NIVEA SUN Protect and Bronze Collection

With weather warning promising a scorcher of a week, sun protection should be even more on your radar than it would usually be, though you should wear SPF everyday. With that in mind, NIVEA SUN Protect & Bronze range** consists of five different products, two of which are brand new additions to he range - Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Tan Activating Protecting Oil and Nivea SUN Protect & Bronze Tan Prolonging After Sun Lotion, neither of which contain any self-tan but do incorporate the active ingredient, Pro Melanin into a sunscreen formula to support the skin’s natural tanning process, while also offering a highly effective system of UVA/UVB filters that protect the skin immediately upon application.  

The Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Tan Activating Sun Spray is described as being an extra light, non-greasy and moisturising formula which contains a highly effective UVA/UVB filter system that protects your skin immediately after application. It contains a natural plant extract which supports skin's own melanin production (in vitro). For an even and natural tan. It is also water resistant and when sprayed it creates a really fine mist which is lightweight and absorbs into the skin really quickly. The spray is available in SPF10, SPF20 and SPF30 and costs £15.99.

The Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Tan Activating Protecting Oil contains no self tan but has a silky oil formula which protects and moisturises your skin. The natural pro-melanin plant extract supports the skin's natural tanning process (in vitro). It is also water resistant, so perfect for being on holiday as you go in and out of the water. I am a huge fan of oils, they are often much easier to use and I find them nicer on the skin than some creams which are a tad thick and feel almost smothering. This Oil is available in SPF20 and SP30 and retails for £15.99.

The Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Face Cream is described as being a light, non-greasy moisturising formula that does not block your pores which I am delighted with because I absolutely hate sun cream on my face. It always feels to thick and my face always feels extra greasy and unable to breathe. This lotion is quite thick and it does take a good few minutes before it has completely absorbed but surprisingly it doesn't make my skin feel greasy or as though it cannot breathe which is brilliant. This cream is available in SPF30 and SPF50 and retails for £10.49

Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Tan Activating Sun Lotion combines reliable protection with a natural looking tan and contains 0% Self Tan! The product contains a natural plant extract which helps support the skins own melanin production. Melanin is produced naturally within the body and is responsible for protection and tanning your skin. The formula of this lotion is extra light and it is also thankfully non-greasy whilst being moisturising for the skin and contains highly effective UVA/UVB filters that protect your skin immediately on application. I have used this daily since it came into my possession and it is really lightweight. This lotion is available in SPF20 and SPF30 and retails for £14.99

The final item in this quintet is the Nivea SUN Protect and Bronze Tan Prolonging After Sun Lotion. I have to admit that I am not a fan of Aftersun, I usually find it to thick and not as soothing or cooling as Aloe Vera Gel. That said, this lotion contains natural pro-melanin plant extract, and is said to help prolong a tan without peeling or flaking, now this I do like the sound of because the one thing that does happen to me if I do tan is peeling shoulders which is really annoying. This formula helps prevent premature skin ageing, fine lines and sun-induced wrinkles and if you keep it in the fridge, it is extra soothing on your skin. This lotion is available in SPF20 and SPF30 and retails for £10.49.

For me, this is a great little package of items, something for both myself and the Mister to use to keep ourselves protected from the sun.  

What do you use to protect yourself from the Sun?

Squeeky Clean Beauty

Squeeky Clean is a brand new beauty range which is said to leave you fruity fresh and full of zest. Available in Poundland, this collection of products comprises of:

• Scrubaholic Face Scrub
• Pore Wow Wow Face Mask
• Daisy Fresh Shower Detox
• Body Better Body Lotion
• Super Strong Nail and Cutie Cream
• Glow Stopper Instant Tan Matte
• Saint or Shimmer Lotion

I was kindly sent The Scrubaholic Face Scrub and the Pore Wow Wow Face Mask which arrive in these very cute and very pink tube and tub.

The Scrubaholic Face Scrub which is on a 250ml tube (£1) and is described as follows:

"In need of a skin perfecting pick-me-up? No need to rough it, buff it with Squeeky Clean scrubaholic face scrub. This polishing facia scrub gently exfoliates and sweeps away everyday impurities to leave skin feeling bright, fresh and renewed."

The formula is quite a thick texture, more like a moisturising cream than a scrub, but as soon as you start to massage it into the skin, the exfoliating particles are definitely present and you can feel them working on your skin to remove dead and dry skin.  Fragrance wise it is definitely fruity and is Raspberry Scented, not too overly sweet and it does linger slightly on the skin after using.  I have never used this on my face, but have used it on my shins which is where I tend to suffer with dry skin and it does an average job of removing that skin and it does leave the skin silky smooth.  For £1 it is better than I expected.

Pore Wow Wow Facemask is in a 100ml tub (£1) and it has a screw on and off lid.  It is described as:

"Get fresh faced and fancy free with this pore refining wonder mask. Smooth onto skin and massage in gently, focusing on problem areas where needed. Enjoy as a fast acting 5 minute facial or leave on for longer for a deep cleansing detox."

Inside the tub, the mask is white in colour and again is quite a thick texture but it the application is an absolute dream as it glides on to the skin.  Once applied, you leave it on the skin for just 5 minutes before removing using warm water. I personally didn't find that it did anything for my pores, but it did leave my skin feeling quite smooth to the touch and again for £1 it is a pleasant surprise.

The Squeeky Clean range has been something of a surprise and again I am guilty of assuming that a price tag of £1 would mean it would not be any good, but actually they are both did a pretty good job and not one I could complain about.

Have you tried this range?

Dirty Works Cucumber Eye Pads

After long hard day at work or as part of your pampering session, Dirty Works has the perfect product to be included in that wind down/relaxation time - Cucumber Eye Pads.

Tired eyes? Long day? We have the perfect answer! With cooling Cucumber Extract and soothing Aloe Vera, these pre-moistened eye pads are the ultimate remedy to relieve and rejuvenate those peepers that have fallen victim to puffiness and dark circles.

What we have inside the box are 10 pairs of eye pads which are designed to look like cucumbers.  Infused with cooling cucumber extract and soothing Aloe Vera which makes them perfect for when your eyes are feeling irritated, looking puffy or red or when you're suffering from dark circles and there is no need to raid the fridge in the hope you have a Cucumber lurking around which you then have to slice before finally being able to lie back and relax. Instead, I pop one of these sachets into the fridge for an hour before I want to use them to ensure they are extra cool.

Then to use, you must ensure that the eye area is free from any traces of make-up. Remove contact lenses before use. Place a pad on each closed eye for 2-5 minutes or usually in my case 10-15 depending on which facemask I am also using at that time. Once they have been used you simply dispose them.

I absolutely love using these Cucumber Eye Pads, they are most definitely cooling and soothing on the eyes and are just divine.

Priced at just £4 Dirty Works products are available from Sainsburys online and they are absolute value for money.

Smartsun UV indicator wristbands

Summer is on the horizon (looks hopeful) and whilst we are all looking forward to the much warmer weather or may even be lucky enough to have booked a Summer holiday to somewhere nice and exotic, taking care of our skin is paramount, not that you should just be using SPF when it is sunny.  I have really pale skin and don't tan that well, so when I am out in the sun, I always ensure my head is covered during peak times and if I am walking around, especially on holiday, having been in the pool or sea, I ensure that I am covered up, usually in a Kaftan which I find comfortable to wear.

Cancer Research statistics show that rates of skin cancer are increasing faster than any other cancer in the UK, and it is now the second most common cancer in young adults aged 15-34, with 6 in 10 of people who die from malignant melanoma being under 75 years old. Although the risk of developing skin cancer is dependent on many factors including age and genetics, UV radiation is the main risk factor for skin cancers cases – with 86% of diagnosed cases linked to back to this. So if a £1 wristband can make you stop, think and be more careful then it is something we should all be investing in right?

Smartsun have invented a wristband is a really simple idea which acts as a reminder to re-apply your sun cream or that you have been in the sun for too long by changing colour. I am sure some of you will remember those hypercolour tshirts back in the 90's which used to change colour when you got a bit hot and sweaty (whoever though they were a good idea?). Well the wristband works in a similar way. 

The wristband works by measuring the amount of UV radiation you have been exposed to and will change colour accordingly. Each band is one wear only, and starts out as yellow, changing to beige and pink to alert you when it is time to top up on sun lotion, or when it is time to avoid the sun for the rest of the day.

The bands are also tailored to different skin types to reflect the different tolerance levels that people have to the sun. For example, a band for someone with fair hair and light skin will change colour quicker than a band for someone with dark hair and dark skin.

The wristbands themselves are also waterproof, discreet and reliable and will alert you before you notice any damage to your skin plus they can be worn by people of all ages.  

The Smartsun wristbands are available in packs of 5 priced at £4.99 from www.smartsunuk.co.uk and are available now.

Do you think this is something you need to use? Have you bought some?