Wait, is she writing a beauty blog now? Kind of, but only because this is very relevant to travellers and wanderlusters like me. Don’t worry I am not going to bore you with a description of my favourite eye cream (even though I could absolutely share that with you if you wish!) but I wanted to talk about the must-have skincare product for any trip – sunscreens!

They are many benefits to using sunscreen:

• It helps avoid very bad portraits of you looking like an oily lobster sipping on a pina colada (we have all been there)
• It increases a bit the time you can spend in the sun (still in moderation though)
• It is the best anti-ageing solution out there (old-me will thank me one day)
• It helps protect the skin from harmful UV that could trigger cancer (just saving lives, no big deal)

Now about the products, once again I am not going to bore you with a list of ingredients and a definition of what sunscreen is. I am simply going to list my favourites and explain why.

Note that because my husband and I have been ‘blessed’ with oily skin, the products I listed focus on this skin type. HOWEVER, I know some that fit most skin types so dry/sensitive skin people, you can keep reading.

Another thing to be aware of is that I am French and therefore very partial to my motherland cosmetics. Fortunately most can now be found around the world (thanks Amazon!)

THE FACE

As mentioned above, Andrew and I ‘shine bright like a diamond’, as Rihanna would say, when in humid and hot countries. It took a few trials and errors and a lot of unflattering pictures for us to nail the best products.

Best for VERY hot and humid environments – VICHY Ideal Soleil, Mattifying Face Dry Touch SPF 50

Hello velvety skin! Of course it has its limits and I cannot guarantee that the powdery look will last through a hike in the jungle, but it is a good place to start.

Best for summer vacations – AVENE Very High Protection Emulsion SPF 50

Very efficient protection, mattifying but not drying. A sunscreen you can rely on.

Best for a city breaks in Winter/Spring/Autumn – CLINIQUE City Block Sheer SPF 25

Good protection, not too greasy and slightly tinted so perfect for a healthy ‘I am on vacations’ glow. I actually use it as a day cream all year-long.

THE BODY

I will usually cover myself with SPF 50 on the first week of vacations and with SPF 30 the second week. If I am on a shorter break, I will stick to one or the other depending on the sun’s strength and the destination.

Good for very dry skin – BIODERMA Photoderm BRONZ Huile sèche SPF 50

A dry oil that will hydrate while protecting your skin and boosting your tan. If your skin is not dry, I would recommend going for the sunscreen I listed below, as this one could make you breakout. Also available in SPF30.

Good for any skin type – BIODERMA Photoderm Spray SPF 30

Classic lotion texture. Very well absorbed by the skin and non-sticky. The only downside is the smell which isn’t the ‘freshest’ but nothing too noticeable. Also available in SPF50.

Efficient and good value (UK Only) – BOOTS Soltan Protect & Tan Ultra-Light Texture Suncare Spray SPF30

A good classic. The texture is not too sticky, the protection is good and it boosts your tan a little too! Also available in SPF 8 and 15.

And you, what is your favourite sunscreen?

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