When beauty journalist Charlotte Bitmead isn’t writing for the likes of Cosmopolitan, Elle and The Sunday Times Style she’s serving up Vi’s go-to nail inspo.
We know by now that nothing future-proofs your skin quite like religiously applying SPF. Without it, your skin is susceptible to everything from inflammation and burning to pigmentation.
If (like me), you’re on the ball with liberally applying sunscreen to your limbs when sunning it up on holiday but struggling when it comes to day-to-day reapplication to your face, fear not, I have found a handy solution: an SPF setting spray! Ultra Violette has come to the rescue with their Preen Screen™ SPF 50 Reapplication Mist, meaning you no longer need to compromise between vital SPF protection and ruining your makeup look.
Not only does this lightweight mist include some top-notch SPF 50 protection, but the formula is also jam-packed with vitamins C and E, to help protect against free radical damage and refresh your makeup at the same time – talk about a two in one! Sun protection without disturbing your winged liner - what more could you want?
We’re advised to reapply sunscreen every two hours, which is no easy feat if you’ve spent time perfecting your makeup and need it to last all day too. With Preen Screen™ SPF 50, I find that I can spritz away as often as needed and trust that my base will stay looking flawless - no separation or caking to see here! It’s ideal for those areas where your face seems to eat makeup and your morning dose of SPF (I'm looking at you, bridge of the nose and greasy T-zone), and great for the little nooks we often miss, like the ears. Preen Screen™ is so easy to use, that there’s really no excuse not to be accurate with your SPF application.
I use a lot of cream-based formulas in my makeup routine to reach peak dewiness, so keeping those locked in is a top priority. Not only does Preen Screen™ improve the staying power of my makeup, but the SPF 50 broad spectrum protection is my beauty equivalent of a security blanket. Plus, the dinky 30mL travel size fits perfectly in my handbag for on-the-go top-ups; not to mention the glow it adds to my skin.
One area I’m guilty of skipping when it comes to SPF application is the lips. Sunscreen may do a lot of things, but tasting good is not one of them. Another savvy-SPF-solution from Ultra Violette is their Sheen Screen™ SPF 50 Hydrating Lip Balm – a juicy gloss that makes you want to top up your sunscreen throughout the day.
Sheen Screen™ delivers SPF 50 sun protection and a stunning wash of colour in a single squeeze, all while tasting like peppermint. I have chronically dry lips and find the cacao seed butter formula works wonders to keep my lips feeling plush, soft, and free of any flakiness or dryness. Even better? Sheen seamlessly applies over any lip product or can be worn on its own for a low-maintenance look.
Ultra Violette’s trusty reapplication products are absolute handbag (and car, and desk) essentials, if you’re asking me.
Charlotte Bitmead xx
@cembitmead
