Here Comes The Sun: SPFs

When it comes living to the UK hot weather is not expected, and is usually greeted by lots of grumbling and complaining. This is the same for snow, cold weather and overly excessive rain or thunderstorms, basically anything that isn't damp and slightly overcast gives us Brits a good excuse for a moan. Because we are so used to mild and usually wet weather it seems that we aren't that good at preparing for the sun, so I've complied some of my favourite SPFs so you can be ready for if/when we are lucky (can be swapped with unlucky) enough to have another 'heatwave' this summer.

When it comes to facial SPFs my motto is go high or go home and most sunny days only SPF50 will do. Last year I used Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense (£31) and absolutely loved it. It is lightweight enough you can't feel it sitting on the skin and when given enough time to sink in it doesn't affect makeup. It still has that lovely sun-cream smell but it doesn't leave a white cast over the skin like traditional 50+ SPFs. Aside from the price it is a faultless product and I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a high protection with an undetectable feel.

As SPFs expire in 12 months (unless otherwise stated) this year I have decided to try a more budget friendly option in the form of La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra Light Fluid (£16.50). The benefits are very similar to that  of the Kiehl's offering and if anything I think this one is slightly more lightweight, but less nourishing. The lovely thing about the La Roche Posay range is there is also matte and more hydrating versions to suit every skin type. The only major downside to the product is the dreadful packaging. Mine might just be a little faulty, but whenever the lid is off the fluid can't stop coming out of the nozzle at the top. Although this has been fine for the moment it will inevitably spill somewhere.

Another, slightly lighter SPF I have also been loving is the Soap and Glory Feel Good Factor SPF25, which is perfect for low UV level days where I am not out in the sun for hours. I won't ramble too much about this as it has since been changed to a translucent BB cream (yeah, I have no idea what that is either) and I wouldn't want to recommend it having not tried the new formula. However, it may just be a new name for the same product in which case this is awesome. It is really moisturising and gives the skin a lovely hydrated glow.

An important part of sun protection is lip SPFs, as many forget that they burn too! I am currently loving the Soltan Moisturising Suncare Stick SPF30 for high protection and Carmex Moisturising Vanilla Lip Balm SPF15 for everyday hydration. Both come in stick form so are very handy to reapply during the day.

What are your SPF favourites and summer tips?