These shield and brighten the skin, fight signs of ageing and even out the complexion.
These shield and brighten the skin, fight signs of ageing and even out the complexion.
POOL-READY
We got Paralympian swimmer Yip Pin Xiu, 24, who broke the world record for her pet event at the 8th Asean Para Games 2015, to test these water-resistant sunscreens while training. Here are her thoughts.
Coola Face Mineral Sunscreen Cucumber Matte Finish SPF30, $72.
“This has a velvety, mousse-like texture and dries to a matte finish. Although I perspired, it stayed on and kept my skin grease-free. I love the refreshing cucumber scent.”
Fresh Sugar Sport Treatment Sunscreen SPF30/PA++, $36.
“This handy, fuss-free balm stick doesn’t rub off easily or cause breakouts, and can be worn on the lips too.”
Innisfree Extreme Safety 60 Sun Gel SPF50+/PA+++, $29.
“The watery texture makes this easy to spread – but the tube dispensed too much product on my first try. It left my face moisturised with a dewy finish, and smells sweet but not overpoweringly so.”
Shiseido Perfect UV Protector S SPF50+/PA++++, $63.
“Odourless and lightweight, this sunscreen has a slightly watery consistency that blends easily, leaving skin smooth. It’s very water-resistant; I’d even go as far as to say it feels almost waterproof for a period of time.”
BRIGHTENERS
Kose Sekkisei Sun Protect Essence Milk N SPF50+/PA++++, $46.
This dries to a powdery finish once applied, so shake well before using it! It has ingredients such as peony root bark and angelica to improve skin’s translucency.
South Bridge Aesthetics Rad Protect Whitening Sunblock, $90.
The brightening alpha-arbutin and resveratrol (an antioxidant found in grapes) in this non-greasy, skin-cooling sunscreen reduce inflammation and off er anti-aging benefits.
Astalift White Perfect UV Clear Solution SPF 50+/PA++++, $72.
The cap turns purple in the presence of harmful UV rays, alerting you to when you need to reapply sunscreen. Sweat- and sebum-proof, it has vitamin C and antioxidants to fight photoageing and help improve skin clarity.
Estee Lauder Crescent White Full Cycle Brightening BB Balm SPF30/PA++, $92.
In this travel-friendly compact is a silky-textured product that is a dream to apply. Formulated with liquorice extract, it reduces dullness and dark spots. Our complexions looked more even-toned after a week’s use.
ANTI-AGERS
Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF50/PA+++, $72.
Lightweight and non-irritating, this is gentle enough for acne-prone or sensitive skin. It also evens out skin tone, making it a good foundation base.
Chanel UV Essentiel Multi-protection Daily Defender UV – Pollution SPF50+/PA+++, $85.
It’s formulated with tiare flower extract, which supposedly helps the skin protect itself from both external and internal aggressors. It also fights hyperpigmentation and premature signs of ageing, leaving skin looking luminous.
Origins Dr Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-defense Advanced Daily UV Defender SPF45, $70.
This mineral sunscreen has opuntia cactus extract to help the skin retain moisture. We noticed a more hydrated, radiant complexion after a week’s use.
Sisley Super Soin Solaire Facial Sun Care SPF30, $260.
Thanks to the micronised zinc oxide, ultra-fine titanium dioxide, vitamin E and edelweiss in its formula, this reduces the look of wrinkles and brown spots, and helps with saggy skin. It dries to a velvety finish, and has a relaxing sage-and-marjoram scent.
Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid SPF30/PA++++, $69.
A blend of Ayurvedic rice bran, plant extracts and vitamin E off er the skin protection. The watery formula absorbs without leaving a chalky finish – impressive for a mineral sunscreen.
COMPLEXION PERFECTORS
Dior Prestige White Collection The UV Protector Youth and Radiance SPF50+/PA++++ in Rosy Glow, $165.
This pearlescent, rosy-hued UV base boasts diamond pigments with light-diffusing properties, and has white rose extract to fight hyperpigmentation and reportedly prevent new melanin from forming. We love its uplifting, floral scent.
For Beloved One Melasleep Brightening Daily Defence Cream SPF30++ in Lavender, $53.
This tinted cream doubles as a makeup base and foundation. Moringa extract forms a pollutant-repelling barrier, while red algae and viola tricolor extracts protect and hydrate.
Lancome UV Expert XL-shield CC Cover SPF50/PA+++ in Natural Nude, $75.
Newsflash: The blue light from computers and smartphones can cause hyperpigmentation. This tinted sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays, pollution and blue light, while brightening dull skin and concealing minor skin imperfections.
Clarins UV Plus Anti-pollution SPF50/PA++++ in Blue, $74.
Harnessing the antioxidant powers of cantaloupe melon and organic alpine sanicle extract, this combats the damage caused by pollution, UV rays and free radicals. The pale blue shade hides redness and minor imperfections.
