Article: SPF, Sorted! ☀️

What I Use, Why I Use It & How It’s Never Let Me Down

Sunscreen tried and tested under tropical sun, by someone who has spent a lot of time on beaches!

Disclaimer

Now, before I dive in, a quick word. SPF seems to spark quite a bit of debate these days, and I completely respect that everyone has their own take. But for me? I’d never go without.

I am not an expert, not claiming to be. This is only my opinion based on what continues to work for me.

I learned that lesson the hard way, that two-hour lunch in the shade-that-wasn’t, when the sun caught my back and left it red and sore to touch, was all the convincing I ever needed.

My skin type? Definitely on the oily side. In terms of tanning, it’s a bit of a mix really, quite sensitive at first, but once I’ve acclimatised to the sun, I tan to a lovely golden brown.

The truth is, the sun in places like Dubai, Mauritius, the Maldives and the Seychelles is no joke. It’s powerful and best enjoyed responsibly, especially when, like me, you’re on the beach day in and day out.

☀️ FACE FIRST

Face

My everyday hero, when I travel (and at home) is La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 SPF50+. I wear it all year, rain or shine, it’s brilliant for oily skin and layers perfectly under makeup.

Lips

And let’s not forget lips, Ultra Violette Hydrating Lip Balm is a personal favourite: protective, hydrating, with just the right tint.

🏖️ BODY LOVE

I used to suffer terribly with prickly heat, until I realised my skin just can’t handle cheap suncream. These days I invest in what works for me:

Body - from day 1

I always start with La Roche-Posay SPF30 Invisible Spray, which offers light, high protection, and perfect for beach days.

Body - once skin has acclimatised

Once my skin has acclimatised, and I’ve got a bit of colour, I move to Vichy Capital Soleil SPF30 (the Beta Carotene gives me lovely golden glow).

Body - the last few days

And a few days before heading home, I’ll switch to Sun Bum Browning Oil SPF15, it conditions my skin while deepening the tan.

As you can probably tell, I take SPF very seriously. I’m diligent with reapplying it too, I slap it on before and after swims, and top up throughout the day. It’s a ritual at this point!

It’s also worth noting, in case you missed it, that I pay a lot of attention to looking after my scalp and hair when I am exposed to direct sun, which I shared in a previous HAIR CARE post.

It might sound like a lot, but honestly, this routine has me covered, literally! It works perfectly for my skin, my travels, and my love of beaches

Happy Travelling, Amanda