KEY POINTS:
Lectures about the life-saving benefits of sunscreen aside, the major benefit of them is they're the most efficient guard against premature ageing going.
1. Clinique Sun and Sensibility
$44 for the set
This comes in its own see-through toilet bag, which should prove useful for throwing beach stuff in this summer. The contents should get you sorted with Clinique's ultra-reliable Sun-Care products in portable sizes. You get a 75ml UV-Response Body Cream SPF30, a 30ml Face Cream SPF30 and a 75ml After-Sun Balm with Aloe.
From selected department stores and pharmacies from November 5.
2. Estee Lauder Sun Performance Sun Care Anti-Aging Sun Towelette for Body SPF15
$52 for 10
These towelettes make sun protection so easy there's absolutely no excuse to go without. Wipe these across your body for water-resistant, broad-spectrum, oil-free SPF15 protection. Then your job is done. Should be left in your bag at all times because you never know when you'll need them.
From selected department stores and pharmacies.
3. Lancome UV Expert DNA Shield SPF50
$95 for 30ml
This is a combination hard-core skincare and sunscreen. This Active Triple Protection formula has a patented double-filtering system to ensure skin is protected from both UVA and UVB rays, the DNA Shield to protect skin from sun-related stress and a guard against pollution. And it's got a special complex to brighten skin and lock in moisture to prevent dehydration. It's a good one for using in the city given that it's non-greasy. Habit-forming.
From selected department stores and pharmacies.
4. Hawaiian Tropic SPF30+ Sheer Touch Sunscreen
$14.99 for 237ml
For good-value sun protection for the family, it's hard to go past this. Hawaiian Tropic's new SunSure technology means there's less chemical sunscreen to give a higher SPF. It stays put so won't migrate, is hypoallergenic and has UVA and UVB protection. Best of all is the tropical smell that stops well short of being overpowering.
From selected pharmacies, supermarkets and variety stores.
5. L'Oreal Solar Expertise Milk Spray-Mist Protection SPF50+
$23.99 for 150ml
L'Oreal's Solar Expertise motto is, "Yes to summer, no to premature skin ageing". Couldn't agree more. This is good news for sun-intolerant skin that bristles at the very thought of a swimsuit. And the mist is a genius idea. Means you can be a bit lazy and spray it on in the general direction you want it before rubbing it in. Water-resistant and fragrance-free. I did feel a bit like Mr Burns from The Simpsons trying to spray it but I think it was just the can in question.
From selected department stores, pharmacies, variety stores and supermarkets.