Expert Trial Team: Sunscreen

We are well into a hot Australian summer, and if your holiday plans are anything like mine, with long days at the beach, family BBQs and wines with friends on the agenda, then you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the sunshine.

You know what that means, beauties – you’ll need some tried-and-tested sunscreens at the ready. Whether you’re looking for a sunscreen for your baby, to suit sensitive skin or to chuck into your handbag, we’ve got you covered.

Banana Boat Baby Roll-On SPF 50+ 

bh’s Michelle says:

“I remember the panic I felt the first time I took my son to the beach. What sunscreen should I use? Will it irritate his skin? Is mine okay or do I need to get a baby one? What if it gets in his eyes? Should I just keep him the shade? Argh!

I’m happy to say that summer days are a lot more relaxed since I got my hands on Banana Boat Baby Roll-On SPF 50+. It’s super gentle for baby skin (it’s recommended for bubs aged over six months), and even though I apply it liberally to my baby’s face, it never runs into his eyes or causes rashes. The roll-on dispenser is an absolute winner, too. At 17 months of age, he likes to “help” by applying the roller to his own arms and legs, and I take comfort in knowing it’s never going to squirt out or pour all over his clothes by mistake. The sunscreen is fragrance-free and water-resistant so perfect for soft skin that needs protecting.”

Cetaphil Suntivity Lipsomol Spray Body & Face SPF30

bh’s Caitlin says:

 “I have very sensitive skin, so products that claim to be hypoallergenic often win me over before I’ve even opened the packet. This one, however, goes above and beyond. The formula is super-light, and rubs into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. It doesn’t have that strong sunscreen smell that many others do, so it’s great for everyday wear. There’s nothing worse than applying sunscreen and having the smell follow you around for the entire day! The formula is light enough to use on the face as well as body, which is great for those who can’t be bothered carrying around two sunscreens when they go to the beach (read: me!). The spray bottle is convenient, too. This may be my new favourite sunscreen.”

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Stick SPF50+

bh's Sam says:

 "As a ridiculously pale person, I've had my far share of sunburn. And usually this happens because I get caught somewhere unexpected or the sun comes out on a rainy day and I'm stuck without sunscreen. The thing I love most about this product is that it doesn't take up too much room in my handbag, so I can keep it handy at all times. It looks like a zinc, but it doesn't leave any colour or thick white residue on the skin at all. It's pretty much invisible and is more like a lip balm than a sunscreen – in fact, I can apply it straight to my face without having to furiously rub it into my skin. It's really light and perfect for covering small areas like the nose, or moles that need extra protection. It's definitely going to be my handbag essential this summer." 

SunSense Daily Face SPF 50+

bh’s Beth says:

 “The thing I love most about this sunscreen is its nude-coloured formula, which means it really does have an 'invisible’ finish (instead of leaving a white-ish sheen like so many other high SPF sunscreens). The second thing I love is that it can be used under make-up. I applied it using a foundation brush (although you could also use your fingers), then put foundation on top before setting everything with a loose powder. I was convinced the sunscreen would make my skin super shiny and that I'd have to reapply powder throughout the day, but since it's oil-free, it actually has a matte effect. Overall, it was great to know my skin was protected through the day, without having to compromise on my make-up look.”

Which of these sunscreens would you like to try and why?

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