Paula’s Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturizer SPF50 Review

hihi everyone, I hope all is well. Today I have another sunscreen review and try on for dark skin tones. I’m very passionate about encouraging black people to wear sunscreen more so I have to make sure to find suitable options for us. Please check out my Dark skin sunscreen menu for lots more options. I have videos on my insta too

I love Paula’s Choice as a brand and I have tried a few of their sunscreens too. This one is a new sunscreen that came out last year (I think). I got the travel size as a gift with purchase and Ive been using it for a while now.

This is SPF moisturiser which makes it very convenient as you don’t have to layer over a morning moisturiser. It promises high factor broad spectrum protection for normal & dry skins with a ultra sheer finish. This one has a high PA rating and added antioxidants

Experience

It’s a very lightweight lotion texture, that feels light and silky on the skin with no oily/greasy feel. I did not experience any irritation with the SPF and it did not sting my eyes. It leaves a dewy finish but nothing that is too shiny. I use the standard 2 fingers full to get the correct amount for my face and neck

Is it 100% invisible on dark skin– NO! Although it promises an ultra sheer finish, it does leave a slight white cast on my skin. Its not the worst cast I have experienced, but its still there and I wont be able to leave the house with this only without a bit of powder. Its pretty difficult to see in my pictures below but if you look on my neck, you can see piling and a cast on my skin.

So the other issue I have with this SPF is pilling. As you can see it piles and settles in the lines on my neck. It also sticks to the hairline.

Verdict

This is a no from me and I’m disappointed as PC is one of my fav brands. infact one of my fav ever sunscreens is from them! This one leaves a cast AND it piles! I can easily cover a white cast with makeup but the piling? makes applying makeup difficult! sigh. I do not like the sunscreen at all and if you can believe it, I still haven’t finished that 15ml travel size! I’ve switched to something else.

This is available on Amazon for £39

No7 Future Renew SPF50 Review

hello hello, I hope you are doing good! We have another SPF review today and its my latest favorite, the No7 Future Renew SPF50

This is described as

No7 Future Renew™ Defence Shield UV SPF 50 is expertly developed to help protect against visible signs of sun damage. DAMAGE PROTECTION: Formulated with SPF 50 to help protect skin from visible damage caused by UV: uneven skin tone, fine lines & wrinkles, and dryness LIGHTWEIGHT MOISTURISATION: This lightweight No7 day cream leaves skin looking and feeling hydrated. NO WHITE CAST: The invisible, fast-absorbing texture is suitable for all skin tones and creates the perfect base for makeup

UV sunlight is the No1 cause of visible skin damage. A lack of sun protection can lead to visible signs of skin damage. With 80% of premature skin ageing caused by the sun, don’t let the clouds fool you, daily incidental sun damage can accumulate over time, causing the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone and dryness. This lightweight, invisible No7 finish formula leaves skin looking and feeling hydrated, while helping to provide a defence shield against UV in sunlight. Formulated with our highest & and lightest SPF 50 sun protection, age-defying peptide technology, and hydrating Sodium Hyaluronate.

Experience

I have experienced no irritation and it did not sting my eyes. The scent isn’t a strong SPF scent, its very mild

I bought this after speaking with the sales advisor and testing a bit of it on my hands. I had actually picked up a different SPF however she mentioned that the No7 one was better so of course I asked her if it left a white cast on dark skin. She said no and pointed that she actually had it on( under her makeup) she was a black woman so if she said it was invisible I was intrigued and the deal at the time also sealed it for came up to £14 lol

This SPF is super watery and lightweight and it sinks very nicely into the skin. It feels like I have nothing on and it works really well under makeup too. It leaves a glowing hydrated finish but its not greasy or look oily. I really really like this SPF! My friend with oily skin really loves this too. I have normal to combo skin and it works so well for it.

I LOVE this SPF. It layers so well on top of each other like there is 0 pilling! I tested this to the max whilst I was on holiday. I must have layered it at least 4 times and had 0 pill and 0 white cast. Of course after that many layers it starts to feel slightly heavy but I find this with all SPFs. Its very hydrating too . Is it invisible on dark skin?: judge for yourselves below

Verdict

In addition to high protection broad-spectrum protection, this SPF also has peptides and sodium hyaluronate for extra benefits. I have to admit this SPF pleasantly surprised me. I have a love hate relationship with No7 skincare so in all honestly I don’t even know why I agreed to get this lool but I’m so glad I did because it worked so well when I took it on holiday. I even used it on my body and it worked really well.

100% recommend this sunscreen

This is £24.95 in Boots

10 Of The Best Things I’ve Tried From Beauty Pie So Far

It’s been almost a year since I took the plunge and signed up to be a fully fledged Beauty Pie member. Initially it was more of an experiment than anything else, driven by the frequent questions and requests from my community as to my thoughts on the platform and the products it offered, but soon became something I genuinely enjoyed exploring. What’s unique about Beauty Pie is that there’s a real anticipation that accompanies that pink box delivery every month, a real moment of joy in the discovery of something new – even if it falls short of your expectations. Few other brands have managed to capture the emotional connection a community of women has to beauty in the same way, which is why it’s become so hugely popular amongst those that have fully committed to an ongoing membership.

With the sheer volume of products and constant new launches, it can be tricky to navigate and know where to start if you’re new to Beauty Pie. Which are the products really worth trying, and which are the ones you can leave lingering on the virtual shelf for another day? Where should you splurge on really great routine additions, and which affordable gems are really far superior to their price point? Over the last twelve months I’ve tried a plethora of different products from the skincare, makeup, body, hair and wellbeing categories; although I know I’ve yet to only scratch the surface of what’s available and have many more gems to discover, so far these are ten of the best Beauty Pie products I’ve tried…

How Beauty Pie Works, My Top Product Tips & If It's Worth Becoming A Member

SKINCARE

FeatherLight UVA/UVB SPF 50 Sunscreen Primer (£10.10)


SPF has long been part of my daily regime, no compromises, so I’m always on the hunt for new lightweight textures that are easy to layer over skincare and under makeup. This is a pretty good option, especially for the price point. Containing a ‘light-absorbing DNA shield’, Chromophores to help fight inflammation, Vitis Vita Grape Extract for skin detoxification and rehydration, plus Tomato Stem Cell Extract and Peptides to reduce ‘skin stress’ this is jam packed with goodness. It’s very lightweight, doesn’t have any white telltale residue when applied, isn’t sticky or gloopy and works well in my routine; it actually reminds me of a Murad one I’ve been using for years, but at a fraction of the price this is definitely a great every day option.

Pure Ceramides Elastic Boost Eye Moisture Serum (£7.04)


I can take or leave a lot of eye creams, but under the recommendation of Sascha from Beauty Geek I popped this in my basked and hoped for the best. From the first use I knew I was onto something good, thanks to the cooling metal rollerballs that help massage and cool puffy undereyes and the refreshing gel texture. It features 10% pure encapsulated Ceramides (found naturally in skin and essential for plumpness,) Phytosqualane from Olive Oil, NMF-boosting Biomimetic Moisturizing Molecules and Deep Water Brown Algae to ensure even skin tone and radiance.

Über Youth Super Elixir Microbiome Mist-on Serum (£17.43)


Mists always seemed like a bit of an unecessary add-on to my already expansive routine, but during lockdown I’ve had both the time and inclination to finish my daily skincare with a spritz. Although this is expensive in comparison to a lot of other Beauty Pie pieces, it contains a powerhouse of ingredients that’s akin to a serum-in-spray format: anti-wrinkle, anti-oxidant, anti-hyperpigmentation and anti-glycation collagen boosters, plus skin-barrier-supporting Defensil and dynamic probiotic Revivyl to help balance the microbiome to reduce inflammation.When used as a last step in my skincare regime, or added over makeup as a quick refresh, it helps to boost my skin in a multitude of ways. The only thing I don’t like is the spray nozzle, which leaves a slightly wet result rather than a delicate mist, but it’s something I can live with.

Fruitizyme Five Minute Facial (£10.12)


An absolute hero of the skincare range, this contains a potent mix of Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Pomegranate Enzymes alongside gentle Quartz and Bamboo scrub grains to slough away dead and dull skin cells from the surface in only a few minutes; it also includes anti-free-radical stem cells from Raspberries, helping to keep the skin protected and healthy looking. It’s the perfect combination of liquid and manual exfoliation, leaving my skin feeling much smoother, softer and clearer after every use. I’ve tried quite a few similar products over the years and this is really comparable to face masks three times it’s price, so it’s definitely a great investment.

HAIR & BODY

Super Healthy Hair Coconut Water Heat Shield Styler (£7.84)


Coconut has to be one of my favourite ever scents, so anything with a sprinkling of the tropical stuff is something I’m willing to try. This hair-strengthening protein spray helps protect fine, weak or damaged hair from heat using ‘elasticity Peptides’, while coconut water helps to offer a hit of hydration. The spray is a very fine and manageable mist with just a hint of coconut fragrance, leaving my hair feeling less parched after use; it’s always hard to know if heat shield sprays are really doing anything, but I’m already onto my second bottle and I definitely feel like my hair is less damaged than it was a year ago.

Super Healthy Hair Shampoo & Conditioner (£6.04 & £5.80)


My hair is so easily affected when it comes to what shampoo and conditioner I use, so on the whole I stay clear of anything I think may overload it or dry it out. Chloe from Lady Writes recommended this as one of her current favourite combos, and I trust her opinion wholeheartedly, so I thought I’d take the plunge and try it for myself – and I’m so pleased that I did. The shampoo provides a gentle lather to thoroughly cleanse without stripping, while the conditioner adds much needed moisturising, colour protect and shine enhancing ingredients; it’s a great all-rounder, especially if your hair is fine like mine and prone to being overloaded with ingredients. It’s a fab daily duo that leaves my ‘do feeling great and easy to style, which is all you can really ask!

Soul Providers Dry Oil Scrub (£10.87)


First things first, this smells INCREDIBLE; a combination of Lemongrass, Black Pepper, Apricot and Evening Primrose Oil provides a refreshing but uplifting experience that I just adore. You do need to mix up the scrub before scooping up a handful and buffing it across your limbs, but the process is both enjoyable and effective – my skin is left feeling super smooth, softly hydrated and ready for either body lotion or a bit of tan. It also contains antioxidant Indian Gooseberry and detoxing Holy Basil Extracts, making this an absolute treat for your body. One of my all time favourite Beauty Pie discoveries.

MAKEUP

Superbrow Colour Pomade (£4.79)


The Anastasia Beverly Hills brow pomade is one of my all time heroes, and this is a great affordable alternative. Creamier and slightly lighter in texture, this delivers a decent amount of pigment and allows me the precision to create a statement brow; the more I use it the more I fall in love with it, to the point where over the last six months I’ve ditched my Anastasia altogether. The brow products are a real hero of Beauty Pie, and a great place to start if you’re dipping your foot into the pink waters; this is one of my top three finds to date.

Shine Up Lip Colour Balm Stick (£4.00)


Another gem of a find, this is pretty creamy and deposits a lovely slick of comfortable colour on the lips that’s easy to top-up on the go. Although I’d like it to be creamier and offer more of a moisturising balm-like texture, it’s a great alternative to some of the premium brand sticks that charge four times the price. For the price, you really can’t do better!

Shimmerbar (£8.75)


A blatant copy of the best selling Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick, this highlighter is pigmented and reflective without being super sparkly or shiny. Great for a quick flush of radiance, especially thanks to the complementary colours and finely milled powder formula, this layers beautifully over makeup and provides the perfect finishing touch to my look. There are many highlighters within the Beauty Pie collection and all have rave reviews, so if you don’t fancy this there’s a liquid version that may just tickle your fancy instead.


How Beauty Pie Works, My Top Product Tips & If It's Worth Becoming A Member

What are your favourite Beauty Pie finds if you’ve already signed up to be a member?

If you want to try out Beauty Pie for yourself, get your for your first month FREE by CLICKING HERE (and I get a little spending limit bonus.)

Want to understand more about how Beauty Pie works and what subscription level of Beauty Pie to opt for, read my comprehensive post HERE.

10 Of The Best Things I’ve Tried From Beauty Pie So Far

It’s been almost a year since I took the plunge and signed up to be a fully fledged Beauty Pie member. Initially it was more of an experiment than anything else, driven by the frequent questions and requests from my community as to my thoughts on the platform and the products it offered, but soon became something I genuinely enjoyed exploring. What’s unique about Beauty Pie is that there’s a real anticipation that accompanies that pink box delivery every month, a real moment of joy in the discovery of something new – even if it falls short of your expectations. Few other brands have managed to capture the emotional connection a community of women has to beauty in the same way, which is why it’s become so hugely popular amongst those that have fully committed to an ongoing membership.

With the sheer volume of products and constant new launches, it can be tricky to navigate and know where to start if you’re new to Beauty Pie. Which are the products really worth trying, and which are the ones you can leave lingering on the virtual shelf for another day? Where should you splurge on really great routine additions, and which affordable gems are really far superior to their price point? Over the last twelve months I’ve tried a plethora of different products from the skincare, makeup, body, hair and wellbeing categories; although I know I’ve yet to only scratch the surface of what’s available and have many more gems to discover, so far these are ten of the best Beauty Pie products I’ve tried…

How Beauty Pie Works, My Top Product Tips & If It's Worth Becoming A Member

SKINCARE

FeatherLight UVA/UVB SPF 50 Sunscreen Primer (£10.10)


SPF has long been part of my daily regime, no compromises, so I’m always on the hunt for new lightweight textures that are easy to layer over skincare and under makeup. This is a pretty good option, especially for the price point. Containing a ‘light-absorbing DNA shield’, Chromophores to help fight inflammation, Vitis Vita Grape Extract for skin detoxification and rehydration, plus Tomato Stem Cell Extract and Peptides to reduce ‘skin stress’ this is jam packed with goodness. It’s very lightweight, doesn’t have any white telltale residue when applied, isn’t sticky or gloopy and works well in my routine; it actually reminds me of a Murad one I’ve been using for years, but at a fraction of the price this is definitely a great every day option.

Pure Ceramides Elastic Boost Eye Moisture Serum (£7.04)


I can take or leave a lot of eye creams, but under the recommendation of Sascha from Beauty Geek I popped this in my basked and hoped for the best. From the first use I knew I was onto something good, thanks to the cooling metal rollerballs that help massage and cool puffy undereyes and the refreshing gel texture. It features 10% pure encapsulated Ceramides (found naturally in skin and essential for plumpness,) Phytosqualane from Olive Oil, NMF-boosting Biomimetic Moisturizing Molecules and Deep Water Brown Algae to ensure even skin tone and radiance.

Über Youth Super Elixir Microbiome Mist-on Serum (£17.43)


Mists always seemed like a bit of an unecessary add-on to my already expansive routine, but during lockdown I’ve had both the time and inclination to finish my daily skincare with a spritz. Although this is expensive in comparison to a lot of other Beauty Pie pieces, it contains a powerhouse of ingredients that’s akin to a serum-in-spray format: anti-wrinkle, anti-oxidant, anti-hyperpigmentation and anti-glycation collagen boosters, plus skin-barrier-supporting Defensil and dynamic probiotic Revivyl to help balance the microbiome to reduce inflammation.When used as a last step in my skincare regime, or added over makeup as a quick refresh, it helps to boost my skin in a multitude of ways. The only thing I don’t like is the spray nozzle, which leaves a slightly wet result rather than a delicate mist, but it’s something I can live with.

Fruitizyme Five Minute Facial (£10.12)


An absolute hero of the skincare range, this contains a potent mix of Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Pomegranate Enzymes alongside gentle Quartz and Bamboo scrub grains to slough away dead and dull skin cells from the surface in only a few minutes; it also includes anti-free-radical stem cells from Raspberries, helping to keep the skin protected and healthy looking. It’s the perfect combination of liquid and manual exfoliation, leaving my skin feeling much smoother, softer and clearer after every use. I’ve tried quite a few similar products over the years and this is really comparable to face masks three times it’s price, so it’s definitely a great investment.

HAIR & BODY

Super Healthy Hair Coconut Water Heat Shield Styler (£7.84)


Coconut has to be one of my favourite ever scents, so anything with a sprinkling of the tropical stuff is something I’m willing to try. This hair-strengthening protein spray helps protect fine, weak or damaged hair from heat using ‘elasticity Peptides’, while coconut water helps to offer a hit of hydration. The spray is a very fine and manageable mist with just a hint of coconut fragrance, leaving my hair feeling less parched after use; it’s always hard to know if heat shield sprays are really doing anything, but I’m already onto my second bottle and I definitely feel like my hair is less damaged than it was a year ago.

Super Healthy Hair Shampoo & Conditioner (£6.04 & £5.80)


My hair is so easily affected when it comes to what shampoo and conditioner I use, so on the whole I stay clear of anything I think may overload it or dry it out. Chloe from Lady Writes recommended this as one of her current favourite combos, and I trust her opinion wholeheartedly, so I thought I’d take the plunge and try it for myself – and I’m so pleased that I did. The shampoo provides a gentle lather to thoroughly cleanse without stripping, while the conditioner adds much needed moisturising, colour protect and shine enhancing ingredients; it’s a great all-rounder, especially if your hair is fine like mine and prone to being overloaded with ingredients. It’s a fab daily duo that leaves my ‘do feeling great and easy to style, which is all you can really ask!

Soul Providers Dry Oil Scrub (£10.87)


First things first, this smells INCREDIBLE; a combination of Lemongrass, Black Pepper, Apricot and Evening Primrose Oil provides a refreshing but uplifting experience that I just adore. You do need to mix up the scrub before scooping up a handful and buffing it across your limbs, but the process is both enjoyable and effective – my skin is left feeling super smooth, softly hydrated and ready for either body lotion or a bit of tan. It also contains antioxidant Indian Gooseberry and detoxing Holy Basil Extracts, making this an absolute treat for your body. One of my all time favourite Beauty Pie discoveries.

MAKEUP

Superbrow Colour Pomade (£4.79)


The Anastasia Beverly Hills brow pomade is one of my all time heroes, and this is a great affordable alternative. Creamier and slightly lighter in texture, this delivers a decent amount of pigment and allows me the precision to create a statement brow; the more I use it the more I fall in love with it, to the point where over the last six months I’ve ditched my Anastasia altogether. The brow products are a real hero of Beauty Pie, and a great place to start if you’re dipping your foot into the pink waters; this is one of my top three finds to date.

Shine Up Lip Colour Balm Stick (£4.00)


Another gem of a find, this is pretty creamy and deposits a lovely slick of comfortable colour on the lips that’s easy to top-up on the go. Although I’d like it to be creamier and offer more of a moisturising balm-like texture, it’s a great alternative to some of the premium brand sticks that charge four times the price. For the price, you really can’t do better!

Shimmerbar (£8.75)


A blatant copy of the best selling Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick, this highlighter is pigmented and reflective without being super sparkly or shiny. Great for a quick flush of radiance, especially thanks to the complementary colours and finely milled powder formula, this layers beautifully over makeup and provides the perfect finishing touch to my look. There are many highlighters within the Beauty Pie collection and all have rave reviews, so if you don’t fancy this there’s a liquid version that may just tickle your fancy instead.


How Beauty Pie Works, My Top Product Tips & If It's Worth Becoming A Member

What are your favourite Beauty Pie finds if you’ve already signed up to be a member?

If you want to try out Beauty Pie for yourself, get your for your first month FREE by CLICKING HERE (and I get a little spending limit bonus.)

Want to understand more about how Beauty Pie works and what subscription level of Beauty Pie to opt for, read my comprehensive post HERE.

The Importance Of Wearing SPF Every Day Of The Year (Plus 4 Of My Current Faves)

A decade ago wearing SPF outside of the summer holiday period would’ve been as foreign as double cleansing or the Insta-Brow; sunscreen was something saved for those few weeks a year that the UK was graced with sun (or were lucky enough to visit a beach,) when we rummaged around to find that sand-encrusted bottle that we last bought at the airport. Oh how times have changed, with many of us uncompromising when it comes to daily protection. Our understanding and attitude towards damaging rays has changed hugely in the last few years, but we’re collectively still a little bit misinformed about the negative impact the environment can have on our skin – and why we should be wearing our daily dose of sun protection.

UV rays are widely recognised as the number one cause of premature skin ageing, and they’re present every single day of the year – even if it’s grey and cloudy. Exposure to UV rays and pollution can wreak havoc on our skin, right down to its DNA; in fact it’s suggested that 80% of all signs of visible skin ageing are due to environmental aggressors, and therefore to a certain extent preventable. The rays can cause damage to our hydration levels as well as destroy collagen and elastin fibres found in the deeper layers of the skin, all of which is bad news if you want your complexion to look its best.

SPF should be a product we all use daily in order to protect against accelerated ageing and pigmentation issues, but it’s also even more vital if you’re using AHAs, Retinol or Vitamin C – all of which speed up cell turnover and thin the skin, meaning it’s easier for UV rays to penetrate the surface. It’s a part of my routine that I refuse to compromise on, adding it as the last step in my skincare even if I’m only planning to pop out to the shops, and I definitely believe it’s helped me to remain fresh faced throughout my thirties.

I have high standards when it comes to beauty, but even more so when it comes to SPF; these are the four that I currently have on rotation, but they’re also the four that I’ve used for so long that I’ve gone through multiple bottles. I’d thoroughly recommend any one of them, and know you’ll find your perfect match here to suit your needs and budget…

(£20.99)


Made in Australia, offering the highest SPF allowable, Sunsense is suitable for all skin types (including sensitive skin.) Fragrance-free, oil-free and non comedogenic (it thankfully won’t block pores), the formula is super lightweight and enriched with Vitamin E & B3 to help improve skin texture, tone, hydration and elasticity. 
Not only does it work beautifully under makeup, but thanks to a subtle tint it helps to perk up the appearance of your skin when worn alone. This is my newest discovery, but it’s been a firm favourite for months now and a great affordable buy.

ARK Skincare Skin Protector SPF30 Primer (£36.00)


Incredibly lightweight, not at all greasy and suitable for any age, this works as a lightweight moisturiser and makeup primer too. I tend to layer this either over my usual serum and moisturiser, or if I want a lighter skincare regime just pop this on alone – either way, it helps to keep my skin protected and hydrated while ensuring my makeup lasts all day long. Containing Vitamin E for antioxidant protection, Shea Butter to nourish and protect against free radicals, and vitamin-packed Sunflower, this is one that’s worthy of the hype and award wins. In my opinion it’s the ultimate lightweight SPF, which is why I’m already on my third bottle!

IMAGE Skincare PREVENTION Daily Ultimate Protection Moisturizer SPF50 (£53.00)


With a sweet lemon-sherbert-esque scent, this oil-free moisturiser glides over skin to leave a velvety smooth finish that’s touch dry in seconds. A little really goes a long way so be careful not to squeeze too much out of the bottle, but the texture is beautiful and the hydration boost it provides is amazing; it was love at first try for me, which is why I’ve been using it for about 18 months. What’s special about this is the ‘micro-sponge technology’ that absorbs surface oils and gives skin a flawless, shine-free finish, ensuring a long-lasting makeup result and complexion that glows. Although this is expensive, it’s a worthy investment – and the bottle is huge so it lasts an absolute age.

Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF50 (£60.00)


The super lightweight tinted formula is perfect for layering, offering a quick-dry finish without any unwanted greasy residue. Not only does it protect from UVA and UVB rays, but pollution and blue light too, making it great for those in-city days when you need added resilience against the elements. A little really goes a long way, offering instant colour correction with a dose of brightening Vitamin C; this is some serious skincare and a really easy to use SPF, so it’s no surprise that I’ve gone through at least two of these already.

Any one of these would be a welcome addition to your skincare regime, and any one would offer you the protection and skin result you desire.

It’s hard to choose between them… Which is why I’ve got all four on pretty much constant rotation!

Which would you choose?