GET A GRADUAL GLOW
Take the minimal approach with a gradual face tanner – the best ones offer a subtle build up and a natural result. Sisley and Clarins both excel at suncare and face tanners in both ranges offer skincare benefits along with believable colour, perfect for paler skintones or first timers – no danger of tango tans with these sophisticated formulas. St Tropez is a good bet for sensitive types and gives a subtle iridescent glow.
Sisley Tanning Hydrating Facial Skin Care
€93
Clarins Radiance-Plus Self Tanning Cream-Gel
€38.50
St Tropez Self-Tan Sensitive Bronzing Lotion Face, currently reduced to €18.50 at Debenhams
CONTROL THE DAMAGE
Just a wee reminder not to get too carried away by our spell of good weather; the number one cause of skin aging is sun exposure, so spend what you like on creams, but it's money down the drain if you're letting those harmful rays have their way.
High-protection creams can have a tendency to leave a whitish film on the skin – a good way to avoid this is to use a cream with the required SPF and a built-in sun tint. SkinCeuticals use 100 per cent mineral filters in its tinted formula, so is good for sensitive skins with the added plus of being water-resistant.
Dermalogica's tint comes in three shades and gives an all-day wash of colour along with broad spectrum protection. If you want a bit more cover, Laura Mercier's new compact has a wide range of shades and a great finish. La Mer's fluid tint also gives more coverage, hydrates beautifully and contains gemstones to reflect light.
SkinCeuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF 50, €43
Dermalogica Sheer Tint SPF20, €41 kudosbeauty.ie
Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer compact, €48
Creme de La Mer Fluide De La Mer, €85
CATCH THE BB BUZZ
Unless you've been hiding under a rock for the last year or so, you'll be familiar with BB creams, the biggest beauty trend to hit counters in recent times. The perfect all-in-one product, beauty (or blemish) balms combine moisturiser, primer, colour and hefty SPF protection in one tube. Perfect for weekend wear, holidays and lazy sunny afternoons there's a BB cream in virtually every range, from pharmacy and high-street brands to the more chi chi lines. Colour matching is usually the main issue with the lower priced creams, so if you're lucky enough to find your shade at the right price, all the better. If you have specific skincare concerns, here are some BB creams with extras.
Vichy's Idealia has a melting texture, a non-greasy finish and the illuminating ingredients brighten dull skin. Estée Lauder's oil-free cream tackles shine without mattifying; Clinique offers a little more coverage than the rest and comes in four shades and a long-wearing formula. If you're looking for a great all-rounder with a comprehensive shade range, look no further than the MAC counter.
Vichy Idealia BB Cream SPF 25, €23.50
Estée Lauder Daywear Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Creme SPF 35, €34
Mac Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm, SPF 35, €22
