Protect & nourish

Protect & nourish

With colour correction

LA MER THE REPARATIVE SKINTINT SPF 30 PA+++

$160, available at La Mer counters from next month

A lightweight tinted suncream. It has a blend of anti-ageing deep-sea red algae, the brand's signature antioxidant lime tea concentrate, rejuvenating sea kelp broth, as well as charged water that supposedly delivers active ingredients deeper into the skin.

Available in four shades. 

GOODSKIN LABS A-B-C CREAM 8H SKIN PERFECTOR SPF 30 UVA/UVB

$48, from Sasa stores

A mattifying cream with anti-ageing and brightening properties.

 SK-II AURACTIVATOR CC CREAM SPF 50

$109, from SK-II counters

Fine pearl pigments give skin a soft radiance; while a cocktail of skincare ingredients is said to reduce the appearance of dark patches.

 

EXTRA PROTECTION

LANCOME UV EXPERT XL-SHIELD ULTIMATE XL UV PROTECTION HEALTHY ROSY BEAUTY BASE SPF 50 PA++++

$80, from Lancome counters

Contains a filtering system that claims to protect skin, for up to 12 hours, from harmful short UVB rays (these penetrate between 290 and 320 nanometres into the skin, and are responsible for sunburn).

It also protects the skin from short UVA rays (that reach between 320 and 340 nanometres); as well as long UVA rays (that go deeper into the skin at between 340 and 400 nanometres.) Long UVA rays cause pigmentation, wrinkles and sagging.

This product has an anti-pollution shield and also acts as a make-up primer to lend sallow complexions a subtle flush. A translucent, refreshing and mattifying version, the Fresh UV Aqua Gel ($75), is also available.

CLARINS UV PLUS ANTI POLLUTION SPF50/PA++++ DAY SCREEN MULTI-PROTECTION IN ROSY GLOW

$74, from Clarins counters

This sunscreen promises to combat both damaging rays and pollution; both factors can cause the skin to weaken, darken and become uneven in tone and texture.

Dr Olivier Courtin-Clarins, the brand's managing director, says: "The pollution that we face today is different. It is no longer just about car exhaust, but factory emissions that contain heavy metals, the harsh weather and heavy minerals in the atmosphere."

This formula contains an anti-pollution complex made up of organic alpine sanicle extract to reduce the effects of free radicals; the antioxidants white tea extract and cantaloupe melon extract; as well as lampsana plant extract and the thermus thermophilus bacteria to help strengthen the skin's barrier.

This sunscreen comes with three options: translucent, rosy glow to add liveliness to the skin, and fairness to brighten.

SHISEIDO 50+ WETFORCE PERFECT UV PROTECTOR SPF50+ PA++++

$59, available at Shiseido counters in May

While other sunscreens may become less effective when you swim or sweat, this innovative product promises to offer even more sun protection when it comes into contact with water.

How it works: water contains positive charges, while the sunscreen is a blend of UV protection agents and ionic minerals with negative charges. So when you plunge into a pool, for example, the protection agents and minerals cluster together tightly to offer more buffer against the harmful rays.

Yet, this sun lotion can be easily removed with a regular cleanser.

It also claims to protect skin from pollutants.

KIEHL'S DERMATOLOGIST SOLUTIONS ULTRA LIGHT DAILY UV DEFENSE SUNSCREEN SPF50 PA++++ HIGH PROTECTION

from $52, from Kiehl's counters

This has a defence mechanism against the sun's harmful rays: UVB, UVA and long UVA. Vitamin E is added for an antioxidant boost, and to condition the skin.

FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

LANCASTER SPF50/PA+++ HIGH PROTECTION SUN CONTROL SENSITIVE SKIN OIL-FREE SOOTHING EMULSION

$55, from Sephora Ion and Tampines

Made with the soothing ingredients bisabolol and d-panthenol to help reduce skin reactions to the sun. It has a melanin inhibitor complex that is said to help improve skin fairness.

AESOP PROTECTIVE BODY LOTION SPF 50

$53, from Aesop stores

This body sun cream is non-sticky and water-resistant. Contains skin-nourishing vitamin E. The soothing scent of spearmint and lemon essential oils is a plus.

COSME DECORTE AQ MW EXTRA PROTECTION UV PROTECTOR CHEMICAL UV ABSORBER FREE SPF40/PA++

$115, from Cosme Decorte counters

Free of ultraviolet absorbers that might irritate intolerant skin. This product also contains double peptides to soothe skin, as well as alginsome and a vitamin E derivative to repair it.

 

FOR ANTI-AGEING

 

CHANEL SUBLIMAGE LA PROTECTION UV SPF 50

$170, available at Chanel counters from April 17

Made with extract of vanilla from Madagascar known for its regenerating properties; liquorice root extract to help prevent dark spots from appearing; and another botanical ingredient which promises to keep skin firm.


YVES SAINT LAURENT BEAUTE FOREVER LIGHT CREATOR UV PROTECTION SPF 50 PA+++
+

$72, from YSL Beaute counters

Contains the brand's signature glycanactif complex and an antioxidant blend to reboot the skin's energy.

KENZOKI WHITE BLOSSOM DELICATE UV SHIELD SPF 50 PA+++

$65, from Kenzo counters

A sun cream that claims to brighten with plum blossom essence and smoothen with sunflower extract. The Chinese herb huang qin and moringa extract are also added to help prevent free radical damage that causes skin dullness.


This article was first published on March 20, 2015.
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