Beauty magazines only make you feel ugly (Boots Soltan Tanning Cream)

Member Name: Jess-L

Product:	Boots Soltan Tanning Cream
Date:	14/07/04 (1071 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Works well, Well priced, Smells lovely

Disadvantages: None

We're in the middle of July at the moment but it might as well be February - the weather is absolutely appalling! We've had storms, torrential rain and even lightning, so there isn't really much use for suncream, but I'm off on my holidays on the 25th July and thought I would update a review on an old favourite!

My skin tans easily and rarely burns; even without sun lotion I rarely burn, but I use it anyway because I don't want to look like I'm fifty by the time I get to thirty! I am quite careful with my skin, and use a sunscreen on my face every day, as well as my body in summer. I've tried quite a few suncreams, and Boots Soltan Extra Moisturising Sun Protection Lotion in SPF15 (that's a bit of a mouthful!) is the best one I've tried so far.

It protects against both UVA and UVB rays; UVA rays cause premature ageing - they're the kind that are used on sunbeds, whereas UVB causes sunburn. It's water-resistant, but NOT waterproof, and is photostable, meaning that the effectiveness of the sun lotion does not break down as time goes by. It also has a cell protection system, which means nothing to me, but you might find it useful!

The bottle might put some people off - if you prefer to whip out an discreetly elegant bottle on the beach, then this isn't for you! It's a bright yellow bottle with a lurid orange flip-top. It does look a bit cheap, but it's quite strong and does the job; holds the sun lotion, so you can't really complain! It's available in 200ml and 400ml bottles.

It is 'easily absorbed and moisturises continously between applications'. It also contains cocoa butter and Vitamin E. It does actually leave my skin feeling lovely and soft, but 
3; never use it in place as my usual moisturiser because I have eczema. I've never had any irritation or eczema flare-ups from using this though, which is good.

I love the smell of it, because it reminds me of past holidays! It's quite sweet and clinical, and tinged with a tangerine smell. I think it's fairly inoffensive and it's not that bad that you can't bear to put any on, or anything like that!

I've read a few of the ops on this same product, and I have to disagree! Those ops are fairly old though, so maybe it has been reformulated or something. It's a thick, strong-smelling, creamy-coloured lotion that is absorbed easily and quickly and feels quite refreshing when you put any on. It did have a slight greasy afterfeel though.

When I was in Tenerife last year, I did burn very slightly on the tops of my feet where I hadn't put any suncream on (who puts suncream on their feet??), but the rest of me was fine, so I assume it did it's job and prevented me from burning, but it's difficult to assess the effectiveness of it because I very rarely burn anyway, and I tan unbelievably quickly!

I use this on any exposed parts of the body in the summer, as well as on my face every day, all year round. It does leave your skin feeling a little greasy for a few minutes afterwards, but it does settle down - you could always use a little powder to cover the greasiness, if you like.

There are loads of varieties available; coloured children's versions, sprays, etc. The lowest I have seen is SPF8 and the highest is SPF60, so there's something for everyone. Also, I have very sensitive skin, but this was fine and din't irritate my skin.

I would recommend it, because it does the job well for an own-brand, but do be aware that you won't look particularly
attractive with this slathered all over your face! Mine was on offer at £15 for a 400ml bottle and 400ml aftersun, but I don't think this offer is available anymore.


TIPS AND ADVICE ON SUNCARE

-Don't skimp on the sunscreen, because you might as well not be using any if you do! It might be slightly pricey but it's worth it if it stops premature ageing and skin cancer when you're older.

-If you insist on sunbathing between 11am-2pm, take regular breaks in the shade, drink lots of fluids (not alcohol, coffee or tea) and reapply your sunscreen regularly.

-Try not to burn! If you feel your skin is going to burn (it is going red, feels a bit sore), then forget that bronzed tan and go inside, and apply aftersun. I have read that burning increases your chances of skin cancer by 50%, so you have to be careful!

-Aftersun just soothes and cools down skin, it does not repair sunburn - some people forget that and don't mind frazzling their skin because they think aftersun will reverse the damage!

-Water-resistant is a lot different to waterproof, so remember to reapply your sunscreen after you've been in the water.

-Even if you're in England, the rays can be damaging, so at the very least, use a moisturiser with built-in SPF. The UVA rays are invisible but still damaging - that's why suncare specialists recommend using sunscreen even in winter.


By the way, the title is from Wear Sunscreen by Baz Luhrman!

Summary: