High SPF, high silk factor
WITH this wonderful sunny spell, it’s tempting to strip off and pray to the sun god, sacrificing your pasty skin on the altar of tanning, in every spare minute. Skin damage? Who cares! It’s SUNNY.
But it’s not worth playing that game. Make sure you’re well slathered while you’re out worshipping rays so you can do it guilt-free. It helps to have a lovely potion with a divine smell that nourishes your skin and acts more like a moisturiser than a sunblock. There are more super-luxe SPFs on the market than you can shake a stick at. They can be very pricey. But you’ll notice the difference in feel and scent and – crucially – the way they condition, rather than clog, your skin. Here are our pick of the best.
SISLEY BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN SPF 30
A kingpin in sun protection – as you’d expect for the price. Grand Ecran is loaded with essential oils and natural plant extracts, combatting UVA and UVB rays while leaving skin super moist. £88.50, Selfridges
NATURA BISSE SUN DEFENSE SPF 50
If you’re serious about keeping your skin safe and young-looking, this is the way to go. It’s designed for protecting delicate areas, such as scars or skin that’s recently gone under the knife.?Very silky feel. £66.35, michaeljohn.co.uk
CLARINS SOS SUNBURN SOOTHER
Even the best-intentioned sometimes get burned. Sooth yourself with this pot of mango and shea butter from a skincare classic. £22.50, Boots, House of Fraser
INVISIBLE INC SKIN PROTECTION
One of last year’s biggest skincare launches, this is the Volvo of suncreams – incredibly well-made (chemical free) and very good for you. £28, Selfridges
BOBBI BROWN BEACH SPF 15
A lightweight, non-greasy spray with a scent of coconutty beach happiness, this is the ultimate companion to the darker skinned woman’s jaunt to the beach. Vitamin E and an emollient blend of grapeseed, olive and castor oils make for a warming, sexy spray. £18, House of Fraser
SENSAI SPF 30
SILKY BRONZE FOR FACE
The great thing about this is the bronzing effect so you feel like you’re tan even while wearing SPF 15. It’s a highly moisturising formula too, so you’ll forget you’re wearing anything as unsexy as suncream. £75 at Harrods