The burning questions

Time to ditch those Wellies because summer is sooo here! In just a few days you can say good-bye to that pallor from the dreary season and look forward to that glow that only either true love or summer can bring.

However, as with everything else, it’s not all frolic and fun. If you want to look fabulous this season, you must have the right arsenal! Different people have different needs, and having superior products to protect you this sweltering season is a must. It used to be just a bit of neon-pink zinc oxide down the bridge of the nose was enough. However, with the high-tech bounty available for the picking, one does not need to settle.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about sunning and funning. You’ll be surprised to see what’s cooking.

* * *

I’m in my thirties and have been tanning all my life. I’d like to do it right this time, especially now that my skin is vulnerable to wrinkles.

Once you’ve burnt your skin, even as a child or in your teens, it leaves a blueprint on the general future of your skin’s health. First of all make sure that you are using a moisturizer that is age-appropriate for you and has an SPF not lower than 15. The rays are everywhere. For the beach, use a high-SPF formula that has anti-aging properties. Fruit-based formulations have anti-oxidant properties, meaning it keeps the free radicals found in the elements from wreaking havoc on your skin.

Murad’s Age Proof Suncare line has pomegranate extract that keeps the skin from losing moisture even when exposed to the harsh rays of the sun. The waterproof sunblock in SPF 30 is ideal for all skin types and even has a mattifying agent to keep skin looking fresh and cool , not greasy. It also fortifies skin with the patented Skin Repair System with Co-3. Another good product to check out is the Greek-based Propoline Sunline by Apivita. It uses green tea water as a base as opposed to plain water, providing levels of high anti-oxidation. Talk about slowing the wrinkle machine!

Clarins Sun Wrinkle control cream in SPF 30 is also a good choice for protecting your face. There’s a melanin precursor that ensures an even tan despite the high SPF, and its formula is fortified by Clarins’ Multi-Cellular Protection complex. It also soothes and promotes a longer-lasting tan because of its nourishing plant extracts.

Anti-oxidant suncare is great, especially if you are privy to the aging effects of the rays. But remember, choose something with a high SPF. Preventing future burns is a must!

* * *

I love sports! Can you recommend a sunscreen that will stay put?

What you need to look at before purchasing any suncare product is whether it is waterproof or, at the very least, water-resistant! Waterproof means it forms a seal that doesn’t wash off in the water, while the latter means it simply does not wash off easily. Regardless, both have to be reapplied after any activity that involves scampering about in the sea or perspiring heavily.

Clarins Sun Care Cream Very High Protection in SPF 15 for Outdoor Sports should do the trick. It’s a dense but blendable cream that stays on skin and won’t bleed into your eyes (sunscreen sting is not pleasurable). You will feel its waxy-smooth feeling that’s not greasy but rather feels like a light protective coating on skin. However, you must reapply often.

* * *

I hate using heavy creams at the beach. Any suggestions?

Sprays are great to protect and refresh yourself at the beach. Although they may come in the form of watery solutions, they are very water-resistant and protect the skin as much as dense creams do.

Clinique’s Body Spray SPF 30 Sun Block is a vitamin-rich formula that sprays on easily. Bobbi Brown Beach also has a Sunscreen Body Spray in SPF 15 that does the trick. It comes in a chic bottle that you can tote around with pride. You can even use it in your hair and your scalp, which by the way gets burned all the time! Remember to apply all sunblocks 30 minutes before hitting the beach.

* * *

I want a light fragrance for summer and something I can wear at the beach. Any sophisticated suggestions?

Bobbi Brown Beach is one of the top-selling summer fragrances in the US. It truly does smell like the beach (without the yucky algae). It has notes of jasmine, sea spray and mandarin. It won’t overwhelm like spicy fragrances and is perfect when accompanied by the Beach Body Oil, which gives skin a supple shimmer.

Try using the exfoliating Sandbar soap as well. Nothing like lightly layering on fragrances to make it last!

* * *

I like to have a bit of makeup on while at the beach. Is this a don’t?

Not necessarily. Putting on a protective sunscreen for the face that mattifies it like Bobbi Brown Sunscreen for Face in SPF 25 and applying a refreshing gel like Laura Mercier Bronzing Gel will give you all the color you need during the day. The Bronzing Gel is highly blendable and gives a lift to your complexion. It’s best put on over skin that has not been powdered and its gel formula won’t cake under the heat.

For evening, check out T. Le Clerc Sun Makeup, a mélange of earthy tones that are inspired by the golden hues of the sun. They are iridescent and sheer enough to wear at the beach. The loose powder, most especially, gives the skin a polished glow with its reflective golden properties. These colors are also sophisticated enough to wear in the city. Always remember that at the beach, a little goes a long way!

* * *

All products available at Rustan’s and Rustan’s Essences Makati.