sunscreen

25 July 2021

natural skincare routine for mature, sensitive, allergic, eczema prone skin type
(some of the products featured have been Gifted/Unpaid)

It has been a while since I took a snap shot of my skincare routine. Whilst my products do vary over time I try to stick to the same core principals - minimal (cleanse and moisturise), fragrance free and vegan friendly.

By Sarah London Raspberry Seed Cleansing Oil is a product I received back in April. I mention this because I want you to understand that I give products a lengthy testing before they get a write up. This cleanser is an oil that transforms into a light cleansing milk on contact with water. Long time readers will know these are my favourite types of cleansers. Oils are nourishing on my delicate dry skin and By Sarah cleanser promises to remove daily pollutants and makeup without disrupting the skin's natural pH balance. I would say that my experience would back up this claim as my skin always feels great and never stripped after using this cleanser. I'm more than happy to recommend this cleanser to anyone.

Green People Anti-Ageing Cream came back into my life in 2019 and it has pretty much been a staple ever since as I always have a back up in my drawer. Whilst I'm happy using this face cream during the winter months I do think it's a great summer addition. I find it provides the hydration I require without feeling heavy or greasy making it perfect for brief summer heatwaves. Green People have been around for years and I've been using them long before I established this website. I like the fact that they always have reliable scent free skincare and because of this I'm a loyal customer.

Wilde Fruit Bright Spark Enzyme Oil came into my life through judging for the Free From Skincare Awards. It went on to win Bronze in the Face Oils and Achievement categories. I was excited for their wins because I honestly felt so happy to have this oil in my routine. It's been a pleasure to test and I would purchase for myself. Wilde Fruit formulate with upcycled leftover ingredients from the food industry and this in turn helps to reduce waste. Bright Spark Enzyme Oil is suggested for oily, combination or blemish prone skin and my skin type is quite the complete opposite but it still works. Its formulated without essential oils, includes hemp, papaya, watermelon, cacay, tamanu with strawberry and blackcurrant seed oil upcycled from the production of jam and juice. I highly recommend giving this facial oil a try and I'm going to check out the rest of the Wilde Fruit product range.

I wasn't always successful in adding sun protection to my routine due to ingredient allergies. It's been a constant battle to find suitable products. You'll see that I recently reviewed Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch face sunscreen and I've been using it daily since June. It doesn't smell great but it works and that's all that matters to me right now.

I hope you have enjoyed this little overview into my current skincare routine. If you have any questions drop me an email or message on social media.

Sarah x

17 July 2021

Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Face Sunscreen Untinted and Tinted Light/Medium
(Gifted/Unpaid)

I was stalking the launch of Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Face Sunscreen and was happy when it came back in stock. I've documented my struggles with both physical and chemical sunscreens over the years. My skin is fickle with eczema, urticaria and allergies so I've found sun creams are likely to contribute to breaking me out in a rash. As I age I've become more aware of how my face catches the sun and the pigmentation it causes in my skin tone.

Our natural, sheer touch tinted sunscreen has been designed with daily use in mind, and heroes natural Zinc Oxide as the active ingredient for UVA & UVB broad spectrum protection. Our reef friendly formula is oxybenzone and octinoxate free and is non-greasy, doesn’t leave a white cast and is sheer to touch. Contains an antioxidant rich blend of Rosehip Oil, Green Tea and Cucumber to nourish the skin.

For those not aware Sukin is an Australian brand, their products are suitable for vegans, cruelty free and formulated with natural plant extracts. Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Face Sunscreen is available Untinted and Tinted in Light/Medium and Medium/Dark. 

Sukin suncreen does live up to the "sheer touch" in it's name. I do find the texture and consistency easy to massage into skin and it feels lightweight. Perfect under makeup and when wearing the Untinted version I pop my Madara CC cream over the top without feeling overload with products. The Light to Medium tint looks very dark straight out the tube but because it is sheer in texture I'm not left too orange. However I think it's fair to say it is a fraction too dark for my skin tone in comparison to Light Madara CC cream and I'm self conscious that it's not the right colour. 

From my perspective the downside to the sheerness in the tinted version is it doesn't provide coverage to imperfections. I feel as if I only reach for the Tinted version when I feel confident in my skin. You could of course rectify this issue by using concealer and finishing powder over top. 

I have seen negative feedback for the fragrance of Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Face Sunscreen. I'll be honest I quite agree it is not the best and I find it hard to describe but over time I just tolerate it. For me it doesn't linger too long, after the initial five minutes I'll only noticed it again when I wash my face. I guess you could say I've ended up becoming nose blind to it. The unpleasant smell is a minor inconvenience for me because I'm happy that this sun cream lacks fragrance allergens. If all the complaints lead Sukin to reformulate I hope that they could do it without including these types of allergens.

I think it's fair to say I'm torn between Untinted and Tinted both have their merits. I will say that I have noticed on days when I go into the office I reach for the Untinted and layer products over the top. Either way I'm pretty happy with these sunscreens as they don't feel heavy or sticky on my skin. I also feel that the price point is reasonable. I like that the Sukin sunscreen offers a higher protection (SPF30) as my beloved Madara CC cream is only SPF15. Also I'll add that Madara contains beeswax and I had been looking for a vegan friendly allergen free alternative for a long time.

If you have the opportunity to try Sukin SPF30 Sheer Touch Face Sunscreen then I would recommend testing it out. The Tinted version might be a little hit or miss depending on your natural skin tone. In the future perhaps Sukin might consider changing things up and adding more variety to the colour options.

Sarah

23 May 2021

Grüum SPF50 5* UVA Dermatologist Face Sunscreen
(Please Note - I purchased this item/ingredients were correct at date of publication/always check with company for up to date information as formulations can change)

UPDATE JULY 2021 - I have seen a few comments on Gruum's IG that their SPF is not Vegan as has been claimed on their website and in adverts. I understand the formulation is from Altruist and their FAQ page states "Given the interest in this issue we have investigated further and we know that the components are fully vegan except for Xanthan Gum as there are enzymes used during a fermentation process to get Xanthan Gum. The typical production process of Xanthan uses Iysozyme derived from the egg white of chicken eggs."

I was window shopping for a facial SPF and a well timed instagram advert from Grüum had me placing an order. Grüum sunscreen appealed to me for several reasons. It's fragrance free, cruelty free, affordable, with high UVA and UVB protection.

We built grüum on three core principles: Simplicity, Honesty and Fairness. We’re committed to creating clean skincare products that are kind to you, your skin, and our planet.

Yes, I too am here for the dinky cute bottle, it's a standard 50ml and you'll probably get through it quickly if applying every day. According to the FAQs it is a plastic bottle made from either HDPE or LDPE (caps from PP) these are recycled plastics but it is going to depend on whether your local council accepts it. I know that this will be a deal breaker for some readers.

Grüum SPF is lightweight and feels like a standard lotion. I have a pale skin tone and so I don't notice a white cast. In that respect it's much better than other mineral sun creams I've tried over the years. I think it's possible that it could also suit a deeper complexion and suggest it's worth trying out. I'm happy to apply my tinted CC cream over the top without any noticeable issue so I'll say this works well under makeup.

I've not experienced any breakouts or irritation and I'm happy to keep using Grüum facial sunscreen for the foreseeable. Obviously with the weather being shit at the moment and no overseas summer holidays on the horizon, I can't say how it holds up on a very sunny day. For day to day activities at home I'm happy with how it feels on my skin.

I recommend checking out the Gruum website - www.gruum.com for more information and to browse their other products.

Sarah x

AD - Are you looking for a vegan, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly and reef safe sunscreen? check out Odylique (affiliate link) use coupon code SUGARPUFFISH at checkout for 20% off your order (no expiry date!)

6 April 2021

Gwyneth Paltrow and that Vogue video
We've all seen the now infamous video of Gwyneth Paltrow and her skincare routine. I do not support the message she gave in regards to SPF application. It is potentially dangerous and irresponsible but with the backlash came other criticisms which I wanted to address. I personally don't like the words non-toxic, no nasties and clean beauty as I agree they are truly problematic within the Green Beauty Community however I am a supporter of Free From and that isn't changing any time soon. I choose to avoid certain ingredients but that doesn't mean I'm here to 'scaremonger' my readers.

I chose the Green Beauty path because I believe it has many great qualities. It's against animal cruelty, it often supports veganism and it helps promote greater understanding for our environment. I think more of us are concerned about the ingredients that wash down the drain into our oceans. We want to rid ourselves of unnecessary plastic bottles and to recycle or repurpose our beauty waste.

I believe in products 'free from' certain ingredients because I experience eczema and allergies. I want to do the best for my skin after years of suffering. Of crying myself to sleep and feeling ugly in my skin. I'm allergic to both synthetic and natural ingredients because life isn't simple but mainstream products are of no interest to me. I want natural plant extracts without synthetic fillers as more often than not the latter causes irritation.

There are no good or bad ingredients but for someone with sensitivities sadly we can experience side effects which lead us to class something as 'bad'. You can not ignore the fact that we have seen a rise in dermatitis and its root cause is open to further investigation. All I know is I don't want paraffin emollient and steroids in my life. Topical Steroid Withdrawal is a problem which isn't always acknowledged in the medical community. Call it anecdotal or coincidental but I'm seeing changes in my skin when I move away from mainstream product formulations.

I acknowledge that Gwyneth Paltrow, EWG and elements of the 'clean beauty' movement are problematic but I won't walk away from Green Beauty as I believe it has its place. I want to try and do my part to help save our planet from the devastation we have impacted on it as humans. The Green Beauty community may need to overhaul its message with brands needing to re-evaluate their marketing pitch. Behind the scenes I have encouraged some to drop certain words and ditch the "60% goes into our bloodstream" message but I'm just one voice in a sea of many stronger influencers.

Our lives are overwhelmed with beauty products and we have to decide what makes us happy and this is my chosen path. You may disagree with me and I'm OK with that but I hope we can all agree to take care in the sun. Whether you use physical/mineral or chemical SPF protection make sure to apply liberally and use the recommended amount for your face and body.

Sarah x

26 June 2018

Green People Sun Care Natural Sunscreen Scent Free
(Gifted/Unpaid)

For our recent trip to Italy I decided to pack Green People Sun Lotion SPF 30, Facial Sun Cream SPF 30 and Soft Lips SPF8 all from the Scent Free Range. We were only travelling with cabin allowance so the 100ml and 50ml sizes were perfect for airport security. Green People sunscreens are marine friendly and offer broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

I've been using Green People sun care on and off over the years, having first tried and reviewed them in 2014. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the formulation has been improved over time. The products feel a little lighter and easier to rub in. The scent free option is always welcome here as it eliminates my worries over essential oil allergens. 

Green People Scent Free Facial Sun Cream SPF 30
We had an active holiday visiting a number of cities across Tuscany and the 100ml Sun Lotion lasted us the full trip (12 days with application to legs, arms and chest, no sunbathing). I am prone to prickly heat but I didn't have any issues this year, that could be down to sheer luck or Green People sun lotion. I previously hadn't tried the Green People facial sun cream so was interested to put that to the test. Again application didn't feel too greasy and it rubbed in easily without leaving a lasting ghostly white cast (I have fair skin). I did layer over the top Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15 as foundation coverage, the two products worked well together and stayed put in the heat. I always wear a hat and sunglasses but my face still gained a little colour and I felt protected against burning. I always forget about SPF lip balms and opted to try Green People Soft Lips. This was another great product, a nice balm texture with easy application using fingers or direct from the tube.

Green People remains one of my first choices for natural sun creams and I do recommend them quite often. The smaller sizes are great for on the go and allow for testing without too much commitment should you decided it isn't right for you. 

Have you tried these products? If so let me know your thoughts on them.

Sarah x

15 May 2018

Love Lula: Ere Perez Quinoa Water Foundation, Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF15
(Gifted)

This is one of two new foundations from Ere Perez and there has been quite a buzz around them. There is no denying that the product is presented beautifully in a frosted glass bottle with a pipette applicator. Quinoa Water Foundation currently comes in three colour shades and I have the lightest. I'm never sure how products like this are expected to match all skin tones, that seems impossible. Haze seems to work with my skin tone but as you can see it's on the yellow side and I often favour pink tones.

As the name suggests this foundation has a super runny texture which dries to a natural finish. I wanted to love this foundation but I can't get on with it. It just doesn't sit well on my skin and often clings to dry patches. I personally find it hard to work with and I simply don't have the patience. I've tried applying with my fingers, brushes and a sponge but it comes off streaky. The foundation is similar in consistency to the Green Booster Serum and I'm beginning to realise my skin definitely prefers a creamier product. The coverage is light which I have no issue with but I imagine if you have insecurities about your skin you are going to need a concealer. I am curious to see how the Quinoa Water Foundation compares to the Oatmilk Foundation so I may try that out in the future.

If you've been a reader for some time then you'll know I'm a fan of Madara Moonflower Tinting Fluid. I use it on a daily basis but the only element this product lacks is SPF. This is where the Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream takes it to another level. This CC cream is a thicker consistency to the Tinting Fluid which I'd expect from a product with natural SPF but it doesn't feel greasy or heavy. I can wear the CC Cream alone or under powder foundation to give a medium coverage. It evens out my skin tone but I would suggest any imperfections or pimples may require a touch of concealer. I'm happy with SPF 15 for daily use because I work in an office so my exposure to sunshine is limited to lunch break. I know some readers may prefer a higher factor but I not overly bothered. The alternative would be Madara Plant Stem Cell Age Defying Face Sunscreen SPF30. Back in the day I religiously used Clinique City Block and struggled to find natural alternative but Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream is the perfect replacement. The minor criticism in comparison to the Moonflower Tint is the CC cream contains beeswax. I was torn when ordering because in recent times I have tried to make a conscious switch to vegan suitable skincare. Overall I'm very happy with Madara Hyaluronic Anti-Pollution CC Cream and I would be tempted to purchase again. If you are spending longer in the sun then you should be applying a suncream (SPF 30 is the recommendation*) and Madara CC Cream isn't intended for that purpose.

Have you tried any of the products mentioned? What are your thoughts on them? If you missed last month review then follow this link - Ere Perez SOS Marmalade & Green Booster Serum, Sukin For Men Shaving Gel

Sarah x

*As a side note if you have any questions about sunscreen then I will direct you to The British Association of Dermatologists sunscreen fact sheet

30 May 2017

suncream sunscreen eczema sensitive skin natural organic
(Disclaimer - not sponsored by brands mentioned)

Over the years I've had more than my fair share of reactions to sun creams and my skin doesn't care if it's a natural product or one loaded with undesirable ingredients. When you have eczema prone skin you just have to go with what works. On more than one occasions I've been on holiday, experienced a reaction and had to throw all my principals out the window because the the risk of skin cancer far outshines them at that moment in time. Does this make me a bad person? No but I feel incredibly guilty however I do wish more brands would look at their ingredients and help us sensitive folk out.

6 September 2016

review Odylique SPF 30 Natural Sun Screen for Sensitive Skin
September crept up on me so quick and my summer holiday feels like a distant memory right now. Greece was the perfect place to trial *Odylique’s new SPF30 Sun Screen. I am someone who has regularly experienced irritations and heat rash with sun creams so it was the ultimate test to use this in 30+ degree heat whilst basking on a sun lounger (in the shade of course!).

25 July 2016

To be honest I've got a little behind with the blog as work and life are generally busier during the summer months which I'm sure everyone can appreciate. This post is a round up of recent launches which have come my way. 

Odylique Natural Sun Screen Vegan Fairtrade Organic

Odylique* - launched a new SPF 30 Natural Sun Screen for sensitive skin, it's the first to be approved by the Fairtrade Foundation and organically certified. It is also Vegan and cruelty free. The British weather has been so fickle up until recently that I had stashed this away to try on a beach holiday next month. 

30 June 2015

Review MyChelle Hello Beautiful Collection Dry
You’ll have noticed from recent posts that I bought the MyChelle Hello Beautiful Collection (for dry skin) to take on my trip to Porto. There were three reasons why I bought the kit - I am familiar with MyChelle as I previously reviewed some of their products, I only had cabin allowance luggage and I was curious about the Sun Shield.

This box set for dry skin contains Creamy Pumpkin Cleanser (7.5ml), Tropical Skin Smoother (7.5ml), Ultra Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum (5ml), Fruit Enzyme Mist (5ml), Deep Repair Cream (7.5ml) and Sun Shield Unscented Broad Spectrum SPF 28 (7.5ml). They are small samples but I made them last 5 days by mixing and matching depending on my needs rather than using in the Step by Step way suggested.

Review MyChelle Hello Beautiful Collection Dry
All the products were very nice but only a couple stood out to me in a way that would have me consider buying full sizes. I liked the Deep Repair cream. It left my skin feeling soft, sat well under mineral powder and felt hydrating enough to combat any dryness. The Sun Shield took me by surprise and dare I say one of the best natural sunscreen I have tried. This sunscreen gives UVA & UVB protection and contains Zinc Oxide (ZinClear™) and Titanium Dioxide. The cream massaged into my skin easily without the dreaded white cast. It did not feel heavy and I was sightseeing in 30 degree heat. Often natural sunscreens cause me heat rash but I did not experience any problems. I particularly like that it is unscented and would consider buying the full size.

Overall, the kit is a good way to introduce yourself to the MyChelle range. There are six collections in total for various skin types – Combination, Dry, Age Defense, Age Spot/UV Discovery, Sensitive, Oil/Blemish Control. You can buy direct from the MyChelle.

Have you tried any products from MyChelle? What would you recommend?

Sarah x

26 July 2014

Green People Sun Lotion SPF 25 (scent free)
I am often asked for sunscreen recommendations but it’s a difficult one for me because I react to natural and "chemical" based brands. I face an uphill battle every summer because the one brand that does not irritate my skin is full of ingredients I advocate avoiding. I face a moral dilemma between the need to protect against sun damage and the desire to rid myself of manmade toxic ingredients. In the past I used Lavera, last year I trialled Badger but for my trip to Lisbon I took with me Green People Sun Lotion SPF 25 which is scent free (50ml is a travel size). 

Green People are a reliable brand for anyone with sensitivities or if you wish to cut out certain ingredients. This sun lotion is free from parabens, alcohol (ethyl alcohol, ethanol), lanolin, methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, phthalates, artificial perfumes, petrochemicals and colourants (vegetarian approved but not suitable for vegans as contains beeswax). It offers natural broad-spectrum UVA & UVB protection. 

I have found over the years that formulations of natural sunscreen are improving. In the past, I found some were very heavy and definitely caused me heat rash. I trialled Green People on my décolletage because it’s the one area of my body which instantly react to products and always catches the sun (the joy of having ample lady lumps!). I was comfortable with the formulation; it didn’t feel sticky or heavy. I was able to rub into my skin quickly and I did not notice a whiteness which is often associated with natural sunscreen. That being said Mr Sugarpuffish used on his face a couple of times and I noticed he was looking a bit grey! He had not shave whilst we were on holiday and the sun lotion was not disappearing into his skin in quite the same way it had done for mine. 

Overall, I think Green People Sun Lotion is a good product in comparison to other I have tried. I would consider purchasing for my next holiday but I think Mr Sugarpuffish would need to use a different sun lotion. Unfortunately, I think mineral sunscreen and hairy men are not always compatible.

Have you tried Green People Sun Lotion? Do you like it?

Sarah x

Disclaimer - PR Sample, affiliate links

21 July 2013

We all know SPF is important to protect us against sunburn and cancer. Obviously, I want people to give consideration to the toxic ingredients for the sake of their skin but did you know that sunscreen could be damaging the marine environment? This blog post was prompted by a tweet I spotted.


I decided to do a bit more research and this is what I discovered. In 2008 a scientific paper entitled "Sunscreens Cause Coral Bleaching by Promoting Viral Infections" was published. The study was carried out by Roberto Danovaro and his colleagues at the Marche Polytechnic University in Ancona, Italy. It was found that four sunscreen ingredients (Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), Butylparaben, Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate) and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor) trigger a dormant virus which in turn leads to the coral turning white (bleaching). It is estimated that 4,000 to 6,000 metric tons of sunscreen annually wash off beach goers (from nationalgeographic.com)

I think it is interesting and concerning that some ingredients are potentially harmful to our bodies but they are also damaging to our environment. If you are lucky enough to be swimming or snorkelling around coral reef you need to consider switching your sunscreen to a green brand. 

10 July 2013

Back in May I wrote about my quest to find a suitable facial SPF. I mentioned that Badger Balm Aloe Sunscreen was on my list but I was disappointed that only SPF 16 was available in the UK. I went ahead and purchased it because the ml for ml value is better than John Masters Organics. I decided that since I sit in an office 9 hours a day that SPF 16 was adequate to protect me from small amounts of sun exposure. 

Badger Balm products are USDA certified organic and this sunscreen is broad spectrum so gives you protection from UVA & UVB rays. It contains non-nano zinc oxide and is free from Oxybenzone, Octisalate, Octinoxate, Avobenzone, or added Vitamin A. 

I chose the Aloe lotion over the other Badger sunscreens with a higher SPF because it is marketed as suitable for use under makeup. I am very impressed with the consistency. It is not as thick as other natural sunscreens I have used. It initially gives a white cast but I find it easy to rub in and have not experienced any issues applying mineral foundation on top. Come 5 o'clock my makeup still looks fairly reasonable and I do not feel the lotion has any adverse effects on how I look. I have filmed a short video to demonstrate application to my face. 



I would not sunbathe with this particular sunscreen because I prefer a higher SPF for that purpose. As this is one of the very few natural sunscreens that has not broken me out in a rash, it scores brownie points with me. I would certainly look to try others from the range to use on my body. I purchased my Badger sunscreen from Feel Unique and paid £14.95 (87ml tube)

Have you tried Badger Balm Sunscreens? 

26 May 2013


The sun is shining today so I thought I would gloss over the topic of SPF (Sun Protection Factor). Lets start with a few facts and then I'll discuss it from my own personal perspective.
  • Wearing sunscreen helps reduce the risk of skin cancer and the effect of ageing to skin caused by the sun
  • SPF refers to the UVB protection but you want to use products with UVB & UVA protection.
  • UVA rays penetrate the deeper layers of skin, through clothing and accelerate skin ageing
  • UVB rays stimulate tanning and are partly stopped by the upper layers of skin
  • It is recommended to use SPF30
I have mention before my trials and tribulation with sunscreen. I'm Queen of the Allergies when it comes to sunscreen and it does not matter if it's natural or chemical. When I refer to a natural sunscreen I am looking at products that do not contain oxybenzone and Vitamin A (also known as retinyl palmitate and retinol) along with the usual ingredients I avoid such as parabens, mineral oil, artificial fragrance.

My parents educated me from a early age about the importance of sunscreen and I have also lived in Australia where it is part of your daily skincare routine. I know the media is now trying to educate people that whether it's sunny or cloudy, winter or summer you should think about protecting your skin. I admit I got out of the habit of applying this winter because I spend nine hours a day in an office. I tend to hibernate whereas in Summer I'm more inclined to head outside on my lunch break. 

When I go to the beach I use Ambre Solaire (chemical) or Lavera (natural) without major issues but that's usually only two weeks out the year when I'm applying it from head to toe. During the working week I am more concerned with how I protect my face during those rare occasions when I escape on my lunch break. Finding a natural facial SPF that will work under make up has been causing me brain ache. According to the The British Association of Dermatologists – 

"SPF used in moisturisers are tested the same way as sunscreens, so an SPF 15 moisturiser should provide an SPF of 15. However, these formulas are less likely to be rub-resistant and water resistant, and most importantly are likely to be applied a lot more thinly than sunscreen. They therefore are unlikely to offer the same level of protection. A moisturiser with an SPF will help protect you against small amounts of UV exposure, such as when you walk to the car or pop outside to hang out the washing, but sunscreen is better suited for longer, more deliberate UV exposure, such as spending your lunch hour outside. It is also worth noting that moisturisers containing an SPF may not contain any UVA protection." source - www.bad.org.uk


My next grumble with finding a suitable natural facial SPF is this country’s obsession with SPF 15. I want to use a higher protection, I'm talking minimum SPF 30. I had set my sights on Badger Balm Daily Aloe 30+ sunblock only to discover it is not sold in the UK, here we can only obtain the version which is SPF 16. Aside from Badger Balm there are only a handful of facial sunscreens with high SPF's, not labelled as a moisturiser, that have caught my attention. These products are -
  • Bare Minerals SPF30 Natural Sunscreen
  • John Masters Organics SPF 30 Natural Mineral Sunscreen
  • Lovea Organic Sunscreen SPF 50 Daily Face Cream (but from the reviews I have read I am not sure of its suitability under makeup)
So there you have it this is my on going saga of finding a natural product that fits my needs. To recap I want a facial product, not a moisturiser, that is free from as many nasties as possible, SPF 30+ that I can wear daily to the office under a mineral foundation. If you have a product recommendation I want to hear about it.

11 May 2011

Sensitive Skin issues Eczema and Sun Creams

Yesterday the sun was shining and that made me think about sun creams/lotions. We all know that sun protection is important but finding a brand suitable for my sensitive skin and eczema is not an easy task. The dilemma for me each year is whether to buy a natural ingredient sunscreen or a chemical one. I have had skin reactions from both types so I sit on the fence with this. Often my reason for purchase simply boils down to my budget at that time.

The only high street brand that does not bring me out in a rash is Garnier Ambre Solaire. My personal favourite from the range is the Light & Silky Milk. It really does what it says on the bottle. It is easily to apply and disappears into the skin with little effort. By the end of the day I do not get that sticky feeling that makes you want to head straight into the shower and exfoliate.

If you have a few more pennies in your pocket and want to try a natural sun cream I recommend Lavera Sun Care. From the range I have tried the sun cream for body, face and the shimmer after sun. I loved them all. The lotions have a nice fragrance, are easy to apply as not to heavy and disappear on the skin nicely. Another brand you could try is Green People. They have Scent free options which is helpful to those who have fragrance allergies. 

The other year I was on a beach holiday in Europe and I came out in a nasty rash. I can not be sure of the cause but the first thing I did was buy a new sun cream. I purchased Avene sun care in a local chemist. The lotion was light, easy to apply and no chalky residue.

Have you tried these brands? What did you think? What are your thoughts on natural ingredient sun protection? Do you have any recommendations for me?

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