Murad City Skin Age Defense SPF50 PA ++++

This must be my third bottle of Murad City Skin since I was introduced to it back in 2020 and it has been one of those products that I simply cannot be without.  Sun cream, lotion call it what you will, is one of those products that for the face, divides opinion.  For me, if it is too thick then it is a no, if it leaves my skin with a white cast, then it is also a no and the same goes for leaving me with greasy, tacky and irritated.  For my face, I can count on one hand which brands I will use.  This is one of them.

The Murad City Skin Age Defense is a mineral, broad spectrum SPF50 PA+++ sunscreen which is suitable for all skin types including those which are sensitive and oily. I sit within the combination-oil category but with dry patches of skin, so come the afternoon, I can be quite shiny, so I need a product which doesn't slide off as soon as it is applied or re-applied.

Packaged in a handy bottle with a nozzle applicator, the sunscreen from Murad was not as I was expecting it to be. It has a slight pinky-beige colour, which doesn't transfer to the skin when applied, rather than being bright white and for me, it is just a dream to use.  Coming from Murad, it is of course more than just a sunscreen, it also works to colour correct and even your skin tone with no ashy residue left behind.

It also helps shield your skin against multiple types of light damage—whether indoor blue light from screens or outdoor UVA and UVB and as well as being a 100% mineral sunscreen, it has some pretty impressive ingredients within the list which include:

• Luetin - this is an antioxidant which comes from Marigold flowers and it helps to defend against blue light
• Iron Oxides - to help protect against infrared radiation

Added to these two you also get the usual Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide which provide the mineral broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, but even more interesting is the inclusion of a polymer matrix that is said to help prevent the adhesion and penetration of toxins to help defend the skin from these common aggressors found in modern life - pollution, infra-red radiation and blue light - so it works perfectly in tandem with other ingredients within this sunscreen.

For me, I adore the lightweight texture when it is applied to my skin, more so because it is going onto my face, I really don’t like overly thick sunscreens which leave your skin just feeling heavy with products. With Murad City Skin, you don’t get that at all, you don’t even know it has been applied and there is no scent either.

Priced at £60 for 50ml does put this product on the pricier side of sunscreen but, it is worth every single penny when it’s a product that lasts for a good length of time, it is easy to wear every single day, it has an amazing texture and is 100% mineral broad spectrum PA++++ and SPF 50.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Lotion SPF 50+ PA++++

Whether it is sunny or not, SPF is an absolute essential must-have product, its as important as your lip balm or your highlighter and it is one conversation I always with friends and colleagues as to just how important it is.  From the Body Shop comes a product you all absolutely need and that is Skin Defence Multi-Protection Lotion SPF 50+ PA++++

I am really picky with sun cream, especially for the face, like all creams, I don't like to use anything that is too thick and looks as though you have covered yourself from head to toe in white emulsion that never sinks in, sticks to everything and makes you all sweaty.

Ready for a new addition to your fave Skin Defence range? Meet our best protection ever. We’ve created a new facial moisturising lotion that combines high SPF 50+ PA++++, 24hr moisturisation and anti-pollution protection. Fast-absorbing and non-greasy, this new multitasker has an improved matrix of UV filters – that’s a fancy way of saying it helps protect skin against UV rays. That includes UVA, which penetrates deeper and causes the appearance of pigmentation and discolouration.

As you can see, this SPF is not only weightless, it is fast-absorbing with an invisible finish and it leaves no white cast on the skin.  I love the formula, it has a super-fluid texture that doesn't give you that feeling of clogged pores or that dreaded greasy feeling that some SPF's leave behind.  Instead, this feels lighter than a serum on the skin.

As all SPF's should have and do, this one not only feels moisturising, it also offers a high level broad spectrum daily coverage against UVA and UVB rays. It is enriched with hyaluronic acid, red algae extract and vitamin C, so not only does it moisturise your skin, it also helps to protect it from multiple aggressors both indoors and outdoors. It’s going to help your skin look brighter and healthier too.

Benefits

• It has SPF 50+ PA++++ UVA/UVB protection 
• Helps protect against the appearance of pigmentation and premature ageing 
• Helps protect skin against indoor and outdoor pollution  
• Suitable for sensitive skin 
• Dermatologically tested 
• Non-comedogenic 
• Vegan

I have become a huge fan of this Multi-Protection Lotion and have been to my local store to re-fill my bottles which I wrote about here, but to also buy another one of these tubes, which you can get a 40ml for £16 or a 60ml tube for £22 and it is worth every single penny, it slots into my handbag so I can re-apply as and when I need to and the fact it is so easy to wear and apply gives me everything I need with those added benefits mentioned above.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Institut Esthederm Sun Care

There is still very much an obsession that you only need to wear sun cream when the sun is out, I hear it from friends and colleagues in the warmer months that they must 'grab some sun cream' instead of it being something they think about all year round, those 365 days that you should be wearing it and it is a conversation that needs to change.  I do wear sun cream every single day and it is as important a part of your skincare routine as your serums, moisturisers and make up.  I have fair skin and thus need a decent level of protection from those pesky UVA AND UVB rays and because I have two patches of pigmentation/dark spots on my forehead from sun damage from when I was younger, I am conscious that I do all I can to protect them from any further deterioration.

Institut Estherderm kindly sent over two products from their Sun Care range which I am sharing with you today. First is the Adaptasun Sensitive Protective Face Care, Strong Sun and the second product is their After Sun Firming Anti-wrinkle Face Care.  Unlike most brands, Institut Estherderm use the UV index which is used in meteorology and also recommended by the World Health Organisation, so on their packaging you will see the words Low Sun, Normal to Strong Sun and Strong Sun being the highest form of coverage.

When I pick my sun care, I am incredibly picky about what I will and will not use on my skin, especially my face.  As well as wanting good quality products, I also want a formula which is non-greasy or tacky and one which doesn't leave my skin as though I have covered it in a block of lard. Ideally, I like something that is similar to the texture of a serum or a lightweight moisturiser and easy to apply.  I get all of those with this Adaptasun Sensitive Protective Face Care (£41 50ml).  This sun protection cream helps to prepare skin for sun exposure, whilst at the same time working to prevent the visible signs of photo-ageing on the skin and better still, it is designed for use both before and during periods of prolonged sun exposure.

The advice when using this product is to apply it  in advance of sun exposure to help prepare skin, ideally applying to the face and décolleté 20 minutes before exposure and then remembering to reapply every two hours for maximum efficacy.  On the skin, whilst the formula is really lightweight and it applies so smoothly, you don't even know it is there.  There is no after-greasy feel and I am now wanting to try the rest of the collection because it has been such a nice product to use.

The second product, After Sun Firming Anti-wrinkle Face Care (£38 50ml) is described as being a soothing, repairing anti-wrinkle cream which works to rehydrate and calm warm sensations after sun exposure. I have, until now, not come across an After Sun product that I have continuously reached for, but this I absolutely love using.

The fluid-like texture is cooling when applied and its job is to restructure and smooth wrinkles and fine lines.  I find this cream, which is definitely more serum-like to be really hydrating without being greasy, tacky or too heavy on the skin, and whilst one of its jobs is to prolong and enhance your tan, for me, the importance is limiting the damage caused by over-exposure in the sun.

Sun cream is a product that we should all be using and still many only reach out for it during the warmer months of the year, high street stores are quick to put up their offerings as soon as the Summer months arrive rather than all year round, so when you find a product you really like to use, stock up and use it every single day, not only will your skin thank you for it, you will be thanking yourself for it.  Brands like Institut Esthederm make it easy to love a product and want to use it, rather than put it off.

Available from SpaceNK*, Lookfantastic*, NAOS Store, Feelunique* and Escentual 

to name just a few.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

YSL Pure Shots Airthin UV Defender SPF50++

As well as having some of the most incredible lipsticks, YSL also have a skincare range, which until a few months ago I had never come across, but now I am pretty obsessed with it. The product I have been using is the YSL Pure Shots Airthin UV Defender.

Described as being a lightweight urban protection for fresh, youthful skin.  We all know that exposure of the skin to those harmful rays of the sun, alongside pollution and dust all accelerate signs of premature ageing and can lead to the skin feeling clogged, suffocated and that is before we mention the skins texture, the impact on wrinkles and pigmentation.

I have an issue with sunscreen, I don't like overly thick products which make the skin feel greasy, tacky or as though you have trowelled on the foundation. Over the years I have tried as many different sun protections brand as I can get my hands on and I can count on one hand, the number of brands I like to use.  From YSL, the selling point of this product is the word 'Airthin', which is exactly what it is when referencing the texture of this product.

The YSL Pure Shots Airthin UV Defender SPF50+ has a very thin, almost milky consistency and on the skin, not only does it spread with ease, it does so without leaving that much hated  thick layer of sun cream on your face and nor does it change how your makeup sits on the skin.   It also contains a few skin-loving ingredients which includes the likes of both citrus peel and Niacinamide.  My skin absolutely loves products which contain Niacinamide and it is known for its ability to strengthen the skin's barrier which in turn helps the skin combat those external aggressors, such as pollution and dust.  The citrus peel from a lemon, which hails from Morocco, is used because of its ability to protect the skin from oxidative stress and because it also contains essential oils, there is also the inclusion of flavonoids and vitamin C.

As you can see, this product is packaged inside a white tube which features a small nib, allowing you to control how much product is applied. I absolutely love the lightweight texture of this Airthin UV Defender, it is as the name suggests, as light as air and as well as leaving my skin feeling hydrated. It also boasts the ability to to resist heat and humidity and makes a really good makeup base if needed.

The YSL Pure Shots Airthin UV Defender SPF50+ is available now for £38 for 30ml and you can find with via YSL*, Selfridges* and Lookfantastic* to name just a few sites.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Ultrasun UV Face & Scalp Mist SPF50

Leading Swiss Professional Sun Care brand Ultrasun has launched a brand new product to its collection, meet the UV Face & Scalp Mist SPF50. Ultrasun is a brand I am fairly new too and  I attended a Zoom masterclass featuring this launch back in March and I have been using it ever since.  I am sure like me, you will love it.

I am the first to admit that whilst I wear an SPF every single day, I am really picky about what products I will use and most of the time it comes down to how the formula feels on my skin, particularly my face, upon which I don't think thick gloopy sun cream that feels greasy and tacky when applied.  That said, the importance of wearing sun protection is right up there high on the list of an every day must wear product, even whilst I am working from home.

From Ultrasun we have a mist which delivers very high UVA and UVB protection in what is described as being an incredible lightweight, easy, non-greasy, quick-drying transparent mist.  This mist is gentle enough for the most sensitive of skin and it contains the antioxidant complex InfraGuard®. This powerful antioxidant complex which contains sunflower shoots known to inhibit light induced skin ageing also protect the skin from harmful UVA, UVB, blue light and infrared rays

This transparent, ultra-absorbent mist can be worn on top of, or beneath make-up and it is ideal for using as a top-up throughout the day to make sure that your skin is always protected.  But not just your skin, the selling point for me with this mist is that you can also use it to protect your scalp, part of the body, like the ears, that most people forget to protect.

As mentioned, the mist is ultra-light and when sprayed on the scalp, it doesn't make the hair greasy and there is no white residue left behind like you often find with a dry shampoo, when I use this on my scalp, particularly if my hair has a parting on show and then on my hairline. When using, I hold the can at arms length and then lightly spray and wait for a few seconds before I finish styling my hair. 

When using on the face, this for me is the last part of my routine and again, following the instructions on the can,  you are told to shake the can well before using and then holding it roughly 15cm from your face, spray in a horizontal fashion evenly, avoiding the eyes and mouth.

This Ultrasun UV Face & Scalp Mist SPF50 is the perfect size for slotting into your handbag and is easy to use on the go, so you can top up your sun care as and when you feel it is appropriate to do so.  It is also vegan, Halal and cruelty-free.

Ultrasun UV Face & Scalp Mist SPF50 (75ml) launched on May 1st and it is priced at £18. Available from qvcuk.com, Marks & Spencer*, BeautyBay*, and Ultrasun.com

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Tropic Skincare's ALL NEW Sun Protection Range

I am a huge fan of Tropic Skincare and have featured them regularly on my blog for some time and today I am sharing the newly launched suncare collection, which given the weather we have just had and are continuing to enjoy, is amazing timing.

The collection from Tropic is described as being 'Reef-safe' and it offers defence against UVA and UVB rays in formulas which are both silky and hydrating plus, they also protect against daily pollution and blue light damage.

Introducing a groundbreaking range of broad-spectrum, water-resistant sun protection, formulated using certified reef-safe ingredients. Caring for our planet is more important than ever, and we feel modern sun care should not only protect our skin, but also our oceans. 

What I love is that these are the first products in Europe to wear the Protect Land + Sea seal of approval. and it is worth mentioning that proceeds from each purchase will also go towards funding education with Tropic's charity partnership with United World Schools.

Choosing your sunscreen can be quite a difficult choice, for me one of the factors is how it makes my skin feel. I cannot stand creams or lotions which are thick and gloopy and feel as though they are just sitting on the skin's surface. With these products from Tropic, you get incredibly lightweight formulas, so lightweight you don't even know you are wearing them, they're not sticky, there is no white residue, they don't make your skin feel greasy and I have found them to be quite hydrating too. 

The Tropic sun protection range:

Sun Stick  - This is my favourite product of the range and one I always have in my pocket or in my bag when I go for my daily walk. 

The Sun stick is a bit of a multitasking product and it has been designed to be applied frequently to areas that are especially prone to sun exposure, such as the face and shoulders, though it can also be used on the lips, forehead, tops of the ears, elbows and any other area that you might have forgotten about. It offers an SPF50 and is enriched with some nourishing ingredients which include Vitamin E, Marshmallow Root Extract, Tamanu Oil and Green Algae Extract. Priced at £20 17g.

 

Great Barrier Sun Lotion - This lotion has the options of being available as an SPF15, 30 or 50 and is not only water-resistant but also sweat-resistant too. As with the rest of this collection, this mineral sun protection uses reef-safe chemical filters and it has an incredibly silky yet hydrating formula which is enriched with coconut extract, green algae, vitamin E all of which work to shield skin from UV rays and free radical damage as well as to soothe skin exposed to high temperatures helping to repair and rejuvenate skin. 

For me, the scent of coconut really makes this a delight to use, it is almost like pretending you are laid by the pool with a mojito in hand! Priced at £28 200ml or £18 100ml.

Sun Day Facial UV Defence  - I never ever leave the house without SPF and I even wear it in the house too, yes really! Sun Day Facial UV Defence is possibly the most lightweight facial cream I have ever tried on my skin.

As well as being lightweight, it is also transparent and can also be used as a primer, so quite the multi-tasker of a product and being honest, I am happy to use it as it is, without makeup.  It is enriched with Hyaluronic acid which boosts the skins moisture levels, then there is banana flower and hibiscus extracts which together offer unbelievable pollution protection and anti-inflammatory benefits and then Plant Polymers, which are also worth a mention because they work together with prebiotics to prime the skin for flawless makeup application. Available in two sizes it costs £24 for 40ml or £10 for 15ml.

Skin Shade Sun Cream - This is much more of a sun cream than a lotion as the formula is that little bit thicker, though not so thick it doesn't sink in. Despite the formula being that bit heavier, it isn't greasy or tacky on the skin and again no white residue in sight once applied.

it is available in SPF 15, 30 and 50 and is described as being packed full of nourishing oils and antioxidant-rich extracts for all-round protection. So ingredients you will find include Kahai and Rocou oils which are rich in omega fatty acids to keep skin super-soft and nourished, Kakadu and Illawarra Plum extracts to soothe and calm and Cassava and Rapeseed Resin which is said to be naturally derived resins which offer highly effective water resistance. Priced at £28 200ml or £18 100ml.

Skin Shade Tinted Facial Sun Cream- This is a product I have used and enjoyed a whole lot more than I was expecting too if I am honest. I find 'tinted' products really hit and miss usually, but I gave it a try and was surprised. During these hot weather days, there is not a chance I am wearing makeup, other than possibly mascara, but that is a commitment. What I do prefer is something light, subtle and if there is a bit of coverage then I am happy. This ticks a lot of boxes - it offers sheer, dewy coverage and is not only water-resistant but is also SPF50. Add to that, it's packed full of antioxidant-rich, protective ingredients such as Golden Jojoba Oil, Wild Hibiscus Flower, Passion Flower Oil which all work together to shield your skin from free radicals and UV rays.

It's available in either light/medium which is the shade I have, or medium/dark. When applied, you do need to blend it a lot more than your mineral sunscreen to get the perfect base, but I have found it really easy to do. Priced at £24 for 40ml.

The final product within this collection is one everyone should be keeping in their fridge and that is the Sun Soothe Cooling Aftersun Lotion. I have the same issue with a suncream, I want to use something that isn't overly thick.

As with the rest of the collection, the Aftersun Lotion is reef-friendly and it is 100% natural. Using Aloe Vera Juice, Bisabolol and Golden Jojoba Oil which together cool and soothe the skin as well as calming the symptoms of sunburn.

What I do like about this Aftersun Lotion, is how it feels on the skin. Silky smooth and definitely cooling when applied after a day in the sun. Priced at £22 for 200ml and £12 for 100ml.

The Tropic Suncare Collection is available to purchase now via Tropic Skincare

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

SVR Sun Secure Range

Now we have had the Summer Solstice and are halfway through the year and finally, it looks as though Summer has arrived - hurrah! We all know that we should wear SPF all year round and it still horrifies me that so many people think that it is just an added extra when the sunshine is out, that in itself is a whole blog post on its own.  Today, I am sharing the SVR Laboratoire Dermatlogique Sun Secure range which is their first protection for sensitive skin that targets all types of rays: UVB, UVA, Visible Light and Infrared.

I am a huge fan of the brand SVR Laboratoire and have featured them quite a few times on my blog with the Hydracid C50 Masque Eclat and a trio of SVR Micellar waters. As a brand, SVR was born in 1962 by the visionary pharmacists Simone and Robert Véret whose key aim was to create "BEAUTIFUL SKIN". Over the years, their son and later their grandson transformed this small French family brand into a true star in the field of dermo-cosmetics.

The first product from this collection is the Invisible Finish Dry Touch Fluid SPF50+. This is described as being a dry touch lotion that leaves a matt, non-greasy and non-sticky finish on the skin.  I have mentioned a few times on my blog now that the one issue I have with sunscreen is how it is often incredibly thick and makes the skin just feel caked in cream and suffocated.

This fluid has a lightweight texture which instantly absorbs into the skin and it is water, sweat, and rub-resistant giving optimal protection. This face care is said to be suitable for the sun-hypersensitive skin of the whole family and this includes babies, children, adults. It has a really light but delicate summery fragrance rather than that traditional suncream scent.

The second product is the Invisible Hydrating Milk SPF50+ and if you like a product that just melts onto and then into the skin leaving it moisturised whilst protected, then this product will tick those boxes for you.

 This lotion has a really lovely milky texture, which is neither heavy or greasy when applied to the skin. On contact, it melts immediately and leaves behind no trace it was there.  I often find that sunscreen leaves a tacky feeling on the skin and this one does not, there is also no sign of the white traces of cream on the skin which you often get with sunscreen and it is sweat and rub resistant for lasting protection.  This Milky Lotion is quite different to any others that I have tried, in that you can also apply it to wet skin and again, it leaves no white trace on the skin.

The third product within the collection is the Silky-Finish Dry Oil SPF50+ is described as being a high protection silky dry-touch oil that also promotes a luminous, even tan.  This milky mist, which gives a silky finish is suitable for the face and body of those with sensitive skin.

Formulated for use on both the face and the body, you can also use this oil on the hair. Interestingly enough, I asked a few of my friends which brand of sun protection they used on their hair and shockingly, every single one of them looked at me as though I had committed a crime, not a single one of them had ever given it a moments thought!  Have you?

Again, a product that can be used on wet or dry skin, the milky oil mist with its anti-dryness, non-sticky texture not only nourishes the skin, but it does so without leaving a greasy film on the skin.

The fourth product has become my favourite of the collection so far and quite unexpectedly so. The SVR Invisible Fresh Mist SPF50+ is described as being the ultimate cool-down for all skin types.

Light and totally invisible when spritzed onto the skin, you get an immediate hit of freshness and cooling, a wonderful sensation when you have been out and about in the hot sunshine.  As it is spritzed, on the skin, it leaves a veil of protection and again one that isn't sticky, tacky or greasy to the touch. Again, I love the delicate summer scent the products within this collection have and to me, it is more evident within this mist than it is within any other product in the range.

Again, the mist can be applied to wet skin and it is water, sweat and rub-resistant too.

Finally from the collection we have the SVR After Sun Milk and it is described as being a soothing, moisturising and restorative treatment that is suitable for the warm skin of the whole family.

After Sun isn't a product I tend to buy and use, the issue for me is usually the texture and I instead stick to Aloe Vera or, if I do manage to burn, Calamine Lotion to soothe my skin after a warm shower. From SVR, we have a product that is not only hydrating but cooling on the skin.  It has what is referred to as being a unique, micro-aerated texture that melts into skin without feeling greasy or sticky, so, once it has been applied, you can get dressed quickly and go about your day. Providing soothing, hydrating and repairing care, it contains emollient and repairing ingredients, including moisturising Coconut Oil to leave skin feeling silky and comforted. It effectively rehydrates and soothes sensations of overheating after sun exposure. 

Infused with ultra-fine pearlescent particles and a summery scent to help enhance the look of your tan while leaving skin feeling soft. For the past week, I have left this after sun in the fridge and applied it once I have got home and it feels absolutely divine on the skin. 

All of these products from SVR have what is called the SVR's Integral Secure Technology, a triple-action formula which provides protection against oxidative damage from UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared light.

Available from Lookfantastic*, Feelunique and Beauty Expert*, if you haven't yet found a brand of sun care that you like, then this is one to absolutely try.  Prices start around £15.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Caudalie Suncare Collection

Sunscreen is one of those products I wear every single day of the year but absolutely hate. There is something about the smell, which although reminds me of beach holidays, I really don't like, along with the texture of most sunscreens, especially those for the face.  Over the years I have probably made my way through the entire shelves of products available on the Highstreet and found very little I like.  So could the new suncare collection from Caudalie be the answer?

Every year, it is said that 14,000 tons of sun cream is discharged into the oceans which pollutes the marine ecosystem and gets discharged into coral reefs, causing the bleaching and death of these marine animals. The new sun care collection from Caudalie has been formulated without any chemical filters suspected of the disruption, such as Octinoxate, Octocrylene and nanoparticle filters. These products from Caudalie are not only highly biodegradable but also water resistant, do not contain hydrosoluble filters, are non-toxic, silicone-free, alcohol-free, photostable and thermostable. In creating the collection, Mathilde Thomas, one of Caudalie's co-founders said:

For my new suncare range, I didn’t want to compromise between protecting the skin and protecting nature. For many years, we have been working on skincare formulas that give the senses an experience and are eco-friendly.

We all know that when the skin is exposed to the sun, the UVB rays on the surface of the skin cause sunburn whilst the UVA rays, which penetrate deep into the dermis are responsible for photo-ageing which can lead to irreversible damage.

As you can see, the sun care collection features three products which have an SPF30 or an SPF50 and I have been using them daily since they arrived.  As mentioned, I hate that thick, caked on cream feeling you get from most sun creams, the one which makes it feel as though the product is sat on the surface of the skin.  From Caudalie, what you get is a product that is lightweight, it doesn't linger, it isn't greasy or sticky and the scent is just absolute heaven.

For the face, which is the part of my body I really dislike applying sun cream, but still do, we have the Anti-wrinkle Face Suncare in both SPF30 and SPF50, so it is nice to have a choice as to which one would be your preference.

A cream which protects the skin and is enriched with Caudalie's patented antioxidant complex which uses grape polyphenols, offering maximum protection and a powerful anti-wrinkle action.  The cream is really lightweight and for once I love how it feels on my skin, think the texture of a light face cream which absorbs as quick as a serum and this is exactly what both products are like.

• Using Spruce Extract which is rich in specific polyphenols, its job is to strengthen the skin's natural defence system and it works in synergy with the antioxidant action of Grapseed Polyphenols.
• Vitamin E which protects the skin against free radicals and of course
• Organic Grape Water which moisturises and soothes the skin, an amazing ingredient if you have redness on the skin.

There is no sun cream smell to either of these products and because the fragrance comes from the inclusion of Frangipani leaves, there is something just beautiful about the product. I started off using SPF50 and then after a week I switched to SPF30 and I am delighted there is no difference in the texture or how it feels on the skin, as I had fully expected the SPF50 to be a much thicker texture.

When it comes to sun cream for the body, again my issue revolves about the texture, how it feels on the skin and that smell.  Caudalie have two offerings within their collection.  The first is the Beautifying Suncare Oil SPF30 and it offers the skin maximum UVA/UVB protection and leaves the skin with a luxurious, satin-like finish.

Formulated without alcohol and silicones, this oil blends nourishing Grapeseed Oil with Sesame and Sunflower Oils which also help to protect the skin. This oil is also rich in Vitamin E.  As an oil, the first reaction is to assume it will be greasy and tacky on the skin, but it isn't. Thankfully Caudalie has created a dry oil which protects the skin from UVA/UVB rays and one which feels really moisturising on the skin.  It comes in a pump action bottle, so you can spritz it onto the skin and massage in using your fingers and again, there is no residue left on your hands once you have finished using the product.

The scent again comes from the Frangipani Flowers which makes it as beautiful on the skin as it does smell.

The final body products for sun care take the form of a Milky Sun Spray and again you have the option of SPF30 or SPF50.  Again, offering the skin maximum protection from UVA/UVB rays, the Milky Sun Spray can also be used on the face as well as the body.

Again, the summery fragrances come from the use of Frangipani Flowers and as with the rest of the product range, the Milky Sun Spray is enriched with organic grape water but I really like about is the light, milky, non-sticky texture which feels soothing when spritzed on to the skin and it is, as you would expect from Caudalie, moisturising too.  

Until these products arrived from Caudalie, I had given no thought to the consequence of using sun protection on the ocean and Marine Life, the protection of my skin being of sole importance.  But, as we are becoming more Eco-aware of the damage we cause as humans, for me, this has been quite the learning curve.  We can all do more than stop using plastic straws, bags and fast fashion and it is brands like Caudalie that start such conversations, ones for which I am thankful for.

You can find the entire Sun Care collection right here* and with prices starting at £18, it is definitely worth looking into, especially if like, you are simply not a fan of the high street and traditional sun care brands we have all been using for years.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

REN Clean Skincare Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30

When it comes to Sun care I am really picky about which one I will put on my face. I cannot stand that overly thick cream which makes your skin feel as though you have rubbed it into a tub of lard, it just makes me feel as though I constantly need to wash my face.  When this Clean Screen Mineral SPF30 from REN Clean Skincare arrived I was elated because not only do I absolutely adore REN as a brand, but I am yet to find a product I dislike.

With its bright sunshine yellow packaging, it would be hard to miss this product on your shelf and if ever there was a timely reminder that you should be wearing sunscreen every single day, then this is it. The sun is arguably the biggest contributor to skin ageing. UVB rays are mostly responsible for sunburn and redness, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, causing lines and wrinkles. These rays get to your skin even on days when it is cloudy and I have lost count of the number of confused looks I get when I tell people I wear SPF every single day unless of course, I have no plans to leave the house.

So from REN we have a product which is a mattifying face sunscreen and this is what excited me the most because most of the suncare products I have tried leaves the skin with a greasy shiny film. It also has a Broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection as well as blue light protection, non-nano technology, it is also vegan and made of over 99% natural ingredients. After 6 years of research into SPF, this sunscreen is silicone free and if you are a fan of REN or know about REN, then one thing they want to do is not only to look after your skin but also our planet too and in previous reviews such as this one, I have detailed how changes have been made to their packaging. For this Sunscreen, REN has used 50% recycled plastic to create the tube - the maximum we can while protecting the formula, and 100% recycled plastic for the cap.

Ingredients are also an important factor for REN and a lot of thought goes into each product. For this one we have:

• Passion Fruit Extract which a powerful antioxidant and its job is to protect against pollution and potential irritation flare-ups.
• Rice Extract which not only soothes reddened skin but gives a mattifying finish to combat sun-induced shine and excess oil. It keeps you matte and fresh while creating the perfect base for makeup.
• Zinc Oxide which is said to be a physical shield that effectively blocks and reflects UVA, UVB, Blue Light rays to prevent ageing and pigmentation.Yellow Passion Fruit Seed Extract for its antioxidant action. Boosts skin's internal defence system to help protect from pollution and free radical damage.
• Rice Starch which absorbs oil, controls shine and minimises pore appearance. Soothes irritation.

Designed to be the last step of your skincare routine but before makeup, this sunscreen should be massaged onto and into the skin.  What I really like is the texture, it is no thicker than my moisturising cream and it has no horrible chemical smell.

I love that you only need a small amount to cover the entirety of your face and neck and it is so lightweight once it has absorbed, it is easy to forget it is there, whereas some highstreet versions never feel as though they will absorb into the skin and just create a white film on the skin, none of which you get with this.

It has been really easy to add this into my existing skincare routine and it is now a daily part of my life.  It is priced at £30 for 50ml here and if you need a new sunscreen, this is definitely one not to miss.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Delph Sun Care Products

We all know how important it is to ensure our skin is protected is the sunshine, particularly with this heat and yes we all want to have lovely golden skin that makes us look and feel healthy.

Delph have recently launched their sun care range which comes in these sleek squeezy 150ml tubes, making them perfect for popping into your handbag or beach bag without taking up too much space. The range claims to offer "no-compromise sun protection at a fraction of a designer range cost"

I was very kindly sent two of the products from the range.  The Delph SPF50 lotion which comes packaged in a bright yellow tube with an orange flip-top lid, making it really easy to recognise.  The lotion inside the tube is bright white in colour and is not only water resistant, it has not been tested on animals but is dermalogically tested.

One thing I dislike about conventional sun creams is the scent, I don't know what it is about them, but I just don't like it.  Now I know you should never judge a book by its cover (but I do) and when I saw the price of this cream, I was filled with dread, assuming it would have 'that smell'.  Surprisingly there was no horrible smell, in its place is a sort of lemony fragrance which lingers quite nicely on the skin.

Finding an aftersun which is soothing and again cools the skin is something I am always looking for and this Delph option is actually fantastic, especially if it comes from the fridge! Housed inside a clear see though tube with a blue flip top, you can see the green gel inside. Filled with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, this gel is so refreshing and lightweight it absorbs itself quickly into the skin, cooling as it goes.

Available from independent pharmacies you will find:

• SPF 15 Lotion 150ml £3.49
• SPF 30 Lotion 150ml £4.49
• SPF 50 Lotion 150ml £4.99
• After Sun Lotion 150ml £1.49
• After Sun Gel With Aloe Vera & Vitamin E £1.49

Which sun care do you use? What do you look for in a sun cream?