Summer Sun

The hotter weather here in London has seen plenty people in bikinis out in the park trying to catch some rays. If you’re not quite down South and the weather isn’t so great then I hear a heatwave is coming in August so hold tight! So whether you are here in the UK or heading on holiday then it’s always wise to be protected against the suns rays. Protection is always better than cure, especially when it comes to sunburn. Never will I forget the time I got my foot burnt on holiday and for the rest of the trip I had to try to cover it up in 30 degree heat, I must say it wasn’t fun! The swollen feet that wouldn’t fit in my shoes was the running joke of that holiday.

So to prevent those types of incidents here’s a selection of some of the best sunscreen out there plus a few beauty essentials for your trips away (or to the park!)

Riemann P20 Sun Filter SPF 20 £13.23 – This sunscreen provides protection for 10 hours, hence it’s once a day title, which is perfect if you are out and about all day. It starts working within 15 minutes and goes on clear so won’t leave white marks. The cream is also unfragranced or perfumed so is great for those prone to skin allergies. It is also water-resistant which is great for a dip in the pool!

Murad Essential-C Sun Balm SPF 35 | PA +++ £19.50 – A great little stick that may be small but is mighty against the suns rays! Perfect for popping in your handbag and using on those burn prone areas such as your forehead, ears and nose.  It hydrates the skin so is great for applying to your face and has added broccoli extract which stimulates the skin’s natural defence against UV damage. The tangerine butter locks in moisture and antioxidant vitamins A,C and E defend and protect skin’s health alongside Murad’s new clever ingredient technology MuraSol which helps to protect against anti-ageing.

Hawaiian Tropic is one of my favourite sunscreens as it smells amazing and is always so moisturising. This summer try the Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration £14.99 which moisturises for 12 hours thanks to the hydrating ribbons. Satin Protection £13.99 is an oil-free sun lotion which protects, softens and leaves skin glowing without a greasy feeling. It is very water-resistant so perfect for swimming or water sports and includes vitamins C & E. My favourite is the Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effect £13.99, this one is probably more for the girls as it has a gorgeous glittering glow to it when you put it on, which is amazing for legs as it not only protects against the UV rays but is blended with a touch of light-reflecting mica minerals makes them look glowing and again this one is waterproof. If you are very pale go for a high factor 50, myself I go for a 25.

You still need to take care of your skin after the sun goes down, plus with many beauty products including SPF in them it’s a great way to take you from day to-night.

Radical Skincare Skin Perfecting Screen SPF 30 – This is perfect for covering your face as it’s a non-chemical sunscreen and offers protection up to SPF 30. Apply this after your moisturiser, before heading out into the sun. It’s a light cream that disappears into your face so won’t leave any white marks and it’s light diffusing pigments is said to visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and imperfections. Radical also suggest pairing this with their Multi-Brightening Serum day and night to help get rid of dark spots, UV spots and age spots for an even skin tone.

SunSense AfterSun Cooling Creme Gel £14.99 – After exposure to sun it’s always best to apply some after sun for that ultra cooling feeling. This one from SunSense helps to soothe and repair skin after sunbathing, it’s Vitamin E enriched and contains Vitamin C and Grape Seed Polyphenols which helps to replace skins moisture lost due to sun exposure. Plus it smells amazing!

Rodial SPF 30 x-treme dark-spot sun filter £45 – This cream is perfect for dark spots on your face and neck. It’s an oil-free sunscreen moisturiser with chromabright and probiotic technology. It provides protection against harmful UV rays and combats the visible signs of ageing. Chromabright corrects the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tones to prevent further damage. Meanwhile Aquaxyl provides extreme and long-lasting moisturisation, whilst optical blurring gransil reflects light particles to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Biotilys probiotic technology further helps to strengthen skin against daily external aggressions and boost hydration.

Ginvera Green Tea Travel Kit £12.90 – This travel kit from Ginvera is perfect to take away with you on a holiday or a weekend break. The kit comes with a mini travel bag, headband, compact mirror and their famous BB cream in mini and exfoliating marvel gel. The BB cream is one of my summer essentials, it is a perfect natural colour and includes SPF 30 | PA +++ so it’s great to wear all day when walking about in the sun, I’m taking mine with me on holiday for sure.

Now lotion up and hit the sun!