Consider this your reminder to reapply your sunscreen.
There’s only two types of people in the world, as Britney Spears once said; the sunscreen stressors, and the don’t-give-an-f about it. There are those who apply sunscreen with religious fervour, warding off the dreaded ‘turkey neck’ syndrome, and then there are those whose best friends nag them endlessly in the face of impending sunburn.
If you fall into the latter category, you might be currently sporting a secret shame – shoulders burnt-to-a-crisp, forced to adopt an incognito disguise of hat, sunglasses and an icy beverage of questionable origin to cool down the red-hot body heat. With summer's grip tightening, staying safe under the relentless Middle Eastern sun becomes crucial. As record-breaking temperatures scorch Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and beyond, the call to action is clear: slather on the sunscreen to banish the possibility of sun-induced wrinkles and a lobster-like back.
In this edition of Scene Styled Picks, we’ve curated a list of the top Middle Eastern and North African sunscreens; regionally made for regional protection, because who knows better?
Zo Skin Health Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50
From Syrian/American founder Zein Obagi, this is a go-to for a reason. This lightweight sunscreen is formulated specifically for sensitive skin. It packs a powerful punch with ZOX12 complex, a blend of antioxidants that fight free radical damage and shield you from sneaky infrared rays (we’re looking at you, premature ageing). It’s also infused with titanium oxide and zinc oxide to block harmful UVA and UVB rays. It also has a self-adjusting tint, keeping those with hyperpigmentation or melasma in mind.
Herbal Essentials Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
This UAE-made sunscreen lotion protects skin with SPF 30 while keeping it happy and hydrated. Packed with natural ingredients like jojoba oil, rosemary oil, and aloe vera, it moisturises deeply and helps fight the signs of ageing. It's a mini oasis for your skin, perfect for those long days under the desert sun.
Alejon Sunscreen Primer SPF 50+
Egyptian Alejon's invisible primer sunscreen with SPF 50+ shields skin from UVA, UVB, and even blue light rays. This multitasking formula also acts as a primer, blurring imperfections and controlling shine for a silky-smooth, long-lasting finish. Plus, it's full of hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and more that hydrate skin, plump it up and fight wrinkles with powerful antioxidants. Basically, it's a sunscreen, makeup primer and anti-aging treatment all in one.
Bassma Boussel Cosmetics Sunscreen SPF 50
This SPF 50 sunscreen by Moroccan fashion designer and former singer Bassma Boussel offers high protection against UVA and UVB rays. It's like an invisible barrier for your skin, keeping it supple and hydrated while preventing loss of elasticity. Remember, reapply every two hours for optimal results!
Cosmaline Sun Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Safe for adults, kids, babies and the planet, as the Lebanese brand breaches. It's free of harsh chemicals and leaves no greasy residue, just a smooth, quick-drying finish. This SPF 50 lotion packs a double punch: it protects against UVA/UVB rays with the help of Vitamin E, keeping skin healthy and youthful, and empowered with Phyto Bioactive Technology. It’s also water-resistant, so you can splash and play worry-free.
SESH Simply ONE 7-in-1 Ultra-Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50+
This Egypt-made sunscreen allows you to ditch the routine. The 7-in-1 sunscreen is a one-stop shop for sun protection. It’s water-resistant, and boasts SPF 50+ and provides a defence against UVA and UVB rays. This ultra-fluid formula absorbs quickly and leaves no white cast, with a non-greasy feel. And to top it off, it has built-in anti-aging benefits and helps reduce dark spots with its Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Dunaliella Salina additions.
Joelle Paris Take Cover Protect and Color All in One SPF 30+
For that glow, this light, oil-free sunscreen is a multitasker's dream. From Beirut-born, UAE-based Joelle Mardinian, the famed makeup artist, TV host and entrepreneur, it comes in three shades and offers built-in SPF 30+ protection, available all over the Middle East. But wait, there's more. This 4-in-1 product acts as a moisturiser, sunblock, concealer and foundation, providing full coverage with a long-lasting matte finish.
Mother Naked Peach Tinted Moisturiser | SPF 30+
Leave it to Egypt’s Mother Naked to properly pamper your skin. Not so nude, the Egyptian cosmetics label’s Peach Tinted Moisturiser is a clean, light-coverage skin tint with built-in SPF 30+ protection for that extra lustre. Created with a blend of Hyaluronic Acids and Niacinamide, this bad boy is all about leaving you soft, supple, and a little bit peachy.
