Want a fuss free, multi purpose skincare product that not only save you time but also delivers. This zinc oxide based moisturising lotion is refreshingly light weight, non-greasy and comes in a light tinted shade that rubs off clear on skin. Unlike your traditional zinc based sunscreen, this is surprisingly effortless to apply, doesn’t leave skin with an annoying white cast like most zinc based sunscreen would and absorbs into skin so quickly!
High UV protection, checked. Moisturising, checked. Mattifying finish, checked. Best of all? This has cucumber extract, aloe vera and green tea extract in it. Smells absolutely DELICIOUS!
RRP AUD$47.95
Available on counters now
Towards the end of 2012, we all know that SPF 50+ has finally released in the Australian market and that we now have option to choose sunscreens up to SPF 50+. Since the announcement there’s been quite a few skincare brands launching SPF 50+ sunscreens in the market and more will launch in market by end of this month. Before we get to those, let’s take a look at what is all the fuss SPF 50+ is about.
A while ago, I had an interview with Emma Hobson, Education Manager Asia, Australia & NZ of The International Dermal Institute dermalogica® re the new regulation and proper use of sunscreen application.
1.With the new SPF 50 regulation, what is different to my regular SPF 30?
The difference between the SPF’s is the % of the sun’s rays they screen. An SPF30 screens 96.7% of UVB rays, where an SPF50 screens 98% of UVB rays. Remembering the sun screen needs to be reapplied within two hours.
2. Should I still wear sunscreen if my make-up has sunscreen in it?
Yes absolutely. The ‘minimal’ product that is applied via our make-up is not sufficient enough to provide us with the stated SPF. If you consider the cancer council of Australia’s guide to applying sun screen is a half a teaspoon of product applied to the face and neck – including the ears and the back of the neck, that’s a lot of product to get the required SPF, we certainly don’t apply ½ a teaspoon of foundation and certainly not blusher!
3. Do I need make up remover if I wear sunscreen only?
It is highly advisable to thoroughly remove the sun screen of the skin surface at the end of the day. Since they are often quite resilient products I would recommend using a cleansing oil, these are fantastic at removing sun screen.
Some of the higher SPF sunscreens brands to look out for:
Nivea Sun Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ RRP AUD$17.99
Banana Boat Faces Oil Free SPF 50+ RRP AUD$11.99
Banana Boat Sensitive SPF 50+ RRP AUD$16.49
Banana Boat Baby Roll-on SPF 50+ RRP AUD$10.49
Dermalogica
Cancer Council Australia
Switching from SPF 30 to SPF 50 would enhance protection of at least 1.5 times the level of sun protection but don’t forget that SPF 50+ offers a greater level of protection only if people continue to apply the same amount of sunscreen regularly.
Another week and it is time for another beauty round up. This time around we cover products from Sisley, Dermalogica, Garnier, Parlux and Slic Skin.
For skin:
This week we look into Sisley’s latest colour Jewel collection covering everything from eye shadow, lipstick to mascaras. Notably, the Sisley Ombre Eclat in #Rose Burgendy (RRP AUD$55) is a standout.
It’s a silky formula eye shadow that blends onto eyelids easily and is pigmented at the same time. In the palette it looks like a cross between red and purple and once swatched it is more of a rose red shade with a hint of bruise purple in it. See how pigmented the swatch is? You can apply this wet or dry on the lids and is a dream to blend.
Dermalogica recently re-released the new version of their best selling Oil Free Matte SPF 30 sunscreen(RRP AUD$68.50). Great for oily skin, doesn’t break skin out while provides broad spectrum sunscreen protection. Best of all, it doesn’t leave your skin shiny/greasy while providing full sun protection. What is there not to love this great sunscreen?
For hair:
For affordable, fruity and product that smells great; do take a look at Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine 72H Weightless Smoothing Fortifying Shampoo, Conditioner RRP AUD$5.95 (250ml).
For those who style their hair frequently, be sure to coat your damp hair with Fructis Sleek & Shine Flat Iron Perfector Straightening Mist RRP AUD$9.95 prior to hair styling top ensure your hair is healthy and silky. I rate this hair mist because it is lightweight and doesn’t weight my hair down.
Finally a hairdryer that is eco friendly whilst not compromising its drying capability and is in fashionable white instead of your usual black colour. Parlux 3800 White Pearl Eco Friendly Ionic & Ceramic Hair Dryer (RRP AUD$189.95) is your go-to hairdryer for a better environment and a speedy blow dry at home. You can purchase this via i-glamour with free shipping.
For body:
I have heard great things about Silcskin Facial Pads (RRP AUD$28.95) and didn’t think I have décolletage lines since I don’t have big boobies problems. However, I have noticed that by being a serial side sleeper, it has left my lines/marks on one side of my face. So now, I go to bed Silcskin Facial Pads when I go to bed to prevent new lines from forming on my face and help to soften the existing ones. Overall, I am really happy with the facial pads and find them to be very convenient and easy to use.
One thing though, be sure to go easy on the facial products prior to applying the facial pads so that they can stick to the skin properly. Alternatively, you can also cut them up and use it in any way you like. These medical grade silicone are reusable and are self adhesive.
All products are now available in the market
Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Lotion SPF 15
RRP AUD$90
I remember a couple of years ago; Clinique launched the Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector (serum) and a day cream to match. One I was very grateful for the launch because at that time, there was little to no skincare line in the market dedicated to brighter skin tone. Fast forward couple of years now, Clinique being such a game changer has launched the Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Lotion SPF 15 and a matching hand cream.
The Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Lotion SPF 15 is a lightweight version of the cream which makes it suitable for oily to very oily skin type. Works best over Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, I love the Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Lotion SPF 15 better because it is lotion instead of cream making it ideal for my skin type. It protects my skin from dark spot, correct existing ones, control oil production and deliver an overall even appearance.
Texture wise, this oil-free fluid lotion is lightweight, absorbs into skin very quickly and hydrates without any greasiness. The ingredients works by breaking apart surface darkening and exfoliate it for a brighter, radiant finish. This lotion also contains SPF 15, broad spectrum protection covering both UVA/UVB, making it perfect for those who are too lazy to apply a second sunscreen product.
Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Correcting Hand Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 15
RRP AUD$60
Say hello to Clinique’s latest addition to the Even Better collection. This hand cream helps to keep paws well moisturised and to treat hands at the same time. We all know hands are often the first to show signs of ageing anything from dark spots, age spots, discoloration, wrinkles and fine lines can start forming after years of prolong sun exposure. Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Correcting Hand Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 15 helps to promote a smoother and clearer pair of hands.
The UVA/UVB sunscreen protection helps to protect hands from further sun damage and botanicals work to prevent future darkening, leaving hands feeling delicately soft and well moisturised all day long. This generous sized hand cream is great to use during the day and is okay to reapply as often as required.
Both products are now available on Clinique counters
Sun smart is so important in our daily life. One should not just quit applying sunscreen just because its winter and one certainly should not think that applying sunscreen is stopping you from absorbing Vitamin D. Enough about the sun smart lecture, I’ve found a new water based sunscreen that I absolutely adore even for my oily skin.
Biore in the past has done really awesome sunscreens and I just so happen to love them all because they often make my skin feels protected minus the greasiness and they are often oil free which helps with my acne prone skin.
The new and award winning Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+/PA+++ has a lightweight, watery texture. Perfect for both face and body (I know a certain beauty blogger who uses this on her body and goes through almost a tube a week, insane I know!) as it doesn’t feel heavy, sticky, absorbs very quickly and leaves skin well hydrated minus the greasiness or any white cast.
While I know SPF 30 and SPF 50 doesn’t have much of a difference but it’s the number game that my head plays and SPF 50 certainly trumps SPF 30 any day for me. If you want high sunscreen protection but hate how heavy, sticky or oily they can be, this is the perfect fit to trial.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+/PA+++ contains hyaluronic acid, mix citrus essence (orange, grapefruit and lemon extract) and UV ray protection ingredients to protect skin minus the weight. Due to its water based texture, it feels very refreshing on the skin with a mild fresh fruity fragrance. Be sure to remove your sunscreen/dirt/makeup with a proper make up remover by the end of the day for a thorough cleanse.
Will definitely repurchase when I run out, Biore is officially my favourite skincare brand for sunscreens.
I purchased this for RM32.90 / AUD$10.96 (approx.) at Watsons
ESP stands for Environmental Skin Protector combines antioxidant moisturisers combines natural, physical, mineral, zinc sunscreen (20%) and anti-pollution formula.
Pump bottle two in one functioning sunscreen (UVA/UVB) + moisturiser is the best bet for time poor individuals. While I am not a big fan of using skincare that combines moisturiser and sunscreen; but because of the high concentration of sunscreen, I deep dived into this and gave this a go.
As I already do have oily skin, moisturiser is not really ‘important’ on my list, hence I find this product just great on me. It acts as a barrier between the skin and the environment. Texture wise, this moisturiser is quite watery but the consistency is still rich. I use two full pumps for my face and neck area everyday in the morning.
Due to its zinc content, the sunscreen takes a while to rub in and to blend onto skin so make sure you put in the effort to massage and thoroughly work it all over face/neck. Scent wise it does smells like a zinc sunscreen. As for the finish, it is WORTH it. My skin felt refreshingly cool with a quite comfortable and non greasy finish.
In fact, I’ve been told this sunscreen can prevent those bad burns you get during ski trips! If you’re in the market for a high performance sunscreen, this one is a winner.
RRP AUD$35
Available on counters now
It is another month and there’s another giveaway. This time one lucky winner will walk away with a Dermalogica Daylight Defence Kit (valued for RRP AUD$59). I have been using this kit throughout Summer and boy do I love them all especially the Solar Defence Booster. I won’t start nagging y’all about sunscreen protection but I must say – one can never have too much sun protection! In fact, some one* told me she got a better tan with sunscreen on – not that I condone it but go figure.
The prize comes in a re-usable zip bag that includes:
- Multivitamin BodyBlock SPF 20
- Solar Defence Booster SPF 30
- Solar Shield SPF 15
- After Sun Repair
How to win it:
Subscribe to ponikuta.com (Via the RSS feed top right) or ‘like’ my Ponikuta Facebook page and let me know in comments below that you’ve done so.
- Competition starts today 1st February 2012 and will run until 7th February 2012, 6pm (Melbourne time)
- Winner will be announced on the 8th February 2012, be sure to check back to see if you’ve won!
- Competition is only open to Australia residing readers only
- Dermalogica products are available now to purchase online
*I am only basing my statement on that some one because I don’t tan myself.
Le Tan Sport Gel SPF30+
RRP AUD$10.99
Non greasy, PABA free, sweat resistant clear gel body sunscreen, It is great for the perfect spots enthusiast. Fast drying, non slip with 2 hours water resistant and is PABA free ideal for tennis, badminton, running, surfing, swimming and all types of sweaty/watery sports.
Olay Total Effects
RRP AUD$40
All time classic. This moisturiser/sunscreen keeps skin hydrated, evens out skin tone and protects skin from day to day sun exposure.
Clarins Sun Control Cream High Protection for Face SPF15
RRP AUD$40
I am a firm believer of using a separate sunscreen even though my moisturiser, primer, foundation and make up contains sunscreen. A stand alone sunscreen (with UVA/UVB protection of course) will deliver the full potency of sun protection without being diluted with other ingredients. Clarins does a great one with great day-to-day sun protection minus the grease and stickiness. Great for all skin types.
Clarins After Sun Moisturiser Ultra Hydrating
RRP AUD$42
After a day of sun exposure an after sun moisturiser is just what you need to keep skin glowy, well hydrated (soothing) and non flaky. This After Sun Moisturiser helps to revitalize skin and prolong your tan. While it is important to keep skin protected from the sun, people often neglect the after sun part, this product helps to protect skin against free radicals that can damage the skin long after sun exposure. Gotta love the sunflower extracts, mimosa tenuiflora, watermelon extract (YUM), cardamom extract and shea butter for a radiance glow.
Dermalogica Multivitamin Bodyblock SPF 20
RRP AUD$50
If ageing skin is your main concern, Dermalogica has the perfect one for you. Jam packed with Multivitamin goodness (Vitamin C, E, B5), lavender oil, shea butter, evening primrose oil and hyaluronic acid, this non greasy sunscreen keeps skin hydrated, prevents sun burnt and delivers sun protection (UVA/UVB) all at once. Comes with a velvety finish so sand doesn’t stick to it. I use this everyday on my hands, arms (if I’m not wearing long sleeves), legs and neck area.
Invisible Zinc Silky Protection Gift Bag
RRP AUD$34.95
This Gift set is perfect to pamper yourself or as a gift to someone. It contains my favourite UV Silk Shield Foundation SPF 30+ (choose Medium or Tan) and a Cheek Balm that is great on the lips too. The pack comes with a white waterproof beauty bag perfect for travelling or as a makeup bag.


























