Skin cancer survivor Frances van der Velden has created a sunscreen that shoppers say blurs imperfections and leaves skin looking youthful. The Golden Glow SPF50+ Dreamscreen, part of her Airyday range, is a three-in-one daily sunscreen, glow booster and makeup primer priced from £39.
From skin cancer diagnosis to SPF brand
Van der Velden was diagnosed with skin cancer at 36 after discovering a spot on her temple, following years of limited sun protection. Reflecting on her motivation, she said: "I rarely wore sunscreen as much as I thought and claimed I had. Wearing it only at the beach, pool or a day out 'enjoying' the sun, cliché sunny moments where we are encouraged to apply sun protection, I realised I hate sunscreen. I couldn't stand the smell, the stickiness, the thickness and felt it did more harm to my skin than good."
"Awareness dawned. Protection was non-negotiable. So, nine stitches later, an all-clear from the Dermatologist and a desire to create something I wanted to wear daily, Airyday was born," she added.
Golden Glow formula and benefits
The Golden Glow SPF50+ Dreamscreen delivers a sun-kissed radiance for those "wanting the holiday skin, minus the sun". Its formula includes Niacinamide, Vegan Collagen to boost skin elasticity, and Vitamins C, E, and F, working together to promote brighter, smoother-looking skin while providing hydration. It also harnesses Blue Oléoactif, a 100% vegetal anti-pollution and anti-blue-light active that protects against urban pollution, reduces hyperpigmentation, and stimulates cellular repair.
The tinted sheer finish provides a golden hue that gives customers the confidence to forgo "heavy foundation during the day". Numerous users have noted that this sheer tint provides a "youthful glow" with a soft-focus effect, minimising the appearance of fine lines without settling into them.
Shopper reviews and alternative options
One glowing review noted: "As someone with mature skin, finding an SPF that doesn't settle into fine lines or make me look flat and chalky is tough. Golden Glow gives a warm, youthful sheen without looking greasy." Another shopper remarked: "LOVE this stuff! Leaves my skin glowy and even, and I feel quite smug knowing I'm also protected by the sun without having to layer another product on."
A further shopper noted: "A truly nice surprise at how wonderful this Golden Glow SPF50+ Dreamscreen is! So easy to apply and not thick or gluggy... It's actually light and easy to forget you have it on!" Fans also commend its formula for mature skin, with one woman in her 60s commenting: "Lovely texture for mature skin. Provides just enough sheer tint to blur imperfections so I don't feel the need to wear heavy foundation during the day."
Alongside Golden Glow, Dreamscreen is available in two further shades: Pearl Glow, offering a fresh, brightening finish, and Bronze Glow, giving a warm, bronzed finish. The sole concern raised by certain users was its peony and champagne scent, which proved "overpowering" for one customer, who wrote: "I like the glow this gives, but I found the scent overpowering and it stings my eyes, unfortunately." Nevertheless, the fragrance has been a welcome detail for most, with one review stating: "Incredible product. I wear this every day; it provides a beautiful glow on its own or under makeup. It is lightweight and has a beautiful, fresh fragrance. Best SPF I have used for my face."
Airyday is not the only brand offering lightweight, grease-free SPF protection. Tatcha's The Milky Sunscreen SPF50, priced at £49, combines vitamin E with ectoin to help deliver moisture and support the skin's natural barrier, while Okinawa aloe soothes dryness and irritation. Supergoop!'s Unseen Sunscreen SPF50, now £29.20 from £36.50 for a 50ml bottle at Lookfantastic, is an invisible, weightless, and scentless broad-spectrum SPF that works as a makeup primer, formulated with skin-grip polymers to create a smooth base and blur pores.
