All the rules go out the window when you’re on a summer holiday (and rightfully so). A cocktail before noon? Why not? An afternoon siesta? A must. But if there was one rule to keep it is to apply sunscreen to your face, diligently. Days spent site seeing or laying on a beach will take a toll on your skin. If you want to return home with a summery, glowy complexion that hasn’t been dried out from exposure to the sun, make sure you get your hands on a good face sunscreen. We called on our travel editor and friends at Body+Soul to share their recommendations for the best sunscreens for your face. Here are their top picks to add to your packing list.

Constantina Demos, delicious. Travel Editor, recommends: Ultra Violette Queen Screen 50+

Ultra Violette. Source: Supplied

“Stating the obvious, this face sunscreen is SPF50+ so you know your skin is going to be well protected from the sun throughout the day. What I love even more about it is that is completely colourless when applied, which isn’t always the case with other face sunscreens, especially those with zinc. As someone who has olive skin, I can wear this serum-like sunscreen under tinted moisturiser or make up without the colour of my face being lightened. If you like a dewy finish to your beauty look, you will love this product. It leaves the face with a glowy sheen. Steer clear if you prefer a matte look.” $47, adorebeauty.com.au

Rachel Sharp, Body+Soul Deputy Editor recommends: Coco and Eve Daily Watergel SPF50+ Sunscreen

Coco & Eve. Source: Supplied

“I have super sensitive fair skin that reacts to almost everything chemical-based so finding a sunscreen I can tolerate has always been tricky. This one is free from parabens, sulphates and perfume, and safe for sensitive skin. But it’s the stuff they’ve put in (not left out) that’s really interesting: skin-supporting nutrients like hyaluronic acid (which hydrates), aloe vera (which is anti-inflammatory), and antioxidant vitamin E. It absorbs quickly and sits beautifully under makeup – no white cast, shine or slightly greasy feel. In fact, the result feels more like a primer than a typical sunscreen.” $39 for 60ml, au.cocoandeve.com

Ashleigh Austen, Body+Soul Digital Editor, recommends: Summer Fridays Shade Drops SPF30 Mineral Milk

Summer Fridays. Source: Supplied

“More akin to a serum than a sunscreen, this SPF ticks all the right boxes and then some. It’s lightweight, soaks straight in and sits perfectly under makeup. I’ve also had numerous people ask why my skin was looking so good – and I owe it solely to a liberal slathering of this. For a mineral formula, it blends surprisingly well and it’s also reef-friendly, which is a big plus when planning those winter holiday beach getaways.” $60, mecca.com.au

Holly Berckelman, Body+Soul Online Content Producer, recommends: Airyday Golden Glow SPF50+ Dreamscreen

Airday. Source: Supplied

“Airyday’s sunscreens could convince even the biggest SPF haters to start wearing it daily. The Golden Glow Dreamscreen is highly blendable and leaves skin with a luminous (but not oily), comes-from-within glow, without even a hint of white cast. It’s part-primer, part-sunscreen and soaks into the skin quickly, so there’s no need to wait when applying makeup on top. It’s heavy on the skin-loving ingredients too, including vegan collagen, nicacinamide, blue-light protection and Vitamins C, E an F. And the best part? It smells like Champagne and peonies.” $46.95 from airyday.co

Always practice sun safety

Sunscreen. Source: Supplied

Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Wear a hat, protective clothing and sunglasses when exposed to the sun. Re-apply frequently. More information about sunscreen usage can be found on the TGA website.