In New Zealand, sun protection isn’t a summer afterthought — it’s a year-round essential. Our UV levels are among the highest in the world, catching us out on cloudy days, cool spring mornings, and those “just a quick errand” moments that turn into hours outside. From daily facial SPFs to glow-enhancing body formulas, the right sun products aren’t optional — they’re part of looking after your skin for the long haul.
Newly Reformulated mesoestetic® mesoprotech® range
mesoestetic® takes it firmly into high-performance territory with its latest evolution of the mesoprotech® range which proves sunscreen can be as advanced as any clinical skincare treatment.
mesoestetic® develops its formulas in a pharmaceutical laboratory with in-house production and a strong focus on ongoing research, development and innovation. The result? Sun protection that doesn’t just shield the skin – it actively works to defend it.
At the heart of the new mesoprotech® range is PHOTON technology, a patented photoactive innovation that’s activated by solar radiation itself. In simple terms, the sun switches it on – increasing photoprotection exactly when your skin needs it most, while helping prevent both immediate and cumulative sun damage.
Each mesoprotech® sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB, infrared (IR) and high-energy visible (HEV) light, using a sophisticated blend of physical, chemical and biological filters. Just as importantly, the textures are refined, wearable and designed to suit different skin needs – from dry and sensitised to oily and pigment-prone.
The mesoprotech® lineup
mesoprotech hydra cream SPF50+
Designed for dry and dehydrated skin, this comforting cream delivers high-level sun protection while restoring the skin barrier with ceramides and rebalancing prebiotics. Deeply hydrating yet never heavy, it leaves skin soft, supple and resilient.
mesoprotech melan 130 pigment control SPF50+
A cult favourite for a reason. This lightweight, tinted emulsion offers very high UVA/UVB protection while helping prevent and visibly soften pigmentation. Water-resistant and universally flattering, it creates a more even, perfected complexion.
mesoprotech mineral fluid SPF50+
Ideal for sensitive or sensitised skin – including post-treatment – this lightly tinted mineral sunscreen minimises white residue and helps calm reactivity with prebiotics. Dermatologically tested, fragrance-free and water-resistant.
mesoprotech water veil SPF50+
Reformulated with an even lighter feel, Water Veil is perfect for oily to combination skin. Fast-absorbing, non-comedogenic and hydrating, it leaves a fresh, invisible finish that works beautifully under makeup.
Clinically developed, dermatologically tested and trusted by professionals worldwide, mesoprotech® is sun protection for those who want maximum efficacy – without sacrificing comfort, texture or wearability.
Available from mesoestetic® stockists nationwide.
essano’s first-ever Suncare range
This four-piece collection makes SPF feel less like an obligation and more like part of your skincare ritual. It’s sun protection for people who want results and a good skin day.
Formulated with the antipodean climate in mind, the range delivers TGA-regulated SPF 50+ broad-spectrum protection without the heaviness, greasiness, or chalky residue of traditional sunscreens. Instead, each formula is infused with Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, and Vitamin C, wrapped up in ultra-light textures that disappear into the skin – no white cast, no sticky finish.
The essano Suncare lineup
Daily Face Moisturiser SPF50+
A lightweight facial moisturiser offering high-level UVA/UVB protection while hydrating with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. The finish is smooth, matte, and invisible – ideal under makeup or worn bare.
Vitamin C Fluid SPF50+
An ultra-light SPF that feels more like a skincare serum. Powered by Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Jojoba Oil, it brightens, smooths, and protects, while sitting beautifully under foundation.
Hydrate & Glow Body SPF50+
A silky, water-resistant body sunscreen that hydrates and protects while subtle pearlescent mica delivers a soft, all-over glow – sun-kissed skin without the damage.
Moisturising Body SPF50+
An ultra-hydrating, fast-absorbing body sunscreen with a dewy (never sticky) finish and 4-hour water resistance – designed for everyday wear.
With this launch, essano shows that effective sun protection can be simple, elegant, and genuinely enjoyable to use – which is exactly what makes it easy to wear every single day.
Available from Chemist Warehouse, Woolworths, Farmers and online.
MUKTI SOLAR VEIL SPF30
There’s something quietly reassuring about a skincare brand that’s lasted 25 years without losing sight of its original intention. Mukti Organics began as a small, values-led vision – clean, effective skincare made with integrity – and has grown into one of Australia’s most respected certified organic beauty brands, without ever compromising on ingredient transparency or environmental responsibility.
Its Solar Veil SPF30 feels like a natural evolution of that philosophy. A COSMOS Certified Organic, 3-in-1 daily essential, it combines hydration, antioxidant protection and mineral sun defence in one effortless step – ideal for mornings when simplicity matters.
Formulated with a sheer, tinted base, Solar Veil melts seamlessly into the skin, leaving a breathable, dewy finish that looks like healthy skin rather than sunscreen. It’s light, non-greasy and wears beautifully on its own or layered under makeup as a skin-perfecting primer.
Powered by 22% non-nano zinc oxide, it provides broad-spectrum SPF30 protection without synthetic UV filters, silicones or artificial fragrance. Antioxidant-rich botanicals and native Australian extracts help calm, nourish and fortify skin against daily environmental stressors, making it suitable for all skin types – including sensitive and breakout-prone.
MECCA
When summer heat peaks and humidity rises, sunscreen needs to do more than protect – it needs to feel good on the skin. MECCA’s lightweight, high-performance SPFs are designed for exactly that, keeping skin protected, comfortable and shine-free through even the hottest days. These are everyday formulas that defend against UV exposure without heaviness, greasiness or compromise.
MECCA COSMETICA – To Save Face SPF50+
Superscreen
A true modern classic, To Save Face SPF50+ has earned cult status thanks to its wearability as much as its protection. Created in response to customer feedback, it was designed to be an SPF you could use every day, under makeup, without even noticing it’s there.
The texture is luxuriously lightweight and completely invisible, slipping seamlessly between moisturiser and foundation with zero white cast. It delivers high-level SPF50+ protection while remaining undetectable on the skin – dependable, comfortable, and perfectly suited to daily wear under the harsh Australian and New Zealand sun.
Emma Lewisham – Sunceutical™ SPF 50 Mineral Face Crème
Clinically tested and thoughtfully formulated, Sunceutical™ SPF 50 represents a new generation of mineral sun protection. Using 100% zinc oxide, combined with blue light protection and antioxidants, it helps shield skin from UV exposure and environmental stressors while supporting overall skin health.
Although it has a mineral base, the crème is lightweight, non-whitening and deeply hydrating, wearing beautifully on its own or under makeup. Developed with sustainability at its core, it’s sun protection that feels intentional – effective, refined and easy to incorporate into a daily routine.
Available from MECCA stores and online
Avène Sun Protection – Cicalfate+ Multi-Protective Restorative Cream SPF50+
When skin is fragile, reactive or recovering, sun protection needs to do more than shield – it needs to support repair. Avène’s Sun Protection range, anchored by the new Cicalfate+ Multi-Protective Restorative Cream SPF50+, is designed for exactly those moments when skin needs extra care.
Created to protect compromised skin barriers, it delivers very high UVA/UVB protection while actively supporting restoration – making it ideal for those prone to sensitivity, irritation or eczema, as well as post-procedure skin following treatments such as laser, peels or microneedling.
Enriched with Vitamin B5 and Ceramide 3, the formula helps restore hydration, soothe discomfort and reinforce the skin barrier, all while defending against sun damage. Gentle yet effective, it’s dermatologically and clinically tested, fragrance-free, paediatrician approved and water-resistant for up to four hours, making it suitable for daily use on even the most delicate skin.
For those seeking lightweight daily protection, Avène Sunsitive® Sunscreen Fluid SPF50+ is another standout. Specifically developed in Australia for harsh ANZ conditions, this fast-absorbing facial sunscreen offers very high broad-spectrum protection with a dry-touch, invisible finish.
Formulated with Vitamin E and Aloe Vera, it hydrates while providing antioxidant support, sits comfortably under makeup and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth – with no white cast.
For easy, all-over application, the Avène SPF50+ Sunscreen Spray offers very broad-spectrum protection for sensitive skin in a photostable, silicone-free formula that leaves no white streaks – ideal for active days and on-the-go reapplication.
Available exclusively at leading pharmacies nationwide and online.
BLUNT Umbrellas
Sun protection doesn’t always have to come from a tube. Enter BLUNT umbrellas, the ultimate combination of style, engineering and sun defence. Many BLUNT models are designed with specialised UV fabrics offering UPF 50+, blocking up to 99% of harmful UV rays – so you can create instant shade wherever you go, whether it’s a stroll through the city or a day at the beach.
While all BLUNT umbrellas provide some UV protection, models like the Metro UV and Classic UV are specifically engineered for sun defence. Their blackout canopies not only keep you cool and shielded, but they’re also tough enough to withstand both sun and rain, making them a versatile, everyday companion.
Practical, protective and sleek, a BLUNT umbrella is sun-smart living elevated to a lifestyle accessory.
Blunt Umbrellas can be found at good department stores, or online.