Singer Olivia Dean has become known for her effortlessly glowing complexion, and this week she let fans in on one of her morning routine secrets. In a recent beauty video for Allure, she revealed she has been skipping her day moisturiser altogether and relying on a single SPF to keep her skin hydrated, protected and radiant.
“Controversial, I’ve been skipping moisturiser and just using SPF,” she explained while applying Ultra Violette’s Queen Screen SPF50+ Luminising Skinscreen Serum. “This one is Ultra Violette SPF50. I think it needs to be SPF50, the sun is really hot… And now we’re protected!”
The clip quickly went viral, and it is not hard to see why. A growing number of people are simplifying their morning routines, and the idea of a single product doing the work of two is highly appealing. With people commenting on the video saying “this is my superbowl” and “I’m here for everything Olivia Dean included”.
But can a facial SPF really replace moisturiser? To help, Cult Beauty in-house beauty expert Rina Teslica explains exactly what to look for.
“We are seeing a real shift towards streamlined routines, and the SPF-as-moisturiser trend makes total sense when you are using the right formula.
The best modern facial SPFs are essentially hybrid skincare products. They are packed with actives like antioxidants, brightening ingredients and skin-smoothing extracts, so you genuinely are not missing out by skipping a separate moisturiser. The key is choosing an SPF50+ with a lightweight, serum-like texture that absorbs beautifully and leaves skin looking dewy rather than greasy. Ultra Violette’s Queen Screen is a great example of this done super well.”
Why skipping moisturiser works, if you choose the right SPF
Not all SPFs are created equal. Traditional sunscreens were designed purely for UV protection, with little thought given to skin feel or additional benefits. The newer generation of facial SPFs, however, are formulated with the same ingredients you would expect to find in a high-performance skincare product, making them genuinely capable of replacing a separate moisturiser step.
The key is looking for a formula that delivers three things alongside its UV protection: deep hydration, a skin-smoothing finish and antioxidant support. Ultra Violette’s Queen Screen SPF50+ does exactly that. Its lightweight, milky-serum texture absorbs quickly without leaving any trace of the thick, chalky residue associated with older sunscreens, and its ingredient list reads more like a serum than a traditional SPF.
How to make SPF your only morning skin step
If you want to try Olivia’s approach, here are a few simple tips to make it work for your skin:
• Cleanse and apply to damp skin. SPF serums absorb more easily and feel more hydrating when applied straight after cleansing, while the skin still holds a little moisture.
• Use the right amount. Apply enough product to cover the full face, neck and any exposed areas. Do not be tempted to use less than you need, as this reduces both the SPF’s hydrating effect and its protective performance.
• Top up throughout the day. If you are spending time outdoors, reapply every two hours for continuous protection.
• Pair with a good evening routine. If you are skipping moisturiser in the morning, a nourishing night cream or facial oil in the evening helps ensure your skin gets the deep conditioning it needs.
Shop the product: Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF50+ Luminising Skinscreen Serum 50ml is available now at Cult Beauty.
