Last week Sunday was a pearl of a day in Cape Town. The temperatures soared to 32 degrees and we decided that the beach really was the only place to be. I rounded up my hubby, daughter and Helen, of my beauty besties, and we headed to Clifton. Because both Helen and I are in the beauty industry (Helen’s the beauty ed at Women’s Health), we reveled in having the opportunity to try a few new sun care products. Below are reviews of the five we tested.
Vichy Capital Soleil SPF 50 Milky Spray Sensitive Skin (R340 for 200ml)
It was my first beach outing after a seemingly endless winter, and the temperature was set to be 30 degrees plus. Paranoid (as one should be) about burning quickly after months of being covered up, I smoothed on the newest sunscreen (Vichy’s Capital Soleil SPF 50 Milky Spray Sensitive Skin) I’d seen recently at a beauty launch. And I used it everywhere: an hour before hitting the beach I covered my arms, legs, tummy, back and chest and topped up when I arrived at Clifton 4th. My biggest concern was burning very quickly, not just because I have pale skin, but thanks to taking anti-inflammatory painkillers in the last few days. These, together with medications like tetracycline (an antibiotic) and the anti-acne drug Roaccutane, act as “photosensitisers” making your skin so sun-sensitive, they’re practically doing the opposite job of sunscreen. I was careful to reapply after about an hour of being in the sun. And although I wasn’t swimming (too soon for the icy waters of Cape Town), I kept on topping up, even if I was sitting under the brolly. This product has a great texture to spread into skin: think a light, milky-like consistency that absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel tacky. The fragrance is extremely mild; this isn’t one of those “tropical island” smelling creams. It’s packaged in a spritzer bottle, but I found it easier to spray the lotion into my hands and then rub it into my skin. The best bit? I didn’t burn anywhere. In fact my skin only showed very subtle signs of being in the sun. I’m perhaps one shade darker than I was but I’m happy to get my fake tan on as the weather gets hotter and I have more skin on show – HELEN
Piz Buin Wet Skin Transparent Sun Spray SPF30 R264.95
I think I’d best descried this sunscreen as a dry oil. It absorbed quickly, leaving my skin with a light, non-oily sheen. I like that it can be used on wet or dry skin and is invisible. The formula contains Aquaflex Technology, which allows the spray to cut through water, absorbing directly on wet or dry skin. I think the fact that it leaves no visible marks is a bonus. Piz Buin Wet Skin Transparent Spray is available in an SPF 15 & 30 and both formulas include Vitamin E – a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals. The formula is also extra water resistant.
Because I like tanning oil, I really enjoyed using this spray and found that it protected my skin really well. I spent a good 3 hours in direct sun and didn’t experience any burning – just a light golden tan. My only bugbear with this product is the slightly chemical smell. But, it’s really not that bad, and because I like the formula of this product so much, I can happily overlook the smell.
Eucerin Sun Crème Tinted SPF 50 R169.99
Both Helen and I LOVE this facial sunscreen. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that is the best I’ve ever used. I love that the formula includes a tint that evens out my skintone, covers any blotchiness or red marks and leaves my skin looking gorgeous. The actual tint appears to be quite dark when you squeeze it out the bottle, but don’t worry; it applies beautifully and leaves the skin with a matte finish. It also contains antioxidants and a highly effective photo stable UVA & UVB system that protects against sunburn. As with all Eucerin products, this facial sunscreen is appropriate for even the most sensitive skin types.
Lip Ice Sun Care with SPF40 R19
It’s so important to remember to protect your lips when you’re in the sun and this product does just that. In addition to nourishing lips with moisturising Vitamin E, it also protects them with an SPF 40. Best of all, it doesn’t leave a white film on lips and can be used daily. It has a pleasant, slightly citrus scent. This is definitely a summer handbag essential .
Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream SPF25 R475
Strangely, there aren’t a lot of sun products available for the eye area. I find this odd; as this delicate area needs all the help it can get to protect it from the ravages of the sun. Often, applying a regular facial sunscreen too close to the eye can result in sensitivity. So what is one to do? Use this stunning beauty – that’s what. The Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream is pure perfection. It’s easy to blend and doesn’t leave the skin greasy or covered in a white cast. It’s made using zinc oxide, a physical sunscreen that, unlike chemical sunscreen formulas, won’t irritate sensitive eyes. It did a great job of protecting the skin around my eyes and I’d highly recommend it.
