the bumble b

The most valuable product in my facial beauty regime is probably my sunscreen. In my opinion sunscreen (and staying out of the sun) is most likely one of the primary ways I can prevent premature ageing. We all know that sun exposure can contribute to wrinkles and blemishes on our skins. I got the fright of my life when this summer I looked down at my arms and found that I already have some white sun spots! I’m only 25! Taking care of sunscreen on your body is pretty easy, but trying to find a non-greasy alternative for your face is a whole other ball game. I immediately rushed out to try and find a suitable high SPF factor sunscreen that I could wear underneath my make up and was rather disappointed at what I found or rather, didn’t find.

I use the Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream Light moisturizer on my face which doesn’t contain an SPF. I didn’t want to part with this as it is the only moisturizer I’ve ever used that has answered my skin prayers - but more on that another time! So I scoured the stores to see if I could find something that is reasonably priced (as I already spend a pretty penny on facial care) and that didn’t leave me looking like an oil slick 5 minutes after application. I was really disappointed when I tested all the products available on the back of my hand and I could just see the shiny oiliness it left behind. I eventually picked up Everysun’s Anti Ageing UV Face Protection and tested a bit. It literally melted into my skin and left no trace of product whatsoever. Needless to say I hurried to the till to purchase this one and to my surprise it was only 55 bucks! A complete bargain if you ask me!

I have been using this on my face every day for the past two months and haven’t had one breakout from it, which is amazing as my sensitive combination skin reacts to EVERYTHING. I use it after my moisturizer and underneath my foundation. I also spread it all the way down my neck and onto my chest. There is no oiliness and shine and I’m so glad I’m protecting my face from the sun’s harmful rays.

But I still don’t think I’m completely satisfied. You see all the sunscreens I have tried have had a white texture that can give you a bit of a ghostly look, especially if you have a darker complexion. I don’t have a problem with this as I am very fair but I can see how this would irritate people with darker skins. I discovered a Korean product line online - Hera - which is a translucent sunscreen that I’ve read rave reviews about. Upon trying to purchase this on E-bay I discovered that they don’t ship to South Africa - bummer! BUT there might be a light at the end of the tunnel in my search for the perfect sunscreen. OBeauty is launching on 1 March in South Africa - an online shop that is stocking Japanese and Korean products for the SA market. I’ve tried to fish if they will be stocking Hera products but they’re being very secretive about the whole thing :) Until then I shall wait with bated breath until they launch. Fingers crossed!