FROM GELS TO WATERS, WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
OLD-SCHOOL SPRAYS
FOR those that like a classic pump spray, there’s Nivea Sun Protect & Dr y To u c h Invisible Spray in SPF 10/ 20/ 30/ 50 (from £6.50, amazon.co.uk), which really lives up to its ‘dry touch’ promise, spreading easily over the skin, while leaving it non-tacky.
For those who like something that feels a little more moisturising, try the Garnier Ambre Solaire Clear Protect in SPF 15/30/50 (from £6, tesco. com). It’s easily absorbed but has a slightly oilier feel.
The only drawback with pump sprays like this is that if you get sand in them while you’re on the beach, the spray mechanism can jam easily.
ULTRA-LIGHT WATER
IF YOU don’t like the way some traditional sprays sit on the skin — some find them a bit greasy — try an ultra-light product such as one of the new ‘waters’ that have started to make their mark on
the suncare market. Vichy pioneered the concept with its Solar Protective Water, which was launched as an SPF 30 and now comes in SPF 50, too (£19, vichy.co.uk).
Lancaster, whose suncare has always been excellent (if a little pricey), also does a Sun Protective Water SPF 30/50 (£26.50, lookfantastic.com).
The product sits in the bottle as two layers, one of oil and one of water, so you have to give it a good shake to mix before use. But it feels really light, although still moisturising, and absorbs beautifully.
QUICK SPRITZES
AEROSOL sprays — don’t worry, these days they don’t contain CFCs that damage the ozone layer — are another very easy option, especially if you want to make sure kids are protected quickly and easily.
Some dermatologists fear we tend not to apply enough of these as we can’t gauge accurately how much we’re using. But if you’re aware of this, and are more likely to reapply if you have a spray can, it’s still a good and speedy option. The coconut fragrance of Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Spray SPF 15/30 (£8, hawaiian-tropic.co.
uk) immediately conjures up the holiday vibe, wherever you are. It claims to keep skin moisturised for 12 hours.
You can also try Heliocare, a brand much loved by dermatologists, which does a 360 Invisible Spray SPF 50 (£28.99, heliocare.co.uk).
French pharmacy favourite La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Invisible Fresh Mist SPF 50 (£10.50,
escentual.com) is a handbag essential as it’s designed to be used on the face and is a great way of topping up sun protection during the day without messing up your make-up.
CLEVER NEW GELS
THOSE who worry that they’re not getting the right dose of product from a spray should take a look at the new gel products.
It’s not hard to pump or squeeze out the recommended half a teaspoon for your face and neck (and, if you’re talking full body, half a teaspoon for each arm, a teaspoon for each leg, and another teaspoon each for the front and back of the torso).
Unfortunately, many of the new gels seem to be designed exclusively for the face, but for the body, try Ultrasun’s Sports Gel SPF 20/30/50 (from £16, ultrasun.com).
The following formulations are not only great facial sunscreens, but also make a good primer, or base, for make-up: Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield SPF 30 (£65,
murad.co.uk), Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 30 (£20, glossier.com) and Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30 (£ 30, cultbeauty.co.uk).
SOLID STICK
FINALLY, if you love the idea of a solid stick, but don’t want to look like a zinc- streaked cricketer, get your hands on Clarins Invisible Sun Care Stick SPF 50 (£19, clarins.co.uk).
It looks like an orange boiled sweet and gives targeted non-oily, non-greasy protection.