This week the BEAUTYDIRECTORY team put the ultimate summer must-haves to the test. From sunscreens and fake tanning to after sun care and hair heroes, read on to discover how each product fared.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF50+ - Aja
What we think: The French take sun protection as seriously as we do here in Australia, so I had high hopes for the cult classic, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50+ – and I wasn’t disappointed. Its super lightweight texture is more a liquid than a cream, and doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy. It blends effortlessly and sits well over the top of any other products I’ve already applied.
LYCON LYCO-BRONZE Self-Tanning Foam - Tiarne
What we think: Let me tell you, my skin has not seen the sunlight in some time, so I was in dire need of a good self-tan. The LYCO-BRONZE Self-Tanning Foam is one of the easiest tans I’ve ever used – I’ve just been applying it with a mitt and after about an hour, I have a streak-free, golden looking tan that I can’t fault in any way. To achieve an even darker look, all you need to do is leave it on for longer. The result is a super even tan that lasts a few days post application. The product also has a lovely coconut scent that was not overpowering and didn’t smell at all like the fake tan I’m used to.
Invisible Zinc Face + Body Sunscreen SPF50 UVA-UVB - Sam
What we think: Nothing screams summer like the smell of salty seas and sunscreen and Invisible Zinc has long been a staple in my beach bag. This Face + Body Mineral Sunscreen has an impressive SPF50 rating, is 2-hour water resistant and is suitable for sensitive skin. This one ticks all the boxes for me and I especially love that it is a physical zinc based sunscreen. The product rubs into skin easily and doesn't leave a white residue like some zinc based sunscreens tend to do -– huge ticks from me.
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50+ - Tam
What we think: As I get older, skin protection is something I take more and more seriously because I am starting to see what damage that past neglect of my sun care protection has caused. I got to test out the SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF50+ and in my opinion it is a really great product. It is an extremely high protection SPF that is broad spectrum as well as having UV filters for added protection. This SPF not only protects, but also moisturises and is fine on sensitive skin. It is a great consistency, goes on light, and absorbs really well without leaving any residue on my skin.
tbh Skincare shady face moisturiser - Deb
What we think: This is summer in a bottle! To me, you cannot have a skincare routine with a good SPF50, and tbh's Skin Shady is a summer lover's dream sunscreen. It has a lightweight texture that absorbs well into my skin, and coming from an acne-treatment based brand it has the non-greasy feel you would expect. The cream has a neutral scent, and doesn't leave a white film on the skin, but rather gives me a healthy hydrated glow, so I can wear it all day, every day.
mesoestetic mesoprotech sun stick 100 - Eleni
What we think: The perfect little handy stick of sunscreen that you can pop in your hand bag and have with you at all times. Having this, I found myself to reapply more often throughout the day! I am sun conscious and the SPF50 gave me the satisfaction of having protection and in the form of a stick, made it so easy to apply and re-apply. It was non greasy with zero white cast. An absolute winner in my eyes and I will continue to use and look into some of the other products from this brand!
Goldwell Kerasilk Control Humidity Barrier Spray - Issy R
What we think: This is a summer essential for all frizzy hair gals and guys, just like me! This is the perfect addition after heat styling or spraying to your natural locks. I spray all over my strands from root to ends, and it helps eliminate humidity during spring and summer. Not only does it help combat humidity, it also leaves a lovely shine to your strands.
Dr. Hauschka After Sun - Issy D
What we think: Dr. Hauschka creates the most beautiful natural and organic products and this after sun cream is no exception. It is perfect for after those long days at the beach when you are feeling a little dehydrated and in need of some TLC. This product glides on, instantly absorbs and brings the skin back to life! And don't get me started on the smell, it is what I like to call the holiday in a tube.
Less is More - Herbal Tonic - Aurora
What we think: I really haven’t been taking as good care of my hair in lockdown as I normally would, so receiving the Less is More Herbal Tonic was the perfect excuse for a self-care, pamper day. I applied it in the mid-morning and washed it out later that day; if you have less naturally oily roots than I do, you could definitely just leave it in. It’s smells lovely and herbaceous, and it has an oily texture that feels luxurious and soothing on the scalp. I also really appreciated that the essences (rosemary, lavender and immortelle) added are 100% organic.
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Face Fragrance Free Lotion SPF50+ - Alicia
What we think: I have used the Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion 50+ for the last 12 months or so, but I am always cautious with what I will and won't put on my face; so I was eager to give the Silk Hydration Face Fragrance Free Lotion SPF50 a go. This is a great SPF product – it has high protection, absorbs well, moisturises the skin and dries quickly, so it is a win for me. It is also cruelty-free.
Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF30 - Ashley
What we think: Upon application this super light formula, just melts into your skin. I was super excited about using a sunscreen that is weightless enough to use everyday, but also provides added blue light protection, making it the perfect base sunscreen under makeup in the office. For those with sensitive skin, the formula includes bio-active mushroom complex and antioxidant green tea to help soothe and further protect skin.
Main image source: Getty
