We're all getting better with this sunscreen thing, aren't we? By which I mean, buying factor 50, not 15, wearing it at home as well as on holiday and generally moving away from the mindset that getting a 'bit of colour' on your flesh (be that bronze or rouge) is the sole goal of summer life.
Anecdotally, I've been asked what the best facial sunscreen is a lot this summer. Family, friends, new party pals when it gets to 'what do you do' time - they've all been at it. So it's clear the message is getting through. But if I had to guess, I'd say we may be letting ourselves down with reapplication.
Ok I don't need to guess; I know because until I found this tiny, sheer and, may I say, adorable SPF50 I found topping up a total drag too. Messed-up makeup, stained clothes and sticky hands - who'd have 'em? Not me anymore, and not you either, because here's the fix.
To solve our top-up troubles, La Roche-Posay, AKA the suncare brand every dermatologist I've ever asked recommends, bring us this mini but mighty stick. It's barely bigger than a matchbox; therefore will fit in every bag you own, and if not, a pocket. Handy.
Aside from there being literally no excuse not to have it on your person, what makes this so user-friendly is its solid stick form. You can swipe it directly on with zero rubbing-in, and it has great 'cling' so doesn't start dripping away at the first bead of perspiration.
Also, when I say this stuff doesn't mess your face up, I mean it. It's not greasy, or draggy or makeup-melting in any way; take a look at my before and afters below. If anything, my makeup looks better after it goes on, with a soft-focus, satiny glow.
This being the notorious LRP, one of my all-time favourite French skincare brands, you can bet the protection is robust and reliable. It's SPF50+ with added UVA filters, and contains antioxidants Vitamin E and Astaxanthin, which help shoo away damaging environmental particles in things like smoke, pollution and, yes, the sun.
Given its size, you'd have an uphill battle trying to use this as your all-over body sunscreen. But it is a lifesaver for a quick additional slick on particularly sun-sensitive areas (always the shoulders for me), or bits that you realise you've missed after you leave the house (feet!)
This brand does a roaring trade with people who have skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis because all the best La Roche Posay products are rigorously tested. So if you have a particular flavour of skin sensitivity, this would almost certainly be acceptable.
It's also great for SPF-averse kids, as I've discovered, who seem to accept a stick far more readily than a lotion, if you can catch them for long enough to swipe it on. Sounds good? Great! Let's chat next Sunday.
