It makes sense, of course; SPF is a non-negotiable in the making of healthy skin. But when you're getting through a £60+ bottle more often than you're popping to your local Starbucks? Well, that's when having an affordable option wouldn't go amiss. This is where Simple Glow+ SPF 50 Invisible Fluid comes in. Priced at £12.99 but currently on sale for £8.66, here's why I believe it's a budget beauty buy to which it's worth paying attention.
What does the Simple Glow+ SPF 50 Invisible Fluid do?
First and foremost, it protects against UVA and UVB damage. As well as that, there's niacinamide in there which is well known for its soothing, redness-reducing capabilities. Where things get really exciting is in the inclusion of Gluta-Amino, the brand's newest patented technology developed off the back of an impressive €3.2m Unilever investment. Designed to 'support the skin’s natural production of its master antioxidant and detoxifier,' a study published in the Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology confirmed that it really works -increasing skin’s glutathione levels, reducing free radicals and protecting against key environmental stressors including blue light and pollution. All well and good, but what does that really mean? Essentially, this SPF helps to protect skin from the harmful effects of UV, defend against damage cause by blue light and pollution and even help reverse existing damage. That means, if you already have dark spots and an uneven skin tone, this could be just the tonic. Plus, it's suited to all skin colours - no white cast to be seen. It's impressive stuff.
Shop: Simple Glow+ SPF 50 Invisible Fluid
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What Simple says: 'Meet Simple Invisible UV Fluid with SPF 50, a groundbreaking addition to your skin care routine that redefines high UVA/UVB sun protection and radiance. Powered by Gluta-Amino™* and niacinamide, this advanced formula helps protect your skin against UV-induced pigmentation while working to visibly reduce dark spots and even skin tone for a brighter, more luminous complexion.'
What we know: Simple's new SPF contains Gluta-Amino, the brand's newest patented technology developed off the back of an impressive €3.2m investment by Unilever. Designed to 'support the skin’s natural production of its master antioxidant and detoxifier,' a study published in the Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology confirmed that it really works- increasing skin’s glutathione levels, reducing free radicals, and protecting against key environmental stressors including blue light and pollution. All well and good. But in basic terms? Essentially, this SPF helps to protect skin from the harmful effects of UV, defend skin against damage cause by blue light and pollution and even help reverse damage.
Rachael Martin beauty director says: 'The formula is light and milky. It smooths onto my skin beautifully and leaves me with a veil of radiance. It's not sparkly at all, but definitely glowy. I'm an oily skinned gal - as the day goes on my t-zone is the first to betray me. Not with this though, it's non greasy, allowing for all the glow and non of the grease. I've been using this as my daily SPF throughout the heat wave and have been so impressed. It plays beautifully under make-up (almost acting like a primer) and, crucially, I haven't burnt once.'
Pros
- Ideal for senstive skin
- Brimming with actives
- Perfume fre
Cons
- Packaging isn't luxe
How to use Simple Glow+ SPF 50 Invisible Fluid
'I always ensure to give the tube a good shake - this is great for ensuring all the ingredients are mixed well with no separation. After applying my moisturiser, I'll take two finger lengths across my face and a third down my neck. Then, if I remember, I'll go in with a forth finger length across my décolletage. This may seem like a lot of product, and, to be honest, it probably is. But this is what dermatologists recommend, again reiterating the need for me to choose an affordable SPF. This is the final step in my morning skincare routine before I follow with make-up.'
Our verdict
Rachael Martin, beauty director:
'A couple of months ago, Simple invited beauty editors on an overnight stay to celebrate a top secret launch. This top secret in question? The Simple Glow+ SPF 50 Invisible Fluid. The timing was perfect. The sun was shining and - uncharacteristically for the UK - has continued to do so ever since. Yet the thought of a new SPF doesn't fill me with instant joy. I have sensitive skin prone to blemishes and redness, so, as ever, was initially apprehensive about adding this to my routine. But after learning a bit more about the product I began to feel hopeful. 'Its ultra-lightweight and non-greasy, top dermatologist Dr Beibei Du-Harpur told me me. 'It's also been tested on sensitive skin, and is suited to all skin types.' Of course, in Dr Beibei Du-Harper I trust, and so the testing began.
Let's begin with first impressions. Texture. The formula is light and milky. It smooths onto my skin beautifully and leaves me with a veil of radiance. It's not sparkly at all, but there's definite radiance to the formula. I'm an oily skinned gal- as the day goes on my t-zone is the first to betray me. Not with this though, it's non greasy, allowing for all the glow and non of the grease. I've been using this as my daily SPF throughout the heatwave and have been so impressed. It plays beautifully under make-up (acting like a primer) and, crucially, I haven't burnt once. And of course, the price is something to shout about. Coming in at £12.99 (and on sale for £8.66) it's a total beauty bargain and measures up to some of the more expensive SPFs I've tried this year. But what about damage reversal? My skin does look more even in tone and texture without make-up, and I think some of my dark spots of pigmentation have minimised - especially around my upper lip. After two months of testing the changes are subtle, but they are definitely there.
Overall thoughts
Backed by clinically proven results, this SPF is not to be sniffed at. Where protection and damage reversal are concerned you'd be hard pressed to find something better. Especially for the price.
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s beauty director. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism. After interning at Stylist and Harper’s Bazaar she dipped her toes into the world of beauty writing and never looked back. Now, at Grazia, you'll find her writing about beauty, health and wellbeing. Follow her on Instagram @rachael.alice.martin