Marks & Spencer FORMULA Urban Shield SPF20

Marks & Spencer has some pretty incredible products in their beauty halls these days and one brand not to be overlooked is their very own. Formula has around 45 products within its range with everything from masks and serums to peels and Micellar waters and it doesn't end there because whether you want something for the day time, night time, sensitive skin or being on the go, there is a whole host of products to choose from.

I have been using the Formula Urban Shield SPF 20 UV Shield (£12.50 here) for quite some time now and it is described as being formulated with cutting-edge technology for the lightest SPF ever.  I have mentioned on quite a few occasions that finding the perfect SPF for the face is quite hard, I really dislike anything that is too thick or leaves white traces on the skin after use, so anything that claims to be 'light' makes me want to try it.

What I can say about this Primer is that it is incredibly lightweight and so much so, I often forget I have applied it. Said to contain an advanced antioxidant complex that helps to defend skin from pollution, making it a perfect choice to keep skin healthy in urban environments.

On the skin, the idea is that you complete your skincare routine and apply this Primer after your moisturising cream and it helps to form an invisible, protective shield over the skin helping to protect it from all of the issues mentioned above such as pollution, smog and that is definitely something you need if you live in a city like London.  

The texture of this Shield is more of a fluid than a cream, so to apply, it is done so like a dream and it produces no white traces of skin afterwards and again, because of its light texture, it also makes for a great priming base for makeup too.

So if you are in need of a new primer which isn't thick, stick,y tacky, gloopy or heavy on the skin but also one which looks after and cares for your skin without leaving a white trace behind, then for £12.50 this one is worth looking out for and trying. 

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

Smartsun UV indicator wristbands

Summer is on the horizon (looks hopeful) and whilst we are all looking forward to the much warmer weather or may even be lucky enough to have booked a Summer holiday to somewhere nice and exotic, taking care of our skin is paramount, not that you should just be using SPF when it is sunny.  I have really pale skin and don't tan that well, so when I am out in the sun, I always ensure my head is covered during peak times and if I am walking around, especially on holiday, having been in the pool or sea, I ensure that I am covered up, usually in a Kaftan which I find comfortable to wear.

Cancer Research statistics show that rates of skin cancer are increasing faster than any other cancer in the UK, and it is now the second most common cancer in young adults aged 15-34, with 6 in 10 of people who die from malignant melanoma being under 75 years old. Although the risk of developing skin cancer is dependent on many factors including age and genetics, UV radiation is the main risk factor for skin cancers cases – with 86% of diagnosed cases linked to back to this. So if a £1 wristband can make you stop, think and be more careful then it is something we should all be investing in right?

Smartsun have invented a wristband is a really simple idea which acts as a reminder to re-apply your sun cream or that you have been in the sun for too long by changing colour. I am sure some of you will remember those hypercolour tshirts back in the 90's which used to change colour when you got a bit hot and sweaty (whoever though they were a good idea?). Well the wristband works in a similar way. 

The wristband works by measuring the amount of UV radiation you have been exposed to and will change colour accordingly. Each band is one wear only, and starts out as yellow, changing to beige and pink to alert you when it is time to top up on sun lotion, or when it is time to avoid the sun for the rest of the day.

The bands are also tailored to different skin types to reflect the different tolerance levels that people have to the sun. For example, a band for someone with fair hair and light skin will change colour quicker than a band for someone with dark hair and dark skin.

The wristbands themselves are also waterproof, discreet and reliable and will alert you before you notice any damage to your skin plus they can be worn by people of all ages.  

The Smartsun wristbands are available in packs of 5 priced at £4.99 from www.smartsunuk.co.uk and are available now.

Do you think this is something you need to use? Have you bought some?