3 SPF products I've been loving this summer

For your reading pleasure I've written a summary of my investigative findings about sunscreens (here). But if you'd rather cut straight to my top 3 SPF products this summer, read on.

Before I get down to the nitty gritty I thought I'd share what's recently prompted me to write, not one, but two posts on sun protection.

Me, myself and the sun
As someone who's about to enter her (*cough*) late 30s I often find myself thinking way more about my skin than I did in my 20s. And let's not even mention the time I regularly applied factor two(!) tanning oil (??! OMHG) during the middle of the day whilst on a gap year in Argentina aged 19. No, let's not. Suffice to say I've not been the strictest of sunscreen wearers over the years.

Excuse me, there seems to be a brown splodge on my right cheek
I first noticed The Mark shortly after returning to London following a three year stint in Melbourne and Madrid (long story). I guess being back in Blighty enabled my skin to return to its natural hue and as I got paler the sun spot became more obvious. I'm convinced it's because I didn't wear enough sunscreen.

An old friend of mine (thanks CK) recently commented she thought it had got bigger which has prompted me to make an appointment with my GP to see if I can be referred to a consultant dermatologist. At this stage I'd rather not tackle it with any pigmentation creams until I know what's what (although there are plenty on the market).

Hands
If I had a penny (or preferably a pound) for every time an older lady has told me there are two things that give away a woman's age: her face and her hands. Well, I'd be MINTED.

I'm starting to notice I have one or two 'bigger' freckles on the tops of my hands (otherwise known as age spots....euuush. Actually, how does one know when a freckle is a freckle and not an age spot? Answers in the comments box below please!)

There's a simple solution to this folks. It's called SPF. But in winter, who remembers to apply SPF to the backs of their hands? NO-ONE. Shall we start?!


My décolleté (or décolletage)
I'll save you an image of my chest (you're welcome) but I've noticed there are slightly more freckles on it than there were before (and some of those larger freckles I was talking about). A sign perhaps that I need to be protecting it more?

And we've all seen it...the 'creypeyness' that befalls the best of us. Well it's gonna happen ladies...and that's totally OK! But the longer we can stave it off the better.

3 SPF products I'm using and loving this Summer... (drum roll)
I have lots of other SPF products in my bathroom but these are the ones I keep coming back to.

1. Estée Lauder Sheer Tint Release Moisturiser (SPF15, pictured above)
I need to say something here....<long pause>

This is one of my best makeup purchases.

Ever.

I know. HUGE. 

I first came across Estée Lauder's Sheer Tint Release during a stint working for Chantecaille  in Fenwick, Bond Street. The EL counter was then bang opposite the Chantecaille counter and it wasn't long before I started noticing women coming up to the counter to enquire about something and then leaving practically wailing in despair. Turns out the product they were after (you guessed it) had been out of stock for ages. Well I'm pleased to report it's very much back IN stock and is bl*ody marvellous.

What is it?
It's a type of tinted moisturiser but very sheer. The genius of it is that when rubbed into the skin (it first comes out a very strange pale grey colour) it develops into a warm tint. In the summer I use it to warm up my skin (I have to blend a little down my neck because I'm so pale) and then if I feel like I need a little extra coverage, I'll go in with one of my regular tinted moisturisers (e.g. Chantecaille Just Skin) or a light-weight foundation, blending across chin, cheeks, nose and forehead (t-zone basically).

Who's it for?
Estée Lauder say everyone but I'd say if you're olive or deep skin-toned it'll feel more like a radiance primer. It's brilliant for light skin tones which err on the paler side. I'd also say it's more suited to normal to dry skin types as it feels wonderfully hydrating (I can imagine it feeling 'a bit shiny' on combination or oily skins).

Benefits

• SPF 15 and broad spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB)
• Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores)
• Hydrating 
• Radiance boosting (evens out skin tone)
• Anti-oxidant protection (helps fight free radicals which can cause premature ageing)

RRP: £38-40 for 50ml

2. Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection (SPF 50 and +++)
I learnt a lot about this product working for Chantecaille and it really is fantastic for several reasons:

• It's a chemical sunscreen. The principle ingredient is avobenzone (one of the better SPF chemical ingredients out there. For more info on mineral versus chemical sunscreens, click here). 
• It leaves skin beautifully matte which is UNHEARD of in the world of sunscreens. (Because it's chemical, and not mineral, it doesn't leave your skin with a white finish or flash back in photographs). When I'm wearing it (like in this photo) I barely feel like I've got anything on and it leaves my skin feeling quite velvet *purr*.
• It's an anti-glycation primer (a what now?). Glycation is the process by which sugars attack proteins in the skin ultimately affecting the production and quality of collagen and elastin. This product protects against that.

The downside?

It ain't cheap. In fact, so spenny is it (£76) I've been eeking out the samples I was given a while back. But I know it's only a matter of time before I buy.

RRP: £76 for 50ml

3. Piz Buin Ultra Light Hydrating Sun Spray (SPF30)
The smell, oh the smell!! I've never been to Barbados or the Seychelles but THIS IS WHAT I IMAGINE THEY SMELL LIKE.

I used to wear whatever sunscreen was in my mum's cupboard at the time but a trip to Australia a couple of years ago prompted me to invest in some 'decent' sun protection and this was the one I'd always wanted to buy.

I highly recommend the cream formula if you're prone to dry skin (this is a broad spectrum chemical sunscreen; key ingredient is Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine which protects the skin by absorbing UV rays).

I can't seem to find the 'Ultra Light' product anymore which leads me to think they've changed their formula but I'm now a convert to their range so I'd definitely invest again.

Tip: Boots often do a BOGOF or similar promo on Biz Buin (they've got one on right now!). Last time I bought the spray and the cream and alternate between the two.

RRP: between £5-£20

How about you?
What's your go-to SPF? Have you changed brands over the years and if so why? Has anyone tried Institut Esthederm? I keep reading really good things but will need to wait for the big bucks to come in before I can invest (come ON big bucks! :))

Image credit: H&M campaign

Beauty Saviours: Five Products That Have Changed My Life This Year

I was thinking this week about five beauty items that have had the biggest impact on my appearance this year and wanted to share them with you.

All are equally as useful and brilliant as each other.

1. Brow Mascara

Unless you've been living on Mars you'll have noticed that brows are a big thing in beauty. I've never wanted perfectly shaped brows and quite like the idea of a slightly unkempt but reasonably tidy brow. I'm also very fair so anything I put in my brows needs to be subtle.

It wasn't so long ago that I blogged about a particular life-changing brow mascara (click here to read my review). I never thought I'd be able to use a brow mascara (for fear of it being too dark) let alone enjoy wearing one so much.

More Brows by Model Co (£9) is the perfect shade for blonde/red heads like me. Not too grey, not too dark and the fibres really do give my brows substance.

If I'm going out and sporting a bold lip I'll apply several coats of the taupe-coloured mascara, teasing my brows as I go into a stronger shape. On days when I want to frame my face a little (particularly when I've got my spex on) then a quick brush through with the mascara is all they need. What can I say, I'm totally hooked and can definitely see brow mascara featuring in my beauty routine for a long while to come.

2. Original Nivea Creme

Lots of people have nervous ticks. Some people bite their nails or pick their cuticles. When I'm stressed I pick at my lips (unladylike I know).

A little pot of Nivea Creme has sat on my bedside table (incidentally, next to a little pot of Sudocrem), for...well, forever. But I don't use it on my face. I only ever use it on my lips.

Nivea Creme (from £1.49 at Boots) is about the only thing which heals my lips fast. If I've been unconsciously attacking them throughout the day I'll apply a thick layer of Nivea creme to clean lips just before bed and the next morning my lips are so much better. Works a treat in winter too if your lips are severely chapped. Remember to massage any remaining cream into cuticles or onto the back of your hand (waste not want not).

3. Tinted Moisturiser

My love of tinted moisturiser has definitely peaked in 2014. Partly owing to the huge number of BB, CC and EE launches over the past couple of years and my fascination with the differences between them, but also because tinted moisturiser is simply a makeup lifesaver. Great for everyday, quick to apply with fingers (especially when half asleep), lightweight enough to allow freckles to show through and with built in sun protection.

I have about 5 tinted moisturisers on the go at home depending on how sunny it is, where I'm going, whether I want a slight 'tint' to my skin etc. My faves are pictured above and explained below:

1. Chantecaille Just Skin (SPF 15, £58)
Quite simply the most luxurious and effective tinted moisturiser there is. Subtle enough to conceal yet you will look like you're not wearing anything. Trust me on this one.

2. Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation (SPF 30, £48)
I won this in a  Liberty raffle a couple of years ago and love the texture it gives my skin. Glowing but not shiny. Slightly tinted but not too dark. And with a high SPF too. Another one to look out for if you don't like the idea of wearing 'a base' everyday.

3. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser (SPF 30, £29)
The closest thing to the Chantecaille that I've found and half the price. Brilliant.

4. Tom Ford Traceless Foundation (SPF 15, £62) 
Not strictly a tinted moisturiser but boasts a similar texture and is just heavenly. Pricey yes but a little goes a long way. With a perfect colour match this would make a real investment piece. Be prepared to receive compliments.

4. Nail Oil

A couple of years ago I had a Gelish French manicure for my sister's wedding and three weeks later decided to remove the gel polish myself (big mistake). Most of my nails were fine afterwards but my wedding ring finger (left hand) really suffered and quickly developed a recurring nail split.

It's been three years since my sister got married and it's only since I've started using a rich nail oil that the recurring split has disappeared.

The bottle you see in the photo above - Essential Nail Oil by cult British nail brand Rococo Nail Apparel (£12.50) - has been on my bedside table for well over a year. I generally remember to use it most nights, massaging it in quickly into my cuticles and nails before falling asleep. Not only has it stopped my damaged nail from splitting but my nails are noticeably stronger, healthier and whiter.

5. H₂0

This might seem like an odd one to include but in terms of seeing actual visible results, it's one of the most powerful beauty tools at our disposal. And it's FREE! (well, for lots of us and my goodness, how lucky we are).

Simply not drinking enough water will visibly effect our skin for the worse, no matter how many expensive creams and serums we use.

After a big night out on the sauce (generally wine-flavoured) I'll look at my skin the next day and will really notice the lines on my forehead, my laughter lines and the general lacklustre texture of my skin. Now, I'm all for ageing gracefully but it never ceases to amaze me just how much older I look when I simply haven't drunk enough water that day, compared to days when I have.

Too much sugar (and wine's a b*tch for this) can also cause skin to break out. Drinking lots of water will certainly help to reduce toxins, as will a quick facial massage (click here to see this stunning facial massage tutorial by Lisa Eldridge. Definitely worth 20 minutes of your day some time).

What's your beauty saviour? Please let me know in the comment box below!


Image credits:
Nivea - intothegloss.com
Water shot - uniteforclimate.org
All other images Natalie James Makeup