After I got this cream I was unsure whether I had bought a day moisturiser with a sun protection factor (SPF), which is what I normally try to buy or else a specific facial suncream. It recommends putting on as a moisturiser under make up (if you wear any), but also suggest you should reapply throughout the day. To be honest unless I am out for the day in the summer, or actually sitting in the sun I don't usually reapply sun cream. On a normal day at work or popping to the shops I would expect the SPF in my moisturiser to suffice for the limited period I would spend outside. Plus at SPF25 this is quite a bit higher than most day creams I have used.

It has the typical Soap & Glory retro style designed packaging in bright modern colours (fuchsia pink and silver in this case). The outer box contains a lengthy ingredient list, most of which I have never heard of, but it does contain parabens and silicones, which I know some people prefer to avoid. It also contains vitamins and antioxidants and their 'exclusive Suntrigger technology' that allegedly releases these vitamins when the sun comes out. I have no idea how this actually works and remain slightly sceptical. The cream has no real discernable fragrance, other than that of a suntan cream.

My skin is normal, but can lean to the dry end of the scale during the winter months. I do look after it and don't tend to have many problems with my skin, but find I am prone to freckles in the summer and I have one or two slight brown age spots (eek!). I applied the cream in the morning to clean skin. The hole at the top of the tube was quite small, which helped avoid wastage as large amounts of excess cream didn't spurt out. It was very easy to apply; it is quite thin so seemingly easy to blend in. A couple of times I would return to the bathroom to apply my make up and find it had left a flaky residue on my skin, usually around my chin/jaw line. I can only put this down to the fact that I didn't blend it in properly. The sheerness of the product possibly misleading me into thinking it had soaked in to my skin. I apply my usual foundation and make up on top about half an hour later (as I would with my normal moisturiser), and it went on easily. Generally I found this cream comfortable to wear - it wasn't greasy, heavy or cloggy

The first day I used this was a winter's day, but one of the mild, sunny ones we had. I was queuing for the Hockney exhibition at the Royal Academy, and stood in the direct sunlight for 30-40 minutes, as well as a short lunch outside on a bench, so I was quite glad I had this on. My skin felt soft and moisturised throughout the day and I cannot complain about that. That fact has remained through out the time I have used it. If I was actually going to sit out in the sun, I would probably feel better if I wore a dedicated sun lotion as well, but that is just a personal preference.

As much as I loved the high SPF and the product generally, I would prefer a product that was more facial moisturiser than suncream. Whilst I like an SPF in my moisturiser, I would prefer a moisturiser that did moisturiser-things with the added benefit of an SPF, rather than a moisturiser which seems to be an SPF. The compact tube with a secure lid means it is good to pop in your handbag during the summer if you are out and about, and I would certainly take this on a summer break. I have never actually reapplied this over make-up but as it is quite sheer, I think as long as you are careful it shouldn't be a problem, and you can also use it on the backs of your hands.

The suncream smell I got from the cream makes me feel it a bit too chemically for me and during the winter when I barely see my own home in daylight hours, I think I would prefer to use a more intensive moisturiser with perhaps a light SPF just in case. At £12 for 50ml tube I think this does offer good value for money, as my tube has lasted me several months now.