Suitcase-Worthy Suncare

With a trip to Greece imminent, I've been thinking about all things SPF. After all, quality sun protection couldn't be more essential to a holiday skincare routine. So, with so many options on the market, I thought I'd share the SPFs earning a spot in my suitcase...

News | Coola Launches Four Newbies

COOLA, California's favourite suncare brand, has launched four new products for everyday use and everyday weather conditions.

The four new products include the Day SPF 30 & Night Eye Cream Duo and Refreshing Water Cream Face Sunscreen SPF 50, which form part of the Daily Protection range, and the Classic Face Sunscreen Mist SPF 50 and Classic Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 in Tropical Coconut, which form part of the Everyday Active range.

Your Top SPF Questions, Answered

Wearing a good SPF is one of the best things we can do to ensure our skin stays as healthy, as youthful, and as safe as possible, all year round. However you'd be surprised to learn there is still a little confusion over SPF. So, to answer some of your most common SPF questions, I spoke with Rowan Hall Farrise, Skincare Expert at QMS Medicosmetics...

Meet This Year's Best SPFs

There have been a crazy number of SPF launches this year, with new technologies and innovations making sunscreen selection harder than ever. As excessive choice can get a little overwhelming, I've shared my favourite SPF products of 2022, separating the brilliant from the beige...

Beauty Backstory | Hello Sunday

Hello Sunday is a skincare brand that is all about the SPF.

With a team of beauty formulation experts and creative specialists on hand, Hello Sunday launched a line of science-led SPF products that care for the skin, as well as protect it. The British brand wanted to shake up the skincare industry, by creating sun protection products that don't use the thick, sticky, or white cast formulas that we're used to. The aim was to show customers that you can have the right dose of protection without irritating your skin, killing your complexion, or ruining your makeup.

Review | Dr Jackson's Day Cream SPF30

Dr Jackson's Day Cream SPF30 is an impressive staple skincare product designed to protect the skin, whilst also providing hydration, comfort, and anti-ageing benefits. 

Review | Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50

When it comes to facial sun protection, I won't apply anything less than SPF 50 on my face, mainly because I want the protection to last as long as possible. However, it is very difficult to find a facial product containing SPF 50 that doesn't dry out my skin, feel uncomfortable or heavy, or leave a horrible white or grey film behind. I was recently sent Murad's City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 to try and had my reservations. Like I said, a good SPF 50 is a rare gem... but it turns out this Murad product is one of them.

Body Guard | The Best Body SPFs

I recently discussed some of the best facial SPFs on the market, so now it's time to focus on the body. People are very picky when it comes to sunscreens for the bod. Some prefer gels, while other prefer creams or mists. Below are some recommendations that should - hopefully - suit a wide range of sun care shoppers.

Save Face: The Best Facial SPFs

We all know that a quality SPF is one of the most important skincare products you can own, and that applying one is one is an essential step in any skincare routine. SPF not only protects the skin from short and long term damage, it also helps prevent premature aging. The problem is, as crucial as SPF is, slapping any old SPF on your face isn't always the answer.

As with face masks, serums, and face creams, we need to ensure we're using the right SPF based on our skin type or skin concerns. Below is a selection of great SPFs that should (hopefully) tick somebody's skincare box.

Fight The Blue Light | Protective Skincare

Blue light, also referred to as high-energy visible or HEV light, is known to have an impact on our health; it disrupts our sleep-wake cycle, affects melatonin production, and causes eye strain. Blue light is also linked to increased risk of eye disease, Blue light, also referred to as high-energy visible or HEV light, is known to have an impact on our health; it disrupts our sleep-wake cycle, affects melatonin production, and causes eye strain. Blue light is also linked to increased risk of eye disease, as well as increased risk of diseases such as diabetes and cancer. However, exposure to blue light can also have a harmful effect on our skin.

The Beauty Myth: You Don’t Need To Use SPF During the Autumn & Winter Months

Beyond False. You always need a good SPF! Although the autumn and winter months are cold, damp and dark, UV rays are always hanging around and your skin will absorb them. UV rays are as harmful in the autumn and winter as they are in the spring and summer.

The Beauty Myth: The Higher The SPF Rating The Better The Protection

Verdict: Not really... SPF stands for 'Sun Protection Factor', referring to its ability to block UVB rays. It is UVB exposure that is responsible for sun burn and skin cancer.

A SPF rating indicates you how long you can stay out in the sun without getting burnt compared to how long you could stay out without it. For example, if you burn after only 15 minutes in the sun and you use a SPF15, you will be able to stay out for 225 minutes (2hrs 45minutes) before you burn.

So although a higher SPF offers protection for a longer period of time, the actual protection that you get within the specified time frame is no better than that of a lower SPF rating.

It is important to remember that as a SPF only protects against UVB exposure, you need to look for a sunscreen that also protects against UVA exposure (UVA exposure causes premature ageing). I recommend using the Decléor Aroma Sun Expert Summer Oil SPF30 150ml (£32.00 decleor.co.uk). Not only is this perfect skin-protector an oil, it also comes in a spray bottle, making application easy and speedy - just want you need when you're in a rush to soak up the sun! It also leaves skin deeply nourished and soft, which is an added beauty bonus.

Win: Dermalogica Skincare Essentials

If there is one brand that knows skin, it is Dermalogica. The brand invests heavily in research and has a large arsenal of results-focused products that treat just about any skin concern. Also, if you're unsure of your skin type, or have a skin concern that you want looked at, Dermalogica offer a unique Face Mapping® service - find out more here!

As I use many Dermalogica products in my daily skincare routine and recommend the brand to many friends, I thought it was about time I gave y'all the chance to experience the brand. So, I have teamed up with Dermalogica to offer one reader the chance to win three of the brand's skincare essentials, worth over £100.00. 

The first skincare essential up for grabs is the UltraCalming Cleanser. This gel-like cleanser is perfect for those with sensitive skin. It provides a nice cooling sensation whilst on the skin, is fragrance free and doesn't create any post-cleanse irritation or tightness. It also does an amazing job at removing tough makeup, a rarity in gentle cleansers. It also helps reduce redness and keeps skin hydrated long after it has been rinsed off.

Next up is the Daily Microfoliant, one of Dermalogica's most loved products. Unlike other exfoliators, this one comes in powder form and requires water to activate it. The rice-based powder is mixed with water to create an exfoliating paste. This paste, if made correctly, is easy to apply and - though gritty - feels gentle on the skin. It removes dead skin cells and dirt perfectly, leaving skin refreshed and glowing!

Finally we have the Super Sensitive Shield, a sunscreen with a SPF30. The Super Sensitive Sheild is formulated with 9% Zinc Oxide and 7% Titanium Dioxide, which provides great UVA and UVB protection. This protecting moisturiser has a light fluid texture that, unlike some sunscreens, applies easily and doesn't leave white marks on the skin. It just leaves skin protected and nourished and, as it contains Dermalogica's exclusive UltraCalming Complex, it is great for those with sensitive skin.

Win:

• Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser
• Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
• Dermalogica Super Sensitive Shield

If you want to win these skincare essentials, all you have to do is enter (via Rafflecopter) below!

Rules:

• The giveaway will run for two weeks
• The giveaway is open to UK residents only 
• The winner will be contacted within 24 hours of the giveaway closing. If I don't hear from the winner within 48 hours, another winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ask TBI: Protecting Skin On The Ski Slopes

Question: I am visiting Geneva next month and I've heard that you need to pay particular attention to your skin on the slopes. Is that true? If so, what do I need to do? - Megan, Manchester UK.

Answer: That is very true. High altitudes, intense sunlight and freezing temperatures on the slopes can leave skin dry, sunburnt, cracked and sore. So it is important to keep your skin in the best condition possible.

The biggest threat to skin on the slopes is the sun. Both UVA and UVB rays are intense - especially at high altitudes - and the snow reflects these rays, increasing their power by up to 83%. However, due to the cold temperatures, people don't feel the need to protect themselves. So remember to use a high SPF on the exposed areas of your skin.

I would recommend using a long-lasting SPF, such as Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF50 150ml (£25.00 kiehls.co.uk / $25.00 Nordstrom). Whatever SPF you choose, be sure to apply it generously and regularly, at least 20 minutes before stepping out into the sunlight.

The second biggest threat to skin is the cold wind and dry air. Together, these conditions strip skin of its natural moisture, making it dry, chapped and flaky. So it is crucial to keep skin ultra-moisturised during this time and protect it by wearing specialist winter sports clothing. I would advise using creams and lotions targeted at those with dry skin, as these products not only nourish and moisturise the skin, they also help to lock in the moisture.

The Beauty Myth: Darker Skintones Don't Need SPF

Verdict: False

It is true that the darker your skin tone, the less likely you are to develop skin cancer. This is because those with darker skin have higher levels of melanin, the natural chemical that gives skin its colour. As melanin is the skin's first line of defence against damaging UV rays, people will more melanin will be more protected. So much more protected, in fact, that those with dark skin can have a natural SPF as high as 13! However, regardless of this natural protection, dark-skinned people still develop skin cancer, so it is crucial that they wear sunscreen. This is even more important as researchers from the University of Cincinnati found that dark-skinned people are actually more likely to die from skin cancer than light-skinned people.

So, whatever your skin colour, make sure you use a good sunscreen this summer. Look for one that protects skin from UVA & UVB rays, contains a high SPF and provides the skin with some additional benefits. I use the Vichy Capital Soleil Face & Body Milk SPF50 300ml (£19.00 lifeandlooks.com / $47.00 Amazon). It contains Hyaluronic Acid that hydrates skin and locks in moisture, as well as Vichy's soothing Thermal Spa Water which soothes and calms the skin. It is also really easy to apply and doesn't leave behind those annoying white marks!

Review: Bioderma Photoderm Ski SPF 50+

The Promise: "Maximum high altitude photoprotection for face and lips, for intolerant skin types"

The Price: £10.00 / $25.00 20ml

The Stockist: garden.co.uk / amazon.com

The Application: The Photoderm Ski is a 2-in-1 face and lip protector, made up of a cream and a stick. It is designed for life on the ski slopes, helping to protect skin from the affects of high altitudes and cold weather conditions. If you don't already know, high altitudes, intense sunlight and freezing temperatures on the slopes can leave skin dry, sun damaged, cracked and sore. So it is important to keep your skin as protected as possible.

The cream has a SPF50+, as well as a lightweight consistency and nourishing texture that creates a strong protective barrier on the skin. As well as preventing the skin from harsh UV rays, this strong protective barrier prevents skin from becoming dried out and/or dehydrated. It applies effortlessly and is absorbed into the skin very quickly. It also has a lovely, sweet (but subtle) scent.

The stick is my favourite part of the Photoderm Ski. It has an unbelievably creamy consistency, which makes for a smooth and gentle application - a must when applying products to sore lips. It also has a unique texture, which has been specially designed to prevent chapping. The stick is flavourless, however, like the cream, it has a sweet but subtle scent.

The Results: The cream does a great job at keeping skin protected for a prolonged amount of time. More importantly, unlike other sun creams, skin remains hydrated and smooth during application and  a long time after!

The stick is great for keeping lips soft, hydrated, and protected from cold weather conditions. It also helps to heal cracked lips and improve lip texture. In addition, the protection lasts a really long time - which is rare for a lip balm.

What is really interesting about the Photoderm Ski is that both the cream and stick have been specially formulated to withstand the cold (up to -10°), wind, snow, and high altitude. You often find SPF creams that protect against extremely hot conditions, however you rarely find those that protect against extremely cold ones!

The Pro: What makes Photoderm Ski SPF 50+ really special is the stick. It keeps lips well protected and ultra-nourished for a prolonged amount of time.

The Con: There is only 20ml of cream - which isn't much considering that you would need to apply the product more than once a day. However it would last at least a week and, considering the average skiing trip is only a week long, £10.00 for an entire week of great sun protection isn't that bad!

Are you a fan of Bioderma? Have you tried any other products from the brand that you would recommend?

Review: Sarah McNamara Miracle Skin Transformer Face SPF20

The Promise: "A breakthrough tinted, transforming beauty balm designed to hydrate, prime, enhance, mattify, and protect skin in one single step"

The Price: £38.00 / $48.00 50ml

The Stockists: Selfridges, sephora.com

The Hero Ingredients: CO Enzyme Q10, Vitamin A, Saw Palmetto Extract and Vitamin E and Vitamin K

It is extremely difficult to categorise the Miracle Skin Transformer as it does just about everything! It hydrates, protects (SPF20!), primes, mattifies and enhances the skin to either beautify a makeup-free look or create the ultimate base for foundation. In addition, it includes vitamin A which helps with blemishes and wrinkles, as well as vitamin K which works against discolouration.

Similar to a BB Cream, the Transformer is tinted and is available in six different shades. 

The Application: This product applies incredibly well. It glides onto the skin as if you're covering it in pure silk and it feels amazing! It is advised that only a pearl sized amount per use is needed, however I often use more to adequately cover the entire face.

The texture is similar to that of a thick creamy foundation. Like the Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer, the colour in this product seems to disappear into the skin as soon as it is blended in. Trust me, the six available shades really do fit all. You will not see foundation lines or colour streaks with this product!

The Miracle Skin Transformer is free of synthetic fragrances, however it does have a sweet, yet subtle, pharmaceutical-style scent.

The Results: This product really does help to transform the skin. It hydrates skin perfectly and creates the most amazingly smooth, silky base; helping to make foundation application an absolute dream. The Miracle Skin Transformer also helps to even out skin tone and give both concealer and foundation staying power and a real radiance boost.

Regarding coverage, it is important to mention that this product is not, and neither claims to be, a foundation. Although the Miracle Skin Transformer is tinted and helps to correct pigmentation, it does not provide substantial coverage. For these reasons, if you're a fan of medium to full coverage, I wouldn't advise using this as a foundation. In saying that, I would recommend using the Transformer to make makeup-free skin look naturally fabulous and more radiant.

The Pro: This product is a moisturiser, primer and colour corrector all in one, helping to cut costs and makeup application time.

The Con: Those with dry skin have sometimes found the Miracle Skin Transformer to be a little drying.

Have you tried any other Miracle Skin Transformer products you would recommend?

PR sample

Review: Antipodes Immortal SPF15

Antipodes Immortal Natural Sun Protection Face & Body Moisturiser is the perfect product for spring. Lightweight and hydrating but, most importantly, packed with a SPF!

I was excited to try the recently reformulated moisturiser as I am a big fan of Antipodes. The brand puts a huge amount of focus into creating scientifically validated organic beauty, so it's no surprise that a SPF moisturiser features in the range.

At this point you're probably thinking, “Surely a natural sunscreen isn't going to be that effective?”. Well a couple of years ago I would have thought the same, however using a natural SPF can actually have its advantages. Within sun protection, natural SPF refers to using inorganic ultraviolet absorbers like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These have the ability to convert ultraviolet radiation into less damaging infrared radiation. Products with these mineral-based absorbers or filters usually have a maximum SPF rating of 15, and are considered more natural, milder and safer to use – especially on sensitive skin.

What makes Immortal great is the ingredients it contains. In addition to the expected zinc oxide (a common ingredient used in SPF creams), Immortal includes raspberry seed oil, reishi mushroom extract, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, apricot oil and Antipodes very own ingredient, Vinanza Grape and Kiwi Extract. These ingredients work together to protect the skin from UVA and UVB exposure, enhance cell turnover and keep skin firm and well hydrated. What's more, Immortal decreases redness and the effects of excess melanin production that leads to freckles and age spots. Click here to find out more about melanin!

Packaged in a medicinal style tube, the cream is lightweight with a milky texture. As one of the main ingredients in Immortal is zinc oxide, it is advised that you rub the product between you fingertips or palms before applying to make the application process easier. If properly prepped, Immortal goes onto the skin effortlessly, without leaving a greasy or sticky residue. To my surprise, my foundation applied easily over the product which is often a rare benefit when using a SPF moisturiser. 

The only downside to Immortal is its lack of scent. I'm not a big fan of scents in skincare products as I sometimes find them a little overpowering, however I appreciate this is often a big attraction for some gals.

Immortal is available in a 60ml (2.1 fl oz) tube from www.antipodesnature.com. The UK price is £28.95 and the US price is $45.00.