Sun protection is so important – especially in Singapore where it’s summer all year long! Here we put four sunscreens to the test in the form of a sunblock, sungel, a balm and a mist.
Skinnies Sungel SPF30, $34.99
This New Zealand brand specialises in no-nasties sunscreens that are cruelty- and paraben-free. Packed in recyclable sugarcane tubes, the vegan products are also waterless, which means there’s less impact on the environment. I had high hopes after reading up on all the claims – and, safe to say, I wasn’t disappointed after trying it.
The product is thick when dispensed, but only a pea-sized amount is needed to cover the entire face, which means one tube will last a long time. It sticks well to the skin thanks to its waterless formula; I noticed that, by the end of the day, there was still a slight sheen present on my face. Thankfully, my sensitive skin didn’t break out after using it, even though it did feel a tad thicker than the essence-type sunscreens I gravitate towards. It’s definitely a great option for long days out in the sun!
There’s also a kid’s range containing coconut oil and aloe to soothe, a sports line for outdoor fun, and a tinted BB cream (which I’d enjoyed wearing on a hike) to even out the skin tone.
– Anthia Chng
Little Hands Hawaii Body & Face Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 35+), $37
This made-in-Hawaii sunscreen is a nourishing and water-resistant balm that stays put on my skin and doesn’t run or sting my eyes. It’s the brainchild of a Hawaiian couple who recognised the toxins in leading sunscreen brands and the damage caused by them to reefs; they set out to create a sunscreen that’s natural, chemical-free and eco-friendly.
It comes packaged in a recyclable tin with biodegradable labels and is purely natural and organic, made up of everything from coconut oil, jojoba, shea butter and beeswax to elderberry and frankincense essential oil. It smells great, isn’t oily and a little bit goes a long way!
– Leanda Rathmell
Sense De Belle Tinted Hydrating Sunblock, $78
#02-02 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road
Sunblock is a must for me as my skin is prone to pigmentation. What I like about this sunblock from beauty salon Sense De Belle is that it comes in a handy packaging that’s the size of a lipstick (15ml), so you can slip it even into your smallest handbag for convenient touchups during the day. I’m fair-skinned with neutral undertones and found that the subtle tint lightened my skin tone a bit, but it didn’t leave a white cast. I loved the lightweight finish.
– Karin Galley
Yours Sunny Side Up Sunscreen Mist, US$33
Getting a good sunscreen for my face that does the job and works with makeup seemed like a lot to ask. After trying Yours Sunny Side Up Sunscreen Mist, I’m happy to say that it does both and is now my go-to. It goes perfectly with makeup so it’s easy to use for everyday sun protection, as well as on beach days. It also covers easily so you’re never left with that pale washed-out appearance commonly associated with sunscreens.
It comes in a spray bottle so it’s easy to use and feels light on your skin. The scent is calming and not too strong. Most importantly, it’s completely cruelty-free. If you’re looking for a great face sunscreen, you should definitely give this a go.
– Michaela Bisset
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This article first appeared in the December 2020 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
