Introducing Hannah English: Australia’s resident sunscreen queen!
Known on Instagram as @ms_hannah_e, she’s a scientist/skincare expert/boss woman with a passion for SPF. You may have seen her around, gently reminding you to reapply or providing a few honest reviews and tips.
Since we’re as obsessed with her as she is with future proofing her skin, we decided we had to get to know more. Read as she future proofs her day with a hefty dose of coffee (and SPF).
So, what’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
I know it’s bad but I open my instagram... I have people tagging me with their #todaysspf from all over the world, so the first order of business is to share those! The idea is, it reminds people to apply their sunscreen and it shows people what SPFs others are using and enjoying. So cute.
Daily alarm time? And are you a snoozer or straight outta bed kinda gal?
6am, usually on weekends too. I do snooze a little. I’m super lucky - my partner goes to make the coffee while I do my SPF sharing task.
What’s the best part of your morning—the thing worth waking up for?
Ryan’s coffee - he uses an Aeropress and a fresh grind. Heaven.
The first thing you read?
My DMs...
How much time do you spend on skincare and what does your AM skincare routine look like?
Not long, maybe 5 minutes? I don’t cleanse in the morning, just antioxidant mist, eye cream, calming/hydrating serum, moisturiser and SPF.
I have quite reactive, dehydrated skin so keeping it calm and hydrated is the goal.
If you’re running late what are your non-negotiables (skincare/hair and makeup)
Skincare! Especially sunscreen. I can do my makeup in the car or just not wear makeup to work, whatever, but my skincare has to happen. Future proofing.
What’s your go-to breakfast at the moment?
Breakfast? I have a smoothie with coconut milk and banana, spinach, blueberries, vanilla protein, and maca powder. I want to start taking omegas for my skin though, so I need to get more fat in there somehow.
How do you remember to reapply throughout the day?
First of all, SunSmart app - it tells you when the UV outside is bad per Cancer Council recommendations.
Then, I just reapply before lunch and before I leave the office. Weekends are trickier, actually, I mostly just carry my sunscreen with me and put it on again when I get in the car, wherever I might be.
Any great SPF hacks?
Queen Screen makes the BEST glow primer!
Also, try reapplying SPF over your makeup by pressing in with a non-absorbent Juno Sponge (or your fingers!)
Just pat, don’t rub.
Also put the excess on the backs of your hands! And don’t forget your ears and neck. Even INSIDE your ears. Bonus - it keeps them clean, I guess?
What are your earliest memories of using/not using sunscreen?
My mum used to make us wear sunscreen and a rash vest at the beach or pool and I thought they were so ugly and uncool so I was always trying to get away with not wearing it! I wanted to get a tan. I’m actually super grateful now that my skin is too fair to tan, because I was never tempted to bake, and it’s kept my skin really healthy.
How would you describe your approach to sun safety now?
Reasonable. Honestly, people lose their minds if you tell them you slept in your makeup but then don’t reapply their sunscreen. Which is worse for your skin, long-term?
It’s self-care.
What’s the biggest myth you’ve heard about sunscreen?
I think the most pervasive is just that it’s not cosmetically elegant, too thick, unwearable, breaks people out, etc.
There are great sunscreens on the market now, like yours, that feel and behave beautifully on the skin!
We’ve really turned a corner.
Have you ever been sunburned? Tell us that story.
My apologies in advance for my past heinous behaviour -
When I was in high school, it was cool to go to the solarium right? The coolest girl in school worked at the solarium. My parents would NOT let me go. Out of school, my rugby player boyfriend loved the solarium, and told me to go, so I went. I got burnt. I did not get a tan. I came out with so many new freckles on my face, too. I’m cringing as I type! That was in 2006/2007. I’m so glad they’re banned here now.
Best beauty tip you’ve ever heard—go.
Apart from sunscreen - think about giving back to your skin rather than taking from it.
How would you describe your feelings about Ultra Violette in 3 words?
Covetable, reliable, genius!
What three things were you grateful for this morning?
My supportive partner, modern medicine, and sunscreen!
You can find Hannah on Instagram here!
