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.

Suqqu Watery Protection SPF30

Did you know that Suqqu is inspired by the Japanese expression for ‘a woman rising to her full height’, SUQQU is synonymous with elegance and grace, neither did I! Over the past few months I have been using an incredible product from the brand Suqqu which I was kindly sent and I have just loved it - The Suqqu Watery Protection SPF30.

Suqqu is a brand I came to know after attending a Zoom presentation on the Gankin Massage Technique which was just fascinating and a technique I am still using most days to relax and unwind after work. 

The Suqqu Watery Protection SPF30 is described as being a watery textured fresh sunscreen that defends the skin against UV. We all know the importance of wearing SPF every single day, not just on those (rare) days when that big yellow ball of heat appears in the sky and an SPF is a product I have in every place I might be - the bathroom, the bedroom, my handbag and even my desk drawer, being conscious that I need to ensure I protect my skin at all times.

When it comes to ingredients, this one has quite the list because it is not only enriched with Rose Extract, Hyaluronic Acid and Water-soluble Collagen, but you will also find Horsetail Plant Extract and Fermented Rice Extract too.  

On the skin as the name suggests, this water-based formula is really cooling and soothing on the skin when using on those warmer days, it also gives a fresh, translucent finish making it comfortable to wear every single day and at the same time it also primes the skin with a subtle coral-pink hue which gives that healthy-look and of course it has an SPF30, which I am happy about.   

A delightful product for those, like me who don't want to wear creams and lotions which are really heavy and thick feeling on the skin, I absolutely love this texture and the finish and it is up there with one of my favourite discoveries of 2021 so far!  

The Suqqu Watery Protection SPF30 is priced at just £32 and can be found in Selfridges, Cult Beauty, Harrods and Suqqu.

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

NIVEA SUN Protect and Bronze Collection

With weather warning promising a scorcher of a week, sun protection should be even more on your radar than it would usually be, though you should wear SPF everyday. With that in mind, NIVEA SUN Protect & Bronze range** consists of five different products, two of which are brand new additions to he range - Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Tan Activating Protecting Oil and Nivea SUN Protect & Bronze Tan Prolonging After Sun Lotion, neither of which contain any self-tan but do incorporate the active ingredient, Pro Melanin into a sunscreen formula to support the skin’s natural tanning process, while also offering a highly effective system of UVA/UVB filters that protect the skin immediately upon application.  

The Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Tan Activating Sun Spray is described as being an extra light, non-greasy and moisturising formula which contains a highly effective UVA/UVB filter system that protects your skin immediately after application. It contains a natural plant extract which supports skin's own melanin production (in vitro). For an even and natural tan. It is also water resistant and when sprayed it creates a really fine mist which is lightweight and absorbs into the skin really quickly. The spray is available in SPF10, SPF20 and SPF30 and costs £15.99.

The Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Tan Activating Protecting Oil contains no self tan but has a silky oil formula which protects and moisturises your skin. The natural pro-melanin plant extract supports the skin's natural tanning process (in vitro). It is also water resistant, so perfect for being on holiday as you go in and out of the water. I am a huge fan of oils, they are often much easier to use and I find them nicer on the skin than some creams which are a tad thick and feel almost smothering. This Oil is available in SPF20 and SP30 and retails for £15.99.

The Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Face Cream is described as being a light, non-greasy moisturising formula that does not block your pores which I am delighted with because I absolutely hate sun cream on my face. It always feels to thick and my face always feels extra greasy and unable to breathe. This lotion is quite thick and it does take a good few minutes before it has completely absorbed but surprisingly it doesn't make my skin feel greasy or as though it cannot breathe which is brilliant. This cream is available in SPF30 and SPF50 and retails for £10.49

Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Tan Activating Sun Lotion combines reliable protection with a natural looking tan and contains 0% Self Tan! The product contains a natural plant extract which helps support the skins own melanin production. Melanin is produced naturally within the body and is responsible for protection and tanning your skin. The formula of this lotion is extra light and it is also thankfully non-greasy whilst being moisturising for the skin and contains highly effective UVA/UVB filters that protect your skin immediately on application. I have used this daily since it came into my possession and it is really lightweight. This lotion is available in SPF20 and SPF30 and retails for £14.99

The final item in this quintet is the Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Tan Prolonging After Sun Lotion. I have to admit that I am not a fan of Aftersun, I usually find it to thick and not as soothing or cooling as Aloe Vera Gel. That said, this lotion contains natural pro-melanin plant extract, and is said to help prolong a tan without peeling or flaking, now this I do like the sound of because the one thing that does happen to me if I do tan is peeling shoulders which is really annoying. This formula helps prevent premature skin ageing, fine lines and sun-induced wrinkles and if you keep it in the fridge, it is extra soothing on your skin. This lotion is available in SPF20 and SPF30 and retails for £10.49.

For me, this is a great little package of items, something for both myself and the Mister to use to keep ourselves protected from the sun.  

What do you use to protect yourself from the Sun?

La Roche-Posay Anthelios

A few nights ago I was lucky enough to be invited to a La Roche-Posay event at the most amazing hotel I have been in for many year, Number 16, to see and swatch the Anthelios range.

Anthelios is a complete suncare range for sun sensitive skin which is suitable for adults and children, it provides high sun protection for sensitive skin by offering:

• high protection against not only UVB rays but also provides protection against UVA rays, which together are responsible for 80% of the signs of premature ageing.
• minimalist formulas (fragrance-free, no parabens, non-comedogenic, tested under dermatological supervision).
• specially formulated textures to suit all skin types and skin concerns.

There are four different sections of suncare range such as Face, Body, Children and then Aftersun/self-tanning and within each range there is a product to suit every need.  For example, I will never ever pop into Boots, buy some suncream and put it on my face, I hate it, I dont like how it makes my face feel all heavy with every pore becoming blocked leading to a break out, so I always will look for a product that is designed for the face and voila La Roche-Posay have done just that with this cute little fellow:

This little fellow which is a rather funky shape costs £16.50 for 100ml in Boots and is so lightweight when it is on your skin, you hardly know it is there and ever since I got my hands on it, I have been wearing it daily.  It has an SPF50+ and is a dream to apply.

As mentioned, some of the other products from the range include products which are designed for dry skin, oily skin and combination skin and each one is labelled differently. There is also the option of choosing a lotion or an oil, again with an SPF50 and all promise to leave no white marks, be ultra light, be invisible and non-sticky.

The one item that did catch my attention was the Cream Compact which is described as follows:

New, clinically-proven Anthelios XL Cream Compact SPF50+ melts into the skin for a smooth, even complexion. A great alternative to foundation, it offers natural, matt coverage all day in the sun and very high protection against UVB rays. It also provides protection against UVA rays, even for sensitive skin and is:

• PURIFIED MINERAL PIGMENTS GIVE A NATURAL EVEN COVERAGE
• AVAILABLE IN 2 SHADES
• WATER RESISTANT
• WON'T CLOG PORES
• NO PERFUME OR PARABENS
• SUITABLE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

I really enjoyed this event and was also able to have my skin scanned for sun damage in this rather funky booth and quite nerve-wracking it was to think someone can tell that for years I didnt wear suncream but I was surprised to hear that my skin is really really moisturised and in excellent condition with no excess lines or wrinkles and that the one issue which stood out was the need for moisture under the eyes - so I intend to find a product to sort that out.

Thank you La Roche-Posay for the opportunity to try your products and also for this wonderfulo gift bag

Do you use sun cream? Do you buy specific products for your face?

Sunglasses by Affliction

I have always found it really hard to find a decent pair of sunglasses, ones that I am happy with, that I think suit me and ones which aren't some kind of weird shape or that make me look like a fly – you know where the eye bits are really massive.

Good old TK Maxx have some right old bargains to be had, whenever I pop in I never ever elave empty handed, it is far too tempting, especially where handbags are concerned.  With Summer round the corner, my local one now has a massive rack of sunglasses to tempt you in and I thought as I was in I would have a look.  Naturally there was all kinds of weird and wonderful shapes on offer, all the colours and patterns you can think of and I actually managed to find some that I liked and here they are

What I like about these glasses I the design on the arms, that was the first thing I saw and when I tried them on, I happened to like how they look but there was one problem, they are technically male sunglasses, though to me they are too good an opportunity to miss when you like something and they were on offer from £99 to £19.99 – BARGAIN!! And they give 100% UV Protection    The only downside is I couldn't find the matching case and nor is there a cleaning cloth, but I have this funky yellow striped cover to keep them in and I use my glasses cloth to clean them.

What kind of sunglasses do you go for?

 Do you have a favourite pair/brand?