While it’s common knowledge we should be applying sunscreen daily, most people only consider it a necessity when going outside in direct sunlight and don’t realise that UVA rays can penetrate through not only clouds, but windows too and yes, even in winter. While UVB rays are to thank for sunburn, UVA rays, on the most serious side of the scale, can cause melanomas and skin cancers. They can also play a part in excessive oiliness and acne – yes, this could be another reason for those spontaneous breakouts – and let’s not forget about pigmentation and wrinkles. Fun times.
With such great reasons to protect our skin from the sun’s damaging effects, why do we sometimes opt to skip this important step in our daily routine? Because despite there being hundreds of products promising to protect our faces without the stickiness, grease or shine, all but a few actually pass the test, leaving us with more need for blotting pads than a second coffee by 3pm.
So, when we found a sunscreen that not only ticks all of the above boxes but is a go-to for suncare aficionados and makeup artists worldwide, made for sensitive skin and SPF50+ – the highest UVA and UVB protection available – we were converted for life.
Enter La Roche Posay Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid SPF50+, an ultra-lightweight facial sunscreen that absorbs into the skin almost instantly, protecting* against the harsh Australian UV rays while leaving a smooth finish which is perfect for the application of makeup. It’s non-comedogenic so it doesn’t clog pores, is non-whitening, so no ghost-like complexion and is filled with skin-loving antioxidants to fight free radicals. Sold? Welcome to the club, it’s good to have you here.
As far as makeup application goes, Sydney-based makeup artist Rani Shortland says that if you want your face to last all day, the sunscreen you pick is of huge importance. When shooting models in the elements, she makes sure to use a lightweight textured sunscreen that won’t increase shine. “I like to use a very lightweight sunscreen on my models so that it doesn’t affect the makeup look I’m going for, whether it be a matte or dewy look. The last thing I want is a sunscreen that’s greasy and that makeup slides off,” she says. Shortland also emphasises that it’s just as important to include sunscreen in your daily beauty routine during winter as it is during summer.
The added extra element in your morning skincare routine can be confusing – do I put serum on first? Or moisturiser? When does sunscreen come into the picture? Shortland says “sunscreen should be applied directly onto the skin for maximum absorption. It’s recommended to wait a few minutes before then applying moisturiser or any other products.” Makeup will be applied last.
Other than sunscreen, Shortland says her number one beauty tip is the addition of Vitamin C serum into your beauty cupboard. “It helps to fight free radicals caused by environmental exposure like UV radiation and helps to produce collagen at the same time.”
La Roche Posay Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid SPF50+ is made specifically for normal, combination and sensitive skin, which can also be prone to sun intolerance.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.
*Tested to AS/NZS 2604:2012; ‘Very High Protection’
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