Fave Fives: City SPFs - August 2016

Hi Everyone!

Some city SPFs for you. All my previous SPF videos/blog posts are here:

SPF with Dr Marko Lens Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIxMaRj9z6U

SPF with Dr Marko Lens Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEhRhDt1Pco

SPF Cheat Sheet: http://www.carolinehirons.com/2015/07/spf-cheat-sheet.html

All my SPF posts: http://www.carolinehirons.com/search/label/SPF

Products Discussed:

ZELENS DAILY DEFENCE:
SPF30, no tint.
£55.00/$85.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2beT5lo

USA: http://bit.ly/2be7k8W


RADICAL SKIN PERFECTING SCREEN:
SPF30, tinted.
£38.00/$55.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2beTuEG

USA: http://bit.ly/2aQ5qHN


CLARINS UV PLUS :
SPF50, no tint.
£32.00/$42.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2bpJPaA

USA: http://bit.ly/2aSSeEU (closest to it - SPF rules are different in the US)


CLINIQUE CITY BLOCK SHEER:
SPF25
£18.00/$24.50

UK: http://bit.ly/2beTR21

USA: http://bit.ly/2bpJViA


CLINIQUE SUPER CITY BLOCK:
SPF 40
£18.00/$24.50

UK: http://bit.ly/2bfDduY

USA: http://bit.ly/2bpK9WI


CHANEL UV ESSENTIEL SPF 30:
No tint.
£42.00/$55.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2aSUgou

USA: http://bit.ly/2be9aqa


CHANEL UV ESSENTIEL SPF 50:
No tint.
£42.00/$55.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2bpKVmQ

USA: http://bit.ly/2bsjHjy


LA ROCHE POSAY ANTHELIOS:
SPF30, no tint, although tinted versions are available.
£16.50

Worldwide: http://bit.ly/2bpKZCN


SKINCEUTICALS MINERAL DEFENCE
SPF50, tinted.
£39.00/$34.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2bpL5KJ

USA: http://bit.ly/2bpMn8I  (different in USA)


ARMANI MAESTRO UV SPF50:
No tint.
£40.00/$64.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2beVxbu

USA: http://bit.ly/2beURDb


KATE SOMERVILLE DAILY DEFLECTOR SPF50
No tint.
$48.00

UK: http://bit.ly/2bpLMUm

USA: http://bit.ly/2beVigW



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Caroline Hirons c/o
Gleam Futures
6th Floor
60 Charlotte Street
London W1T 2NU
caroline@gleamfutures.com  (skincare queries cannot be answered at this address)

I sometimes (not always) use affiliate links. If you are happy to click on the link and support this blog in that way, thank you very much. If you would prefer not to, just google the brand and the item, it's all cool. :) For absolute clarity: I do not use affiliate links on products belonging to brands that I work with on a professional basis.
See my full disclaimer here:
http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq

The views expressed on this site are the author's own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.

SPF - BEACH/CITY - FACE - La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Fluid and Creme

Broad Spectrum? UVA symbol (in EU)?

Yes - symbol and 'Very High Protection' on both.

Physical or chemical?

Both

La Roche-Posay also state that all Anthelios products scored a high PPD rating, but they don't give an exact figure.

SPF active ingredients (in order of %)?

Creme

Tinosorb M

Ethylhexyl Triazone

Drometrizole Trisiloxanev - Mexoryl XL

Titanium Dioxide nano and non-nano

Lotion

Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane - Avobenzone

Octocrylene

Drometrizole Trisiloxane - Mexoryl XL

Cream/gel/spray/oil?

Cream and runny lotion

White/ash residue on darker skins?

No, surprisingly, as the cream is quite thick.  

Absorbs well even at high SPF?

The cream understandably takes longer to absorb.

Potential to block pores based on the above?

No.

Works under makeup?

Yes

Does it leave you shiny?

No

Is it sticky?

No

Contains fragrance?

No

Suitable for all skin types?

Yes, but the cream is designed for even the most sensitive and sun intolerant skins, so if you are the type of skin that develops a rash as soon as you step out into the sunshine, try the cream first.

Water resistant/waterproof/sweat resistant?

Both labelled 'Very water-resistant'

Antioxidants/any skin benefits?

Yes. Baicalin - to protect against UV, including long UVA.

Additional info?

One of the best sellers in the UK and Europe, this formula may differ in the USA unless you bring it in from a European seller, be warned.

Price?

Creme - £15.50 for 50ml

Lotion - £17.00 for 50ml

Both available from Boots.com - word of caution - Boots.com says that it contains fragrance - they're wrong. Relax. It doesn't. Someone is clearly confused by the term 'sans parfum'. ;)

Physiological Cleansing Gel, eagle-eyed readers and some good news from Champneys

So a couple of days ago I posted this picture...

which had a few commenters excited:

Anonymous18 February 2015 at 22:40

Doesn't the La Roche Posay Physiological Cleansing Gel have mineral oil in its composition?

ReplyDelete

Replies

1. 
   NIALL KAVANAGH19 February 2015 at 03:11

   It does. I'm surprised she used it

   Delete
2. 
   Caroline Hirons19 February 2015 at 05:03

   No. The one I have does not contain MO. Diff inci in diff countries.

   Delete
3. 
   Anonymous19 February 2015 at 07:20

   Ingredients list, please? The La Roche-Posay UK website has the ingredients listed, and mineral oil (listed as paraffinum liquidum) is most definitely on there!!!!

   Delete
4. 
   Caroline Hirons19 February 2015 at 08:21

   Sure. If my word isn't enough I can take a picture when I'm home this evening. I would point out though, that the LRP site says 'Last update 02/08'.

   Delete
5. 
   Anonymous19 February 2015 at 09:30

   Yes please and thank you!

   Delete

Firstly, I can't tell you how weird it is to have people call you 'she' on your own site - as if you aren't there - LOL - anyway: I contacted LRP and said: People, I am holding this in my hand and it does NOT have mineral oil listed. HELP. ME.'

LRP Press Office confirmed this afternoon that their website is indeed incorrect, hasn't been updated in a long time and has now been fixed.

The Physiological Cleansing Gel does NOT contain mineral oil, the website WAS wrong, and as an aside: I am not in the habit of telling porkies. Just sayin'.

And some good news!

After I posted this picture...

..And asked if anyone knew what had happened to the brilliant Champneys Cleansing Balm - Champneys themselves left a comment on my Instagram stating that 'Our full range is currently being redeveloped and we hope the balm will continue to feature in our future skincare line.'

Let's all agree to take that as a 'Yes, we're bringing it back!'

*thumbs up all round*

Budget Week - Day 1 - and an extension...

So here's the thing. I fully understand that the word 'budget' is different for everyone. I do. What's budget to some, may be unattainable to others. What's 'affordable' to XX may be absolutely extortionate to YY.
I knew budget week would be popular, what I didn't expect is people arguing amongst themselves about what actually constitutes the word 'budget' across all forms of my social media. There is no need to argue! It's all good. There are plenty of products out there in all price brackets, and as the idea of a 'week' was so popular, I've decided to just extend it and include much more 'budget' (there goes that word again) finds across all of my channels forever more.

I'll still be a fussy cow, still expect great results no matter the price and include plenty of high-end gear as per usual, but expect to see more affordable/budget/bargain finds as the year goes on.

In the meantime, I thought it would be helpful to do some 'flash reviews' of the products I'm using on a daily basis (while I can keep it up!), otherwise my 'to review' pile will never subside and nothing will get done!

So....

Vichy Purite Thermale Eye Makeup Remover - £8.07 - this is good, but I had residue this morning - even after I thought I had gotten all of it off last night. Not as good as Clarins, Lancome or Tilbury.

La Roche Posay Physiological Cleansing Gel - £12.00 - this did a surprisingly good job of removing my makeup and my skin didn't feel too tight afterwards. I wouldn't be able to use it every day, it would be far too drying long-term, but it should be fine if you are particular oily - or for summer's hot and sweaty months..

Pixi Glow Tonic - £18.00 - done and dusted, kippers and custard. (I.e. - reviewed and mentioned 400 times on this blog - search here)

Organic Surge Orange Flower Toner - £7.50 - light and refreshing, it's suited to an oilier skin than mine. Nice and fresh though..it's a second tone, not an acid one...

Organic Surge Hydrating Eye Cream - £18.00 - either I've got dog-eared dry eyes or this is again, more suited for 'normal' skins, even thought it is aimed at a dryer/more mature skin. Lovely cream - maybe for someone younger, but I need more oomph.

Nuxe Detox - £47.00 (clearly not budget) - I found this for £29 yesterday on a french to english website - and now it's disappeared. Sorry!
Aside from the price, this is a great nighttime product if your skin is dull or a little drained. It would probably be worth checking out if you suffer from continuous blemishes/hormonal lumps etc. It's available in M&S too, so you can more than likely find it in your high street in the UK.

I hope this reassures those of you on tight budgets that I am trying to cater to everyone, including you. And please don't argue amongst yourselves. After last week, I'm enjoying the calm. :)

Serozinc launches in the UK.

Good news beauty peeps. Ever since I made this video with Pixiwoo over a year and a half ago...

...we've been trying to get La Roche Posay to pull their finger out and sell Serozinc here in the UK.

Well the wait is over...Rakesh and his team at www.Escentual.com have managed the seemingly impossible and it goes on sale exclusively with them on January 1st.

You can pre-order it here .

As an aside: LRP are still gearing this towards the extremely oily/combo skins. Nonsense. It suits all. If you are someone who suffers from slow-healing skin (i.e. from those horrible big red spots/acne) I'd consider taking an oral zinc supplement* also. Just a little FYI...

*As always, assuming you have no contra-indications.

*No Affiliate link. Just being helpful.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Mains

Ooh a new fave. The first time I tried this I loved it. Loved it. I use a lot of hand cream - especially in this weather and on skin consult days. I still adore Aerin Rose Hand Cream but this is smaller - and cheaper (I am always asked for cheaper!).
It's 30% glycerin and has niacinamide at 4% making it perfect for Mr Hirons and Son No.1 - both of whom suffer with dry hands.

Inci:

AQUA / WATER

GLYCERIN

BUTYLENE GLYCOL

CETEARYL ALCOHOL

NIACINAMIDE

GLYCERYL STEARATE

BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER / SHEA BUTTER

DIMETHICONE

PEG/PPG-18/18 DIMETHICONE

GLYCERYL STEARATE SE

SODIUM POLYACRYLATE

CAPRYLYL GLYCOL

It coats the hands - in a really good way - it's not sticky or oily at all - just really really comfortable. Especially good for people with dermatitis/eczema/psoriasis (through my testing - not a particular claim LRP make).

Escentual.com have it for £5.19. It seems to be sold out online at Boots. Silly Boots. Sort it out.

Sneaky peek of upcoming posts.

New Year Skincare - Daily Beauty AM

If you follow me on twitter or Instagram you'll have already seen pictures like this - this is my morning routine of the moment. I thought I'd try and put some up here more regularly as I am always asked for further details on the products. (If you see one of these pics on twitter or Instagram and want more info just give me a kick - not literally - rude.)

Left to right are:

Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser - really enjoying this. I use it in the mornings if I'm feeling grubby. It's like a runny clay and just cleanses and refreshes without drying. It doesn't in any way foam - ignore the description on the link.

P50 - I'm back to this at the moment - my post-Christmas skin needed the exfoliation and there's nothing quite like it. 

La Roche Posay Serozinc - as this is unbelievably not available in the UK (sort it out LRP), the gorgeous Amelia brought me enough back from Europe to survive Armageddon (THANK YOU!). Spraying zinc on top of your exfoliating toner stage gives you a little hydration before Hydraluron but more importantly for me its great for preventing breakouts. I toyed with the idea of linking to a picture saying 'WHY ISN'T THIS ON SALE IN THE UK YOU MUPPETS?' but thought it would be rude. Oh. My bad.  Also sidebar: the LRP has to be one of the most confusing/long websites out there. Please also fix that. Alrighty then.

Eysilix - still using this too. It's so easy, perfect texture, great packaging and helps my dark circles - which hardly any other eye cream does. 

Hydraluron - I'm changing this to 'Hironsluron' - still using it most days. Twice a day unless I'm going for an oil or balm in the evening.

Kate Somerville Deep Tissue Repair - I think this and the Goat Cream are the Holy Grail of KS's range. This takes 10 years off of my skin upon application. It is designed as a moisturiser but I use it as a serum underneath...

Kate Somerville Nourish Daily Moisturiser - I treat this as an overcoat. It goes on last on days I am dehydrated - which in this weather and after recovering from drinking alcohol (even a little) on a daily basis over Christmas - I am.

The Kate Somerville range is still unavailable in the UK. RUDE. Please also sort that.

I'm clearly feeling very bossy today.

*the above is a mixture or PR samples, purchases and gifts. All are fabulous.

No Affiliates.

French Giveaway in association with Escentual.com - GIVEAWAY CLOSED!!!!!!!!!!!

The first place I head to when I get off the Eurostar is my favourite pharmacy in Paris. I've even blogged about it. You always find something new that you didn't know existed/you needed.

So when the lovely chaps at Escentual.com offered to give five lucky readers my Top 10 choices from their current French pharmacy selection I jumped at the chance.

Yes - five of you will win my TOP TEN products as listed below in no particular order:

Avene - Anti-Rougeours Calm

Avene - Thermale Spray

Avene - Cicalfate Cream

La Roche-Posay - Cicaplast Skin Recovery Accelerator

Nuxe - Clarifying Cream Mask with Rose Petals

Nuxe - Huile Prodigeuse

Vichy - Aqualia Thermal Light

Vichy - Purete Thermale Hydra Perfecting Toner

Vichy - Purete Thermale Spa Water Spray 

A-Derma - Epitheliale A.H Repairing Cream

I'm nothing if not predictable - all of the above are designed in some way to help maintain the acid mantle, hydrate, repair and basically give you a clear, calm skin.

To win simply be a follower of the blog via email or over on GFC ---->

and leave a comment below with your contact details (twitter id or email).

CLOSED THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR ENTRIES!!!!

That's it.

And while you're at it - have a look for yourself at Escentual's site - all of their French pharmacy brands are currently available for 1/3 off. Bargainous.

Many thanks to Escentual for their generosity!

T & C's:

Open internationally.

One entry per person.

Giveaway ends at 23.59pm on Thursday 6th September.

Winners will be chosen by Random.org and notified via this blog and twitter. 

If winners do not come forward within 24 hours, new winners will be chosen.

Escentual.com reserve the right to send a similar product should the listed product be unavailable for any reason.

My Small Print.

No affiliate links - just being helpful.

Not a Sponsored Post. Just thought you'd like to try!