As a beauty editor, every spring would herald a deluge of new sunscreens to roadtest. Every time I headed off to exotic climes I would grab a couple from the stash and dutifully put them through their paces.
Over the years there are some that have impressed me so much I now have a carefully edited foursome that I buy, year on year.
NIA24 Sun Damage Prevention Sunscreen, £38
Last summer I was pregnant and wanted a 100% mineral sunscreen in a high-factor. This stuff ain’t cheap but it’s quick to absorb (no white marks which you often get with a physical sunscreen), it’s oil-free and lightweight, plus as I only use it on my face and the backs of my hands, a little goes a long way. The main reason I’m sticking with it is the added ‘Pro-Niacin’ ingredient that actually repairs past sun damage. I spent a significant chunk of my childhood baking in the south of France which equals age spots and dark spots waaaay before my time. I’m hoping with prolonged use these will improve. It’s currently in the SPACE NK sale for £23.
Estee Lauder, Bronze Goddess Sunscreen SPF 15, £22
Now for the body. I won’t go abroad without a new tube of this stuff. Not only does it smell incredible, it is like slathering on a luxurious body cream. Super hydrating, it gives just the right level of gleam without any stickiness or cloying feeling. Unfortunately I have got the OH addicted too. The sunless tanner in the same range is also excellent.
Kerastase Soleil, Micro-voile protecteur, £16.05
When it comes to protecting your hair from the sun, prevention is definitely better than a cure. Especially when it comes to coloured tresses. A fine mist of this UV defense from Kerastase on damp hair before you hit the pool, then a top up every time you apply sunscreen, is enough to eschew straw-like ends, brassy highlights and generally frazzled locks. If I’m on a typical sun and sea holiday every couple of nights I’ll apply an overnight hair treatment like ESPA’s pink hair and scalp mud, to really keep my hair in tip-top condition.
Institut Esthederm Adaptasun sensitive skin tanning face cream for normal to strong sun, £35
As a fair skinned Celt, I am prone to heat rash on my face and as I am also a complete lizard and love basking in the sun rays, at some point on holiday it is inevitable that it will appear.
This sensitive sun screen from Institut Esthederm is fantastic, my irritated skin still gets a high level of protection but also a much-needed breather from heavier formulas. I have even managed to wean a few friends off their £100-a-go Sisley sunscreen habit this stuff is so good.
Oh and because it’s Friday and the sun is out:
View Comments (2)
Adorrrre and buying all immediately...
Now darling, i've been slathering self in la roche posay and errol in mustela baby - but am concerned re chemicals on his body. Sometimes his face goes blotchy after i put it on.... But is that better than burning? Help me oh sage one.
Also, what bronzers? Have used bobbi brown natural light for years but am fking sick of it breaking.
Right - I am actually roadtesting organic/chemical-free baby sunscreens at the mo so will post in a few weeks but so far Aubrey sunscreen is v. good. Easy to rub in on wriggle legs and SPF 30+ for sensitive skin. Packaging looks US so prob find it in NYC.
Now bronzers, that's a whole new post - do you like a matte or something with a bit of highlighter? If matte then head directly to Benefit, Hoola is my bronzer of choice. Or if you like a bit of highlighter then I'm afraid to say I'm with Bobbi Brown shimmer brick all the way. You can use an isolated brick to highlight under brows etc and a whole sweep with a big brush over nose/temples/collarbones etc. Beige Shimmer is v. subtle. Not too shimmery. CF x