What the brand says:"The formula offers very high SPF protection to help prevent sun induced dark spots, while protecting skin from pollution induced oxidative stress. Its ultra-light texture is absorbed instantly and offers daily hydration without leaving a greasy finish on skin." Source: Parthenolide-depleted Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) protects skin from UV irradiation and external aggression, Arch Dermatol Res (2008) 300:69–80 What the brand says: "This sun cream combines immediate and effective UVA/UVB sun protection with Calmanelle, a unique anti-irritant shield complex proven to help strengthen the skin's resilience to the sun. The cream provides hours of moisturisation to keep the delicate skin of the face soft. Sweat and water resistant." The sun emits two types of ultraviolet radiation. UVA affects the skin’s elastin, leading to wrinkles and premature ageing (although it’s also linked to developing skin cancers). UVB is responsible for sunburn and can increase the risk of skin cancers, too. Certain sunscreens carry a UVA star rating from zero to five, which indicates how much UVA radiation they absorb, relative to UVB radiation. Don’t be alarmed if there isn’t a number on the bottle, though: the rating system was devised and is owned by Boots, so not all brands carry it.

FEVERFEW PFE ™ helps protect against sunburn by stimulating natural processes that help maintain skin cell integrity* and strengthen their resilience to the sun. What shoppers say: "On first application I thought it would leave me greasy as my face way quite shiny, however once fully absorbed this left my skin glowing, no redness, very hydrated and no clogged pores!" an impressed shopper said. "During the warmer weather in the UK I have replaced my daily moisturiser with this and can reapply any time of the day and my skin still glows." Source: Johnson & Johnson publication in Arch Dermatol Res Feb 2008; 300 (2) 69-80, Randomised, placebo-controlled, double blind study on 12 volunteers. As suncare specialists, we use innovative technologies to make sure you achieve the right balance of colour and protection whenever you enjoy the sun.What the brand says: "A daily lightweight facial moisturiser with SPF 50+ UVB/UVA protection and 3 essential ceramides, leaves skin feeling soothed, and hydrated for up to 24 hours, while protecting the skin's natural barrier. The gentle formula contains broad spectrum protection to defend the skin barrier against UVA & UVB rays that deplete ceramides." What the brand says: "Formulated for sensitive skin, this is a 3‐in‐1 facial skincare hero: anti‐UV, anti‐pollution, light tinted coverage. It provides a very broad spectrum UVA-UVB protection and anti-oxidant protection using a combination of exclusive active ingredients."

What shoppers say: "I have tried lots of other face sun creams and they always break me out and make me very shiny (even more expensive/more popular ones)," one person wrote in a five-star review. "So I researched a lot before buying a new one and this one has worked amazing, dries matte, smells nice and doesn't break me out at all!" For over 70 years, PIZ BUIN ® has been providing sun lovers everywhere with suncare solutions that help them achieve the perfect balance between getting a beautiful tan and the protection they need. In fact, PIZ BUIN ® was one of the first to make tanning safer by implementing the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) system in the 1960s. So wherever there’s sun, whether it’s at the beach, on a mountain or in the city, PIZ BUIN ® has been there helping people to enjoy life in the sun, safely. Choose a sunscreen that suits your skin type. If your skin is on the dryer side, go for a sunscreen with dewy finish. Our range of sunscreens for oily skin will give your skin a mattified look without worrying about the humidity in summer. And whether you use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or SPF 50, using a day cream before the final step is ideal to keep your skin moisturised. Once you’re out and about, be sure to reapply your sunscreen every few hours for maximum protection. And if you're wearing makeup, a suncream spray is your best bet. READ MORE: Boots launches huge summer sale with thousands of beauty, skincare and electrical favourites reduced

Will you be claiming the VAT back?

Wherever you're planning to sunbathe this month, wearing sunscreen is vital if you want to protect your skin from painful sunburn and premature ageing, as well keeping the risk of skin cancer at bay. But with so many brands out there at the likes of Boots and Superdrug on the high street, it can be difficult to know which sun cream will work best for you and your skin. Source: Johnson & Johnson R&D, Method: application of UV radiations on human skin ex plant and assessing the sunburn cells induced.

What shoppers say: "Found this moisturising, non-greasy and protected my skin," one customer who loved this sunscreen said. "Applied every day on holiday. Didn't cause me to break out, and didn't sting my eyes." What shoppers say: "Great face sun cream, non oily and sat well under my make-up," was one person's verdict. "Lasts all day as it says, I burn very easily and wasn't burnt at all after being in the sun all day!" What shoppers say: "I've been using this product for years and it’s absolutely fantastic!" one fan of the product said. "My face never burns, even whilst abroad. It’s got a fabulous texture and soaks into skin well leaving it glowing." FEVERFEW PFE ™ helps protect against cell alterations, decreases UVB-induced erythema and helps repair UV-damaged cells. Up to 60% improvement on UVB induced erythema and redness.If you don’t know your SPFs from your UVAs and UVBs, read on as we shed some light on what to look out for with our handy buying guide below – before listing our favourite sunscreens on the market right now. What the brand says: "A very high protection that is ultra resistant: water, sweat and sand resistant. Anti eye stinging, ultra-comfortable cream formula. Hydrating and non-greasy. Specifically developed for sensitive skin." What shoppers say: "Lovely cream, not greasy, sinks in and great to know it gives factor 50 protection," one person wrote in their review. "My skin is sensitive to sun so I am thrilled to have found this cream." What the brand says: "Sebum-regulating Oil Control technology with L-Carnitine and absorbing micro-particles gives skin an immediate dry touch finish and a long-lasting anti-shine effect of up to eight hours. Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Oil Control SPF 50+ is unperfumed and has an ultra-light, non-greasy texture." Although the majority of shoppers recommended the cream, it didn't manage to win everyone over. "Leaves your skin looking very shiny and greasy looking and makes your pores completely visible," was one person's verdict. La Roche-Posay

Each of the advanced UVA/UVB sun filter systems is a powerful sun protection technology developed by PIZ BUIN ®. They offer effective photostable, broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, and help achieve that PIZ BUIN ®sunscreens comply with the latest European Commission recommendation on sunscreen products. UVA rays – "aeging rays" - penetrate deeper and damage collagen and elastin, which can result in premature skin ageing and cancer. What the brand says: "Discover ultra-light UVA/UVB protection, entwined with hydrating ribbons for 12 hours of moisturisation, to prevent skin from drying out. Suitable for use under make-up and very water resistant."What shoppers say: "This is my favourite SPF of all time," one fan of the cream wrote in their review. "Gentle, no white cast and non-greasy. I have acne prone skin and I have never broken out from this. I'm on my 12th bottle of this now." It’s no wonder that doctors, dermatologists and beauty editors alike will tell you that protecting your skin is of paramount importance. But sadly, not all sunscreens are created equal. As is often the case, it’s worth investing in a quality product that will do the job effectively and give you much-needed peace of mind whether you’re at the beach, park or just lounging in your garden. Believe it or not, the best thing you can do for your skin daily is to apply a sunscreen. Not only will this reduce the chances of your skin ageing prematurely, but it will also protect you against harmful skin cancers. And if you think sunscreen is only essential on sunny days, think again. For maximum protection, you’re supposed to apply it even when it’s cloudy outside – and even if you spend most of your time indoors. What the brand says: "Hyaluronic acid to support Anti Ageing. Up to 8 hours sun protection from just one application. Non-greasy, easily absorbed and water resistant."