For my last holiday, I packed Sun Bum Original SPF50 Sunscreen Lotion, largely because I wanted something that combined decent protection with the kind of texture that doesn’t make you feel like you’ve been basted in chip fat. It mostly delivered with it’s broad spectrum coverage, a nice feeling on the skin, no white cast and no sticky residue but sadly, it also committed one cardinal sin, which rendered it more annoying than useful by day two.
What is it?
A body sunscreen for protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
What Do I Think?
Let’s start with the good, because there’s plenty of it. This formula is enriched with vitamin E, a reliable antioxidant that helps fight free radicals and keeps skin from drying out. It’s also water-resistant for 80 minutes, which means you can swim, sweat or wonder around without having to reapply immediately. The scent is unmistakably “holiday vibes”. It’s got that that heady mix of banana, coconut, and SPF that evokes summers, warm weather and airport duty-free. I personally love it. If you’re sensitive to fragrance, though, it might feel a bit like being followed around by a piña colada.
On first application, it’s genuinely lovely. It sinks in easily, leaves the skin feeling hydrated but not greasy, and gives a subtle sheen that makes limbs look beach-ready. But reapplication, is where things fall apart. Literally. Upon reapplication, it began to pill quite noticeably. For those unfamiliarly with pilling it’s when you get those tiny rubbery bits of product residue that roll off the skin like rubber shavings. It’s infuriating at the best of times, but especially so when it’s your sunscreen. Sunscreen should sit tight and behave, not ball up and flake off halfway through the day.
Another minor gripe… it can stain white clothing, though frankly, most sunscreens do. It’s not the end of the world, but don’t slather it on before pulling on your favourite linen shirt unless you enjoy yellow cuffs.
Would I recommend?
In short I wanted to love this but the pilling issue means it’s not one I’d rely on. Brilliant for the first application, not so much for anything after.
Brands Product Description
This is the stuff we use every day. The moisturizing sunscreen formula that started it all. This moisturizing sunscreen formula will protect your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays while enriching your skin with Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals, which are the main cause of premature skin aging.
How I Use It
I apply to clean dry skin just before sun exposure and re-apply frequently throughout the day if out in the sun.
Would I Repurchase/Buy?
No. The pilling has put me off.
How Much?
£22.00 for 237ml
