LONDON, July 14 — A summer vacation must, sunscreen is available these days in a variety of formats, textures and protection levels.
BB cream, high protection, travel size packages, oils... we’ve surveyed the sunscreen landscape to highlight the hottest trends for summer 2013 and bring you the breakdown.
BB and CC creams: the all-in-one option
A true ally for women in a hurry, BB and CC Creams will be at the top of many a vacation packing list this summer. In addition to moisturizing, concealing, repairing damage and unifying skin tone, the majority of these creams also protect from UV rays: nothing short of a godsend for women who cringe at the thought of putting oily sunscreens on their face.
Several brands have recently released BB and CC Creams with a high SPF to stand up to intense sun exposure at the beach or in the mountains. Clinique, for example, offers the Moisture Surge CC Cream with SPF 30 – USUS$35 (RM111.19) for 40 ml.
Kiehl’s Actively Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream boasts an SPF 50 label – €29 (RM120.38) for 30ml – and Dr Brandt’s Flexitone BB Cream provides SPF 30 (€19 for 15 ml).
Tanning oils? Yes, but with high SPF
Once disparaged for their shortcomings in terms of filtering out the sun’s rays, tanning oils are back this season with high or even very high protection factors. In contrast with other sunscreens, tanning oils carry the added appeal of seductive fragrances and a satin effect on the skin. Tanning is great, but tanning in sexy style is even better.
For summer 2013, Lovea has launched its new high protection Tahitian monoi dry oil (SPF 50), which guarantees the same defense from the sun as traditional sunscreens (€9.99 for 200ml). In the US, L’Oréal Sublime Sun Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil comes in a spray bottle and is available in SPF 15, 30 and 50 (around US$10 for 5 fl oz/148 ml).
Take it anywhere: sticks
This summer, skincare brands have stepped up their game in the area of sunscreen sticks, which was somewhat neglected before. Thanks to their small size and maximum effectiveness, these products are sure to please. Designed for application to the most sensitive and sun-exposed areas, especially the face, sunscreen sticks often provide transparent protection but are also available in tinted shades.
Sisley and Yes to Cucumbers have both recently released high protection sunscreen sticks. With SPF 30, the Super Stick Solaire from Sisley, based on UVA and UVB mineral filters, is water-resistant and recommended for sensitive skin (€80 for 11 grammes, classic or tinted). The Yes to Cucumbers Natural Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 (US$8.99 for .5 oz/15 grammes) boasts water resistance and a petroleum- and paraben-free formula.
Convenient: mists
This type of sunscreen will be hot this summer, not least of all thanks to its easy application. Sunscreen mists come in vaporized form, allowing quicker application than with a cream and ensuring even coverage for a perfect tan. Sunscreen mists are perfect for active sun worshippers aiming to protect themselves without wasting time.
Biotherm has unveiled a sunscreen mist with a multi-direction spray, making application even easier. Moisturizing, non-sticky and water resistant, this mist is available in SPF 30 and 50 (€28.50 for 150ml). Avon has enhanced its Anew Solar Advance product line with an anti-aging SPF 30 sunscreen mist, combining UV filters with anti-aging ingredients (€28 for 150ml). And Banana Boat Sport Performance CoolZone Clear UltraMist in SPF 30 and 50 (US$9.99 for 6 oz/177 ml) claims to have a cooling effect thanks to the inclusion of menthyl lactate.
High-end options
Determined not to fall behind the specialists, luxury brands have stepped up to surf the sunscreen wave. La Prairie, Dior, Chanel, Lancôme and Shiseido all have their own lines of skincare products with sun protection, much to the delight of luxury brand devotees.
This year, Chanel has introduced its UV Essentiel daily face lotion, which guarantees protection from UV rays as well as from pollution. To ensure the right coverage in all summer sun conditions, the brand is offering this product in three protection levels: SPF 20, SPF 30, SPF 50+ (€50 for 30ml). – AFP-Relaxnews
