Welcome to Storytelling Capsules, a rotating feature at The Beauty Edit Gallery in Spatio. Each edition tells a beauty story curated for every mood, moment, and muse—translated into mini collections or “beauty capsules” you can discover, experience, and shop. In this edition, we explore sunscreens for every skin story—helping you discover the formula that feels made for you.
The invisible formula so weightless it’s unseen? Or the easy, quick spray that makes reapplication a breeze? With countless sunscreen options, the problem isn’t finding one—it’s figuring out which formula your skin needs most.
Nowadays, it’s no surprise if it all feels overwhelming. Choosing a sunscreen that protects and supports your skin’s health can be tricky. The good news? There’s a sunscreen out there that fits like skincare—one that feels as good as it performs.
Here, we break down the basics with a quick guide to help you narrow down your sunscreen roster and find one that fits seamlessly into your routine.
The Basics of Sunscreen
The more we understand what we put on our skin, the more intentional we become—a reflection of how discerning we are about what truly works. And while sunscreen is often seen simply as protection, there’s far more beneath the surface. Let’s take a quick refresher.
Two main types of UV rays harm the skin in different ways. UVB rays burn the surface—causing redness and peeling—while UVA rays penetrate deeper, contributing to premature aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
To shield against both, sunscreens offer two types of protection. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures defense against UVB rays, which cause visible burns. For UVA protection, look for PA ratings or broad-spectrum formulas, which guard against the rays we don’t always see but our skin definitely feels.
In other words, SPF alone isn’t the full picture—and using it as a catch-all term can be misleading. The real goal? A sunscreen that offers full-spectrum protection and fits your skin like a natural step in your routine.
Still, sunscreen doesn’t do all the heavy lifting; the discipline to use it daily is what makes it effective. The format you choose—gel, cream, mist, or stick—helps turn sunscreen from a chore into a habit.
Find Your Match
Finding your perfect sunscreen can take time—and often more trial and error than we’d like. In skincare, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all, but the best choices are always the ones that feel right for your skin. Here’s a quick guide to help you discover the formula that fits you best.
Your Skin Story: Oily / Acne-Prone
If shine is your everyday battle, reach for a sunscreen that feels like nothing on the skin. Oily and acne-prone types thrive with lightweight, mattifying formulas that keep protection high and the residue low. Look for oil-free or non-comedogenic options that balance sebum production while preventing clogged pores.
The Match: Invisible Gel or Gel-Like Cream
A standout pick: VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Face Cover 30. Designed for everyday high protection, this lightweight cream sunscreen helps prevent skin darkening, photo-aging, melasma, and even skin cancer. Its pore-friendly formula creates a breathable, soothing shield for oily and acne-prone skin, blocking the full spectrum of indoor and outdoor light—UVA, UVB, Infrared, and Visible Light. Gentle yet effective, it defends against environmental stressors without clogging pores or leaving a greasy feel.
VMV Hypoallergenics Face Cover 30
₱2,000/85g, Spatio
The Skin Story: Dry
When skin feels dry or tight, your sunscreen can double as a moisturizer. Dry skin can benefit from creamy, cushiony formulas that don’t just protect but also nourish and comfort. Look for sunscreen infused with emollients, ceramides, or humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid—ingredients that lock in hydration and strengthen the skin barrier while shielding it from UV damage. Think of it as protection and nourishment in one.
The Match: Lotion or Cream
When it comes to hydration, cream and lotion sunscreen textures are the ultimate multitaskers—locking in moisture while delivering reliable UV protection. Their rich, velvety finish creates a cushion of comfort that helps prevent tightness and flaking.
Among our favorites: Popique Protect Me Lightweight Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ PA++++, a silky lotion-type formula that hydrates as it shields. Infused with niacinamide and Centella asiatica, it soothes and strengthens the barrier, leaving a smooth, radiant finish that feels more like skincare than sunscreen.
Popique Protect Me Lightweight Sunscreen Lotion [SPF 50+ PA++++]
₱599/40ml, Spatio
The Skin Story: Dull
Dullness often comes from sun exposure, pollution, and slow cell turnover—factors that leave skin looking tired and uneven. Sunscreens infused with niacinamide work double-duty: While shielding against UV damage, they help restore radiance by strengthening the skin barrier, smoothing texture, and fading discoloration for a brighter, healthier-looking glow.
The Match: Skincare-Infused
Meet Small Steps Skin Ultra Light Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++, a weightless daily protector that does more than guard against UV rays. Powered by niacinamide to boost brightness and even out tone, and allantoin to soothe and comfort, this gel-based formula melts seamlessly into the skin for a hydrated, non-greasy finish. It’s a sunscreen that feels like skincare—cooling, calming, and effortlessly radiant.
Small Steps Skin Ultra Light Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++
₱449/50ml, Spatio
The Skin Story: Sensitive
For those with sensitive skin, less is more. Irritated skin responds best to mineral-based sunscreens that rely on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide—gentle, non-penetrating filters that sit on the skin’s surface to reflect UV rays rather than absorb them. Unlike chemical filters, these ingredients are far less likely to trigger irritation or stinging. The rule of thumb: avoid fragrance, alcohol, and harsh actives, and reach for soothing, cushiony textures that protect while calming the skin.
The Match: Mineral-based
Mineral sunscreens have a soft, creamy texture, and newer nano-zinc formulations glide on seamlessly, creating an invisible shield that feels gentle, breathable, and non-irritating.
Our recommendation: Clocheflame DND Sun SPF 50 PA++++ Broad Spectrum, which uses nano zinc oxide and mineral filters to deliver strong, broad-spectrum protection without the heaviness. The formula blends effortlessly into the skin and soothes as it shields, making it ideal for sensitive or post-treatment skin that can’t tolerate harsh ingredients.
Clocheflame DND Sun SPF 50 PA++++ Broad Spectrum,
₱599/50ml, Spatio
The Skin Story: On-The-Go
Being under the sun is non-negotiable if you lead an active lifestyle—and for that, durability is key. Long-wearing, water- or sweat-resistant formulas are essential to keep up with your pace, offering protection that stays put even with movement.
When it comes to convenience and refreshment, mist sunscreens are the ultimate go-to. Their weightless texture layers easily over makeup or skincare, making reapplication effortless throughout the day. Just remember—they’re best used as a top-up rather than your first layer, since coverage can be uneven with sprays.
The Match: Easy-to-use Spray
For a quick spritz, Beach Hut Max SPF 100++ Sunscreen Spray is a no-fuss, no-stick sun armor designed for all-day adventures. This clear, ultra-protective spray keeps up with every sweaty, sunny, upside-down kind of day—drying quickly without residue or white cast. Maximum defense meets total ease, so you can move, swim, and sweat without missing a beat.
Beach Hut Max SPF100++ Sunscreen Spray,
₱639, 150ml, Spatio
The Skin Story: Adaptive
Sun protection isn’t one-size-fits-all. In the city, skin faces not just UV rays but also pollution, heat, and reflected light from glass and concrete—factors that accelerate oxidation and dullness. Outdoors, exposure intensifies as sunlight bounces off water, sand, and metal, amplifying UV impact and dehydration. Adapting your defense means choosing a sunscreen that can handle both environments with equal ease.
The Match: Versatile Lotion
The Sun People Sun Seeker SPF 50+ PA++++ does exactly that: a reef-safe, lightweight formula that shields and balances skin through city heat, long drives, and seaside air. Its high broad-spectrum protection defends against daily UV stress while remaining breathable and stable in harsher outdoor conditions—because constant movement calls for adaptable skin defense.
Sun Seeker SPF 50+ PA++++ Face and Body Sunscreen Lotion
₱545/100ml, Spatio
Building Your Sun Armor
Understanding the many layers of sunscreen helps us see its real power—and how to make the most of it. But even if your bottle boasts a high SPF and PA rating, no formula lasts forever. Throughout the day, sun exposure, sweat, and daily movement gradually wear down its protection. That’s why reapplication is essential: every two hours, or immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. Because real protection isn’t about one generous layer—it’s about the consistency that keeps your skin covered, cared for, and resilient under any sun.
The key to real protection lies in applying smart—not necessarily in layering multiple formulas. One good sunscreen can be enough, as long as you apply and reapply it properly. After all, too many layers can feel heavy and aren’t always sustainable for daily use.
Still, format matters. Start your morning with a broad-spectrum sunscreen—one with a high SPF for UVB defense and a strong PA rating for UVA coverage. From there, choose the texture that best fits your routine: a lotion or gel makes the perfect base, a mist offers easy refreshes over makeup, and a stick works best for precise touch-ups on high-exposure areas like the nose, cheeks, and shoulders. Each format plays a role, helping you stay consistent and protected throughout the day.
At its core, sunscreen is more than a shield—it’s a ritual of care. Every mindful reapplication and every considered choice builds toward one thing: stronger, healthier skin that lasts beyond the season.
Shop these sunscreens and more at The Beauty Edit Gallery at Spatio, located on the 3rd floor of Opus Mall, Bridgetowne Destination Estate, Quezon City. An editorial-led retail concept—and the first-of-its-kind in the local scene—the gallery spotlights indie innovators, cult icons, and niche trailblazers shaping F-beauty today.
