Empire of the sun
We may be approaching the middle of May but that doesn’t mean that we’re nearing the tail end of summer. If the temperatures have anything to show for it anyway, we’re still in for a lot more sweat, sizzle and swelter. And by the amount of invites to beach parties you must be getting (via Facebook, no doubt), it seems as though summer is still going to last longer than everyone thinks.
If you’re bound to go under the harsh sun anytime soon — and by this we don’t just mean sun within the vicinity of beach and open water — arm yourself with the latest sun shields in the market, from head down to toe.
Kerastase
Kerastase Soleil Huile Genereuse spray (available at leading salons nationwide)
Colored hair in particular, although it also does defensive wonders for non-colored tresses
Kerastase is easily one of the most respected haircare brands in the world. Through its Soleil range, it offers up protection products to combat the harsh summer heat. A particular favorite is the Huile Genereuse spray for colored hair, a formulation that leaves sun-exposed tresses smooth, shiny and color-brilliant, thanks in particular to a combined mix of ceramides (lipid molecules that easily absorb into cells), UV filters and vitamin E.
This easy-apply product (just spray on either damp or dry hair before stepping out into the sun) works both at the beach or a pool setting. As it is oil, it may be a bit greasy for everyday haircare or hair that’s too oily.
Nivea
Nivea Sun Refreshing Fluids with SPF 30 (available at major department stores)
Everyday use on the face, neck and décolletage
Nivea’s Refreshing Fluid is the newest facial sun protection range from the acclaimed “world’s skincare expert.” Made from an ultra-light, water-based formula, it comes in two variants: Nivea Sun Refreshing Fluid Protect with SPF 30, which cools sun-exposed skin as it gives UVB and UVA protection, and Nivea Sun Refreshing Fluid Whitening with SPF 30, which whitens and evens out skin despite it being under the sun. Nivea is pushing the two products not just as a summer staple but also for everyday use as skin is not only exposed to UV rays while in the beach or by the pool.
These fluids' consistency makes it useful as a makeup base. The refreshing water-based formula also assures that you’re not showing oily spots and dripping sweat all over your made-up face.
Clarins
Clarins Sunscreen Cream High Protection For Sun-Sensitive Skin and Sunscreen Spray Gentle Milk Lotion Progressive Tanning with SPF 20 (available at Rustan’s)
Clarin’s mild and plant extract-infused formulations make their products great both for all-over application, from head to toe.
Clarins' Advance Sun Protection range contains Phyto-Sunactyl 2, an exclusive complex that combines five bio-natural plant extracts. This complex works hard to keep skin looking youthful and safe from sun damage and, along with aloe extract, assures that skin keeps hydrated even when exposed to harsh environmental factors.
Two products stand out from Clarins new offerings: Sunscreen Cream High Protection for Sun-Sensitive Skin with SPF 30, which protects against redness and irritation, and the Sunscreen Spray Gentle Milk-Lotion Progressive Tanning SPF 20, a refreshing spray that combines tanning possibilities with a mid-level UV protection.
Both products are comfortable on the skin and give an invisible, satiny-smooth finish — no need to worry about white streaks glowing across your face and body as you stroll down the beach.
Neutrogena
Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Sunblock Gel with SPF 30 and Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sun Block with SPF 30 available at major department stores and personal care stores)
Providing sun defense for your entire bod
Various user testimonials attest to Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer sun care line with Helioplex technology, which, as Neutrogena explains, has an added UVA stabilizer. (Some sunscreens break down after a short period of time, allowing UVA rays — those pesky ones responsible for premature lines — to go through the skin. Helioplex prevents this phenomenon.)
The Fresh Cooling Sunblock Gel with SPF 30 already cools and refreshes the skin even before it comes under the sun. The Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunblock with SPF 30, on the other hand, provides a one-touch continuous spray action that gets your back and other hard-to-reach areas sun-ready.
Judging by the name Ultra Sheer, we’re expecting a suncare line that’s non-sticky and non-creamy, making it perfect for our humid, tropical climate.
Lancome
Lancome UV Expert Neuroshield Ultimate Active Protection Makeup Base with SPF 50 (available at Rustan’s and Marionnaud at SM Mall of Asia)
Creating the perfect UV-protected palette for the perfect makeup application
Lancome gives Asian skin what it wants by creating a makeup base that also answers every woman’s skin needs, be she adventurous or cosmopolitan. This new product contains the brand’s trademark Neuroshield system which helps protect skin from damage due to pollution and other environmental assaults. Mexoryl, an innovative “filtering system,” protects skin against UV rays for 12 hours straight.
This makeup base also hydrates skin apart from preserving it from freckles and other dark spots. The formula is also suitable for the most sensitive of skin.
Shiseido
Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation with SPF 43 and Sun Protection Stick Foundation with SPF 36 (available at most malls and major department stores)
The perfect sun-ready, flawless face
This is what you call responsible makeup. Shiseido aims to “outpower the sun” each summer and beyond by providing beautifying agents that also assure suncare defense and ultimate skincare benefits. Both the liquid foundation (for a fresh, matte finish) and stick foundation (for a sheer, natural no makeup look) provide powerful protection against UVA and UVB rays and are “very water-resistant.”
Shiseido’s light, glide-on makeup is perfect for every beach bunny who thinks that even the beach is fair ground for prettifying. Both formulas are perspiration-resistant as well, assuring that you won’t sweat foundation even under the most sizzling temperature.
Daintree
Daintree Naturopathic Skincare Tropical Coffee Invisible Sunblock with SPF 30 (available at The Natural Source,
Apply generously all over the body as well as the face. Since it is naturopathic, this product also benefits your entire well-being.
Australian brand Daintree is a premium skin program, based entirely on unique, plant-active naturopathic ingredients suitable for even the most sensitive skin. (Naturopathy is an all-natural approach to benefit a person’s entire well-being through the intelligent use of plants‘ healing powers.)
The Tropical Coffee Invisible Sunscreen is a powerful broad-spectrum SPF 30 product that incorporates micro-fine titanium dioxide particles, a natural UV blocker. Its main ingredient is tropical coffee (from north
Tropical coffee is also a natural sunless tanner that allows the skin to take on a natural tint minus the stain or offensive odor some bronzers or self-tanners come with, so you’re assured of a glow even before you step out into the sun.
Dermalogica
Dermalogica Waterblock Solar Spray with SPF 30 (available at Rustan’s Essenses)
Sporty and active types that can’t be bothered with the dreary monotonous smearing action sunblock creams require
This very water-resistant sunscreen from Dermalogica’s daylight defense range provides instant full-spectrum protection with the latest technology in UVA and UVB sunscreens. Infused with antioxidant vitamins C and E that protect against UV-induced free radical damage and Vitamin A that helps normalize skin, this is the perfect full-body shield against environmental assaults.
This alcohol-free, absorbent spray contains no artificial fragrance or color. Organic silicones also help vitamin A to condition drying skin.
