The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50

Having finished the moisturiser I was using, I popped into The Body Shop to purchase a new one which included an SPF as we entered the warmer months... Never mind the fact that it was snowing, I like to be prepared!

Explaining what I was after the sales assistant quickly led me to the Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50 which I promptly purchased after testing a bit on my hand, liking the scent and being seduced by the very high SPF.

When I got home I had a little wobble as I wasn't entirely sure that what I had purchased was indeed a moisturiser... having used it a few times, I didn't feel the need to use a separate moisturiser but I am still not entirely sure what it is... ha ha.

The Body Shop says 

From the effects of the sun to the environment we live in - we’re constantly facing daily aggressors that can damage our skin. Introducing NEW Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF 50 PA++++, our strongest multi-protection to help protect your skin day after day. A feather light, milk-to-water essence with broad spectrum UV filters, brightening red algae and Vitamin C, to help protect skin against multiple skin aggressors, while providing utmost comfort.
UVA Protection: PA++++: Helps protect skin from UVA rays, including long UVA rays, which reach deep within the skin and accelerate the process of skin ageing.
UVB protection: SPF 50 helps protect skin from UVB rays that trigger redness and damage the skin’s surface.
Anti-dullness: With red algae extract and vitamin C to brighten skin for a more luminous complexion.

My thoughts 

Well I have to say that this is up there as a staple in my every day beauty routine. This essence, featuring a light and runny lotion consistency which instantly absorbs leaving skin feeling soft with no trace of tackiness. It offers very high sun protection and as mentioned above, has a pleasant delicate floral scent. As promised it does what it says on the packaging ... it really does brighten the skin and gives a lovely healthy looking glow effect. It also works beautifully as a primer under foundation, when applying Estee Lauder Double Wear it literally glides on across the skin, my skin look fabulous.

10/10 I will definitely be repurchasing.

The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50 costs from £17 for a very generously sized 40ml tube. 

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF30 - New Release

The original Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream is one of my favourite facial moisturisers so I am delighted that Elemis have introduced the same cream now with added SPF30. It has the same delicious scent of the original which I adore. The cream is still light in texture, almost fluid like and is silky to the touch. I couldn't tell any difference which I think is great.

Protected silky soft, hydrated, glowy skin. I don't think you can ask for anymore.

Elemis say  

This clinically proven formulation blends a powerful combination of ingredients, including Padina Pavonica and Ginkgo Biloba, shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in 14 days*. With hydration increased, elasticity and suppleness appear improved and the skin looks firm and toned.

A next generation micronized sunscreen offers a unique encapsulated blend that leaves no white streaks on the face and offers evenly distributed broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection without compromise to the texture of the cream.

This is the ultimate anti-ageing cream from ELEMIS.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF30 50ml costs £82

Vichy Ideal Soleil Velvety BB Cream & Body Oil SPF50

The sweet scent of Summer. I have to say I do love the scent of sunscreen - creams, lotions and even aftersun. Around this time of year I start looking at suncare and whilst I do have my definite faves I am always open to suggestion. I was sent the new range from Vichy - Ideal Soleil and am delighted to say I seem to have found another option!

The Ideal Soleil range includes body oils, body milks, 3 different face options and a post sun SOS repair balm.

I was sent the following to review

Ideal Soleil Body Oil SPF50 125ml £16.50 

Vichy say

Expert protection from UVA and UVB rays with a luxurious dry-touch, moisturising satin-finish oil texture and light, fresh floral fragrance.

My thoughts 

I am all in favour of high factor suncare so I was delighted with this factor 50 Body Oil. It has a light, floral scent but sums up Summer perfectly. Delicious, fresh scented skin and the dry touch oil provides a subtle gleam to the skin without feeling oily.

Ideal Soleil Velvety BB Cream SPF50+ 50ml £15.50 

Vichy say 

Designed for all skin types, this velvety tinted BB formula enhances and illuminates with Hyaluronic Acid that melts into the skin and plumps the skin with moisture for a beautiful finish.

My thoughts 

I think I have found my new Summer, no effort base. This BB Cream from Vichy is absolutely fantastic. It smells so good, the consistency is not too thick or too runny. The shade is neither too light or too dark for me. It blends beautifully and provides enough coverage for my skin (you may need a bit of extra concealer for problematic areas) and leaves skin with a gorgeous bright and radiant glow whilst looking really natural. I cannot fault it.

At just over £15 AND with SPF50 it is a great price too.

Below I am wearing it

Vichy is available from Boots stores and online. 

*PR samples

Piz Buin Ultra Light Dry Touch Face Fluid SPF15

Just like the Piz Buin Ultra Light Dry Touch Sun Fluid the Ultra Light Dry Touch Face Fluid boasts the same benefits -

Piz Buin say 

This face fluid combines immediate and effective UVA/UVB protection with an ultra light formula that dries instantly. The hydrating fluid spreads easily over your skin for a weightless dry touch feel. The non sticky and non greasy formula absorbs instantly without leaving white marks which makes it ideal to be worn daily. Enriched with an anti-oxidant* Vitamin E derivative, it helps to prevent sun induced premature skin ageing.

Ultra Light Dry Touch Face Fluid is sweat and water resistant.

Benefits

Has an instant dry touch
Feels ultra light on application
Formulated with special powders to give a unique dry touch feel
Oil free formula which leaves a non greasy finish, skin feels silky smooth

My thoughts 

This has the gorgeous scent that is synonymous with Piz Buin. This light fluid is so light that it feels like it is barely there on the face, leaves no white marks and dries instantly without leaving a sticky residue. In fact I find that it acts a bit like a primer as it provides a great base for makeup application. 

I have been trying out the SPF15 as a lot of my products already contain an SPF but I would be tempted to upgrade to the SPF30 version as I do like a higher SPF in the Summer months. 

Piz Buin Ultra Light Dry Touch Face Fluid 50ml is available in SPF15 and SPF30 versions costing £12

*Boots currently have it on a half price offer for just £6

**PR Sample

Piz Buin Ultra Light Dry Touch Sun Fluid SPF30 & SPF15 Review

The sun has finally emerged this year, the temperature is rising (for now anyway!) and now is the time to break out the Sun Protection and slap it on. Hello Summer!

I have been trialling the new range from one of my favourite and most reliable Sun Care brands Piz Buin and it is a real treat.

Piz Buin Ultra Light Dry Touch Sun Fluid in SPF15 and SPF30 

Piz Buin say 

This sun fluid combines immediate and effective UVA/UVB protection with an ultra light formula that dries instantly. The hydrating fluid spreads easily over your skin for a weightless dry touch feel. The non sticky and non greasy formula absorbs instantly without leaving white marks for skin that feels silky and smooth. Enriched with an anti-oxidant* Vitamin E derivative, it helps to prevent sun induced premature skin ageing.

PIZ BUIN® Ultra Light Sun Fluid is sweat and water resistant.

Benefits 

Has an instant dry touch 

Feels ultra light on application

Formulated with special powders to give a unique dry touch feel 

Oil free formula which leaves a non greasy finish, skin feels silky smooth 

My thoughts 

Ultra Light Dry Touch Sun Fluid is a revelation. The packaging has a twist nozzle for easy and non messy application (product does come in a spray formula if you prefer). The fluid is incredibly light and absorbs/dries instantly without leaving any trace of product or skin feeling sticky or tacky which is just marvellous for city dwellers as it can be worn daily without a second thought.

I am converted, however it has one downside. The incredible and distinctive Piz Buin scent that reminds me of my holidays..which leaves skin smelling so good means that I would much rather be at the beach than in London town.. if only I could be transported.

PIZ BUIN® Ultra Light Sun Fluid in SPF15 & SPF30 RRP £16.99 for 150ml

*PR Samples

Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer SPF30 - The Rolls Royce Of Primers!

Keen readers of BeautySwot will know that I have reviewed Dermalogica Skin Perfect Primer before - you can read the review here -http://www.beautyswot.com/2013/02/sample-sachet-sunday-dermalogica-sheer.html . It is making a reappearance as I just wanted to reaffirm everything I said then, I still think it now.

Dermalogica say 

Skinperfect Primer SPF30 is a three-in-one product which smooths, protects and conditions skin, whilst correcting surface irregularities and creating a luminous finish. Created to improve the overall health of the skin, Skinperfect Primer SPF30, contains powerful peptides to stimulate collagen production and ingredients, such as white tea, known to fight the biochemical triggers which lead to skin ageing, including ROS, MMPs and AGEs.

Velvety silicones help even out skin texture, creating an instantly smooth surface, whilst hydrolysed pearl (pearl powder), a fine powder rich in amino acids, calcium, sugars and peptides stimulates cell renewal, fights glycation and helps to fight pigmentation by imbibing tyrosinase and enhancing skin luminosity. Natural earth minerals, combined with the pearl powder, provide a neutral tint, suitable for all skin tones, to enhance luminosity and radiance.

Invisible sun protection is provided by the inclusion of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which give broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection without the intense chalky, whitening and drying effects so commonly associated with physical sunscreens.

My thoughts

Skin Perfect Primer really is the Rolls Royce of primers if you are looking for a flawless finish - It smooths EVERYTHING and covers pores providing a beautifully smooth base for applying Foundation/BB/CC Cream and it keeps makeup in place all day long. A primer with skin benefits.

Try it.

Dermalogica Skin Perfect Primer 22ml costs £37.50

*PR Sample

Kiko City Filter Sunscreen Primer & Skin Glow Light Effect Day Cream

On my recent four day trip to Rome I included a few products from the Kiko range. I had been using these prior to going and liked them enough to treat them to a trip ;-)

Kiko Makeup Milano Skin Glow Light Effect Day Cream SPF10

This cream is from the "colours in the world" collection.

Kiko say

Ideal for all skin types, it reawakens the complexion from its winter pallor and restores a healthy, radiant look. Thanks to the presence of sophisticated brightening particles, Skin Glow melts onto skin, evening the complexion and giving an immediate sublime light effect.

The selected active ingredients stimulate cellular renewal and contribute to the increase in collagen production, giving moisture and suppleness to the skin.

Protected from the sun's rays and from the formation of free radicals, the face regains a youthful, vital look. Ideal for applying before make up to give smoothness to the face, neck, shoulders and décolletage.

My thoughts 

I love the pump dispenser packaging. The cream is really light in consistency like a lotion. I find the level of moisturisation is adequate for my needs and the scent is nice and fresh. The product provides a lovely radiant finish which makes my skin look really bright. 

Swatches of the City Filter Sunscreen Primer SPF50 & Skin Glow Light Effect Day Cream SPF10

Kiko Makeup Milano City Filter Sunscreen Primer SPF50

Kiko say

SPF 50 Face Primer. City Filter Sunscreen creates an invisible shield on the skin, protecting it against the first signs of aging such as fine lines, dark spots and dullness. Its smooth and silky texture softens and brightens the complexion.

This smooth emulsion glides on easily and its texture is light and easily absorbed, leaving the skin silky and pleasant smelling. An easy to apply formula with a velvety touch immediately comforts the face and leaves it with a feeling of weightlessness.

City Filter Sunscreen facial primer provides a base for make-up, improving the appearance of the complexion with incredibly natural results.

My thoughts

The City Filter Sunscreen Primer, once again, has a runny consistency. It is yellow in colour and has a delicate vanilla scent which appeals to me. It blends in easily and provides a nice base for my bb cream/foundation. Smooths pores. If you don't like the feel of silicon based primers this is a good alternative and the high SPF is a real plus point (although Kiko recommend you use separate sun protection)

I didn't use a separate sunscreen but I did use Ginvera Green Tea Nude Cover BB Cream  which contains SPF30 as my base and this was perfectly fine for the time I was out in the sun in Italy. The temp was 34 degrees.

Kiko Makeup Milano Skin Glow Light Effect Day Cream SPF10 40ml is currently on offer at £6.40

Kiko Makeup Milano City Filter Sunscreen Primer SPF50 30ml £12.90

*PR Samples

Origins A Perfect World SPF25 Age Defence Moisturiser With White Tea Review

I have been wanting to try Origins A Perfect World SPF25 for some time now and have finally managed to get hold of a sample. This was given to me at the counter in John Lewis Oxford Street a little while ago.


Origins Claim


This lightweight moisturiser contains world-famous Silver Tip White Tea, Vitamins C and E plus French Maritime Pine and UVA / UVB sunscreens.Designed for everyday use, this oil-free moisturiser builds an invisible bubble of protection around skin to help minimise the appearance of damage including lines, wrinkles and age spots.

My thoughts


I dug this out at the first sign of the scorching weather because of the fact it contained SPF25


First I should mention that these are my initial thoughts as I have only been using this moisturiser for 4 days now. However I have liked it enough to want to share my thoughts. The sample pot is quite generous and I reckon that I have probably got about a 2 week trial in there.

It is a lovely light fluid consistency that is so easy to apply to the skin without any drag. Colour wise it reminds me of looking into a tin of magnolia paint, but as pretty much all of the walls in my house are magnolia I am not complaining! It sinks into my skin immediately and leaves it feeling lovely, soft and smooth to the touch. I love the fact that it is a high factor product of SPF25 but it really doesn't feel like you are applying a sun lotion or leave any tacky residue on the skin. My combination skin feels comfortable all day.

The scent is really rather fabulous, ever so slightly citrusy but one that really appeals to me.

So far so good, skin looks and feels nice.

Origins A Perfect World SPF25 costs £33 for 50ml

Piz Buin Tan & Protect Tan Accelerating Oil Spray SPF30 - Review

Growing up, if we weren't pouring carrot oil all over us in an attempt to roast in the sun and get that all important deep golden tan we were wearing low level protection. Needless to say this was not the most cleverest of things to do and I don't actually know if I have any lasting damage but in our defence in those days we were not as clued up or aware of the dangers of getting burnt and skin cancer that we are now.

However, this all changed when my brother had to get a mole removed and from that day on when I went into the sun I would wear factor 15+ protection  cue the 'did you go on holiday, was the weather no good?' comments which are really not that helpful are they ;-)

I have always loved using Piz Buin, it smells wonderful and provides effective protection you can rely on when having fun in the sun. 

This is my favourite sun protection product and one that I will be packing in my luggage - Piz Buin Tan & Protect Tan Accelerating Oil Spray SPF30.

The Tan & Protect Tan Accelerating Oil Spray has a gorgeous, subtle coconut scent that has that all important 'holiday scent' which transports me to a warm, sunny destination (even if it is just in my head!). The oil is really easy to apply,  absorbs fast and dries so there is no greasy residue or white marks left on the skin, it does leave a very slight glossy finish but this doesn't last.

As the name suggests the product contains a tan accelerating ingredient called Melitane which speeds up the natural tanning process meaning that you can spend less time in the sun to achieve your golden tan.. I was using this product a lot earlier in the year when we did have some fabulously warm and sunny days ( who can remember those now?) and I didn't burn and I am very certain that it does exactly what it says it will do. My arms do appear to be more golden and I never deliberately sit out in the Sun!

Good to know .. Some medicines increase your sensitivity to the Sun so it is worth checking with your Doctor before you go on holiday. Some ingredients in skincare products also increase sensitivity  to the Sun - look out for those products that list retinol, salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acids and stop using them to reduce your skin's sensitivity when you go on holiday.

The new Tan & Protect range is available as a Tan Accelerating Oil Spray, Tan Intensifying Sun Spray (for increased hydration) and a Tan Intensifying Lotion in SPF's 6, 15 and 30.

*PR Sample