Sunscreen without the sticky
April 25th, 2007Dermatologists will tell you that there is no such thing as a safe tan: any hint of colour is a sign of sun damage. This in turn causes freckles, moles, wrinkles and, potentially, skin cancer. Foundations and facial powders generally contain low doses of SPF (between 4 and 15), but whether this is sufficient protection for your skin type is something only your dermatologiest will know for sure.
But being fair-skinned, I know that I’m particularly prone to harmful UV rays which is why I top up with a strong sunscreen every day. It took a while to find a couple of options that aren’t sticky. They are expensive, but I’ve been thrilled with them for years. Both products are smooth, odourless, long lasting and oil free (you won’t notice that you have them on).
- Clarins: UV Plus protective sun screen with SPF 40
- Shiseido: Ultimate sun protection lotion with SPF 55
I can’t think of a better cosmetic invesment than effective sunscreen. Remember to also apply liberally to your neck and the back of your hands, because other than your face, this is where aging is most visible.
Shiseido Sun Protection Lotion ($37) and Clarins UV Plus ($38) are available at Sephora and most department stores.
April 25th, 2007 at 1:25 pm
I was turned onto Clarins by Angie, and I agree with her that the product is great. It is expensive for its size, but it doesn’t make your face feel oily, and I have oily, yet sensitive skin (which, by the way, is hard to find products for, since most brands assume sensitive = dry–silly them!).
It is too expensive for me to put on my hands, but I have another solution that I have used for years–body lotion with sunscreen in it. My favorite is Lubriderm with SPF 15. It is inexpensive, and it gives you full body coverage. I highly recommend it for good, all-over, daily coverage.
April 26th, 2007 at 7:24 am
Your Lubriderm idea is a brilliant one. I shall be buying some today!
April 26th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
You’ve sold me. I’m going to buy the largest bottle of Clarins I can find. I’ve been searching for a decent sunscreen for years now (I too, have oily, sensitive, and combination skin. I get hit by it all), and am very paranoid about my sunscreen.
So far, I’ve only been using Vichy’s Thermal Fix with SPF 20, but I want a higher SPF, maybe 30 for my face. And all of my foundations now have SPF in them too… can’t get enough!
Also, I’ve started a regime where I take a shower at night, and moisturize really well with Olay Quench Therapy Concentrate (I am prone to eczema), and then in the mornings I slather on the body sunscreen (like Christie’s Lubriderm, or the drugstore brand with SPF 60), let it bond to my skin, and finish my makeup in the meantime.
April 27th, 2007 at 6:03 am
I also used to suffer from eczema. What I found works wonderfully is Neutrogena’s Norwegian Formula body lotion. As soon as the heat comes on in November (or the short sleeves and shorts are finished), I start wearing it. I’m now finishing my last bottle and will be moving to my summer lotion: Lubriderm w/SPF.
Clarins is great. I hope you also enjoy it!