Regardless of the temperature, the sun’s UV rays are still super powerful and their glare can cause sun damage even when it’s freezing out. So just because you’re not sunbathing and styling your summer clothes, it doesn’t mean that you are off the hook when it comes to lathering up on SPF.  

You should be wearing your SPF all year round, so below we have included some products that are great for facial SPF’s to help protect your face from the sun. 

La Roche-Posay

When it comes to skincare, La Roche-Posay knows what they’re doing. The Athelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ sunscreen is a highly acclaimed SPF that is perfect to wear under your make up or within your skincare during these winter months. This product will help protect your skin from UVA, UVB and ultra- long UVA rays.  

Whether you’re working out or going for a swim, this product won’t fail as it’s water, sweat and sand resistant. Its lightweight nature means that it won’t clog up your skin and will accompany the base of your make up nicely.  

Your skin will feel smooth and nourished with this SPF and that horrid white cast some sun creams have will not be an issue when wearing this SPF. It’s perfect for those of you with sensitive skin, so altogether this is one hell of a product. 

£ 17.50

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream

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Bondi Sands

The Bondi Sands SPF 50+ lotion is a great sun cream that comes with a spray applicator that allows it to be applied effortlessly and with even coverage. This SPF is non greasy and is comfortable to wear, so don’t worry about getting irritated throughout the day when wearing this product under your make up or skincare.  

This SPF also offers intense hydration and will make your skin feel soft after applying. Unlike other SPF’s, this product will make you feel like you’re using a luxury item as it has a fragrance added that emulates a coconut scent.  

Thought it couldn’t get any better? You’re wrong! This product also contains a hybrid formula which means that it also doubles up as a moisturiser too!  

£ 9

Bondi Sands Face Mist Sunscreen SPF50+

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Dior

For our readers that are yet convinced of the wonders of SPF and are still apprehensive about getting that dreaded white cast that SPF is associated with, allow this next product to prove you wrong! 

The Dior Bronze Beautifying Protective Crème Sublime Glow SPF 30 is a worthy competitor to the stereotypes that SPF is hit with. This product will embellish your skin while also protecting it, it will protect you from photo induced ageing and free radicals.  

This product really is luxury in a bottle thanks to its milky and ultra lightweight texture alongside its freshness that allows your skin to feel soft and fresh.  

The cherry on top you ask? It also doubles up as a bronzer allowing your face to be glossy, glowy and bronzed no matter the weather. This product will add a healthy glow to your face while also protecting it, in our books that’s a win win.  

Just when you thought this product couldn’t get any better, it does! The Dior Bronzed Protection Crème also smells incredible thanks to it being mixed with Polynesian flowers. This product really will have you wanting to soak up every last drop as it is really is a fantastic item and one that we just cannot get enough of. 

£ 29

Dior Bronze Beautifying Protective Creme Sublime Glow

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Ultrasun SPF50+ Tinted Face Fluid  

Following on with the trend of tinted face fluid combined with SPF, the Ultrasun SPF50 Tinted Face Fluid will protect your skin while also providing a natural looking tint. This product is water resistant, non greasy and perfect for all skin tones.  

You can use this product instead of your moisturiser or foundation due to its amazing ingredients that provide your skin with a smooth texture and a glowy appearance.  

This SPF applies easily onto your skin and is perfect for those people who want a boost of colour on their face during the colder months, while also being protected from the harsh sun.  

£ 28

Ultrasun SPF50+ Tinted Face Fluid 40ml

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Words By: Sophia-Fai Roche

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The post This Is Your Daily Reminder: It’s Time To Refresh Your SPF appeared first on Voir Fashion.

So wrap up and try out some of these refreshing products that we promise will leave your skin feeling lathered up and cared for this winter season. 

Step One: Cleanse  

This one rarely changes, in the winter months, your skincare routine should start with you cleansing your face. This can be with a facial wash or a cleanser but as long as you are making sure your face is clean and fresh that’s all that’s important. The go-to cleanser on the block is the La Roche-Posay Purifying Cleanser Gel. This is a brilliant cleanser that is perfect if you have oily skin and is brilliant at eliminating the dirt that your skin may have picked up during your day. It will leave your skin feeling conditioned and fresh, something we could all do with during the cold months. 

£ 13.50

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel

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£ 10

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser with Salicylic Acid for Dry, Rough & Bumpy Skin

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A close competitor to the La Roche-Posay cleanser is the CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser with Salicylic Acid, this is perfect if you have dry and rough skin. This cleanser includes Salicylic acid which helps exfoliate your skin, making it smooth and soft. Like La Roche-Posay, CeraVe is approved by dermatologists and is highly spoken about in the world of skincare. These cleansers will make your skin feel fresh and clean, just what you need for the first step of your skincare routine when it’s cold outside. 

A top tip for your cleansing routine is during the winter months, don’t stick to your twice-a-day cleaning routine, once is enough as you don’t want to strip your skin’s moisture down too much and make it dry.   

Step Two: Face Mask 

£ 37.10

Farmacy Honey Potion Plus Ceramide Hydration Mask

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Nothing beats the relaxation you feel when you have a face mask on! So a great step to add to your winter skincare routine is including a face mask once a week to add a boost of hydration to your skin. The Farmacy Honey Potion is a super thick face mask, perfect for the winter months. This masks blend makes it super smooth on the skin, and a feature that we love, the mask also warms up while on your skin which is a nice luxury touch during the winter.  

Step Three: Serum  

This step is vital yet so many of us skip it when it comes to our skincare routines. Serums provide hydration, vitamins and moisture to our skin, this is even more vital in the winter months. Hyaluronic acid is a must-have product in your routine, The Ordinary does an amazing Hyaluronic acid that also includes B5, which gives your skin long-lasting hydration with a plump smooth complexion. This product is a gem and one that everyone in the beauty world is obsessed with.  

Another serum that’s worth a look at is Vitamin C. During the winter months we don’t get as much Vitamin C as we do in the summer, so having a serum with Vitamin C will brighten up your skin during the cold months and give your skin a summery glow. The Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Serum is an amazing serum that includes both Vitamin C and Salicylic Acid. How cool! This product will remove any dullness your skin may have during the winter months while also hydrating your skin. With this product, you’ll be sure to have radiant and polished looking skin. 

£ 5.90

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

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£ 36

Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Serum

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Step Four: Moisturiser 

Now for the main event, moisturiser. In the winter months, you are going to want a thick moisturiser to help with skin dryness and cracking as we rank up the heating in our homes. Featuring again on our list, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Moisturiser will do just the job. This brand is a godsend and brilliant for this time of year to help with any dryness you may be experiencing. It’s perfect for all skin types and will hydrate, nourish and promote healthier-looking skin. It’s also a good idea to be generous with the layering of your moisturiser in the winter, really lather up your skin and don’t be shy, the more moisturiser you put on the less dry and irritable your skin will be.  

Another amazing thick moisturiser is the Byoma Moisturising Rich Cream which is a perfect product for the winter months due to its richness and unique blend of barrier-boosting tri-ceramide complexes. This product is a must and one we are going to be trying this winter season to help combat the cold climate.  

£ 17.86

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Moisturiser for Sensitive Blemish-Prone Skin

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£ 13.99

Byoma Moisturising Rich Cream

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Step 5: SFP  

We know, it might seem funny adding SPF to our list during the winter, but just because it’s winter doesn’t mean that the sun doesn’t come out. Regardless of the temperature the sun can still do a lot of damage to our skin, so even tho you would normally only be thinking about SPF while laying on the beach, this winter add it to your skincare routine. The Ordinary does a really good Mineral UV Filters SPF is a great little product that provides both protection from UV rays, and hydration and provides your skin with Antioxidants. This product is so much more than just an SPF and is one that we know you are going to love.  

£ 8.90

The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants

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Words By: Sophia-Fai Roche

The post Your Winter Skin Will Thank You For This! appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Clean Them Brushes!  

Now we don’t want to bait anyone out here, but we can all agree we probably don’t clean our make-up brushes as much as we should. It’s easily done when we’re rushing to get ready, the last thing we can think of doing is deep soaking our brush collection, but when it comes to our make-up application, it makes a world of a difference. There are lots of bacteria that get clogged up within your brushes from the constant application of different products on your face. The oils and residue that are left on the brushes can be causing your breakouts to be worse which we don’t want a lot of in 2023. Cleaning your make -up brushes is super easy and there is an array of products that you can use to clean these bad boys and avoid nasty breakouts.  

Shampoo is a staple item that a lot of influencers use when cleaning their brushes as it is a household product and there’s a high chance you’ve already got some in the cupboard. Simply use a shampoo of your choice, make sure it isn’t volumising, and scrub away using a brush cleaner palette, the Brushworks one is especially good.  

For those who are looking for a more specific product to use when cleaning their brushes, the  ISOCLEAN Make-up Brush Cleaner is a great product to use as it has antibacterial benefits and leaves your brushes soft and clean, so no fears of breakouts or skin infections in sight. The Cinema Secrets Professional Brush Cleaner is a highly thought-after product for its fast-drying properties which means that you won’t have to wait hours for your brushes to dry after you have cleaned them, which is very handy. 

£ 17

ISOCLEAN Makeup Brush Cleaner

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£ 13

Cinema Secrets Professional Brush Cleaner

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£ 7.99

Brushworks Brush Cleaner Palette

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Rain or Shine, Wear That SPF 

This one isn’t unheard of, and it’s one that everyone in the beauty industry can agree is vital but like anything, it sometimes gets forgotten. Wearing SFP regardless of the weather is so important as the sun’s damaging rays can hit your skin whether it is a bright sunny day out or not, and cause skin damage. UV rays can cause premature ageing, skin cancer and sunburn so it is vital that going into 2023 we are lathering up with our sun cream.  

Some amazing products on the market suit all your sun creme needs and lifestyles. For those who want a glass skin finish, the La Roche Posay SPF 30 is a gorgeous sun cream that is brilliant for all skin complexions and has a lovely glowing finish. For those who want a sun cream that also doubles up as a primer, the Charlotte Tilbury SPF 50 is ideal as it has a lovely texture to it and is very high protection for those who are experiencing intense UV exposure. Lastly, if you’re prone to being a little lazy with your make-up routines, the Bondi Sands Face SPF is a super easy and accessible product as it is a spray-on sun cream and leaves your face with a gorgeous glow.  

Another great way to make sure your SPF is included in your skincare routine is to have a moisturiser that includes SPF within the formula. The Cerave moisturiser is an amazing moisturiser that is hailed as the holy grail by dermatologists and includes SPF protection, so it has the best of both worlds. 

£ 35.50

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Aquagel SPF30

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£ 13

CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF25

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£ 40

Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer

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£ 3.95

Bondi Sands SPF50+ Lip Balm

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£ 9

Bondi Sands Face Mist Sunscreen SPF50+

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Dry Flaky Lips, Who?

Our lips face quite a rough few months in the winter season, so it is only fair to start 2023 by giving our lips some much-needed TLC. If you want your lipstick or gloss to look luscious on your lips and glide on smoothly, then you’re going to have to put in the foundations. Exfoliating your lips once or twice a week is a necessity especially in the colder months as our lips get chapped and cracked more quickly. Having a good exfoliator is a game changer and will leave your lips feeling nourished and soft, just what you want this new year. The Fenty Pro Kiss’r Lip-Loving Scrub Stick is an apricot-infused scrub that is mess-free thanks to the amazing applicator it comes with. Burt’s Bees, the famous lip balm brand, also has an exfoliating lip scrub that has a combination of beeswax and honey crystals that will make your lips feel soft and fresh in no time.  

Another new product to start this new year off with is lip oil. Lip oil has recently been championed as better than your handy ChapStick for making your lips feel soft and cared for. The Gisou Lip Oil has been attracting attention online for how amazing it feels and looks on our lips. Infused with honey and hydrochloric hydration, this lip oil makes your lips look wet and glossy without being sticky. It plumps, defines, and hydrates your lips and it is a perfect item to have in your make-up bag for them no make-up, make-up days.  

£ 14.40

Fenty Beauty Pro Kiss’r Lip Loving Scrubstick

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£ 18

Fenty Skin Plush Puddin’ Intensive Recovery Lip Mask

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£ 7.49

Burt’s Bees Conditioning Lip Scrub

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Invest in Serums 

Serums are a game changer in the world of skincare and make-up, so if one of your New Year’s resolutions is to invest time and effort into finding the right serum for you, it won’t disappoint. The world of serums can be a little overwhelming if you are new to a skincare routine or have just never heard of them, but don’t worry, we have you covered. The serum is usually applied before your moisturiser and after your cleaner and each serum can have different properties. Hydrochloric acid is great for hydration, and Vitamin C is great if you’re looking for a radiant glow. When starting, it is best to stick to one or two serums, as if you bombard your skin with too many products, you won’t reap the benefits from the products you are using. Vitamin c is a great place to start as it does wonders for the pigmentation and overall complexion of your skin, making you appear more radiant and healthier looking. Hyaluronic acid is great for dehydrated skin, it improves the appearance of fine lines and improves your overall skin texture. The Ordinary is the go-to brand for many influencers when it comes to serums, and we can see why. The lightweight nature of The Ordinary Hyaluronic acid means that it hydrates your skin on a multi-depth level. La Roche- Posay Vitamin C Serum is a magical product as it provides both vitamin c and hyaluronic acid along with salicylic acid that helps with skin clarity. The product is great for starting as it includes three amazing products that your skin will be thankful for.  

£ 38

La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum

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£ 6.50

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

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Words by Sophia-fai Roche

The post We’re Manifesting New Beauty Goals & Resolutions appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Fenty Skin – Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Spf 30

£ 34.50

Fenty Skin – Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Spf 30

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Rihanna’s Fenty Skin has been all over our feeds ever since its launch, but after testing their products, why wouldn’t it be? This moisturiser is invisible across all skin tones, counteracting dehydration and discolouration whilst offering all day universal SPF 30 protection. Clean, vegan, and gluten-free, Fenty offers refillable packaging and proves suitable for all skin types – without clogging your pores. This product is perfect for under your makeup, absorbing instantly without piling up or promoting greasiness. Apply every day for desirable results – just insert the refill into the outer holster, making sure the pump is lined up with the cutout, then push the refill down until you hear a click. Distribute accordingly and you’re good to go!

Hello Sunday – The One For Your Lips

£ 5.00

Hello Sunday – The One For Your Lips Fragrance Free Clear Lip Balm SPF 50

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Hello Sunday is committed to creating products that are mindful of our planet, avoiding chemicals known to cause harm to sea life. Boasting products that are both vegan and cruelty free, Hello Sundays’ creations are super-lightweight and particularly protective. Infused with SPF 50, this lip balm will keep your lips plush all day long, packed with squalane and shea butter to ensure a soft finish you can’t help but adore. You can apply the balm onto your lips as needed  throughout the day – ideally 30 minutes before going outside. 

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen

£ 31.00

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen

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Glow Recipe’s fruit infused Niacinamide Sunscreen is the perfect addition to your summer toiletries bag, designed to chemically boost your skin’s radiance whilst simultaneously protecting your skin via SPF 50. Filled with hyaluronic acid and aloe, this sunscreen is ultra-lightweight and moisturising, eliminating fine lines and wrinkles without leaving a white cast. Shake well before applying, then work in sections as you distribute the product generously yet evenly across your skin. Whilst you’ll have to wait 15 minutes following application before basking in the sun, you can re-apply this product over your makeup throughout the day – just apply little dots and pat them in gently with your fingertips or a sponge!

Nars Cosmetics – Smooth & Protect Primer SPF50

£ 30.00

Nars Cosmetics – Smooth & Protect Primer SPF50

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Everyone loves a little primer to blur their imperfections, pores and fine lines prior to applying their everyday makeup. Cleverly, NARS’ creation of a broad-spectrum sunscreen that doubles up as a primer is both oil-free and weightless. Like Hello Sunday, this product utilises powerful antioxidants to deflect pollution and environmental aggressors, whilst its’ Invisible Defence Technology ensures protection against damaging rays. Apply this product beneath your makeup, or simply, wear it alone for a radiant glow. 

BareMinerals – Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer SPF30

£ 30.50

BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer SPF30

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If you’re looking for a dewy skin tint that is both fresh and buildable, Bare Minerals’ Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturiser is ideal. Offering effortlessly natural coverage and mineral-based protection, this gel-like formula will hydrate your skin for up to twelve hours, improving your skin’s texture, reducing breakouts and most importantly, revitalising skin that has been damaged by UV rays. We recommend pairing this product with Bare Minerals’ Smoothing Face Brush, blending a pearl-sized amount evenly across your face. If you prefer to use your fingertips, dot the product onto your cheeks, forehead, chin and nose, then blend outward.

Words By Gracie Eastwood

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The post SPF Infused Products to Keep Your Skin Healthy This Summer appeared first on Voir Fashion.

To help educate us we’ve recruited the help of Dr Tomassian, a dermatologist from Kansas. Best known for his interesting and informative social media channels, he has rocketed to fame amassing over a million followers on TikTok alone.

We all know that the sun can do all sorts to the skin – but what is a tan?

Getting a tan is your body’s response to UV damage. You can get immediate tanning from UVA(tanning beds) which is just oxidation and redistribution of pigment (melanin) or delayed tanning which is your body’s response to create more pigment producing cells and pigment. Both processes are your body’s attempt to protect itself from further UV damage.

How does SPF actually protect our skin from the sun?

SPF either blocks or converts harmful UV damage (UVA/UVB) from damaging the skin. UVA/UVB exposure leads to mutations within your cells DNA, cell death, and with chronic exposure leads to skin cancer, hyperpigmentation and break down of collagen.

There are a lot of tanning oils with SPF in them, which seems counterintuitive. Do they actually work?

This is really just marketing. Yes, having a low SPF (4-15) will give you some UV protection, however, it is typically not adequate enough and will just convince people that tanning is okay. To be clear tan skin is damaged skin.

What type of SPF should I wear? What are the arguments for ‘physical’ ‘synthetic’ and ‘chemical’ sunscreens?

There is a famous saying in dermatology, “the best sunscreen is the one you will use. “ Just make sure it is broad-spectrum and SPF 30 or greater. Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which are chemically inert and reflect UV damage. They tend to take longer to blend in and may have a white cast if not tinted. Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin and convert UV damage to longer less harmful wavelengths. These tend to blend in well and are great for those with facial hair.

Which sunscreen would you recommend to those who break out easily?

I recommend mineral-based sunscreens for those who easily break out or have sensitive skin.

What’s the most common mistake you see women making with sunscreen and what’s your advice to fix it?

Not using enough. Many people think that the SPF in their makeup is enough for the day. Though your makeup has sunscreen, you likely need to use quite a bit of it to get the desired level of SPF. Incorporating a mineral-tinted SPF as your foundation can be a great way to get two uses out of your sunscreen.

In what order should we be applying our SPF in our skincare routine?

SPF should always be the last step of your routine.

How often should we be reapplying sunscreen, and what’s the best way to do this if we are wearing makeup?

Ideally every 2 hours, especially if you are out in the sun all day. However, that is not realistic for many people. I would try to reapply every 3-4 hrs and especially before you know you are going out in the sun. I find that many women like using SPF powders or mist is a convenient way to reapply over makeup.

What SPF products are in your toiletry bag? Any recommendations?

Currently I have been using Mdsolarsciences Mineral Tinted SPF 30 and daily perfecting SPF moisturizer, Supergoop glowscreen and unseen sunscreen, La roche posay ultra light invisible SPF 60, and ELTAMD UV restore. Honestly these are all great products for men and women to try!

What are some common SPF myths you want to be debunked?

“The higher the SPF the better.” – This is not always true, after SPF 30, you are not getting much more benefit from your sunscreen, but can potentially lead to more irritation especially if chemical-based.

“Sunscreen can cause cancer” – This can be further from the truth. There was a recent study showing benzene as a contaminant in several sunscreen products, however, this had nothing to do with the sunscreen ingredients themselves.

“You don’t need SPF if you are inside” – FALSE! If you have any windows in your house you are still getting UV damage. UVA is able to penetrate windows and glass, so make it a habit and wear sunscreen every day.

Now we know about SPF for our skin – but what about our hair? You probably have a go-to sunscreen for hot weather, but most of us don’t think of how damaging the sun can be for our strands. Excessive sun exposure is one of the most damaging factors for the structure of your hair and here Dr Tommalison explains why.

SPF is typically associated with sunscreens for your skin – why does our hair need sun protection?

Just like our skin, our hair can be easily damaged by UV radiation. UV damage leads to loss of hair protein (keratin), decrease hair shaft integrity, and alterations in hair pigment.

How does UV protection products for the hair work?

Just like the sunscreen for skin, sunscreens for the hair can be either mineral or chemical based. The either reflect(mineral) or absorb and convert(chemical) UV damage.

Can women with fine hair use SPF products or will they weigh the hair down? Which type of hair will benefit most from SPF?

Women and men with all hair types can benefit from SPF products. Many of the products on the market are either powders or mists which are lightweight. This is especially important to use if you have fine sparse hair as using some form of SPF protection will also help protect the underlying exposed skin.

Which is your favorite brand and why?

No favourites but I have used Sunbum and Coola, I like both products

Would you recommend using SPF all year round?

The answer is simply YES. A product that decreases my chance for cancer and limits signs of aging…Sign me up!

Dr Tomassian’s top SPF picks:

£ 15

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30

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£ 12.60

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream

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£ 20.85

MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30 Sunscreen

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£ 12.40

Avène Very High Protection Tinted Mineral Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream

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£ 8.70

Cetaphil Daily Facial SPF50+ for Sensitive Skin

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£ 18

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

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£ 25

Coola Classic Sunscreen Spray SPF30

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£ 50.40

EltaMD UV Restore

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So now you are armed with the knowledge on how to protect yourself all year round. With hundreds of different formulas on the shelves, it’s so easy to find products that cater for your skin or hair type, and there’s no better time to invest in savvy SPF products to supercharge your skincare routine.

Words And Interview By Rosina Findlay, Graphic By Emily Chapillon

The post Dr. Tomassian Answers All Our Questions On SPFs appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Professional dermatologist Elizabeth Hale tells us everything we didn’t-but-need-to know about protecting our skin in isolation…

I know the last thing I think after my daily cleanse, tone, and quick pat of tanning facial oil (to save me from looking like the corpse my natural skin-tone seems to want me to look like) is…

‘Well, it’s time to slap on the factor 50 for my half-hour run under the typically British overcast sky today’.

Unless you have the advantage of an SPF moisturiser, with the short periods of time we are currently spending out and about, it makes sense that for most of us, in our current list of priorities, making sure our skin is protected from the sun has even dropped below shaving our legs.

Well, ladies, after speaking to clinical associate professor of dermatology and board-certified dermatologist; Dr Elizabeth Hale, we can confirm that it’s time we re-thought our priorities- or at least re-gigged them- here’s what she had to say!

1). Do we still have to use SPF when we are stuck indoors?

Believe it or not, we do! Firstly, if we are anywhere near windows, Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays pass through windows and can contribute to development of wrinkles and age spots by breaking down collagen and stimulating melanin. UVA rays also can contribute to the development of skin cancers. Furthermore, there are some data that visible light (which we are exposed to by indoor light) can also stimulate pigmentation and make conditions like melasma worse.

2). Will the lack of sunlight affect our skin? How do we avoid this?

For me, this is more of a mental and emotional issue than a truly physical or medical one. Sunlight can stimulate Vitamin D synthesis, which is important, but it is completely possible to get our Vitamin D through our diet and/or vitamin supplements. I am more concerned about the effect the lack of fresh air can have on our psyche. Exercise and fresh air are both known to have a positive effect on the way we feel and also on our skin by stimulating circulation and deep breathing. So even when indoors, try to get some exercise and get the blood (and the dopamine!) flowing.

3). Does our skin tone matter when you choose an SPF?

Regardless of our skin type, we all need SPF. People with darker skin tones are not as likely to sunburn, per se, but UV exposure can trigger hyperpigmentation and even ageing of the skin in all skin types. Fortunately, some of the newer SPF formulations do not make the skin look pasty and white, even those with Zinc Oxide which in my opinion is the best ingredient in SPF. So we can all wear them! There are also some bronzing powders which contain SPF which are very popular.

4). Is there any specific order to applying our skincare?

Yes. After cleaning the face in the AM, apply an antioxidant serum and then a broad-spectrum sunscreen. That is all I am doing now while indoors. Makeup, if you are wearing it, goes on after our sunscreen. At night-time, after cleaning the face, a small dot or retinol if your skin can tolerate it, followed by a night-time moisturiser.

5). What are the essential vitamins we need to include in our daily skincare routine?

There are many excellent antioxidants, but the most classic and well-studied are Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Some of the newer ingredients to look for are bakuchiol (which is derived from bachi seeds) and topical melatonin.

6). Do you have any skincare beauty hacks you would recommend while we are stuck indoors?

While we are stuck indoors could be a good time to do hydrating masks for our face (or even our hands and feet). An ingredient to look for is hyaluronic acid which is often present in bio-cellulose masks. There are some new masks containing CBD which might be interesting to try while we are quarantined, to see if it has a calming effect on your skin.

7). What are your recommended beauty must-haves to survive Quarantine?

Example/ Eye Cream/ Night Cream etc: I cannot survive without Colorescience Total Eye to help minimise the tired eye look. I love Skin Better Alpha Ret as my nightly retinol. And Sente Dermal Repair Cream to help my skin repair overnight. Oh, and NARS creamy concealer, don’t leave home — and don’t stay home — without it!

Find out more expert advice from Dr Elizabeth Hale at https://www.completeskinmd.com/ or on her Instagram @dermdrhale

Words by Ella Winfield

Graphics by Katie Janes

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The post Do We Still Need To Wear SPF While Being Stuck In Doors? Experts Say Yes! appeared first on Voir Fashion.

It can be hard to look and feel your best when you’re (literally) sweating your face off. It’s frustrating getting ready for the day, only to feel your make-up sliding around by 11am. In the heat, nobody wants much on anyway, especially if it’s not going to last.

Here are our top 5 summer beauty essentials that will keep you picture perfect all day.

Foundation – Technically this isn’t really a foundation, but Glossier’s Perfecting Skin Tint aptly named – perfect for summer. It’ll make you feel like you have something on to even out skin tone or cover up blemishes, but not so much that it’s uncomfortable or god forbid, cakey. For anyone who wants just a bit more coverage from their foundation, you can’t go wrong with NARS Radiant Longwear Foundation.

SPF – This one is non-negotiable. We all know what sun damage can do, and how inevitable it is if you don’t wear SPF! We’re also the first to admit how absolutely horrid lotions can feel – which is why we love Tarte’s TarteGuard sunscreen powder SPF30. It’s a powder, so there’s no waiting for anything to sink in, and it’s transparent, so just swipe it on top of your makeup and that’s it. It’s that easy..

Lipstick – There will never be a time here at Voir where the bold lip is not championed. Dare to be different! The secret reason we love this look so much, is that if you wear a bright lip, you don’t have to wear that much else. Basically, it’s easy to trick people into thinking you’re wearing more than you are. We recommend a bare face, brushed up brows and a good red lip. If you want to test the waters, then go for Kate Moss’ collection with Rimmel in #1. If you’re after another one to add to the collection, then go for Charlotte Tilbury in ‘Carpet Red’.

Highlighter and Bronzer – The second-best thing to being a bronzed glowing goddess is looking like one. Choosing a highlighter or a bronzer just seemed impossible so we had to pick both and nowadays, it couldn’t be easier with the abundance of 2-in-1 palettes on the market. NYX do a fantastic one in various shades, so you can mix and blend to find your perfect shade. If you want to splurge a little, then Tom Ford’s Shade and Illuminate is the way to go. A little pricier, but make-up artists everywhere swear by this. (Hot-tip: blend some bronzer into the sockets of your eyes to bring the whole look together.)

Cleansing Oil – We’re just as passionate about making sure you remove all the built-up-over-the-day-nasties off your face as we are making sure you look fab in the first place. Sulkin’s cleansing oil is pretty much everything free – parabens, sulphates, fragrance, the list goes on. This essentially means that it makes for happy skin (even sensitive!) but doesn’t compromise on effectiveness. This stuff works.

Artwork by Sasha Green

The post 5 Summer Essentials appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Remembering to look after your skin in the sun is just one more thing to worry about as the summer months are fast approaching.

Applying sun cream on holiday should always a staple in your routine, but remembering to put it on before applying makeup every day is a struggle a lot of us forget about.

And much like any skincare product these days, there’s an over-saturation in the market – finding what sun cream works best for your skin is challenging, whether that’s what brand, what factor, or even what type of SPF.

Here’s Voir’s breakdown of sun care.

Chemical

Chemical sun creams work by absorbing UV rays, then transferring them to heat where they dissipate on the skin’s surface.

These type of SPFs usually end in ‘-benzone’, or begin in ‘oct-’. Plus, they’re a preference to makeup wearers and those with darker skins as it comes out clear, so you avoid that sombre grey and chalky look.

While the benefits of chemical sunscreen are aesthetically pleasing, the destructive elements of these SPFs outweigh the benefits.

As Earth Day was celebrated recently, being environmentally conscious has become of great importance and a major topic of discussion within the beauty industry. Unfortunately, chemical SPFs are incredibly toxic to sea-life and marine ecosystems such as coral reefs.

It’s because of their toxicity that they’re banned in Australia and Hawaii, with more countries on the way to creating legislation to ban them.

Plus, if you have sensitive skin, such as rosacea, eczema, or acne, it can be quite irritating to the skin due to the nature of how the chemicals transfer UV to infrared.

As consumers, our main issue with chemical SPFs is that most sun creams available are a mixture of both chemical and physical, so it’s best to always double check the ingredients list. The most significant ingredient is always listed first, so make sure a physical SPF is up there!

To avoid chemical SPFs as best as you can, check out the guide to the ‘Awful Eight’ when thinking about your summer purchase. But be careful are sometimes they will list them as something more complicated.

“Awful Eight”

1. Oxybenzone

2. Octinoxate

3. Octocrylene

4. PABA (Aminobenzoic Acidm5)

5. Enzacamene

6. Octisalate

7. Homosalate

8. Avobenzone

Physical –

Physical SPFs, on the other hand, protect you from sun damage by reflecting UV rays, so they bounce off your skin. These are the culprits of that infamous white hue we all hate when applying sun cream. However, they contain a more natural array of ingredients and always contain zinc and titanium oxide which are much better on the environment and are generally preferred by dermatologists as the leading way to protect yourself against sun damage. Sun care is complicated! But fear not as we have listed the best Physical SPFs around.

Best Physical Sun Creams –

Oily/Acne Prone – La Roche Posay Antithelos XL

• SPF 50+

• Dermatologist tested

• Non-comedogenic

• Paraben-Free

Dry Skin/Sensitive – SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial UV Defense

• SPF 50

• Dermatologist Tested

Best for Dark Skin – Clinique Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face

• SPF 50

• Oil Free

• Fragrance-Free

• Allergy Tested

Factor –

Another security to keep an eye out on when using any sun cream is making sure it ensures broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays, and are at least an SPF 30. The smaller the factor, the less time you will be protected – as a general rule of thumb think of the factor number as the time you can be out in the sun, ie. Factor 15 = 15 minutes.

SPF powder –

Finally, we need to be reapplying SPF about every 2 hours to be fully protected.

So while you may think you’re being a good girl applying your SPF on in the morning and using an SPF in your foundation, by lunch, you may be completely unprotected depending on how oily you are.

By the time you’re off to a rooftop bar for after work drinks, you’re not wearing any protection at all.

SPF infused powders can help fix that problem. Not only do they stop you getting oily throughout the day but it’s the easiest and quickest way to keep protected.

New IT brand Supergoop!(not related to Goopby Gwenyth Paltrow) has a powder SPF all in a compact brush, or try IT Cosmetics’ compact powder with SPF 50

Great to chuck into your bag and reapply throughout the day.

Happy safe-sunning!

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