Thread takes some new sunscreens down to Little Shoal Bay on a sunny morn to have a play with new releases from Dermalogica, La’Bonic, Skinnies, Coola and Art A Face…
Dermalogica has cleverly done two coverage strengths in its version of a BB cream this summer: Dermalogica Sheer Tint and Cover Tint. They both conceal, give high sun protection and claim to improve skin health through additives such as Hydrolyzed Pearl, which is also used in Dermalogica’s Skin Perfect Primer. The Sheer Tint has been reformulated (now with SPF20 and better wear and hydration using Hyaluronic acid) and the Cover Tint is a completely new product. It replaces the Treatment foundations. This also has the Hydrolyzed Pearl which stimulates cell regeneration, increases hydration, contributes to an even skin tone and protection from ageing. In addition to the previous Treatment foundations, though, Cover Tint has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant Centella asiatica, Ginseng and Purslane from Portulaca. They retail for $95 from department stores, beauty spas and at www.dermalogica.co.nz
La’Bonic is a brand new to me, but it’s manufactured right here in Auckland which is fabulous to see. La’Bonic Natural Sun Block is a UVA and UVB SPF30 mineral sunscreen with 99.5% natural ingredients. I like that it uses non-nano physical blocks that reflect UV rays, and that is smells ever so gently of lavender instead of a chemically smell. It uses zinc oxide as its sunscreen and contains botanical oils. It has a shimmery effect on the skin and is pleasant to use. It may be used on children as well as adults. I’d use it on the face as it’s a smaller tube and retails for a reasonable price – for organic/natural sunscreens – of $26.80 and can be bought online at www.labonic.com
Skinnies A Little Goes a Long Way SPF30 SunGel is quite a different product to use – as it’s a gel rather than a white cream usually associated with sunscreens. Like La’Bonic above, Skinnies is also made in New Zealand, by Hawkes Bay husband and wife team Olly and Martha van Arts. I really liked the gel texture which, as it says on the tin, does go a long way, and that it has no whiteness. Apparently because it contains no water it lasts for four hours – even if you’re swimming. It is broad specturm and SPF30 and is paraben-free. Skinnies retails for $34.95 including delivery at www.skinnies.co.nz and selected pharmacies nationwide.
Coola Face SPF30 unscented moisturizer plant sunscreen is a mineral sunscreen with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with no chemicals or preservatives. I had previously featured the Coola Baby sunscreen on Thread here and now I am using the adults’ Coola Face, (which is much easier to apply than the baby one as it’s thinner.) People with sensitive skin may enjoy using it as it is very mild and hypoallergenic. It is $50 and is available in beauty salons, Dermatologists, cosmetic clinics and specialty boutiques.
Art A Face Skin Science All Day Protection Plus SPF15 is our third New Zealand brand featured here. It’s a boutique brand of botanical-based, NZ made skincare made by Art a Face Cosmetics in Remuera, Auckland and uses key ingredient colostrum, which is recommended by Dermalogists for skin healing properties. It also moisturises with shea butter, sweet almond oil, and Hyluronic acid. Its slender, pump-top bottle is very elegant and expensive looking. It absorbed beautifully and felt great on the skin and I’ll be wearing it under my make-up. It is $85 available online at www.artaface.com for details.
Words and photos Megan Robinson
11 January 2013
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