Melanoma is on the rise in Ireland, despite the fact it is so preventable. I am a firm believer in wearing SPF all year round, but even if you don't, you should be wearing SPF during the summer, and not just when you're in sunny climates. Wear a minimum of SPF30 on the face.
If you’re of the pastier Irish persuasion (as I am) opt for SPF50, and always slather children in the same as their young skin is more delicate.
With the incredible variation in prices, textures and application methods, laziness or aversion of any kind just isn’t an excuse to avoid wearing SPF.
There is one out there that is easy enough to apply and wear to suit even the most cantankerous sun lizards. And remember, sun is good for you, but sizzling gently like a sausage on a griddle certainly isn’t.
Clinique Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face SPF30/50 (€28): Suitable for the most sensitive skins, this unscented cream is light enough to feel comfortable on the face while providing the protection your skin needs.
Eucerin Transparent Sun Spray SPF50 (€21.50): Children are particularly difficult to capture and apply sun cream to. This spritz SPF is light enough not to bother the wearer, while being super quick to apply.
Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil (€28.50): Exposure to strong sun can damage the hair and alter colour. Apply this spritz to dry or damp hair to protect it, and don't forget to reapply after swimming for its protective and conditioning benefits.
Vichy Idéal Soleil Ultra Melting Milk Gel SPF 30/50 (€19.50): This SPF smells completely divine, and has a light-as-air, disappearing serum texture while giving limbs a glorious sheen. You can't go wrong with it.
Chanel UV Essentiel Multi-Protection Daily Defender U Pollution SPF 30/50 (€53 from May 27th): Luxurious, easy to apply and comfortable under make-up, this dreamily smooth concoction protects skin while being small enough to pop into your handbag or fit in carry-on luggage.
Sisley Tinted Facial Sun Care Youth Protector SPF30 (In Four Shades €120.50): If you want to go all out, Sisley is the brand for you. They've put serious investment into their sun care research, and this tinted cream provides light summer coverage with powerful sun protection.
Alpha H Protection Plus Hand Cream SPF 50+ (€39): Hands take more abuse from the sun than anywhere else. This lightly tinted mineral hand cream instantly improves the appearance of hands while protecting them from the sun.
La Roche Posay Invisible Face Mist SPF50+ (€14): SPF should be topped-up to protect effectively, so I'm excited about this. A light, high- protection spritz that can be applied over make-up during the day, it is the perfect handbag product.
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK – Urban Decay Alice Through the Looking Glass Eyeshadow Palette (€49 from select Debenhams, Debenhams.ie and House of Fraser at Dundrum Town Centre):
Truly worthy of product of the week, this other-worldly palette is more wearable than the ostentatious packaging might suggest. Colour buffs will adore it, as will make-up collectors, but there are also soft, wearable shades. With 20 shadows, it works out as a bargain.
