The sun has got his hat on, hip-hip-hip-hooray! Whether you're heading abroad for your honeymoon or you're yet to marry but trying to avoid unsightly tan lines that may ruin the line of your wedding dress, sun cream is an absolute essential. With the best and safest way to enjoy the sun being through a decent SPF, sun cream is at the top of the agenda and venturing out without one is just plain stupid. To help, we've picked our top 10 sun creams that will aid your journey to younger skin and a flawless tan in no time.
1. Best Invisible Protection
For invisible protection that gives good SPF with a lightweight, almost-invisible texture, look no further than Nivea's Protect and Refresh SPF20 (€19.99, department stores and pharmacies) sun spray. The innovative spray formula has a non-greasy and transparent texture which offers immediate and effective protection. It is quickly absorbed and contains a highly effective UVA/UVB filter system.
2. Best for Big Kids
Garnier Ambre Solaire Limited Edition Kids Range provides long-lasting protection with an SPF of 50+ (RRP €26, pharmacies and department stores) and has Minions on the bottle. Need we say more? Minions. Grab this one while it is on-shelf.
3. Best for all day protection
On holiday, as with every other aspect of my life, I prefer as little fuss as possible and, for this reason, I simply adore Riemann's P20, SPF30. Simply apply this clear lotion 15 minutes before sun exposure and enjoy a waterproof 10-hour protection that will guarantee a healthy tan and no burning.
4. Best for all-round protection
If you have a typical Irish complexion, that is, ultra-fair and burns at even a hint of sun, then Bioderma's Photoderm
Brume Invisible SPF50+ is for you. A multi-use spray, it provides a transparent, extra-light, non-greasy and non-sticky protection from the sun for face, body and hair.
5. Best luxury
By far the most luxurious brand for skin care, including sun care, has to be Crème de la Mer and their The ReparativeSun Body Lotion SPF 30 (100mls €85, Brown Thomas). Offering extensive anti-ageing benefits, it infuses the skin with moisture and helps shield it from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
6. Best value for money
Aldi's Lacura sun range was a Which Best Buy in 2014 and remains one of the best and least expensive sun creams on the market. Their Über affordable SPF 30 Moisturising Sun Lotion (€3.49, Aldi Stores) is water resistant, contains Vitamin E and Green Tea and is quick to apply while giving full coverage.
7. Best for sun sensitive skin
Say bye, bye to prickly heat with Piz Buin's Allergy Lotion SPF 30, designed for those with allergy-prone sun-sensitive skin, simply lather-up and enjoy an itch-free holiday.
8. Best for repelling insects
A family favourite, Boots Soltan range has long been go-to for in-the-sun protection. If you are headed somewhere known for both bugs and beaches then get yourself a bottle of their odourless Moisturising Suncare Lotion with Insect Repellant SPF 30 (€13, Boots stores and boots.ie) and sit back and relax and soak up the sun with peace of mind,9. Best for complexion perfection
Ideal for those of us who hate going bare faced beside the pool, Shiseido's sun foundation range (from €39, pharmacy and department stores) comes in both compact and liquid forms and provides beautiful no-melt coverage and an SPF 30.
10. Best for city use
For sun protection in the city try Murad's Invisiblur Perfecting Shield SPF 30 (€69.50, Therapie Clinic's and Pink Beauty Emporium Dundrum). A lightweight sun protection it will treat the visible signs of ageing, blur imperfections and prime skin for makeup application. A moisturiser and sunscreen for flawless, fabulous skin in just one step.
- Dani Farrell