More time outdoors, more UV exposure: seek cover now …
Sunnier days are a godsend but with the UV index climbing, it’s vital we protect our skin, with sunscreen, sunglasses and hats. Sun protection is the single most important thing we put on our skin. And since we now know we need protection from pollution as well as UV rays, we are looking for what experts are calling “next-level” sunscreen. “The sun is your worst enemy when it comes to skin,” says facialist Nuala Woulfe. “It causes damage and trauma. Skin cancer is very prevalent and on the increase. Genetics only play a small part in your skin’s ageing. Environmental issues, from smog to blue light [HEV] from your computer screen, and especially sunlight, cause 92 per cent of skin ageing.” Cosmetic doctor Dr Rekha Tailor agrees. “Pollutants cause inflammation, the root of numerous skin issues, including breakouts, collagen breakdown and excess melanin production, which leads to dark spots.” She recommends adding antioxidant vitamin C to your routine to bolster protection and wearing SPF while working from home, since some broad-spectrum SPFs protect from HEV. Clarins’ new UV50 (above) features both chemical and mineral filters and protects from five major pollutants (including pollen, which can cause inflammation). It has an inbuilt antioxidant defence system and is light, oilfree and invisible on the skin. From €39; www.clarins.ie. Even if your foundation features SPF, skin experts are adamant you need a separate broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Skingredients SPF50 Skin Shield provides broad-spectrum protection plus niacinamide to defend from free radicals. €42; www.skingredients.com. Pharmacy favourites include REN mattifying Clean Screen Mineral SPF30 (€34) and Avene’s Tinted SPF50 (€25.99; www.boots.ie).
SUITABLE SPF
BIG SUNGLASSES
After the tiny, 1990s-inspired, hard-to-wear styles of last year, we say the bigger the better when it comes to sunglasses this season. Loewe, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Celine, Tom Ford have designed powerful, in-your-face shades. Fendi’s are logoed all over, Bottega Veneta’s have the chicest prints, and Tom Ford’s are easiest to wear. On the high street, look to Massimo Dutti and Parfois for affordable takes on catwalk favourites. Online, new cool brands like Vehla (whose tinted Dixie style is currently most popular), Lexxola and Chimi are taking over our Instagram feeds. We’ve spied super-chic handmade French brand Thierry Lasry at Optica on Dawson Street (01 677 4705) while at Specsavers, look out for a collaboration with Marc Jacobs this month. Ace & Tate offers a second chance for preloved shades: the Reframe circular collection (sold on Depop) includes an edit of rare bestselling frames recycled by previous customers (who receive a €10 discount off their next pair) and placed in the loving hands of a happy new owner after they have been restored and refurbished. If you are struggling to choose your perfect pair, you can’t go wrong with coloured lenses this summer – a rose-tinted outlook is what we all need now.
BROAD HATS
You might say “I’m not a hat person” but we say become one! As well as offering effective shade and protection, a hat, if worn with confidence, adds personality to linen pants and a shirt, a pretty dress, rolled-up jeans and a sweatshirt. A straw hat with deep brim offers optimal coverage and works with all of the above. The season’s smartest are trimmed with black grosgrain ribbon or a patterned scarf – you can use your own scarf to create something unique. Soft raffia hats can be squished into a pocket and some apparently rigid straw hats are perfectly packable – though that may be less of an issue this summer with limited travel on the horizon.
LOVETHEGLOSS.IE?
Sign up to our MAILING LIST now for a roundup of the latest fashion, beauty, interiors and entertaining news from THE GLOSS MAGAZINE’s daily dispatches.