WHAT MAKES THE NEW-TO-SHELVES SUNSCREENS ON THE NEXT PAGE A TREAT IF YOUR LIFE IS AS FAST-PACED AS A FRONT-ROW FASHION GOER’S? ADDITIONAL SKINCARE BENEFITS THAT SIMPLIFY ONE’S BEAUTY ROUTINE. SOFIA KIM TELLS YOU WHAT THEY COULD LET YOU DITCH.
SUNSCREEN THAT LETS YOU DITCH… THAT BRIGHTENING MASK
Lancome UV Expert Tone Up Milk Pearly White SPF50+/PA++++, $75
How: Antioxidant-rich edelweiss extract fights free radical damage (read: not so quick, age spots), while coconut fruit extract helps remove the surface layer of dead skin cells. Add peppermint and moringa seed extracts – both known to have anti-inflammatory and brightening effects – and this sunscreen is said to reduce redness and improve luminosity instantly.
Dior Prestige Light-In-White Mineral UV Protector Blemish Balm SPF50+/PA+++, $165
How: Like other products in the brand’s premium brightening range, this has a combination of white rose and Rose de Granville – a deeply nourishing rose that’s grown in-house – which reportedly promotes regeneration and makes skin less sensitive to pigmentation. And yes, it’s also a compact, covering up dark spots to make them less visible.
SUNSCREEN THAT LETS YOU DITCH… ANTI-POLLUTION SKINCARE
Chanel UV Essentiel Gel Creme SPF50/PA++++, $89
How: This ultra lightweight cream contains what the brand calls “desert yeast extract”, which supposedly deactivates the stress receptors in skin that tend to be overstimulated by external pollutants, while boosting its natural defence. The extract of a plant said to be able to withstand conditions with extreme UV exposure further protects against such aggressors, while preventing premature ageing.
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Milk SPF50/PA++++, $39.90
How: A special technology creates an invisible film that’s said to prevent grime, dust and other airborne particles from coming into contact with skin, and it reportedly gets stronger when it interacts with sweat or water. Suitable for sensitive skin, it also leaves a silky-smooth finish that’s great for applying makeup.
Lancome UV Expert Aqua Gel SPF50/PA++++, $75
How: A high dose of the highly resilient, antioxidant-rich edelweiss flower helps fight daily aggressors such as UV rays and oxidative stress caused by smoke pollution, with its fresh, lightweight texture leaving a mattifying finish.
SUNSCREEN THAT LETS YOU DITCH… THAT ANTI-WRINKLE PRODUCT
Soleil Toujours Extreme UV Mineral Sunscreen SPF45, $100, Sephora
How: Its list of ingredients – 81 percent of which are naturally sourced – includes anti-ageing green tea leaf extract and the brand’s Ecosun complex. The latter is packed with red algae, and vitamins E and C, to smooth skin, reduce the appearance of lines and lessen the loss of firmness, while boosting SPF.
Astalift D-UV Clear White Solution SPF50+/PA++++, $72
How: The infusion of a “Light Analysing Powder” is said to even out and brighten the look of one’s complexion, so that base makeup will appear less patchy and more flawless. It’s also resistant to sweat and excess sebum to prolong makeup, while ingredients like three types of collagen and the root extract of the Chinese skullcap plant help hydrate, firm, and alleviate the impact of environmental stress.
Sunplay Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF50/PA++++, $27.90
How: A lavender tint colour corrects and lightly conceals imperfections for a smooth, even base, while passionflower fruit extract soothes and reduces puffiness. To further improve the look of one’s skin, there’s rosa roxburghii fruit extract that treats redness caused by UV damage, as well as sodium hyaluronate and a special complex said to inhibit melanin production.
Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturiser SPF40/PA+++, $55, Sephora
How: This oil-free, lightly floral-scented formula is said to be intensely hydrating, thanks to blue-green algae, so much so that it leaves skin feeling plump and with a natural glow. The addition of cerium reportedly protects skin from the effects of blue light (read: that from your phone), while a complex made from plant fermentation helps shield it from pollution.
