I don’t know about where you are, but here in Northern England, it’s turned decidedly sunny. Summer is definitely on it’s way - Hurrah! …Which for a lot of people means long afternoons in the park or the pub garden, and sunburnt shoulders the morning after. As an ex-beauty therapist with paranoia about skin ageing & sun damage, sunburnt skin terrifies me! 

 

Ageing is a natural and unavoidable process, however, why speed it up? The damage caused by sun exposure is well known - both in terms of the cosmetic damage leading to premature ageing as well as functional and scary skin-cell changes leading to burns and cancers. In Northern Europe, we haven’t received persuasive, serious government messages like Australia’s “slip, slop, slap” campaign (slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen, slap on a hat) and I’m not entirely sure why, when Cancer Research UK’s statistics show that melanoma skin cancer is now the most common cancer in women in their 20s. 

 

Sun damage, of course, occurs all year round, and I would encourage everyone to wear an SPF15 moisturiser or sunscreen every single day, but summer is the time of year when people sit in the sunshine for long afternoons, go for sunny walks and generally spend more time outdoors.   It’s easy enough to pop some sunscreen and a few products with SPF into your handbag or car glove box, that way you can top up as your day progresses.  And this advice isn’t limited to those with paler skins. Although dark skin affords some natural sun protection, damage can, and does occur.

 

I’m a belt & braces kinda gal, so although layering products with sun protection doesn’t multiply your protection (for example, wearing a moisturizer with an SPF of 15 and a foundation with SPF 10 will still only give you a combined SPF of 15), I still like to choose as many products as I can  with added sun protection,  especially at this time of year.

 

Wearing e.l.f’s Mineral Foundation (SPF 15) instead of my usual Clarifying Pressed Powder over my Studio Tinted Moisturiser (SPF 20) gives me a  slightly heavier finish which I really like on warm days, and helps me to feel less worried that I might have “missed a bit” ! e.l.f. also has two lovely lip products: Super Glossy Lip Shine (SPF15) and brand new to the UK Studio Conditioning Lip Balm (SPF15) to protect your lovely lips!

 

Anna x

 

Recommended products with Sun Protection Factor (SPF):

 

Visit Anna's website: www.annafurlaxis.com/

With Spring on its way, the foundation you’ve been using all winter may start to feel a little heavy.

 

Enter this season’s beauty staple: the new e.l.f. Studio Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20. A perfect alternative to foundation, it combines nourishing ingredients such as aloe, cucumber and vitamins A, C and E with a hint of colour to achieve an even skin tone and naturally radiant-looking skin.

 

The Studio Tinted Moisturizer is lightweight and hydrating meaning it lets skin breathe. It also has the added benefit of anti-ageing sun protection thanks to a UVA/UVB SPF of 20. 

 

To use, simply apply the product to clean skin in an upward and outward motion with a makeup sponge or foundation brush.

 

With seven shades to choose from (Porcelain, Nude, Beige, Sand, Almond, Mocha and Espresso), the e.l.f. Studio Tinted Moisturizer is available for just £3.50.