SPF BODY Recommendations Round-up

I've had some urgent requests on social media and in the comments section from people going away on holiday imminently that want SPF recommendations 'NOW'. LOL

So let's make like speed-dating and run through some of my favourites - I don't want to get shouted at for being too slow! ;)

It is worth remembering that:

SPF items are the most widely-varied legislated beauty products on the market. An ingredient that I mention in a product might be completely different in the US or Australia. Do your research in your own country before you buy. The main differences are between Australia, Europe and the US. For the rest of you it will depend where the brands that are sold in your country are made. 

Things to look out for: fragrance or alcohol really high on the inci list - probably best avoided if you're sensitive.

Try and avoid methylisothiazolinone if you can see an ingredients list and are particularly sensitive - it's one of the biggest allergens around at the moment in leave-on products and although Europe is ahead of the game, it's still readily used in the US in particular. I tried to include Ulta own-brand SPFs in this overview because they look good from the outset but they all contain it so I left them out.

Once-a-day formulas. Not a fan of promoting once-a-day SPFs. And frankly, using them on children and actually not reapplying them throughout the day is tantamount to child abuse. What I would do, is use them in the morning and top up with a spray. But only applying SPF once a day and never reapplying is too dangerous, especially on children.

Supermarket/chemist (Boots/Superdrug/Sainsbury's etc in the UK) products are incredibly cheap, but can come with more fragrance and higher levels of alcohol - do your research - and by all means if you find a great one, share in the comments! The huge exception is below in the overview as a Star Buy.

If in doubt, don't go over a 50. I personally tend to stick to 30 on my body these days as I know I have to reapply it, whereas a 50 makes me think 'It'll be ok'. The difference in strength between a 30 and 50 is between 1% and 4% depending on the product - its not an 'extra 20'.

This is an overview and obviously won't be in-depth, but if you are happy to roll with my recommendations (plus boring stock pictures) and check the details out for yourself - I'll provide links - then off we go:

What I take on holiday for me:

Clarins
I know they've been on the blog already with the face, but this is an evergreen product range for us. We've never burned or had any issues. Broad Spectrum. This SPF30 is the best IMO. It's £19.50 for 125ml.

There is also an SPF20 that comes in a 200ml size for £21.00. Both great and available here. 

Clinique

Ava has just been dispatched on her hols with this SPF35 stick by Clinique - fragrance-free and perfect for kids as they seem to find it easier to apply that a lotion. She has creams as well of course, but she actually enjoys using this and with children/teens, that's half the battle right there.

Clinique SPP body products are especially great for those of you with fragrance issues. Being Clinique, all of the sun products are fragrance and oil free (check your region) and Broad Spectrum (across the board). Available here.

Marks & Spencer - *STAR BUY*

This is the exception to the own-label warning in the bullet points at the beginning. Good old M&S list their ingredients, have all the appropriate warnings, are Made in England, in an eco-factory, BUAV approved (cruelty-free) at source, vegetarian and HALF PRICE at the moment. 

UK people: run, do not walk, to your local M&S and clear the shelves. Also available here.

Decleor

Decleor have long made great sun products and I know it's not relevant, but their red, soft touch packaging is easily my favourite. The 50 for body is a good place to start. It's £24.00 for 150ml and available here.

Hawaiian Tropic

I include this as I've probably used a bottle of some sort of Hawaiian Tropic every year of my life. What we won't do is talk about/recommend the SPF4/6 etc because that's just crazy talk. Stick to the 30s and 50s, enjoy the scent and reminisce and laugh about my generation that would lie on foil and use baby oil. Or you know, don't. *fries* Available here.

Coola

Coola has one of the best websites I've seen for descriptions, warnings and clear ingredient listings. It puts everyone else to shame. They're clear about nano, fragrance and give true water-resistant times. The 30 in the picture above is particularly lush. Available here. 

Bioderma

Available everywhere in mainland Europe and not extortionate, stick with the 50s as the 20 and 30 only come in sprays. Available here. 

Hampton Sun

I've worked with Hampton Sun for nearly 5 years. Just putting that out there. I stay with them because I love the products. That's why they are listed here, not the former. This in particular, is wonderful as a baby body SPF OR facial SPF for an adult. I use it on Max, Ava and myself. Available here.


If you have any other quick yes or no questions do please leave me a comment below and I'll do my best to answer them in a timely fashion! :)

Sneaky peek of upcoming posts.

Decleor Aroma Sun Expert SPF 50 and 30 Protective Anti-wrinkle Creams

Next up is Decleor - which is hands-down my favourite suncare packaging - they nailed it with the pinky/red. It's pretty perfect - and so easy to spot in your bag when you're wearing dark shades!

Available in three strengths:

SPF15

SPF30

SPF50

One size:

50ml

'UVA' symbol on pack:

Yes

Water resistant?:

Resistant - Yes

Waterproof - No

Perspiration resistant?:

Yes

Rub resistant?:

Not stated.

Texture:

Feels like a normal moisturiser - takes slightly longer to absorb than some - not that that's a bad thing.

Fragrance:

SPF mixed with fresh floral - very nice.

Suitability for darker skins:

I tested the 30 and the 50. Absorbs very well with little trace. SPF creams really have come a long way since the days of making us all look milk-bottle white.

What else?:

Contains a DNA Protection Complex and Sol-Collagenine anti-ageing complex in addition to the SPF. More skin 'care' for your dolla.

Verdict:

Gorgeous suncare range that sits much more on the 'skincare' side due to higher price point. This is £28.00 for 50ml. Buy it when it's on GWP!

Available on Decleor.co.uk (which currently has a GWP)

*PR samples

Decleor Sunrise Treatment - Spa Illuminata

If you're reading this from outside of the UK you may be unaware that we are in the middle of the wettest period EVER. And I for one, have had enough. I need some sun. Desperately.

After seeing the forecast for well, more rain forever, I recently took myself off to Spa Illuminata to have a Decleor Sunrise Treatment. I had to do something.

A word about Decleor. I pretty much love everything they do. Yes, I need and use a lot of hi-tech chemicals in my routine - but everyone needs a mixture of both hi-tech and natural plant-derived hi-tech, which is what Decleor do brilliantly. For example - it's pretty hard to go wrong with anything on this page of Aromessences. 

The treatment takes an hour and comprises:

1. Starting with the back, the body is exfoliated using Aroma Cleanse Exfoliating Body Cream, then you turn over for the front
2. Facial using Aroma Cleanse Cleansing Milk, Aroma Cleanse Tonifying Lotion and finally Aroma Cleanse Phytopeel – Natural Exfoliating Cream
3. Shower to remove lotions - blissful
4. Dry areas of the body are moisturised with Aroma Confort - System Corps Nourishing Body Milk
5. Lastly, Self Tanning Milk Natural Glow is used all over the body and face.  On the face the tan is mixed with Hydra Floral – Flower Nectar Moisturising Cream to ensure a natural glow.

The results of this time were pretty perfect. And it lasted for a couple of weeks before it started to fade. I supplemented with the Systeme Corps Gradual Glow Body Milk which gives you the best gradual colour and lasts for ages.

The Sunrise Treatment is £60 nationwide and £95 in Spa Illuminata (which is like a marble palace - beautiful).

More Decleor loveliness can be found here and - there is a sale on at the moment. Just so you know.


*I was a guest of Decleor for the treatment. I bought the Gradual Glow myself. No affiliated links. Just being helpful. I have no business links with Decleor.

Product of the Week - Decleor Gradual Glow Hydrating Body Milk

Ooh I love a little Decleor. Actually I love a lot of Decleor. One of my 'go-to' products when I'm having a little flare up is their Aromessence Baume de nuit Ylang Ylang.

I'm not one of those people (numpties) that say you should wash your face and then go to bed without putting anything on it to replenish it. I'm all for oils and balms - non-mineral oil obviously...

The Ylang Ylang verison is designed for combination skin and is the perfect blend of basil, tea tree, tonka bean and ylang ylang in a base of jojoba, maize and hazelnut oils. It absorbs beautifully, smells out of this world and as a little goes a really long way, it lasts months. And months.

I digress.

The Gradual Glow was chosen as POTW because it has helped this pale-seen-no-sun-not-been-on-holiday-skin get through the summer without looking like a member of the Cullen family. I love it when a product does what it say on the box, as you may have noticed - and this delivers - and then some.

• It contains vanilla extract, narcissus bulb extract, meadowfoam oil and my fave that you don't see in products often - magnolia oil. 
• It's light, but really hydrating
• It gives a gradual colour - like it says
• It's white - it doesn't stain and you can get dressed straight away
• It smells divine
• It comes in a perfectly-shaped-for-the-hand bottle - may not seem important but I could write an entire post on inappropriate style-over-customer comfort-packaging (maybe I will)
• It dispenses the perfect amount 
• Perfect for extending the life of your tan - if you were lucky enough to get one *grits teeth*
• It fades evenly and does not go patchy

I use it on my arms and decollete every 2nd or 3rd day and have done for most of the summer and I'm not even halfway down.
Gradual Glow is available on the Decleor website and is priced at £30.50. It's easily 9-12 months worth (depending on where you use it).
The Baume de nuit is available here and is priced at £31.50. This will last me about 2 years. Minimum.

Absolutely bloody gorgeous.

*Mixture of purchases and press samples

MUA of the week - Chiara Guizzetti

This week's MUA is Queen of the Catwalk Chiara Guizzetti.
You know that dream where your backstage at Chanel tending to all the top models faces while Karl Lagerfeld holds court next to you? Chiara does it in real life - and worse - makes a living out of it.. How rude.

How long have you been a MUA?
I got my PDC award in Make up in 2002 in London and did my first photoshoot straight away.
I remember being very nervous…I met the crew in South London and when I saw the photographer with the model I just wanted to run away: he previously gave me all the details about the look..except that the model had black skin (???!!!) It was quite tough but came out very well. That was my first real “lesson”.

How long have you been working in the industry?
Eight years in total. For four years alongside  Space NK, two years with Daniel Sandler Cosmetics and two years as a full-time freelance MUA.

When did you get your ‘big break’?
When I came back to live in Milan and got represented by Green Apple Italia.

 Gianfranco Ferre

What advice do you have for aspiring MUA’s trying to get into the industry?
It’s a very competitive industry, especially these days.
Be nice and people will want to work with you.
Be perseverant, eventually it will pay back.
Don’t rush things: it simply takes time.

Who has been your best client so far?
I worked with lots of lovely people…. but I have a very nice memory of working with Marie O’Riordan, former editor of Marie Claire UK. I did her make-up when she was the main judge for Britain’s Missing Top Model, she’s exquisite, very professional and I feel  so lucky to have met her and worked for her.

And your favourite job so far?
Last year in Venice for the Chanel cruise show. It was AMAZING. From to the gorgeous hotel (booked out just for us) on the Lido, to working with the world’s top models, the magic atmosphere of Venice…Watch for yourself ..here.  (Warning - this video will make you A: jealous and B: crave Chanel)

What are you currently working on/who with?
I just did a shoot for Pierre Ancy.

How many brushes do you own?
Lots. More than 50 I’d say, but I tend to use my favourites most of the time, of which there are probably about 10.

What do you consider your speciality?
My make up style is generally soft, not really into the heavy handed stuff…my strong point is a  good eye for colours.

What is your favourite brand, and why?
I like variety and to be able to choose..so I like to work with different brands: Laura Mercier for concealers, MAC and Becca for foundations, Daniel Sandler for  blushers, Dolce & Gabbana lipsticks, Stila, Kevyn Aucoin, Chantecaille, Shu Uemura, Madina Milano, Stephane Marais, Chanel.

 Donatella and Christopher Kane - like you do...

Your kit is on fire – and you can only save 5 things. What are they?
Bioderma Make up Remover
Decleor Hydra Floral Anti-Pollution Emulsion
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage (if you don't own this after reading all of these MUA's list it in this section you're clearly missing a trick!)
Lash Curler
Daniel Sandler Watercolour

You can follow Chiara's life on the road blog here.
And check out her amazing website here!