Corralejo Uncovered Budget Sunscreen vs Expensive

shop - can a £6.50 SPF 50 offer the same protection as a one costing £158?

With an endless array of sun creams on the shelves, ranging from bargain-basement options to the ridiculously expensive, FEMAIL puts six differently priced products to the test to evaluate their wear ability, while dermatologist Dr Nick Lowe gives his expert verdict on the effectiveness of the ingredients. . .

1. A VERY PRICEY ONE

Sisley’s Sunleya Sunscreen Cream Broad Spectrum, SPF 50+, 50ml, fr £158

THE CLAIM: Combines cutting-edge solar filters for optimised protection. Prevents wrinkles, brown spots and dehydration. Leaves skin with a long-lasting tan.

EXPERT VERDICT: The moisturising ingredients — shea butter and glycerine — are very good, but a lot of the ingredients listed are very similar to those found in inexpensive sunscreens. It also uses oxybenzone, an ingredient which appears less and less in European products after concerns were raised about allergies and also the possibility that it may disrupt hormone levels when absorbed into the body. However, it remains an approved ingredient in the U.S.

MY VERDICT: There’s no denying this feels like a luxurious cream to put on. It smells citrusy and feels rich yet doesn’t clog the skin. But I could not, in a million years, justify spending this much on sunscreen.

Review: 2 out of 5 stars

2. FEELING STUNG

Shu Uemura UV Underbase Mousse, SPF 30, 64ml, fr £29

THE CLAIM: Offers sheer coverage for an even skin tone. Brightens skin using light-reflective particles. Reduces redness and treats enlarged pores.

EXPERT VERDICT: Contains organic ingredient titanium dioxide, which is oil-absorbing, so it feels nice and powdery on the skin.
And witch hazel is known to have a soothing effect.

MY VERDICT: This had a near-miraculous effect on my skin. It evened out my skin tone and left my face looking bright and healthy. By the end of the day, however, my eyes did start to sting.

Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars

3. RED ALERT

Eve Lom Daily Protection+, SPF 50, 50ml, fr £90

THE CLAIM: Boosts collagen production and moisturises. Contains exfoliating lactic acid.

EXPERT VERDICT: I have two concerns about this one. It contains lactic acid, which can gently lift dead skin cells but can also cause problems for sensitive skin. Like Sisley’s cream, it also contains oxybenzone, which has been linked to skin sensitivity.

MY VERDICT: The light cream soaked right into my skin and didn’t clog or leave it feeling greasy, but at £90 I would be too scared to use enough of it to protect my skin and would worry I’d burn.

Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars

4. SHINE-FREE

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 30 SPF Anti-shine, 50ml, fr £16

THE CLAIM: Provides protection against UVA and UVB rays. Contains spring water. For sensitive and sun-intolerant skin.

EXPERT VERDICT: La Roche-Posay is non-comedogenic so it won’t block pores, and it’s regarded as one of the best sunscreen brands on the market. It offers very high protection against UVA rays —which are responsible for dark spots and ageing.

MY VERDICT: A thin, lightweight liquid that soaked into the skin straight away. It left a slight white tinge which I could hide easily with make-up and I loved how matte it made my usually shiny skin.

Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars

5. TANGO TAN

Natura Bisse Diamond White, Oil-free Brilliant Sun Protection SPF 50, 30ml, fr £75

THE CLAIM: Fights the signs of premature ageing by preventing appearance of dark spots with the addition of de-pigmenting agent ellagic acid.

EXPERT VERDICT: Ellagic acid is a good antioxidant that can protect against ageing. But this does not adhere to the European star rating (see box on the right) for UVA protection, so may not be as all-round robust as others products.

MY VERDICT: This has a slight tint to it and can be worn instead of foundation. But the coverage is very heavy and, on my pale skin, I looked just like I had been Tangoed. I definitely would not wear it.

Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars

6. SAFE... AND CHEAP

Nivea Sun SPF 50, 200ml, fr £6.50

THE CLAIM: Immediate UVA-UVB protection. Water resistant.

EXPERT VERDICT: Comfortable to wear and a good formulation of ingredients including triazine, a chemical sunscreen which is very safe. A great all-rounder.

MY VERDICT: Light, non-greasy and was absorbed right into my skin without any white hue. Cannot fault it. Best of all, this is a brilliant bargain leaving me free to keep slathering it on with abandon.

Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars