Morning rituals: Elevating everyday sun protection

28 January 2026
By Sophie de Renzy

Meet the new generation of sunscreen — smarter, sleeker, and designed to live beautifully beneath your make-up.

In New Zealand, we take the sun seriously — and for good reason. With UV levels among the highest in the world, protection isn’t a seasonal switch-on; it’s a daily discipline. It’s this philosophy that IMAGE Skincare brings to the forefront this summer, spotlighting the Daily Prevention range: a collection of next-generation SPFs that do more than defend, they perform.

Each formula blends advanced broad-spectrum protection with the kind of skin-loving ingredients you’d expect from a premium moisturiser. Deep hydration, antioxidant support, and visible radiance come together without the chalky finish or heavy feel often associated with traditional suncare. Powered by patented XOSMTM technology, the range enhances the delivery of protective antioxidants such as ectoin, vitamin C, and microalgae, helping to shield skin from environmental stress and premature ageing.

The Daily Prevention ultra defense moisturizer SPF 50 ($102) is a standout. Lightweight, invisible across every skin tone, and designed to sit seamlessly under make-up, it transforms everyday sun protection into your essential morning armour. The newly launched nourishing lip balm SPF 30 ($57) is another everyday hero. Compact enough to live in your handbag, it protects one of the most often overlooked areas — the lips — with the same commitment to nourishment and defence.

IMAGE Skincare.
IMAGE Skincare Daily Prevention nourishing lip balm SPF 30, $57.

What sets the IMAGE Skincare Daily Prevention range apart is its simplicity. These multitasking formulas streamline the morning routine, hydrating, priming, and protecting in a single step. For those who view skincare as self-care, this is a ritual worth repeating, an easy way to fortify skin against years of UV exposure.

Throughout summer, IMAGE Skincare encourages you to ensure that SPF is seen as your first line of defence, rather than as an afterthought. Apply generously, reapply regularly, and integrate protection seamlessly into daily life. Healthy, luminous skin doesn’t happen by chance — it’s the result of intentional, consistent care.

Beyond its protective power, the IMAGE Skincare Daily Prevention range embodies a broader ethos: that suncare can be sophisticated, luxurious, and entirely wearable. From sunrise coffee runs to afternoons by the water, it’s about embracing sun safety without compromise.

This article originally appeared in Fashion Quarterly‘s Summer 2026 issue. 

Words: Sophie de Renzy
Photography: Supplied 

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