Being as pale as I am, suncream is a huge essential. I find that I need a really high SPF to make sure that I don't get burnt, and for my body I've been really enjoying the Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced SPF 50+ suncream. What really drew me into buying this is that it's formulated with 'fair, sensitive and sun intolerant skin' in mind. Now I don't really have sensitive skin, it tends to be okay with different products, but I'm fair and considering how quickly my skin can go red in the sun, the sun probably isn't my best friend. Because it's for sensitive skin, there's no fragrance which I actually like as I can wear perfumes and such without much bother. Also the actual cream feels really nice on the skin, it's not sticky and doesn't leave me with white streaks which is really good, plus it's a really high SPF with UVA and UVB protection. Highly recommend to pale people looking for sun protection.
Out of personal preference I like to use a different sun protection for my face. Something lighter and that is suitable to use under makeup. That's where Hawiian Tropic Silk Hydration for Face comes in. It's SPF 30 which I find high enough for my face, especially as my more summery makeup bases also contain SPF and has a beautifully lightweight and soft texture. I do allow it to sink in for five or so minutes before going in with my makeup, but it sits really nicely on top which I was actually surprised about. Plus it doesn't leave you with a weirdly white finish to your face which is also a plus.
I think lips can be often overlooked when it comes to sun protection, but I burnt my lips once and it was a horrific experience, so a lip balm with a little SPF in really does come in handy. I like the Balmi lip balms as they're so satisfying to apply! I have the mint flavour/scent which gives such a lovely very light almost tingly feeling to the lips which I love, plus pastel packaging.
I'm not a big fan of hats, I've never been able to find ones that suit me and that allow me to wear my hair up and of my back and neck. Instead I much prefer sunglasses, the ones I have are prescription and I think the frames were exclusive to my opticians, but anyway there are plenty of lovely pairs of sunglasses on the highstreet that are super affordable and very pretty.
For makeup I really want products that are going to elongate the wear and keep me from looking too greasy in the heat and sun. The pair that have been working wonders for me are the Benefit Porefessional Matte Rescue and bareMinerals Mineral Veil Powder. The gel primer is light and hydrating in texture, whilst smoothing over pores and reducing oiliness in my skin. Makeup goes on so smoothly over the top and lasts really well too. When set with the loose powder, there is hardly any need for touch ups. Sometimes my nose needs a little extra if it's particularly hot weather, but generally this combination leaves me shine free.
After a day in the sun, my skin is always left craving something soothing and moisturising. An after sun with aloe vera is a must for me, especially is I've got burnt which usually happens, or the tiniest hint of slightly less pale. I love the Hawaiin Tropic Silk Hydration after sun, as it combines the hydration of lotion with the benefits of aloe vera gel. Plus it smells of coconuts and papaya in such a gorgeously summery way.
As I mentioned sometimes my skin can get very red without burning, it's just reacting to the sun. When this is the case I still like to go in with some moisturiser, but the need for marketed after sun is less. Instead I love using The Body Shop Body Sorbet. This hydrates the skin with such a cooling gel like 'sorbet', that skin drinks up the hydration, whilst simultaneously being cooled which is just perfect for the summer. I have the scent Fuji Green Tea which I highly recommend, as it's so light, fragrant and summery without being the typical summer scent.
What are your summer essentials?
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