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Oh blimey, the summer’s almost over (the air was distinctly autumnal when I went out to feed the chickens this morning) (most twattish thing I’ve ever written) (let’s move on) and I still have a dozen or so sunscreen reviews to edit and post. If I wait until next spring they’ll never happen, so I’m at least going to make an attempt to get a few of them done. Starting with this one, the Murad City Skin Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 50.

I get loads of requests for mineral sunscreen recommendations; some people don’t get on with chemical filters, others feel more secure with the very full and instant block that mineral sunscreens can provide. I used to sidestep mineral sunscreens because (we’re going back many years, now) the formulas tended to be heavier and chalkier than the ones with chemical filters, but it’s safe to say that’s no longer the case.

In fact, over the past few months, some of the standout sunscreens I’ve tried have surprised me by being mineral (ie, using titanium oxide and zinc oxide) – silky, refined and without any weird, ghostly residue, they’ve performed brilliantly and have provided a good base for makeup. I love the Intral SPF50 from Darphin which is incredibly lightweight and – importantly for those with sensitive skin – alcohol free, and the Clinique Mineral SPF30 is great for the same reasons.

But it’s the Murad City Skin that I want to talk about today, notable for its intensely moisturising formula. It seems that many sunscreens are recommended for their “non-greasy finish” or “oil-absorbing powers” but what about those people who would like a dewier feel or who crave a little bit of a comfortable, bouncy residue?

Moisture-cravers need look no further; Murad’s City Skin Mineral SPF50 is joyfully juicy and skin-quenching and keeps the face feeling supple and elastic. Yet, amazingly, the finish is more velvet than dewy – the feel is dewy, but the appearance is far from greasy or shiny.

Browse more sunscreen reviews…

I actually pulled this sunscreen from my basket (big basket) of untested sunscreen samples for two reasons: the first was that Murad do some other excellent SPFs including one called Invisiblur* which very effectively veils the skin in a sort of “soft focus” magic cloak; the second reason was that I had been testing Murad’s City Skin Overnight Detox Moisturiser, a really potent, hydrating and brightening night cream from the same range. I still need to write that one up (someone give me more hours, more hours in the day, I say!) but suffice to say it’s so good that I was compelled to try the sunscreen.

The opening line in my (as yet unedited) draft of the night moisturiser reads something like “not everyone wants a residue-less, completely satin finish; this face cream is for the people who like it dewy” – and I’d say that I could easily have started this sunscreen post with the same words.

If you’re after broad spectrum protection from the sun’s rays along with a load of antioxidants for an extra boost, if you’re after a juicy, moisturising sunscreen that won’t melt off, if you want mineral filters with no white cast…this one’s for you. It’s not the cheapest, so do consider whether or not the price will prevent you from applying it in sufficient amounts, but if you want to invest in a daily, high protection sunscreen that doesn’t require a separate moisturiser (I find this more than hydrating enough when applied straight after serum) then take a look.

Murad City Skin Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 50 is £45 at Amazon here*.

If you’re not strictly after a mineral sunscreen but like the idea of extra hydration, take a look at my CeraVe review here. The CeraVe is a fraction of the price (and lower SPF) but does have the same hydrating silkiness. If you’re after mineral sunscreen with high protection but like a lighter feel then check out the Darphin one mentioned earlier – that’s here*.