Sephora Sun Safety Kit 2018.

I dislike most sunscreens. Despite them being probably the most necessary part of anyone's beauty routine, I often overlook them and I know I'm not the only one guilty of this. Honestly, on my part it's just plain stupidity, there's little point in spending a small fortune on creams, serums etc if I'm going to negate all the good they do by getting sun damage. 

I tell myself that I'm getting all the protection I need from the SPF 15 in both my primer (Hourglass Veil) and my TM (Chantecaille Just Skin) but I know deep down that I should be using a little more, especially when I'm out and about all day, or when the weather is warmer. Although I actually do prefer the shade to the sun and never sunbathe (I am guilty of baking myself a deep mahogany shade in the distant past - when we knew no better - but there's not much to be done about that now) I know I need to step it up SPF wise and have been doing my best to wear a 30+ on my face, neck and decolletage every day of late. 

The Sun Safety Kit.

Every year Sephora release a Sun Safety Kit. Packed in a straw pouch/make up bag are a selection of samples, mini and full sized sunscreen and sun related beauty products. This year's kit cost $36.00  (which is $3.00 less that the price of the full sized bottle of Lancome BienFait UV you will find inside!) and had a retail value of $161.00. That's pretty amazing, but it's even more so when you take into account the fact that $25.00 from the sale of each kit was donated to skin cancer research and education.

The 2018 bag contains products from Amore Pacific, Clinique, Coola, Dr Dennis Gross, Dr Jart+, Drunk Elephant, Farmacy, Fresh, Lancome, Murad, Peter Thomas Roth, Philosophy, REN, Shiseido, Supergoop, and Tarte. And the bag itself is pretty nice, a fully lined straw bag with a bright pink trim and a tassel. I love it's beachy vibe and it's a good size, roomy enough to be used as a travel toiletry bag or for taking your sunscreens to the beach!

I'm pleased about the full sized bottle of Lancome BienFait UV as it is one of the few sunscreens that I like and readily purchase. I'm also excited about the inclusion of Amore Pacific Resort Collection Sun Protection Mist which is perfect for carrying in my bag and topping up my protection with when I'm out and about.
I love the inclusion of a few SPF related items such as the Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment, Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads and REN Evercalm Mask and I'm keen to try out all of the sunscreens included. Who knows I may even come to love some of them!

This kit was a Limited Edition, they usually sell out so fast that I'm pretty sure they have all gone but why not take a look at sephora.com and buy some sun products - you may not want them but you need them.

Read on for my sunscreen considerations...  

What do I look for in a sunscreen?

. I want something that offers good protection from both UVA and UVB damage (obviously). 

. My main issue with so many sunscreens is that they simply do not feel nice -they feel thick and heavy or they make me itchy - so they need to be lightweight and comfortable.

. My combination skin tends towards oiliness so I want something that feels moisturising but I don't want anything that feels greasy in any way at all, or causes my skin to look shiny. 

. I don't want anything that clogs my skin and makes it feel congested or cause it to break out.

. I'm pale and although I don't want to tan I want to avoid using anything that leaves an unhealthy looking white or greying cast on my face.

. Finally as I'm not going to be lounging by a pool but rather going about my everyday business, I will be wearing make up on top of my sunscreen so I need something that layers well with other products.
. Bonus points given if it also provides a good base for make up!

Not much to ask right?