Summer Must-Haves

Summer is always a bit difficult for me, being a redhead, I have to watch out for many things, especially not getting sunburnt.  Not a very easy task, as I sunburn with 50+ SPF in the shade, but I try!  Here are a few things that I am taking with me whilst travelling:

1. La Roche Posay Anthelios Sun Lotion with SPF 50+ for Sun Allergy Prone Skin: This is a great sunscreen for sensitive skin, and only one of the two different brands that my skin will accept.  It has UVA and UVB protection, so it also helps to prevent skin ageing from any sun damage.  It contains a reduced amount of chemical filters, no perfumes and no parabens, so those with sensitive, allergy-prone skin will find it a very welcome alternative to other high street brands.  I use this protection in the first weeks of summer, as this is when my skin is most vulnerable, and as mentioned before, even can burn in the shade with high protection.    

2. Piz Buin Allergy Lotion SPF 15: Just like the sunscreen from La Roche Posay, this lotion by Piz Buin is formulated for sensitive, allergy-prone skin and contains UVA and UVB protection.  This lotion contains Calmanelle, which is said to increase the skin's tolerance.  I sometimes find it a hard time to find sunscreens made for allergy-prone skin that have a lower SPF than 50, but after a while my skin does adapt to the sun a bit and I find sunscreens with 50+ to be a bit too high.  Piz Buin offers this medium protection, which is great, especially for e.g. underarms, which adapt to the sun more readily.  

3. bareMinerals Natural Sunscreen SPF 30: This mineral sunscreen by bareMinerals is the perfect sunscreen to wear over make-up, as it comes in powder form and can be easily stored in a hand bag for travelling.  It is oil free and preservative free, and contains both UVA and UVB protection, as well as several other vitamins, aloe vera extract and antioxidants.  I find this to be a very useful tool, as face sunscreens can often be very oily, although they state not to be, and I think they are quite uncomfortable to wear underneath a foundation.  This powder solution is great, and it even has a detachable brush so that this can be cleaned regularly.  The product is not only suitable for the summer, but can just as well be used over foundation or over a tinted moisturiser throughout the year.

4. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua with SPF 15: The light texture of this foundation is great for the summer heat, and still provides a fair bit of coverage.  My skin never feels dry with this product, and it also lasts really well during the day.  It is just important to shake the product really well before using it, so that all the ingredients can combine together.

5. MAC Extra Dimension Blush 'At Dusk': This is my new favourite blush, as it is such a lovely, natural pink colour that suits very fair skin tones really well.  It is also not completely matte, so it gives a nice glow to cheekbones, making it a perfect summer blush!

6. MAC Pro Longwear Eye Shadow 'Sweet Satisfaction': My absolutely favourite eyeshadow for every day use, it lasts forever and gives a perfect depth to the eye for warm summer days, when eye shadow can be more of a hinderance than anything else.  For an evening look it can be combined with darker brown or gold shades do make a wonderfully warm smokey eye.  

AQUAporin for Thirsty Skin

     

                                   

After having tried many high-end moisturisers and being somewhat unhappy with them, I decided to try out this moisturiser by Eucerin (available at Boots in the UK) which says to be fast-absorbing and giving "long-lasting hydration, even in the deeper epidermal skin layers".  I went for the rich version of it, and so far I am very happy with the product, mainly because it is not achieving any less than the pricey products I had before and my skin feels much more comfortable than it did before, going to show that expensive does not necessarily mean better, on the contrary, especially if you have very sensitive skin, products by brands such as Eucerin, La Roche Posay and Avene are often recommended by dermatologists as generally they are fragrance free, etc. therby reducing any potential skin irritation.  This product is also advertised as a good make up base which is most definitely the case! All in all this product is a fantastic alternative to pricey high-end moisturisers, especially for very dehydrated and sensitive skin. 

Double Wear Review

Estée Lauder's Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup has established itself as a go-to product for those needing more coverage for long time periods such as is needed in e.g. bridal makeup.  I tend to use it in the evenings for dinners or when going out, as it really does stay in place for hours on end without looking like a mask! I often combine this shade (1C1 Shell 15) with the next darker colour in the summer or in the evenings, but stick to the lighter shade during the dax to give a fresh look.  The only negative comment to make about this foundation is that it gives me a bit of a rash on the top of my cheekbones right under the eye area so I have avoided using it lately, which is a shame as it is a great staple, but if a rash occurs it is best to lay off the product for a while and perhaps give it another try later.