Review | Garnier Ombrelle SPF 60

To me, summer always reminds me of coconuts. That's what sunscreen always used to smell like.

Now, I favour sunscreen that provides me ample sun protection.

Ombrelle is one of my new favourite sunscreens. It would be nice if it could smell like coconuts, though.

Summer spotlight | SPF

Sunscreen. It's a topic I can't really get enough of, especially now that the weather is getting so good.

How should it be used

Sunscreen should be used daily. Slathering it on during the summer or just when you're about to leave the house should not be the only times you use it. Winter calls for sunscreen, especially if you're heading out to the slopes. Higher altitude increases UV exposure and snow reflects the sun's rays.

Stay vigilant about sun protection in all seasons to stave off wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and other nasty stuff! Sunscreen might need some time to kick in and protect you from the sun's rays.

If it's a chemical sunscreen, aim to apply it a half hour before heading outside. If it's a mineral (physical) sunblock, you are protected as soon as you slather it on. Mineral sunscreen is made up of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Each type of sun protection has its advantages and disadvantages. Some mineral sunblocks can break out skin and leave a whitish cast on skin. Chemical sunscreens can irritate skin. Experiment with both and see which one your skin prefers.

How much should you use

Apply about a shot's worth of sunscreen. That should cover an average adult body. Apply everywhere, even where skin is covered and often. Two hours at a time and more often if you're sweating or swimming. If your skin feels red or itchy, seek shade and reapply more often.

Kick it to the curb

Open bottles really should be tossed within a year. Don't keep used bottles for next summer, as tempting as that is. Chances are the filters will deteriorate and your sunscreen won't be as effective.

Keep it cool

Like time, high heat is sunscreen's mortal enemy. Too hot temperatures can degrade a sunscreen's efficacy.

Pro tip: Hide your sunscreen at the beach by burying it under the sand and covering it with your towel or beach read.

SPF is not enough!

Practice safe sun. Carry a parasol or seek shade under a tree, beach umbrella or a canopy/tent if you want to be really fancy about it. If you do overdo it, aloe is your best friend!

A newbie's guide to…chemical vs. mineral sunscreens

I take sun protection very seriously. Every day, without fail, I put sunscreen on my face, neck and chest. I amp up my sunscreen application during the spring, summer and whenever I'm out in the snow.

I'd like to say it's because I'm health conscious, but it's mostly because I want to stave off wrinkles and age spots.

In my quest to find my perfect sunscreen, I've done some research on different types and want to share that knowledge.

Before heading straight to my sunscreen reviews, here is a quick primer on the topic.

What's the difference?

Putting it really simply: chemical sunscreens absorb ultraviolet (UV) rays; mineral sunscreens protect the skin by sitting atop and bouncing UV rays away from the skin.

Chemical sunscreen: at a glance

There are lots of chemicals that can go into chemical sunscreen. Some of which are Octisalate, Mexoryl XL, Mexoryl SX, Octocrylene and Avobenzone.

Chemical sunscreens tend to be a bit runny. And they definitely sting when they get into your eyes. From personal experience, save for one bad batch of sunscreen, chemical sunscreens have never left my skin looking all white and ghostly.

Mineral sunscreen: at a glance

There are two minerals that make up mineral sunscreen: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. An important advantage mineral sunscreen has over chemical sunscreen is immediate efficacy. Once you put it on, you're protected. No more waiting half an hour before venturing out!

On the other hand, for anyone with darker skin or a tan, watch out! Mineral sunscreens can leave your skin with a ghostly pallor. Make sure to rub it in real nice, if you don't want to look like a ghost.

Again, drawing from personal experience, I can say walking around like Casper is not my idea of a fun time.

Bottom line

Whichever type of sunscreen you do use, it'll be 100 per cent better than going without sunscreen. Application is important; apply every couple of hours and whenever your skin turns red or feels itchy. Extremities need love, too – don't forget the backs of hands, tops of feet, ears, the back of your neck and your nose.