Does trendy sunscreen REALLY work?

Sunblock you brush on — or lather on in the shower. But...

ThInk sun protection has to be boring creams, or gloopy oils? Think again. This year’s offerings are more innovative than ever — from crackling mousses and water sprays offering sun protection,

to fake tan with screen factor 50. With the help of Dr Sam Bunting, a cosmetic dermatologist based in London’s harley Street, Claire Coleman finds out which are sunbelievably brilliant, and which aren’t worth the space in your suitcase . . . POWDER PUFFED Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45, £24, lookfantastic.com They say: A silky smooth powder sunblock that leaves a clear, matte, residue-free layer of protection. Can be applied over moisturiser. Claire says: This tube of powder comes with a built-in brush that makes it easy to apply. I wasn’t convinced I was getting enough protection so I used it over sun cream to mattify. Dr Bunting says: The problem with any powder sunscreen is that the sheer amount needed to deliver the SPF promised would be cosmetically unappealing.

VERDICT: I’ll swap my face powder for this to get extra protection and to take the shine off. 3/5 HANDY COMPACT La Roche-Posay Anthelios Compact 50+, £19.50, jppharmacy.co.uk They say: Provides high broad spectrum sun protection SPF 50+ against the harmful effects of both UVA and UVB rays. Clinically proven and water resistant. Unifying coverage with ultracomfortable protection. Claire says: This handy compact has a sponge applicator. There’s a lot of pigment giving good coverage but you rather have to work it in. The end result is even. Dr Bunting says: This is rich in iron oxide, which helps block visible light, a trigger for pigmentation. The drawback is it’s limited to light and medium shades.

VERDICT: Great summer foundation, easy to slip in your bag. 4/5 SUN AND SELF TAN Vita Liberata SPF 50 Fake Tan, £39, vitaliberata.co.uk They say: Triple action marula oil self tan has SPF 50 sun protection. Claire says: The citrus-scented oil was easily absorbed and left my skin with a hint of colour that developed into a subtle glow. But the practicalities of re-applying it on the beach put me off. Dr Bunting says: It’s vital to use the right amount of sunscreen for protection — about 30ml is recommended for head-to-toe application. Fake tan should be applied in a thin, even layer. The quest for perfect tan might trump the desire for protection and too little product may lead to sunburn.

VERDICT: Great fake tan but limited value as sun protection. 2/5 TRY A SILKY SERUM Kiko Solar Protect Serum SPF 15, £7.95, kikocosmetics.com They say: A fast-absorbing, twophase face serum containing moisturising hyaluronic acid and SPF 15. Claire says: This light serum has watery pink and oily orange layers that you shake to mix before using the dropper dispenser to apply. Initially it felt oily but it absorbed quickly and didn’t leave skin feeling tacky. Dr Bunting says: This is essentially a medium-protection moisturising sunscreen, so not as high as I’d recommend for summer.

VERDICT: A nice multi-tasker but for real moisturising and sun protection, efficacy, use two separate products. 3/5 NOT TO BE MIST Bioderma HydraBio Eau de Soin SPF 30, £9.50, escentual.com They say: Water- based mist infused with an SPF for all-over protection and hydration. Claire says: This has become a summertime handbag staple. If I’m a bit hot, or out at lunch, I spritz it over my face. It doesn’t disturb my make-up, gives me some protection and is cooling. Dr Bunting says: This affordable product is perhaps the best offering for ‘topping up’ I’ve seen. It is not a substitute for applying a layer of proper broad-spectrum sunscreen before make- up. Sprays are also notoriously easy to under-apply.

VERDICT: As a top up, at this price, it’s a no brainer. 4/5 SHOWER POWERED Lush Solid Sunscreen Wash SPF 30, £8.95, lush.com They say: Shower on your sun care with this solid block made with protective sunscreens, cocoa butter, calamine powder and rose absolute. Claire says: This looks like soap but in the shower melts into the skin, leaving it feeling moisturised and lightly scented with eucalyptus. I liked the way it let me skip body lotion and offered some sun protection, too. Dr Bunting says: This contains a lot of essential oils — beware they can react with UV, causing irritation or a rash. Cocoa butter can block pores so not a good idea for those who are breakoutprone on the chest and back.

VERDICT: If you don’t react to it, this gives moisturising protection against incidental exposure but can’t be easily re-applied so not great on the beach. 2/5