The Beauty Shelf with Emily Darlow

When winter rolls around, it’s easy to think sunscreen can take a holiday until summer returns. After all, you’re spending less time at the beach or outside, the temperatures are cooler and the sun doesn’t seem nearly as fierce.

The reality is your skin still needs protection. Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world, and while winter sunshine may not feel as intense, ultraviolet rays are still present. UVA rays, which contribute to premature ageing, pigmentation and the breakdown of collagen, can penetrate cloud cover and even glass, meaning your skin is exposed whether you’re walking the dog, enjoying a coffee outdoors or sitting beside a sunny office window.

The good news is today’s SPF products do far more than simply protect against sunburn. Many also hydrate, target pigmentation, strengthen the skin barrier or add a hint of coverage, making them an easy addition to your daily skincare routine. Here are six products worth making room for on your beauty shelf this winter.

RoC Soleil Protect Anti-Brown Spot Unifying Fluid SPF50+
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Price: $34.99

Pigmentation is one of the most common skin concerns, particularly after years of sun exposure, and this lightweight fluid has been developed with exactly that in mind. Along with broad-spectrum SPF50+ protection, it helps reduce the appearance of existing brown spots while working to prevent new pigmentation from forming. The silky texture absorbs quickly and layers beautifully beneath makeup, making it an easy everyday option for anyone wanting to tackle uneven skin tone while protecting against future damage.

Why it’s special: It combines high-level sun protection with skincare designed to target one of the biggest visible signs of sun damage, pigmentation.

Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Broad Spectrum SPF50+ Hydrating Shield
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Price: $100

This is far more than a sunscreen. Elizabeth Arden’s luxury formula combines SPF50+ with powerful antioxidants and pollution defence to help protect skin from environmental stressors including pollution and free radicals that contribute to premature ageing. The universal tint helps blur imperfections while giving skin a healthy, radiant finish, making it an ideal alternative to a traditional primer on makeup days.

Why it’s special: It acts as a sunscreen, antioxidant treatment, pollution shield and complexion enhancer all in one product.

Priceline Face Tinted Sunscreen SPF50
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Price: $9

Proof that good sun protection doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag, this affordable tinted sunscreen provides broad-spectrum SPF50+ while lightly evening out the complexion. The sheer tint helps blur redness and uneven skin tone, making it perfect for no-makeup days or as a lightweight base under foundation.

Why it’s special: It delivers reliable SPF50+ protection with a flattering tint for less than the price of lunch, making daily sunscreen use accessible for almost every budget.

Cetaphil Healthy Renew Day Cream SPF15
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Price: $49.95

Dry winter skin often calls for a richer moisturiser, and this one does more than simply hydrate. Cetaphil has included purified peptides that help improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines, while nourishing ingredients help strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. The addition of SPF15 makes it a handy everyday moisturiser for incidental sun exposure, although a higher SPF is recommended if you’ll be outdoors for longer periods.

Why it’s special: It combines anti-ageing skincare, barrier support and daily hydration in one simple morning step.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios KA+ Sunscreen SPF50+
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Price: $49.95

The letters KA aren’t simply part of the product name. They stand for Keratosis Actinica, also known as actinic or solar keratosis – rough, scaly patches caused by years of cumulative sun exposure that can sometimes develop into skin cancer if left untreated. This sunscreen has been specifically formulated to help aid in the prevention of solar keratosis and some skin cancers by providing very high SPF50+ broad-spectrum protection. It also contains niacinamide and panthenol, ingredients well known for helping soothe and strengthen the skin barrier, making it particularly suited to dry, mature or sensitive skin during winter. The fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula delivers rich hydration without feeling heavy or greasy.

Why it’s special: It was developed specifically for people with sun-damaged or high-risk skin, combining very high UV protection with barrier-supporting skincare ingredients.

Revlon Illuminance Gloss Balm SPF50+ Pink Shine
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Price: $27.00

Lips are one of the most commonly forgotten areas when it comes to sun protection, despite being highly susceptible to UV damage. This glossy balm delivers SPF50+ protection while adding a soft pink tint and plenty of hydration. It leaves lips feeling comfortable and looking glossy, making it an easy product to keep in your handbag and reapply throughout the day.

Why it’s special: It combines lip colour, hydration and SPF50+ protection in one product, helping protect one of the most overlooked areas of the face.

If you’re already investing in serums, moisturisers and anti-ageing skincare, sunscreen is the product that helps protect that investment. Wearing SPF every day is one of the simplest ways to reduce the appearance of pigmentation, fine lines and premature ageing while lowering your risk of long-term sun damage. Whether you prefer a moisturiser with built-in SPF, a multitasking tinted sunscreen or a lip balm that protects while adding shine, these products prove that keeping your skin protected throughout winter has never been easier.