BONDI SANDS SPF 50+ LOTIONS | AD

OK SPF TIME FOLKS.

With the hope that we haven't seen the best of our summer in the UK, and as we are allowed more and more to get out of the house, if you've been enjoying being bare-faced at home, now is the time to make sure you have your SPF sorted and get back into the habit of applying it daily. Let's have a quick recap.

You may be aware of Bondi Sands, Australia's No.1 Tanning Brand (and recently became the best-selling tanning brand in the world) and their huge self-tanning category, but in my opinion, they are hiding their ace up their sleeve with their SPF range.

Now available in Boots, the Bondi Sands SPF50+ Lotions are my favourite in their range: Broad Spectrum?

YES

Physical or chemical?

A better terminology is organic (chemical, such as avobenzone, octocrylene or oxybenzone) or inorganic (physical, such as titanium or zinc oxide). Both types work by absorbing the rays and turning them into heat, but in traditional inorganic (physical) sunscreens, between 5% and 10% of incoming rays are reflected and scattered. This is organic (chemical in the traditional, non-scientific sense). The UV rays are mostly absorbed and turned into heat in the skin.

Main SPF active ingredients? HOMOSALATE 10.00% W/W, OCTOCRYLENE 8.00% W/W, OCTYL SALICYLATE 5.00% W/W, BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE 3.00% W/W. PRESERVATIVES: PHENOXYETHANOL, BENZYL ALCOHOL

Cream/gel/spray/oil?

Cream/Lotion

White/ash residue on darker skins?

Absorbs well even at high SPF?

Yes

When to apply?

Last, after skincare and before makeup.

Works under makeup?

Yes

Does it leave you shiny?

Sticky?

Cruelty-free?

Yes

Fragranced?

Suitable for all skin types?

Yes

Water resistant/waterproof/sweat resistant?

Yes, for up to four hours. *see extra info below

How does it apply?

Non-greasy, absorbs easily. Can be used under makeup without a problem.

Antioxidants/any skin benefits?

Up to 72 hours moisturisation after application thanks to the aloe vera and vitamin E.

CH thoughts/additional info?

There are a few things to consider when it comes to sunscreens, the first being that Australia, followed by Europe, have the toughest SPF lab testing systems in the world. We are lucky enough to have far superior SPFs in our territories than are currently available in the USA and Canada (please don't shoot the messenger). The three main territories for testing are AUS/EU/USA (FDA). It is worth considering the following differences when choosing what sunscreen is best for you and your family:

In Australia (and the EU), you cannot claim higher than an SPF50. Anything above that is listed as SPF50+ (as in this case).
Australia dictates that brands do not have to list their full ingredients on their packaging, only the sun protection ingredients, these being seen as the key parts. In the EU and the USA a full inci list is a legal requirement, and in the USA an SPF is considered a drug product.
In Australia, the SPF factor must remain at the maximum advertised level to be able to make the claim 'water resistant'. In the EU, it need only retain 50% of its advertised SPF level. For example, with this Bondi Sands SPF50, you can be confident that it will remain at SPF50 for up to four hours while you are swimming/sunbathing (sweating!). Not always the case in products sold in other territories. It's also why you should always ignore any inorganic (mineral) sunscreen that makes a claim about being water-resistant. By its very nature, it washes off.

This is a great SPF. Meticulously tested, easy to use and leaves no white/ashy colour on Black skins. It's light, absorbs brilliantly and does not leave the skin sticky or tacky. You can get dressed straight away.

You Need This IF:

You are looking for a brilliant quality, yet very affordable and accessible SPF that is safe for all the family, and is a solid and consistent SPF50.

You don’t need this if:

Ignore this for once. You need this SPF. Bondi Sands Face SPF50+ and SPF50 are currently available from Boots.com and direct from BondiSands.com SPF THINGS TO REMEMBER:

- Use a minimum of SPF 30 daily regardless of the weather.

- Always apply SPF at least 20 minutes before going outside unless otherwise stated.

- Always apply last after moisturiser, before makeup - unless otherwise stated.

- Reapply every two hours if in active sun (on holiday, sunbathing, generally being outside all day)

- Reapply after swimming or excessive sweating/drying off with a towel. Always reapply immediately if using mineral SPF.

- No point going under SPF30 or over a 50 (unless specified by a doctor, obviously).

- I would politely advise you to not buy these products (actually any SPF) from third party retailers such as strawberry.net/TK/JMaxx. On Strawberry.net and TKMaxx they have the potential be at least one season old and thus already degrading in SPF quality. Check labels. Read expiry dates.