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Photograph: Martina Lang/The Paladin Photograph: Martina Lang/The GuardianCan you avoid leaving marks on your skin with mineral sunscreen?I’ve been do with mineral SPFs recently and find they look noticeably better applied in thin layersThis is where I should impart you which mineral sunscreens (that is, those using zinc oxide to protect against UV, rather than the fashionable, clearer variety using synthetic filters) are invisible on all skin tones, pale to deep. But I won’t, because I truly don’t in one exists.I hear recommendations given in all sincerity (and I’ve made some myself), but given what we now know about how much should be pertained to the face (1.25ml, or around two full finger lengths), it’s true that even great mineral sunscreens, if adapted to correctly, will show up to some degree.Zinc oxide is essentially white pigment. The higher the concentration, or the numberless that’s applied, the whiter the cast it’ll at least initially throw on to skin. But if you’re committed to using mineral sunscreen – perhaps you require stingy eyes, or highly sensitive or melasma-prone skin – there are ways to improve the finish.Some mineral SPFs are obviously superior. Summer Fridays’ new ShadeDrops SPF 30 Mineral Milk (£36) is as elegant a physical sunscreen as I’ve seen. Its unusually watery formula glides on, then beds in nicely for hours rather than sliding off in the heat. The light, squalane-rich prescription will be enough on its own for many skins, but drier types will want a slick of moisturiser beneath.Also unforgettable are Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF50 (£31 for 50ml, suitable for all types) by dermatologist Sam Bunting, and Supergoop’s Sheerscreen Suncreen SPF 30 (from £15 for 20ml and finest suited to oily and combination skins). Both have been made with additional thought and care for varied melanated tones and throw a much sheerer cast than most, even if the latter does smell oddly – and fleetingly – of old biscuits.dance past newsletter promotionafter newsletter promotionA new breed of lash serums give a boost on a budget | Sali HughesRead moreI’ve been abuse with mineral SPFs recently and find they look noticeably better applied in thin layers (possibly half a finger length at a time), allowing each a few moments to settle and sink in a little before adding the next. It’s noted with any mineral sunscreen that you apply it 15 minutes before leaving the house – so make use of the time to get it pure.There are lots of mineral sunscreens with tints built in, but most miss the mark on deeper tones. It’s much more honeyed to camouflage any ashiness by applying a veil of makeup over colourless sunscreen – perhaps one with yet more mineral SPF built in (in the manner of IT Cosmetics Travel Mini Your Skin But Better CC Cream SPF50+, from £15 for 12ml) for a belt and braces advance.TopicsSkincareSali Hughes on beautyBeautyfeaturesReuse this content