BEAUTYThere's absolutely no excuse for getting sunburned this summer, with protection available in so many different formulas. All you need to do is choose your weapon and aim high in the factor stakes.
STICK Clinique Protection Stick SPF 35
This is a neat little stick for extra protection on lips, which is great for topping up sensitive areas, €24.
OIL Ambre Solaire Golden Protect OilCelebrating its 75th year, this iconic brand has reinvented its famous sun oil. Keeping the summery rose and jasmine scent, but upping the SPF to 30, it's a winner. The formula has also been enriched with shea butter for a lustrous satin finish to skin, €22.49.
SPRAY Boots Soltan Invisible Protection
A clear spray that works at any angle and dries quickly, it’s also water and sweat resistant. It comes in a range of SPFs up to 40. A great all-rounder, €20.
MINERAL Bare Minerals SPF 30 Natural SunscreenThis tinted powder comes with an application brush that provides weightless protection. It's suitable for even the most sensitive skins and comes in three shades, €30.
VALUE ADDED Vichy Capital Soleil Face and Body SPF 30This is suitable for adults and children and also has good water resistance. There's 45 per cent extra for a limited time and a free beach bag with any two purchases, €20.
Hamilton is a no-nonsense range of sun-care pro
Hamiltonis a no-nonsense range of sun-care products from Australia, where they know only too well the effects of sun on skin. Recommended by dermatologists, the range goes up to factor 80 for extreme cases that must avoid the sun for medical reasons. For young skin, Toddler SPF 50 is a broad-spectrum sun block that is water resistant for four hours and suitable for allergy prone skin, €16.95.
JOIN THE OVER-50s’ CLUB
The following face savers have a super high protection factor of 50
Lacura Anti-ageing Sun Cream, SensitiveThis contains vitamin E and ingredients to combat cell damage and brown spots, €4.99 from Aldi stores.
Caudalíe Soleil DivinThere is a delightful mousse-like texture with this elegant French brand. It feels far more expensive than its €26 price tag. From Boots.
RoC Soleil Protexion Velvet MoistureThis comes in two formulas for dry or combination skin. The velvet finish feels great, €15.95.
Shiseido Urban EnvironmentThis feather- light daily sun block provides exceptional hydration along with protection, €37.
Chanel Precision UV EssentialThis can be popped into your handbag for on-the-go protection, €45.
DON’T FORGET YOUR HAIR
Kérastase Micro-Voile ProtecteurTransparent, non-greasy spray which protects hair from the sun, sea and chlorinated water, leaving it soft and supple. Can be used on dry or damp hair, €24.30.
Alfaparf Semi Di Lino Colour Protection CrystalsUV filters create a shield against external agents such as sun rays, pollution and free radicals, resulting in shiny hair, €14.95.
Avon Lotus ShieldEliminates frizz and protects against the effects of humidity for sleek holiday hair, €9 (01-8706540 or visit avon.ie).