OILS
This summer it's all about oils. Absorbent, easy to apply and non-greasy too. The selling point to these new kids on the block is most probably the lovely sheen they leave on your skin. Packed with all the usual UVA and UVB protectors, they have the added bonus of a light scent that easily transports you from work place to beach in one sniff. The light formulations make a good choice for families, as they're quick to apply - either spritz directly onto skin or spray generously in the palm of your hands and smooth over limbs.
● Lancaster Sun Beauty Satin Sheen Oil SPF30, £24
● Garnier Ambre Solaire Nourishing Protective Oil SPF50+, £8.50
● Clarins Sun Care Radiant Oil Spray High Protection SPF30, £19.50
ADDED BENEFITS
Most of us either wear make-up or sunscreen but never both, but that's all about to change with a new influx of sunscreen that doubles up as your base too.
They give you the coverage of your usual make-up base while also providing protection. This shouldn't be mistaken with make-up that has an added SPF; instead these formulas multi-task equally to give you great looking skin as well as full protection from the sun's rays.
● SkinCeuticals Mineral Eye UV Defense Sunscreen SPF30, £39
● Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen, SPF35, £40
● La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL compact cream SPF50+, £19.50
HAIR PROTECTORS
There's a noticeable increase in this beauty category with more women wanting to keep their mane in good condition - not just before and after their holiday, but during it, too. Hair protectors are basically suncare for your hair that create a protective film over your locks to block out the sun's harmful rays and help avoid burnt scalps.
Like suncare, apply 20 minutes before sun exposure to give the best protection. Simply spritz and style.
● Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil, £16
● Boots Soltan Head & Hair Dry-touch Transparent Suncare Spray SPF30, £4
● Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil, £21.50
TAN MAXIMISERS
Accelerating the tanning process may sound too good to be true - however, new formulas promise to do just this. They contain melanin-increasing ingredients that encourage your skin to create more melanin and in turn give you that golden glow faster. If you're only on a short break, a good alternative would be sunscreens with a touch of fake tan. It's every beauty editor's tanning trick - and it's only half a lie!
● Nivea Sun Protect and Bronze Tan Activating Protecting Oil SPF30, £8.50
● Hawaiian Tropic Golden Tint Spray Sunscreen SPF15, £14.99
● Piz Buin Instant Glow Skin Illuminating Sun Spray, SPF30, £8.50
BE SUN SAVVY...
It's hard to judge when best to reapply sunscreen or when your skin has had enough sun, but then along comes a wristband that promises to measure the amount of UV radiation you have been exposed to. These disposable wristbands will change colour to alert you when it's time to reapply your chosen sunscreen.
For under £5, I say it's definitely worth a shot.
● M&S Sun Smart UV Detecting Wristbands, £4.99 (free with two M&S Sun Smart products).
SENSITIVE SKINS
Sunscreen can cause sensitivities, especially with allergy prone skin. If you suffer from eczema, psoriasis or have post-op skin, don't do more harm than good by avoiding sunscreens altogether; instead choose a mineral-based sunscreen that creates a chemical-free protection.
● Dermalogica Super Sensitive S hield SPF30, £39.40
● Epionce Ultra Shield Lotion, SPF50, £40.50
● BareMinerals Natural Sunscreen SPF30, £2
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