The first thing I fell in love with when it came to Ultra Violette sunscreen was it’s sleek, minimalist packaging. YES, I am a sucker for a pretty bottle, and sunscreens usually look so clinical that it’s hard to get excited about owning one. But all the pretty means nothing if the product isn’t effective, so I set out to investigate if the new queen of the sunscreen world was as wonderful inside as it looked outside.
An Australian brand, Ultra Violette doesn’t just produce a sunscreen, they are ALL ABOUT sun protection. Every single one of their products is focused on protecting your skin from nasty UV rays. And it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all formula either. The brand boasts three sunscreen types to suit different individuals, plus two lip products to protect your pout from damage.
First up we have the Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating Facial Sunscreen. Think sun protection, moisturiser and primer ALL IN ONE. Yes, that’s right, this one is for the lazy gals and guys among us who either can’t be bothered putting all of these things on or can’t be bothered letting them all sink in between applications and end up with a pilling skincare mess. It’s marketed as being right for “all skin types”.
Then there’s the Queen Screen SPF 50+ Luminising Sun Serum. This one has been featuring on Instagram feeds non stop thanks to its unique bottle with dropper feature. Why does it have a little dropper you ask? Because it’s a luminising sunscreen that is ALSO a serum. It’s recommended for those whose skin leans towards the dryer side.
And then we have the Clean Screen SPF 30 Mattifying Mineral Skinscreen. Rather than the other two, which are chemical sunscreen, this one is a physical/barrier sunscreen. It has a lower SPF rating than the other two, which is probably why it’s a bit cheaper than the other two. It contains 20 per cent zinc oxide and is recommended for all skin types, and features mattifying properties.
This is not even mentioning the gorgeous Sheen Screen SPF 30 Lip Balms. Because how often do we forget to protect our lips both from wind burn but sunburn as well? The brand makes the very smart statement that we wear lip balm anyway so why not “upgrade to a formula that pretties up your lips while also protecting them from UV damage.” Why not indeed!
THE VERDICT
Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating Facial Sunscreen, $45
It’s not often I put a sunscreen into holy grail status. In fact, up until I tried Supreme Screen there was only one sunscreen I’ve tried (out of literally hundreds) that I’ve tried that I would recommend to others. But now, I am more than happy to put this in the must buy category. It has a deliciously hydrating formula that glides on and makes my skin feel smooth and soft, no moisturiser needed. Pop on my makeup and bam, no primer needed and my makeup is still there at the end of the day. This lightweight texture but highpowered sunscreen is a dream and the fact that it plays so nicely with makeup is a massive bonus.
Queen Screen SPF 50+ Luminising Sun Serum, $47
This seems to be the signature product of the range, just because it’s so darn different to anything on the market. It’s a translucent white liquid that is dispersed through a dropper bottle and feels much more like a serum than sun protection. It’s designed for those leaning towards drier skin, which is perfect for me. What I liked most about this one is that I got loads of comments that I looked “glowing” with it on. Yes, folks, the luminising does indeed work! It also had a pleasant rose fragrance to it that made it feel a bit luxe. I always get nervous with products that are so thin because I’ve always felt to get the most out of a sunscreen you needed to slather it on but I don’t feel this was the case here. It has a lot of hydrating ingredients, which made my skin feel nice and plump, too. I think with this one I would probably wear the Supreme Screen under my makeup and mix a few drops of this in with my foundation for a sun protection boost that will also boost my glow. Can’t ever have too much UV protection!
Clean Screen SPF 30 Mattifying Mineral Skinscreen, $42
When we talk sunscreen, there are usually two types, chemical sunscreens that work via chemical reaction, and physical ones that create an actual barrier between your skin and harmful ways. Sometimes people with sensitive skin can only use the physical type, and that’s where Clean Screen comes into play. The issue a lot of people have with these barrier screens is that they usually have a white colour that doesn’t really like to sink into your skin too well. This one is pretty good, in that it’s a little white but not ghostly or anything. I think that’s possibly why it’s only SPF30, so it’s not super white and hard to absorb (I am not a scientist and could be completely wrong about this). Ultra Violette has always maintained that the best sunscreen is one you will wear so I think they downgraded the sun protection for a formula that will be more usable. They definitely made the right choice
Sheen Screen SPF 30 Lip Balms, $25
My very extra-special most favouritist thing about this balm is that MY HAIR DOESN’T GET STUCK IN IT. None of that shiny lacquer that captures stray strands as soon as the wind blows stuff. This is hydrating heaven. Think lanolin and shea butter and cacao seed butter (oh my). No parabens, no greasyness. And it can be applied generously (more protection from the dreaded chapped lips and UV damage.) This is an instant Aussie classic.
SO I guess the lesson here is, when a company does nothing else but makeup friendly sunscreen, they do it darn well.
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
