Piz Buin Ultra Light Dry Touch Face Fluid

RRP: from £8.50
Available in SPF15 and SPF30

--What does the promo say?--
"This sun fluid combines immediate and effective UVA/UVB protection with an ultra light formula that dries instantly. The hydrating fluid spreads easily over your skin for a weightless dry touch feel. The non sticky and non greasy formula absorbs instantly without leaving white marks for skin that feels silky and smooth. Enriched with an anti-oxidant Vitamin E, it helps to prevent sun induced premature skin ageing."

--Packaging--
The yellow and dark brown colour scheme is immediately evocative of Piz Buin and the notions of summer and tanning safely. It's also very unisex in its design, so can be used by the whole family. The tapered applicator is very practical and helps to eliminate wastage, as well as enabling targeted application. Plus, its smallest package is 50ml, so perfect even for hand baggage-only travel.

--Application--
Rub over the face until it blends in. Don't forget your nose and the tips of your ears!

--Appearance--
White, but blends in invisibly and leaves no residue on the face.

--Scent--
This contains chrysanthemum, which detracts significantly from the usual chemical scents that can plague sunscreens.

--Texture and consistency--
Does as promised: the fluid is as smooth as a moisturiser and blends in effortlessly. It's not sticky or greasy and fulfils the 'dry touch' USP.

--Effects on the skin--
Moisturises while protecting from the sun. Bonus!

--Value for money--
While not the cheapest sunscreen on the market, it has a lighter texture that doesn't weigh on the skin in the way that some suncreams do. It smells nice and protects too; even though I was sent mine for free, I'd definitely shell out of my own accord once this tube runs out. I'd love to see a range of lip balms too :)

perfect partners
In Sun Moisturising Ultra Light Sun Spray
After Sun Soothing and Cooling Moisturising Lotion

That’so All In One SPF 20-30-50+ Protective Dry Oil Spray

RRP: £18.95

--What does the promo say?--
"Stay safe in the sun with this revolutionary SPF. That'so have been working hard in or labs to make your life easier with our internationally patented SPF. Unlike a conventional SPF that only gives you the level of protection is says on the bottle, All In One gives you 3 different levels with each application. Spray on the dry oil SPF once and it gives you SPF 20. Wait 3 minutes and apply again for SPF 30. Wait a further 3 minutes and apply a final third time for SPF 50. Contains patented formula allowing increase of SPF (20/30/50) with each spray using PROGRESSIVE SPF. Contains MELANUP, a patented ingredient which allows for the production of melanin without the need for sunlight. Contains TYR-EXCEL, a tanning activator which also ensures it develops evenly. Contains anti-ageing and moisturising ingredients: avocado, jojoba oil and Vitamin E. Water resistant.

--Packaging--
The yellow and purple colour combination is vivid and striking - very unusual compared to other commercial suncreams, which tend to rely on the old faithful fallbacks of orange and white. Equally, the spray can format is unusual, as most of the usual options are squeezy bottles or tubes.

--Application--
As mentioned in the promotional materials, the number of layers you need to apply depends on the amount of protection you require - 1 layer for SPF20, 2 for SPF30 or 3 for SPF50. Just spritz over the body and rub in, waiting a few minutes between layers. Despite having to apply multiple layers for higher protection levels, I wouldn't say you run out of this any more quickly than conventional sunscreens, as the oil-based formula goes much further and wastage is minimal.

--Appearance--
An invisible oil which won't stain clothes and doesn't leave the white film of many commercial sunscreens.

--Scent--
A long-lasting, coconutty, sweet scent which is most pleasant.

--Texture and consistency--
Despite the high proportions of natural oils, this does not feel greasy at all and sinks into skin rapidly.

--Effects on the skin--
As well as effectively protecting even sensitive skins from the sun, it also moisturises well. Bonus!

--Value for money--
£18.95 for 200ml is concurrent with other high-end sunscreen ranges, such as those by P20, UltraSun, and Heliocare. Equally, it makes packing much more convenient if you don't have to carry 3 different sunscreens to the beach with you, as this does it all in one. I was sent one for free, but I'd still buy it. Good one, That'so!

perfect partners
All In One After Sun, £18.95
On The Go Clear, £18.95

Screening your skin from the sun - naturally

Colorescience Sunforgettable

Having written quite a few sunscreen posts in my time, it occurred to me that the natural sunscreen market is proliferating, with varying degrees of success, as people fight back against an industry that plays on people's fears (i.e., people are so scared that their skin will be damaged by the sun that they will pay whatever price the big companies ask for their sunblocks - regardless of what these may contain). This has been helped enormously by the mineral makeup industry, which seems to find it easy to integrate natural sun protection factors into its powders, foundations, primers and concealers. And as I've said in a recent post, different people have different priorities, meaning that there are many wishing to seek out these alternatives.

My favourite natural SPF-integrated makeup brands have to be as follows:

• Colorescience - their Sunforgettable range also offers excellent coverage for the face for those of us who can't quite face the world without makeup. Its bronzers, primers and so on also contain SPF.
• Arbonne - the only brand my auntie's oncologist endorsed following her cancer scare.

Perhaps the first natural sun cream I tested was by Liz Earle, and to be honest, I wasn't that keen - it was extremely thick and stiff, difficult to apply and rub in, and didn't have a good shelf life either. (They've since shelved the idea - presumably until they can get it right - for now only offering an aftersun gel.) But the situation has improved massively since then - I recently tested a tinted moisturiser from Spa Technologies, and while it failed on that front (given that it offered no coverage whatsoever...) it also had a natural SPF of 45, and felt more like a luxurious face cream than a chemical sunscreen. Fantastic news for everyone wanting a more natural alternative to the market mainstays.

And there's plenty of choice too - listed below are just some natural sunscreen brands available in the UK (and while my two favourite brands, listed above, are a little more costly, going 'au naturel' does NOT have to break the bank). As I haven't tried all of these, your feedback would be greatly appreciated. Leave a comment if you have!

• Bears Beauty 22% Zinc Sun Lover's Cream, from £2.65
• Bubbles for Hope Natural Sunscreen Stick, from £3.31
• Rocky Mountain Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 60, £3.74
• Bare Ends Sunscreen SPF 25, from £3.97
• Seasonal Remedies Home Made Natural Sunscreen, from £3.97
• Evergreen Helios Sunscreen Milk, £4.40
• Naturela Face Sunscreen, £4.43
• Purely Esssential Organic Sunscreen, £4.63
• Simple Life Mom Natural Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40, from £4.64
• Bare Earth Natural Sunscreen SPF 30, £5.29
• Little Granolas All Natural Sunblock SPF 30, £5.30
• Heavenly Hands Natural Solid Sunscreen, £5.30
• Alba Botanica SPF 45, £5.44
• Lavera Organic Sunscreen SPF 15, £5.75
• Alba Hawaiian Green Tea Sunblock, £6.37
• Lotus Herbals Sunblock Cream SPF 20, £6.44
• Terravana All Natural Sunscreen, £6.62
• Nature's Gate Face Sunscreen SPF 25, £7.42
• Uriage Bariésun SPF 50 Fragrance Free Cream, £8.22
• Lush Solid Sunscreen Wash SPF 30, £8.95 
• Jason Sunbrellas Facial Natural Sunblock SPF 20, £10.19
• Eco Cosmetics Sunscreen SPF 30, £10.89
• Mommy Care Facial Sunscreen SPF 15, £11.12
• Mustela Very High Sun Protection Lotion, £11.49
• Goddess Garden Sunny Body Natural Sunscreen SPF 30, £11.51
• Apicita Sun Cream Face and Body, £12.50
• Green People Scent Free Sun Lotion SPF 30, £12.99
• Antidote Skin Care Mineral Sunblock Lotion, £13.06
• Hang Ten Natural Sunscreen, £13.07
• Moraz Face Sun Saver SPF 50, £13.16
• Louis Widmer Sun Screen 25+, £13.70
• Apivita Sun Face and Body, £16.38

Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF Dry Sunscreen

RRP: £29.54

available in 3 shades: Translucent, Golden and Tanned

--What does the promo say?--

"Helps prevent sunburn and sun induced skin damage. Powder-Me SPF is an all over face and body powder which protects from UVB and UVA rays. With an SPF 30, it's an essential in the fight against the merciless damage caused by the sun. Because this remarkable sunscreen is a powder, it doesn't run where you don't want it – such as your eyes! It also starts working immediately. No wait for chemicals to be absorbed by the skin. Just layer the light powder on for immediate protection. And it's so easy to use. Powder-Me SPF is packaged in an innovative dispenser that ensures quick and even coverage. Apart from its active ingredient of titanium dioxide, one of the ingredients in this state-of-the-art sunscreen is a natural clay dried in the sun and completely free of contaminants and atmospheric pollutants. The ancient clay also contains minerals that nourish and calm the skin, helping sooth inflammation from too much sun exposure."

--Packaging--

This is a clear plastic pot with a screw-top opening for refills, which leads to a sponge for everyday application. In addition, there is a push-on lid which comes complete with its own mirror in the top. There are several advantages to this type of packaging: the transparent pot means you can see when you're running low, and the sponge is very good for targeted application (Italian makeup brand Pupa makes a similar pot which you can use to apply blusher). The fact that you can refill it is also excellent news and the mirror is very handy. However, I feel that Jane Iredale would do well to sell a brush version alongside this to help cover larger areas of the body, such as the legs, more quickly (Body Shop does something similar to this, and Colorescience's Sunforgettable mineral sunscreen also comes in this format).

--Application--

One is instructed to apply liberally and evenly over face and body, topping up every 2 hours (plus after swimming, perspiring or towel drying). So fairly standard across the sunscreen market. However, as mentioned above, I found that the sponge applicator made this easy only on smaller areas of the body (such as face, arms, hands and feet) and took much longer on larger areas (such as legs, chest and stomach).

--Appearance--

This will obviously depend on the shade you choose. Pick translucent if you are pale, the brand new Golden if you have an olive skin tone, or Tanned if your skin is darker than this. I found that Golden looked great on my arms, but was too dark for my legs and face. Some of us may need two! The sunscreen also appeared patchy on larger areas of skin due to the design of the applicator.

--Scent--

None. Perhaps a little bit of the sponge, if anything (a new-fabric kind of smell) but generally not chemical or artificially fragranced.

--Texture and consistency--

Being a mineral powder foundation, it's powder-light and you can dab it easily onto the skin. No signs of irritation or clogged pores were experienced while using the product.

--Effects on the skin--

As this product is endorsed by the Skin Cancer Foundation as providing effective UVA and UVB protection, it should come as no surprise that my skin was adequately protected from the sun and did not burn :)  Yay :)

--Value for money--

At nearly £30 this is expensive for a sunscreen, and it doesn't even have the consolation of refills being available (meaning you have to shell out the whole £30 each time you run out. However, the price is in line with other mineral companies - BareMinerals' powder sunscreen, for instance, is £25 (although at least that one comes in brush form). While there are clear advantages - the fact that there are no white streaks or stickiness as with some traditional suncreams, or the fact that its texture and consistency wouldn't change over time in the same way as a cream - it is a time-consuming way of applying sun cream and some people may feel happier sticking to use of this on their face and arms, while using a different sunscreen that's easier to apply to larger areas. It's a high-quality product, but its major design flaws (sponge applicator, no refills) need to be resolved to make it even more appealing to the mass market.

perfect partners

Absence Oil Control Primer SPF15, £32.64

Amazing Base Loose Powder SPF20, £30

Dream Tint SPF15, £28.50

Glow Time BB Cream SPF25, £35.96

Lip Drink SPF15, £12.10

PureMoist Lip Colour SPF18, £14.88

PurePressed Pressed Powders SPF20, £31.95

Cosmetics Contemplations: Lifestyles of the pale and interesting

...with apologies to Good Charlotte there.

The approach of summer means that many are beginning to consider their pale and pasty pins and whether or not to splash out on a spray tan for the season, as well as all of the other trappings that summer beauty entails: waxing, manicure, pedicure, hair conditioning...

But the truth is that not everybody enjoys this time of the year. Marian Keyes encapsulates the feeling beautifully in her novel A Woman In The Know:

"Summer may be here, but autumn is just around the corner, and for those of us who like to cover up, it can't come soon enough. As the poet so eloquently put it: "Autumn! Season of new boots and jackets!" (At least, how the poet would have so eloquently put it if the poet had been a woman.) I love autumn. It might be because my birthday is in September - poor criticized Virgo! - and I associate it with presents, cake, and lots of attention, but the shameful truth is that I'm not really a summer person. Yes, I know this won't go down well, and that saying you don't like summer is like saying you don't like dolphins or teddy bears or Crunchies. My issue (I'm not sure I like that word) with summer is that everything's too bright, hot, and exposed. My clothes are all wrong, and summer brings me into a head-on collision with my lumpy upper arms. I'm tormented by them. Should I reveal them looking like sausage-skins stuffed with cauliflower florets, and endure the sniggers of others, or keep them under wraps and swelter? If I elect to swelter, I have to deal with skinny smooth-armed types who've never known a day's lumpiness in their lives, goading me: "Why are you wearing your cardie?" "You look so hot!" "Look at her everyone, she's melting!" "Stupid woman." While I'll have to insist, even though my face is the color of a raw steak and sweat is running down my back, that I'm fine, a little chilly even."

Dressing for summer is another difficulty; exposed legs means it's tricky enough to keep up the battle against unwanted hair, let alone also have the maintenance of a fake tan to contend with. For me, fake tan is out for this reason, and sun beds are out on the grounds of health (even stars of TV show The Only Way Is Essex recently boycotted sunbeds in support of Cancer Research's R UV UGLY? campaign). Cost is also a factor in both. A good compromise that I've found so far is the tan accelerator (I reviewed Piz Buin's recently): no more high-maintenance than normal sunscreen, not that much more expensive, and certainly safer than sunbeds, as they often provide sun protection factors too. Self-tanning moisturisers, such as those made by Jergens, Dove or Johnsons, are another excellent alternative.

Beyond that, if I want a tan, I prefer to go the 'natural' route: exposing myself to sun slowly, with plenty of sunscreen and time in the shade, to build up a gradual colour. It's free, it's the way God made it, it contains vitamin D, and can improve skin complaints. But ultimately no tan is 'good' for you and it will age you prematurely - which means it's good that I'm not that bothered about having a tan overall. I have always been pale, and my parents sometimes wonder if it's a self-fulfilling prophecy given that my first name, Bianca, has proved to be ludicrously accurate over the years. It's as if my paleness is now part of who I am - and in the face of Paris' perma-tanned trophy wives and shows like Jersey Shore, it's almost a distinguishing feature too. I doubt I would feel like 'me' with a tan - I've never had any sort of tan in my life beyond the very light sort that fades quickly. So I guess I'll carry on waiting for winter and embracing my paleness - and hoping others don't feel insecure for doing the same thing.

Piz Buin Tan and Protect Tan Intensifying Sun Lotion

RRP: currently £8.49 at Tesco

available in 3 SPFs: 6, 15, and 30; also available in the form of an oil spray

--What does the promo say?--

"The non greasy and non sticky formula of the NEW PIZ BUIN® Tan & Protect™ Tan Intensifying Sun Lotion intensely moisturises your skin, which helps prevent peeling and contributes to a longer lasting tan. PIZ BUIN® Tan & Protect™ Tan Intensifying Sun Lotions are sweat and water resistant. Combines UVA/UVB HELIOPLEX™ sun filters with Melitan, which helps enhance your skin's own natural tan. So now you can build a gorgeous, natural tan without compromising on your level of protection."

--Packaging--

The gorgeous dark brown and gold colour scheme really evokes ideas of the sun and summer, and stands out on the shelf compared to the bright primary-coloured packaging that's often available from other brand. The plastic squeeze-bottle and tapered nozzle also makes it easy to decant the lotion into smaller bottles for travel as well as making it simple to apply directly onto skin.

--Application--

Simply rub into clean dry skin before sun exposure, and reapply after activities such as swimming. The lotion absorbs quickly and is non-greasy, making it pleasant to use.

--Appearance--

A white cream that leaves no visible residue on the skin (so no white streaks as can be seen after using some sunscreens). Almost more like a body moisturiser than a sunscreen!

--Scent--

Nothing out of the ordinary here; just like an ordinary sunscreen, but not heavily scented.

--Texture and consistency--

As mentioned, this absorbs well, with there being none of the stiffness, stickiness or difficulty blending that can occur with other sunscreens. Intensely moisturising. In short, a delight.

--Effects on the skin--

I was pleasantly surprised to see (after perhaps not really believing it would work) that I got a good, natural tan on my legs while using this for only a couple of hours. No looking like you've been tangoed with this! Tested during one of Cardiff's rare moments of sun, it also protected skin well from the sun (no burning) and kept skin moisturised too (no peeling, dryness or tightness).

--Value for money--

The oil is slightly cheaper at £7.99 from Tesco at the time of writing (although Boots has it on for £17.99, so don't know what's going on there), but either way I think both products represent great bang for your buck. Sunscreen is expensive anyway: with one or two exceptions (Boots Essentials and some Soltan products), you are basically looking at £6.49 just as a starting point. Piz Buin is also on BOGOF currently at Boots, so is even better value. Their price point seems perfect, especially given that Simple sunscreens are more expensive than this (£10.99, Simple? Come on). Given that it feels more like a moisturiser than a traditional sunscreen, and not only protects your skin from the sun but also makes your tan look even better, it seems to me to be a fantastic summer purchase. The fact that it's available in multiple formats (the PR at Piz Buin tells me that it simply comes down to what you prefer to use; it's not that the oil is more effective than the lotion or vice versa) and in multiple SPFs serves as yet more selling points. This is all despite my initial reservations about how the product works (see below). My only criticism would be the lotion's lack of availability in major outlets as yet (the oil spray is much easier to get hold of), but I am sure this will change soon. In short, would purchase again.

--Other comments--

I was a little baffled/worried by how the product works initially, but having done some research I am now feeling a little more relaxed. To be honest I think Piz Buin should include a little leaflet with each of their tan accelerating sunscreens to explain this to consumers. The Piz Buin products, and other similar products, are designed to produce synthetic melanin in the skin (as do oral products like Oenobiol Solaire). Melanin is secreted by the skin to protect your skin from the sun. This makes your skin darker. Melanin production is stimulated by the melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). Companies therefore want to make products that either contain this hormone or at least replicate its action. Synthetic melanin is not known to increase cases of skin cancer and works also by helping to limit the breakdown of melanin, resulting in skin darkening and the tan lasting longer. This only significantly affects the surface layer of the skin and is very temporary.

perfect partners

Tan Intensifying Sun Spray, £17.99

Tan Accelerating Oil Spray, £17.99

Liz Earle Mineral Sun Cream SPF20

RRP: from £6.50

--What does the promo say?--"Perfect for all the family, our light, non-greasy mineral sun cream reflects rather than absorbs harmful UVB and UVA rays which can lead to skin damage and premature ageing."

--Packaging--The purple colour of the plastic tube is attractive and unusual for a suncare product. The flip top lid is secure and the information given on the front and back of the tube is simple and easy to follow.

--Application--Apply liberally to clean, dry skin; rub in until fully absorbed. All very normal - however, application is not always completely easy as the cream is very stiff, and so doesn't rub in as effortlessly as mainstream brands of suncream.

--Scent--There is a very natural scent to this suncare product, which I believe comes chiefly from the green tea and shea butter that it contains. Subtle and unisex, it's not at all invasive and definitely beats the commercial suncream smell.

--Appearance--This, too, is also unlike the usual sunscreens that you see, but not necessarily in a good way; the lotion is an unattractive pale brown/beige colour which, while it is does not result in any visible residue on the skin, could initially put some people off. However, the fact that it is perhaps a more natural colour (rather than the doctored bright white that we are used to seeing dispensed from suncream tubes and bottles) may have the opposite effect for some.

--Texture and consistency--As previously mentioned, this 'cream' is very stiff and not always easy to rub in. Prepare to put some back into it! However, despite this, it does absorb well. Good things come to those who wait...

--Protection factor--At SPF 20, this should suit even children and the fair-skinned. It lasts well on the skin, preventing sun damage, redness and burning. However, the fact that it is not waterproof may be a major downside for some, as it would mean reapplying the product repeatedly before and after contact with water. Nevertheless, I have not tested this aspect of the product yet, so who knows? I could be pleasantly surprised to find that the warning of it not necessarily being waterproof is just the company covering their backs. We'll find out when I hit the swimming pool this weekend.

--Value for money--Some obvious downsides - such as the potential lack of any waterproof quality, and the offputting colour of the cream - may deter some from purchasing this product. However, when you buy a mineral product, you accept that it is likely to be more natural than many normal off-the-shelf products, so some of these disadvantages are just the trappings of choosing to buy a more natural product. Technology may also develop in future so that a naturally nicer-looking and waterproof sunscreen is possible. However, despite these possible pitfalls, you are getting a high quality natural product that does work and that is barely more expensive than high street suncreams (Liz Earle's £18.50 150ml tube compares quite favourably with brands such as Soltan, Clarins and Piz Buin).

perfect partnersSun Shade Botanical After Sun Gel, £13/200ml
Sun Try-Me Kit, £15.50
*I was sent this product as part of Liz Earle's New Suncare Offer, which contains a full size Mineral Sun Cream, a full size After Sun Gel, a 75ml Foot Spritzer, a 15ml Foot Scrub, a 15ml Foot Moisturiser, and a mini tote bag, costing £33.75 in total. More reviews coming soon!

Crystal Clear Protect and Repair

RRP: £35 (100ml)

--What does the promo say?--
"Sunscreen is the key to great skin care success at every age. Tinosorb is the highly effective ingredient in Protect & Repair, working in four ways: micro fine particles reflect and scatter the light; photo-stable organic molecules absorb the UV and minimise the risk of radiation damage in the skin; Vitamin E offers excellent anti-oxidant properties; and lupine extract and thermus thermophilis prevent sunburn, dehydration and ageing. Use the power of science to protect yourself from the sun with this sophisticated anti-ageing product.


* Anti-Ageing
* Reduces wrinkles
* Tones and hydrates
* Boosts collagen production
* Suitable for all skin types"

--Packaging--
There is a nice contrast between the predominantly black box (with silver decoration) and the white tube (with black decoration). The screw top is easy enough to operate and the semi-rigidity of the tube makes dispensation of the product easy to control; the only flaw, perhapd, is the slight ridge running around the edge of the tube opening, meaning that some product collects there and is wasted.

--Application--
After moisturising, smear this onto your face every day (even in winter). More is needed than it might initially appear, so don't be afraid to be liberal with it.

--Scent--
Lemony. Nothing like the traditional suncream smell at all.

--Texture/consistency--
Reminiscent of egg whites that have been beaten for a very long time, this stiff white lotion is not too sticky, absorbs extremely well, and is definitely not greasy. No residue is detectable on the skin after application.

--Appearance--
The white lotion rubs in clear, and while there is some shine effect after application, it is not as pronounced as it is with some suncreams.

--Effects on the skin--
It doesn't clog pores or cause breakouts, which is always a plus for a sunscreen. For this reason alone, I'd be happy to use it all year round, and the high SPF provides more than ample protection for hotter summer weather too. So I get the 'protect' pârt. As for the "repair"...I'm not really sure what this product is meant to repair. It's well-known that you can't get rid of already-existing wrinkles (you can only prevent future ones). Tones and hydrates? Possible. Boosts collagen production? You'd presumably need to use it for a really long time (many years) to be sure of this.

--Value for money--
While this is a nice enough sunscreen that protects your skin from damage by UV rays and which doesn't cause breakouts of leave you looking too shiny, I'm still not sure that I would pay £35 for it - the concept of protecting AND repairing is just a little too vague and unsubstantiated for me.

perfect partners

Crystal Clear Wipe Away The Years, £27
Crystal Clear Revitalising Tonic, from £20
Crystal Clear Polish, £32

Vichy Capital Soleil Protective Cream for the Face

RRP: £13 from www.garden.co.uk
SPF: 30 (others available)

--What does the promo say?--
"Protective Cream for face and particularly exposed areas. SPF 30 Cream. Contains Mexoryl XL. High coverage technology. Vichy thermal spa water. Preservative-free. Prevents sun-induced skin damage. Fights onset of pigment patches. Moisturizing. Matt result. For fair and sensitive skin in less intense sunlight and for dark skin at the start of a holiday. Photostable. Hypoallergenic. Water-resistant. 50 ml tube."

--Packaging--
Uses a white and orange colour scheme, though this isn't really distinctive from other similarly-priced suncare brands' colour schemes, such as Dermalogica's suncare range. The tube itself is a plastic flip top and doesn't leak.

--Application--
Squeeze a pea-sized amount of sunblock from the tube, and rub gently into the skin, either on its own or mixed with your usual moisturiser.

--Scent--
It smells lovely. Not that traditional coconutty smell, but still slightly sweet and yet sophisticated. I'll think on a better description.

--Texture/consistency--
To my delight, unlike most sunscreens designed for the face, this isn't greasy in the slightest. It absorbs quickly and well, and isn't too lumpy or runny.

--Appearance--
No residue is left on the face, and the cream itself is almost perfectly white.

--Longevity--
You only need to apply this once all day long (perhaps twice in very hot climates), and it protects brilliantly against the sun. You won't see even a hint of sunburn with this. I have very fair skin, so this is important to me, and it completely achieves its aims.

--Value for money--
This is an extremely fair price for what is arguably the best facial sun cream on the market. Go out and buy it now - it comes in higher and lower SPFs too, so there's bound to be one to suit your needs.

perfect partners
Vichy Self-Tan Wipes for Fair Skin, £1.50
Vichy After-Sun Milk Gel, £10
Vichy Capital Soleil Ultra Fluid SPF50, £13.50