Summer might be drawing to a close, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to pack up your SPF.
Every dermatologist I’ve ever spoken to has told me we should be wearing it all year round.
The best way to do that is to find a sunscreen you enjoy wearing.
If you’re still hunting for your holy grail, I’ve found a new go-to in Paula’s Choice 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturiser SPF 50, which I defy anyone not to like it.
It’s not oily or drying, it’s lightweight, so it sinks into skin quickly and sits well under make-up.
Paula’s Choice 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturiser SPF50, £46
It doesn’t sting sensitive eyes, and it’s lightly tinted so it doesn’t leave a white cast.
Plus, as well as providing sun protection, it contains antioxidant vitamin C to help brighten skin and reduce pigmentation – the ingredient often breaks me out, but not in this formulation.
After using it all month, I’ve yet to find a single thing I dislike about it!
Another product that’s exceeded my expectations this month is Max Factor Miracle Pure Serum Foundation.
Max Factor Miracle Pure Serum Foundation, £15.99
I’m not normally one for skin tints – I have a lot of redness on my face and a smattering of acne scars, so I tend to opt for something that offers a higher level of coverage.
They’re usually also billed as ‘dewy’ or ‘radiant’ which is a big no-no for my oily skin.
However, this clever serum foundation has a satin matte finish (my favourite) and the coverage is buildable so you can easily achieve enough coverage to conceal blemishes without it feeling heavy.
Unlike the SPF, however, I do have a niggle with this one: the foundation is only available in a disappointing nine shades, which means there’s bound to be a sizable group of people who can’t find a good match for their skin tone.
Hopefully, there’s a shade extension incoming!
Mac Studio Radiance 24HR Luminous Lift Concealer, £26
In contrast, the utterly brilliant Mac Studio Radiance 24HR Luminous Lift Concealer, which has just launched in a whopping 44 shades.
I know what you’re thinking – I said I didn’t like base products billed as ‘radiant’ just a few sentences ago, but this is an exception.
The radiance comes from the inclusion of niacinamide, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, which make up a huge 80% of the formula, rather than any glitter of pearlescent pigments that can emphasise texture and oiliness.
Despite the nourishing formula, the concealer stays put all day long, hiding imperfections without creasing or looking chalky, and works both under eyes and all over the face.
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix, £23
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix is similarly hard-working – and will really come into its own as the weather gets colder (and that’s not just because the formula has a tendency to melt in hot weather – you’ve been warned!).
I have chronically dry lips and a bad habit of picking at the dry skin, so there aren’t many lip balms and glossy lipsticks I haven’t tried.
Unfortunately, only a handful of them are actually good – but this has slotted straight into those ranks.
It contains heavy-hitting moisturisers squalane, shea butter and bee’s wax, as well as soothing vitamin E to help prevent chapped lips, while the pigment level is as opaque as a traditional lipstick, with the shine and comfort of a gloss.
Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Setting & Finishing Powder, £28
I’ve been impressed by a couple of re-launches that also deserve your attention this month – not least Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Setting & Finishing Powder, which has been making waves on Tiktok thanks to the designer logo you can press on to skin.
In reality, the formula is even better, and now 46% finer than its predecessor for a truly undetectable finish that blurs skin and helps control shine without looking powdery – it’s magic in a tub!
Malin+Goetz Tomato Candle, £54
Finally, fans of Malin+Goetz Tomato Candle, get excited.
The original limited-edition lockdown launch is finally returning to shelves permanently, and is making a comeback alongside Malin+Goetz Tomato Home Spray.
If you didn’t get to sniff the cult candle the first time round, it smells of tomatoes still growing on the vine, and brings back lovely memories of my grandfather’s greenhouse.
Fresh and intoxicating, this spring-like scent is the perfect antidote as the nights draw in over the coming months.
