Beauty

Compiled by PHYL CLARKE

Hint of a tint

Combining the best of sun protection with a natural-looking tint in a long-wearing formula, La Roche Posey’s Anthelios XL Tinted is a brilliant all-rounder with an SPF 50 (€19) and comes in two textures. The fluid is the perfect daytime finish for the décolleté as it gives a natural tint that does not transfer to clothing and the crème has more richness, which is perfect for the face.

SPEND WHAT you like on face creams, but it’s money down the drain unless you protect your skin from sun damage, the biggest cause of skin ageing. The perfect solution for easy protection is to use a daily moisturiser with built-in sun protection. These formulas both nourish and protect skin.

A powerhouse of super ingredients, Clinique Superdefense Triple Action Moisturizer SPF 25 (€38) gives a soft and silky finish to skin and targets environmental damage due to pollution. A great choice for city dwellers.

I’m a big fan of the Olay range as it delivers exceptional results at high-street prices (watch out for those three-for-two offers in Boots). The Regenerist range is built around the Super Serum (€41.99) – you’ll see an improvement from the first application. The perfect daytime companion is the Flawless Skin Cream, with it’s velvety texture and SPF 30 (€39.99).

Lancome’s Genifique range has been a runaway success since it’s launch and now it has added Soleil (€28.50), which combines the formula with an SPF 50.

My attention has been drawn to the Lacura skincare range on more than one occasion by a firm devotee who stocks up when she visits discount store Aldi. The range is comprehensive and now includes an Anti Ageing Sun Cream at an unbeatable price of €4.99.

It is suitable for sensitive skins with an SPF 50, so there are no excuses.

Body talk

There’s a body cream out there to suit all needs and budgets – you can even get one free at Marks and Spencer during its current buy one get one free promotion. Suncare Active SPF 30 Face and Body Spray (€15) is a good choice.

Sun oils used to be associated with frying yourself in the sun but the new formulas can offer a golden finish. The highest factor oil on the market is Vichy’s Sun protection oil SPF 40 (€17.50). Ambre Solaire has bottled the scent of holidays in it’s Golden Protect Oil SPF 30 (€26.49).

Get two bangs for your buck with Nivea’s Protect Bronze Sun Lotion (€8.71) which combines a high factor with ingredients that activate the skin’s melanin production for a natural tan.

Pocket sized

These compact-sized protectors mean you’ll never be caught unprepared as they’re small enough for your pocket or handbag.

Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream is known for its soothing properties and many-application uses. New to the range is this neat little stick, which packs an SPF50 punch and is water and perspiration resistant. The Sun Defence Stick (€20) is from larger Boots chemists and some department stores.

The ultra-light fluid formula of Nuxe Ecran Produgieux combines jasmine and vitamin E with a powerful SPF30. You can apply over day cream or make-up as this non greasy fluid leaves no white marks and smells deliciously refreshing. €17.50 from Arnotts.

Although Supergoop might sound like a children’s cartoon character, behind the playful name is a seriously impressive range of suncare products from the US that are now available on this side of the Atlantic. These clever Sunscreen Swipes are suitable for sensitive skin and give SPF30 protection in a mess-free wipe. From €8.95; tel 01-8331636 for stockists.