2026 Update: In the efforts of being transparent, I thought it was only fair that I share how I still get on with this sun lotion. I genuinely still reach for this sun lotion throughout the year and am on my third bottle. It is great stuff, so easy to use, not heavy or sticky- just like an added moisturiser to my existing routine. I like that I can wear it under makeup and find it gives genuine protection.
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We all know we’re supposed to wear sun lotion, especially on our face, daily. However, I don’t know about you but I have always found this a huge effort, I can do it on holiday but I found facial sun lotion too heavy for day to day use in the UK alongside makeup. So after reading Caroline Hirons’ books and her skincare freaks Facebook group, I realised sun lotion has more benefits to the skin besides sun protection. I had seen lots of people mention Garnier Ambre Soliare facial lotions so I picked this one up on offer and haven’t looked back!
If like me, you’ve put it off each day but know it’s important to wear SPF, then buy this. Do it. Having SPF built into makeup isn’t enough, you need proper protection for it to really benefit your skin. I think so many people believe SPF will make you pale, it will mean you can’t catch a tan when the sun does shine and also is just heavy for the skin. But I’ve found this Garnier Ambre Solaire Anti Dryness cream is perfect for taking those issues away. I personally believe you don’t want your face to get too tanned anyway as it will provide sun damage and ageing signs quicker than the rest of your body, so let’s keep it as young looking as best we can right?
I’ve found over the last couple of years (hint: having a child) has aged me a lot! I’ve noticed those fine lines appear a lot sooner than I expected but I am closer to 30 than 20 now so it had to happen eventually. SPF is a great way to help combat the signs getting worse and maintain a good level of protection.
The best way for me to explain how sun lotion can protect your skin from pollutants too is actually taken from the Garnier website because they explain it the best! This information was what convinced me to invest in SPF protection daily properly!
“Airborne toxins can easily cause skin damage, especially those parts that are most often exposed – face, neck and hands. Dust and smog come into contact with the sun’s ultraviolet rays and create free radicals that damage the production of collagen and deplete the amount of oxygen getting to your skin. In the end this will lead to wrinkles, dry patches and an overall grey unhealthy look. These pollutants can be in the air whatever the weather, but when the sun comes out, you’ve got another battle on your hands! The ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause wrinkles or, in the case of over-exposure, skin cancer.
We all want to enjoy the sun, so there’s no need for extreme measures like staying indoors or covering yourself with long loose clothing every day, but a few sensible measures for sun protection and protection from air pollution will pay important dividends. The UV concentration of sunlight varies according to where you are in the world, but everywhere there is a significant amount. The right UV protection is a must, wherever you live. In a cool climate like the UK, for most of the year a moisturiser with a level of UV protection, will help, but sun cream is better. On holiday, or in the summer, you should up the level and use a higher level of sun cream or sun lotion every day.” Credit: Garnier website.
So that sold it for me. Not only is it helping to combat sun damage and the UV rays but it’s also a great way to combat the free radicals caused by pollution – so perfect for you to be using where pollution is high or you’re in a city! Here’s me wishing I wore it more when lived in London!
It’s never too late to start using SPF daily and I’m always wary about things like cancer so if we can combat the chance, we should! This is a great sun lotion to wear under makeup as the name suggests, it’s anti-dryness so it’s super hydrating too so never feels like it’s a mask or heavy.
If you fancy giving this a go and starting your anti-aging journey, pick up a bottle on Amazon for £10.