Choosing the right SPF cream for your face can be a daunting task. With an overwhelming array of options, understanding what to look for is key to ensuring your skin stays protected and healthy. Wearing SPF daily is not just a summer necessity; it’s a year-round commitment to prevent premature aging and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Dermatologist Dr. Bunting emphasizes the importance of opting for SPF50 over SPF30, citing its superior protection and the common issue of under-application. When selecting an SPF, it's crucial to choose one that offers broad-spectrum protection, safeguarding against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays, which penetrate clouds and glass, are responsible for long-term skin damage, including fine lines and pigmentation. Meanwhile, UVB rays cause immediate, visible burns. Incorporating a broad-spectrum SPF into your daily skincare routine ensures comprehensive coverage. There are two main types of sunscreens: chemical and mineral. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation and transform it into heat, while mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, reflect UV rays away from the skin. Each has its benefits, with mineral sunscreens being a preferred choice for sensitive skin due to their lower likelihood of causing irritation. Reapplication of SPF is as vital as the initial application. It's recommended to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re spending time outdoors. Even on overcast days or when indoors near windows, maintaining consistent protection is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore the best SPF creams for your face, helping you find the perfect match for your skin type and lifestyle. From lightweight formulations to those packed with skin-loving ingredients, discover the top-rated SPF products that will keep your skin radiant and shielded all year long. The best SPF cream for dry skin The best SPF cream for oily skin The best affordable SPF cream overall The best SPF cream for darker skin tones The best SPF cream for sensitive skin The best SPF cream for a natural even skin tone The best SPF cream for a more mature skin The best SPF for a healthy glowing skin Other favourite SPF creams

Pai Skincare are launching their new British Summer Time Glow SPF 30 and after trying it out we feel like shouting it of the rooftops. The brand calls it the ''cocktail for safely kissed skin''; it is a mineral-based sun screen, heaven for those with sensitive skin. It's vegan, fragrance and cruelty-free, and the incredible glow you get upon applying it is what sold it to me, and the best part - that glow comes from the natural reflective pigments within the cream. Link to the SPF cream here. As someone with outrageously sensitive skin, I can say that there are just a handful of brands that don't cause me breakouts, redness, or dry patches, but Pai definitely hit the right spot - their products actually make a difference, and are yet to cause me an irritation. I met Sarah, the founder of Pai skincare, in the heart of Westfield Shepherd's Bush on a hot late Spring day, and had the opportunity to ask her a few questions and dive into a lovely conversation. Excited over the launch of her new illuminating SPF serum just in time for the Summer, she tells me about the inspiration behind her brand and what helped her get started - the eagerness to create a product which was meant for people with sensitive skin. She deeply cared about the products that she was launching, ensuring they undergo rigorous testing before they are available, as well as, ensuring that the brand remained vegan and cruelty-free (not to mention that most of their packaging is fully recyclable). People with sensitive skin (myself included) often find themselves in situations where big, well-known brands actually either don't work or cause huge irritation and the frustrations Sarah felt, is what led her to establishing Pai Skincare back in 2007. We talked about the importance of wearing SPF creams as well as reapplying them throughout the day especially for prolonged sun-exposure, as well as, the importance of having a focused skincare routine without using hundreds of products. What I found really interesting was that, Pai manufacture all their products in a lab in West London, unlike many other brands which allows them to stay hands on and ensure the quality and consistency. Some products that I have personally tried and absolutely loved include:

In the quest for the ultimate mascara, the search is anything but simple. Navigating through a myriad of options requires precision to uncover your personal preferences. From colour to formula, brush shape to size, every detail counts, with the ultimate goal being the desired effect. Are you chasing voluminous, lengthened, or curled lashes? Do you crave a chic clump or a delicate feathered finish? Whether your style leans towards understated elegance or dramatic flair, considerations of longevity and waterproof capabilities further elevate the criteria. How to choose the best mascara? The standout mascaras of the season shine with their exceptional formula, vivid hues, and innovative wands, whether curved or multi-pronged. Prioritise longevity, effortless layering for personalised intensity, and a lash-loving formula—preferably one that enriches and nurtures. It's paramount to select a formula that steers clear of flaking and stays put, avoiding smudges on the delicate eye area. Delve into the spectrum of colours: opt for classic black for a captivating gaze, brown for a softer allure, or clear for an au naturel vibe. Venture into the unexpected with vibrant purple or daring blue for an electrifying statement. 10. e.l.f. Lash N Roll Mascara Black 9. Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Volumising Mascara 8. Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara 7. L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Lift Mascara 6. Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara 5. Fenty Beauty fam, Hella Thicc Mascara 4. Chanel Noir Allure Mascara 3. Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara 2. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara Discover the allure of Too Faced's Better Than Sex mascara, a premium gem that reigns among America's top sellers. With its iconic hourglass-shaped brush, this mascara unlocks a formula meticulously crafted to envelop every lash, bestowing upon you a look that's romantic, flirty, and irresistibly fluttery—a testament to its long-lasting allure. Frequently lauded alongside Benefit's They're Real! mascara, Better Than Sex is the ultimate choice for connoisseurs of prestige and impactful lash enhancement. Indulge in a transformative lash experience that's bound to captivate hearts and turn heads, leaving an indelible mark on your beauty routine. Link here - £28.00 1. Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara Experience the ultimate lash transformation with this remarkable mascara, renowned for its exceptional lengthening abilities. Formulated to create tiny "tubes" around each lash, it offers unparalleled separation, definition, and remarkable length that truly stands out. While it does impart a touch of volume and curl, its true prowess lies in its ability to elongate lashes with striking precision. The slender, plastic wand ensures effortless application, effortlessly reaching even the most challenging areas such as the inner corners of the eyes. Revel in the enduring length it provides, coupled with its smudge-free performance that lasts all day long. Additionally, its easy removal adds to its appeal, making it a hassle-free choice for those seeking natural-looking yet enhanced lashes. With this mascara, achieve the perfect balance between elegance and effortless beauty. Link here - £28.00

It’s that time of the year again with Christmas just around the corner, beauty enthusiasts gather online to share their top picks of beauty advent calendars, focused on product diversity and value for money. Beauty advent calendars aren’t just great as a personal treat to kick off the festive season, but they can also be a fantastic way of showing appreciation for a loved one. It’s time to get excited as we dive into the list of our favourite picks for the season. 1. Harvey Nichols Beauty Advent Calendar This Advent Calendar makes the top of our lists as it boasts some of the most sought after skincare and makeup brands, and features over 45 products (24 of which are full sized). Expect to find Dr Barbara Sturm, Sisley, Dermalogica, Charlotte Tilbury and Fenty Beauty. Plus one in every fifty calendars have a hidden £100 Harvey Nichols gift card. Retailing at £250, this advent calendar is worth over £1300 in product value. Link here 2. Charlotte's Lucky Chest of Beauty Secrets 2023 This advent calendar is a beautiful combination of skincare and makeup staples from the iconic Charlotte Tilbury brand. Retailing at £160, this is a perfect more budget friendly option to gift friends and family during the festive season. Inside you will discover 2 full-size lipsticks and 10 travel sized items. Link here 3. Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar 2023 Allegedly boasting a better than ever before line-up of 29 beauty products, worth just over £1043, the Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar is the holy grail for the beauty enthusiast who feels like a festive treat but also loves a bargain. It features an edit of select pieces from across the Liberty range - jewellery and accessories, alongside skincare from Votary, parfum from Le Labo, and makeup from Surratt. One lucky winner will also find a Golden Ticket hidden for £1000 to spend at Liberty. This calendar retails at £250. Link here 3.1 Liberty Men's Advent Calendar 2023 Men targeted Advent Calendars are so rare that this one must be featured in addition to the Liberty beauty advent calendar. It features products from REN, Otto, Votary and Acqua Di Parma, and retails at £230. Link here 4. The Selfridges Beauty calendar 2023 Since this calendar features a wide range of products in the wellness and skincare range, we could not help but rank it high, with product value of over £1050 and retailing at just £220, it makes for the perfect Christmas gift. From shampoo, conditioner, makeup products, bath salts and candles, and a Selfridges Beauty Concierge gift card of £45, there is a gift for everyone, Link here 5. VOGUE Festive Calendar 2023 This advent calendar features 25 drawers decorated with covers from early Vogue archives, which makes it a stunning gift. With retail combined value of over £1100 you are definitely in for a treat, it features brands such as REN, Murad, Hourglass, Aspinal of London, and others. Each calendar comes with a year-long digital Vogue subscription. Shipping is free within the UK, or £30 to the US, and the calendar itself retails for £350. And even more - £75,000 of the proceeds will go towards shelter charities. Link here 6. Fortnum's Beauty Advent Calendar 2023 This advent calendar contains over 30 items, 22 of which are full-sized products, worth over £1020. It includes nourishing skincare, haircare, fragrance, bath, body and wellness treats from brands such as Aromatherapy Associates, Cult51, ESPA, Acqua Di Parma, Oto and many others making it a truly special gift. It retails at £260. Link here 7. Jo Malone Limited Edition Advent Calendar 2023 This limited edition gingerbread inspired advent calendar from Jo Malone is the ultimate Christmas pamper for yourself or your loved ones; 25 items in total - with classics to festive fragrances, including colognes, bath & body miniatures, a full-sized scent and two Travel Candles. It retails at £350. Link here 8. John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar This advent calendar features 31 full and deluxe-size beauty products from Neom, Charlotte Tilbury, Clinique and many others. Upgrade your skincare routine, or experiment with a makeup look with products included in this calendar. Retailing at £175.50 Link here 9. Premium Advent Calendar from Rituals Cosmetics Rituals has released multiple advent calendars this year and our eyes are set on the premium version due to the inclusion of full-sized products which we discovered are in lack across the board. This calendar features 24 gifts hidden within beautifully designed shacks and houses and make for the perfect gift no matter their age. Link here