KEY POINTS:
Aim for high protection and discard anything greasy, or old. Facial blocks these days should sit happily under makeup - some now double as moisturisers. Physical blocks (those with zinc or titanium oxides) will generally feel thicker than chemical ones, though many products are a mixture of both types of protection.
We've trialled SPF 30 and above blocks to give maximum summertime protection, but if you're not outside much then there are plenty of other options around SPF 15+. Just make sure you've got broad spectrum coverage (UVA/UVB) recognised in Australia/New Zealand and don't assume a block put on first thing in the morning will be much help if you plan sitting outdoors at lunchtime. Don't skip block and rely on getting the same coverage from the SPF in foundations and tints, as you tend not to put them on as heavily, but with block these other layers will help
build protection.
Also don't rely on very high factor blocks working for hours on end; SPF 15 gives a good protection level and 30 is better, but not twice as good, because determining a sunscreen's effectiveness isn't as simple
as doubling the factor and doubling the protection. An SPF measures how much ultraviolet radiation skin can handle with sunscreen before it shows minimal redness, and that equation is swayed by your
individual tolerance to sun.
Those with naturally darker complexions have more melanin in their skin
and thus more tolerance before burn time, but once you get near burn level no amount of SPF will give you real protection. You need to
avoid burning in the first place by diligent use of sunscreen, reapplying after swimming, and by avoiding the sun, particularly in the
heat of the day.
Direct exposure isn't the only way to incur sun damage. UVB rays cause
burning, but UVA is most responsible for ageing by causing deeper dermal
damage, and 50 per cent of UVA rays can penetrate glass, so don't neglect to block if you're spending a lot of time in the car.
Encourage youngsters to get into good sun habits as the vast bulk of sun damage is caused when people are under 20, even if the ill- effects don't show up for decades. UVA doesn't show up as sunburn like UVB, but too much of it will eventually cause visible pigmentation damage, so
get blocking now!
Lancome UV Expert Neuroshield, 30ml. $95
This SPF 50 block is not only a sunblock, but also helps form a barrier against other skin aggressors, including pollution, making it ideal all year round. Its fluid cream smooths on in a moisturising but matte finish.
Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunblock, 88ml. $22.95
This fragrance-free lotion boasts anti-ageing protection with antioxidants, and despite the high SPF 70 factor (there's a 55 too), this is fine under makeup. Recommended as a cost-effective standalone block.
Clinique Sun Care UV- response face cream, 50ml. $40
Clinique has long done top sun blocks and this SPF 50 is soothing despite giving heavy duty protection, and it's oil-free, water resistant and non-irritating. Clinique's Super City block with SPF 40 is a good makeup primer and available in regular, tinted and with Derma White (melanin
diffusion formula).
Dermalogica Extra Rich Faceblock, 50ml. $103.95
Skincare specialists Dermalogica have developed this SPF 30 for mature and very dry skins. It's also a rich moisturiser with peptides to stimulate collagen. Dermalogica's other specialist blocks (there's a lightly tinted one for ultra sensitive skin among others including an oil-free option) are cheaper ($62.50) and worth seeking out for those who've found other products not up to their needs. Thanks to plant extracts they smell great too.
L'Oreal Solar Expertise Active Anti- Wrinkle & Brown Spot Tinted Matte Fluid Protection, 50ml. $14.99
This SPF 50+ block is another with enhanced anti-ageing properties for face, chest and hands where pigmentation strikes. I tried the fluid tint for very fair skin, but thought the colour fair to medium, so it's not for the palest skin, but it is a good way of getting a bit of a glow with high protection. Available untinted also. Despite the name it is not as matte as some.
Olay Complete Defence Daily UV moisturising lotion, 75ml. $14.99
With an SPF 30+ rating, this is both block and moisturiser, containing Vitamin E and aloe. Great for summer ease and a great price, and available in cream and lotion options for normal/dry and sensitive skins and as a lotion for combination/oily skin. Those with older skin might still want serum or more moisture underneath.
Nivea Light Feel Daily Face Veil, 50ml. $11.30
Handy handbag sized SPF 30 block, with nice cream-gel texture.
