text: The Summer is finally here its official ! It might only last for a few days, it could be here for a few weeks, who knows it could be a couple of months that we are basking in this seasonal halo. Now I don?t mean to bring your mood down, but there is a very serious side to this fantastic weather. We men and I do mean to generalise here are pretty damn awful when it comes to safe tanning, laying in the sun and most importantly putting on suncream and when we do, that it?s a high enough SPF (Sun Protection Factor). OK then, now because we at Clothes-Make-the-Man care about our loyal readers and we want you around for as long as possible we have compiled our top 5 tips for sun safety;
  1) Make sure you use enough product ? you should apply a blob about the size of a two pound coin for each limb and your front and back, as well as a blob about the size of a pound coin for your face,
  2) Protect your skin before you first go into the sun ? we recommend applying sun cream 15 minutes before going into the sun, then reapplying again as soon as you go out in the sun. After that, you should reapply every 1 to 2 hours, as well as immediately after swimming or towelling.
  3) Check for 5 star UVA rating ? ensure your chosen sun care product has maximum 5 star UVA protection as well as a high SPF, as this will provide the best protection from skin ageing as well as burning.
  4) Use an SPF of at least 15 ? you should be using a high SPF (30 or 50) if you?re going abroad or have fair skin. Also don?t forget?your lips, they are prone to drying and cracking and long term exposure can cause uneven colouration as well as more serious skin conditions.
  5) Choose a well-known brand that you trust ? when buying sun care make sure you look for a brand that are investing in research into the latest suncare technologies as well as in educating people about sun safety.
  With these top tips in mind, very much the last point, we have thoroughly researched the market to determine what are the best sun care products on the market.
  Since the 1970s, Bioderma has acquired a unique expertise in skincare and is recommended by Dermatologists worldwide. Bioderma?s sun care range is for everyone. With very high protection (SPF 50+, which blocks 98% of UVB rays), the Photoderm Max collection contains several options for face and body, as well as a Spray and Mousse for children that is adapted to their delicate skin.
  A sore Red nose isn?t the only feature that can be affected by the sun on your face. From dehydration lines to dull-looking skin, your face needs the upmost care to boast that healthy sun kissed, holiday glow. Hawaiian Tropic with their Silk Hydration Air Soft Face SPF30 have adapted their Air Soft formula into a handy 50ml bottle, designed specifically for facial use.
  Marks & Spencer are a trusted brand name and particularly when it comes to Safe Tanning and Suncare protection. Not only are these products Made in Great Britain, Extra water resistant, they offer both Ultra UVA and Max UVB ? according to EU maximum label recommendations. Plus they are Not tested on animals BUAV approved and are made in Eco-Factory.
  P20?s easy, no fuss iconic once a day formula provides up to 10 hours protection from the sun?s harmful rays. Now that doesn?t mean you are immutable to the sun?s harmful rays or burning, it?s long lasting formula provides broad spectrum photostable protection. It combines UVA filters (to safe-guard against premature signs of ageing) and UVB filters (to protect the skin from harmful burning rays) that do not break down when exposed to sunlight and heat. This means P20?s level of protection, which is active 15 minutes after application, remains effective for up to 10 hours. P20 is also clinically proven to be very water resistant, the highest classification. But remember it?s better to be safe than sorry.
  Clinique?s New SPF 30 Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream includes Clinique?s Solar Smart+ technology, a blend of antioxidant + barrier repair ingredients and sunscreens that help to strengthen and repair skin?s moisture barrier, while providing high-level, broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB. By forming a protective shield on skin, this formula helps to prevent against premature ageing caused by sun exposure. Formulated to be non- acnegenic, non-photoallergenic, and non-phototoxic, NEW Clinique SPF 30 Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream is dermatologist-tested and suitable for all skin types.
  Anthelios Anti-Shine Invisible Mist by La Roche-Posay is a very much in demand product right now and after you use it, not only will you understand but will follow suit. It?s Anti Shine formula is a Patented molecule Airlicium which leaves oily-prone skin shine free. Previously used by NASA in space science, this anti- sweat, anti-shine and super light molecule ? composed of 99% air and 1% Silica ? has the unique ability to absorb up to 100x its weight in sebum and proactively controls sources of shine for an all-day clean skin sensation and matte finish. Plus, it surpasses European anti-UVA guidelines, for maximum protection.
  Next up a new product from the World?s No1 Sun Care Brand combining highly effective UVA and UVB protection and offers extra water resistance. Nivea Sun Protection Roll-On with its easy to handle roll on application it is simple and quick to apply, particularly on children?s skin. It is a fast absorbing non-sticky formula that makes applying suncream easy instead of wasting time preparing for fun in the Sun it starts immediately with the application of sunscreen.
  Last but certainly by no means least, we have saved the best til last, this is always in CMTM sun defences. It?s small, simple, throw it in your bag, pocket, whatever. It?s great for protecting your more delicate bits, that can be more prone to sun burn, like around the eyes, nose and forehead. It never stings ? and it stays put, however hot and bothered you get- Clarins sun stick ? 30+. Essentially a product we can?t say enough good things about !!!!