Tried and tested

It’s necessary to protect ourselves from harmful UV rays — even in the winter and spring. Dermatologists recommend you wear an SPF of 15 or more everyday.

WE’RE all well aware that we need to protect our skin from the sun in the summer months but while the warmth of the sun sometimes seems likes a distant memory, it’s still necessary to protect ourselves from harmful UV rays — even in the winter and spring. Dermatologists recommend you wear an SPF of 15 or more everyday.

Clarins have brought out a Multi-Protective Day Screen that is perfect for everyday use. It’s SPF 50 so it’s for those who want high protection that is light enough to wear under make-up.

Designed to go over a day moisturiser but under a foundation, the oil-free cream is translucent and sinks in quickly — with no white streaks or stickiness. A little goes a long way and your skin will thank you for it.

Clarins UV Plus Day Screen Multi-Protection SPF 50, €38 for 30ml, is vailable from March 8 in Debenhams, ( www.debenhams.ie )

If you’re already planning ahead for your summer holidays, keep an eye out for Shiseido’s new range of anti-ageing sunscreens that cleverly becomes even more effective when exposed to water — or even perspiration.

The Wet Force technology make them equally suitable for both action-packed holidays and those breaks where the only thing that interrupts your sunbathing is a dip in the pool.

The Expert Sun Aging Protection Lotions and Sunscreens come in SPF 30 and 50 and promise to protect the skin from redness, drying, skin peeling and cell damage caused by those UV rays.

The consistency is heavier than the Clarins everyday protection but it sinks in quickly and feels weightless once absorbed. It’s also sand-proof.

Wet Force Expert Sun Aging Protection Lotions and Sunscreens will be available from April in Boots stores nationwide and from www.shiseido.ie, €36 for 100ml.

A word of warning when it comes to any product containing SPF, be aware that it causes the dreaded flashback in photos — the flash from the camera bounces off the SPF leaving your face looking white and drained.

So if you suspect your photo will be taken, stick to a foundation and primer without SPF.

COLOUR INJECTION

No7’s new pastel nail colours are exactly what you need to brighten up your look this spring. The Gel Look formulation is high shine and very long-lasting.

Choose from Coral Crush or Sweet Lilac to bring your winter wardrobe into the springtime.

Available in Boots stores nationwide, €9, ( www.boots.ie )