Everybody loves the sunshine. Flowers are blooming, bees are buzzing, and lambs are frolicking, and it feels so good. And as the weather begins to warm, we can enjoy that inimitable sensation of a little sun on our skin again.
But, as UV rays damage the skin year round (in fact, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays pass through the clouds), now is not the time to get complacent about sun protection. Daily sunscreen should be a habit – just like brushing your teeth.
The last thing we want is sunscreen leaving us feeling sticky, greasy, or looking like a ghost. But with our expert-approved sun care range with formulas to protect and glide on with ease, you’ll be kept sun safe from top to toe. Plus, we reveal the three-step faux glow plan to get that holiday sun kissed glow, keeping your skin nourished and protected.
Our high standards
At HealthPost, your sun safety is our priority so we only stock sunscreens that have been independently tested to confirm the SPF rating and water resistance. This isn’t a requirement under NZ law but given our high rates of melanoma and skin cancer, we don’t think that’s good enough.
We have strict rules about the ingredients we sell, not allowing products that contain reef-disrupting ingredients like Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and Octinoxate. We do sell nano-based UV filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which have been proven safe broad-spectrum sunscreens that aren’t absorbed by the skin, and we don’t sell aerosol-based products, keeping your lungs safe.
Expert approved sunscreens
Best all-rounder:
Earth's Kitchen Kawakawa & Tamanu Adult Sun Protection SPF50
Our Best of Natural Awards Winner contains skin nurturing ingredients such as vitamin rich Kawakawa (New Zealand’s native plant that is often used to soothe and nourish the skin), along with Tamanu oil and zinc oxide, for its natural UV protection and antioxidant properties. Bonus: it applies clear with no white residue.
|
Best for sensitive skin:
Little Urchin Natural Tinted Sunscreen SPF30
Rich in nourishing ingredients like organic green tea, cucumber and rosehip, hydrate and protect with a lightweight tinted sunscreen that leaves an effortless glow. Featuring non-nano zinc oxide – perfect for yours or your little ones’ sensitive skin.
|
Best for handbag:
Goodbye Ouch Sun Balm SPF 50
With high SPF50 protection and the antioxidant and nourishing benefits of a skin balm, this goodie is great for on-the-go application on the lips, face or anywhere you need it! You only need a tiny amount and the zinc mineral protection doesn’t leave a film. Plus, it’s water resistant for up to two hours. Available in a 35g tube or a handy pocket-sized 15g tin. – Or better yet, grab them together with their Sustainable Sunscreen Starter Kit.
|
Best for kids:
Solimara Truly Natural Sunscreen Face and Body SPF 50 Golden Sands
Sensitive skin approved and suitable for babies, this 2h water resistant sunscreen provides superior broad spectrum sun protection against UVA radiation for little ones and adults alike. Best of all, it’s non-greasy, non-whitening and rubs in easily.
No matter where you are this summer it’s refreshing scent will transport you to the beach, and its moisturising ingredients of Sweet Almond Oil and Jojoba make this formula a family favourite.
|
Best for lips:
Hurraw Lip Balm Sun Balm SPF15
Our customers rave about this one and it’s easy to see why. It’s thick and creamy (so it stays put on the lips) but glides on silky smooth. Just one swipe protects your lips from the sun’s rays, while moisturising Red Raspberry Seed Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil and Pomegranate Seed Oil keep your pout soft and hydrated. The juicy tangerine with Roman Chamomile scent is delicious too.
|
Best for replenishing and protecting:
Evolu Age Defence Protective Day Cream SPF30
Blending beautiful botanicals to combat signs of aging, with all-natural and tested clear Zinc, this nourishing sunscreen glides on smoothly and hydrates – leaving no sign of shine or white residue. Not only does it keep your skin well protected, its expert formula featuring plant actives work in synergy to hydrate and nourish. The perfect balance or protection and daily moisture.
|
Best for days in the sea:
Ethical Zinc SPF 50
Water babies…this one’s for you. With an outstanding 4 hours water resistant protection, Ethical Zinc is made for days at the beach or pool. It’s made with Zinc Oxide, Coconut Oil, and Vanilla – giving a lovely summer scent that feels luxurious to apply. It’s suitable for all skin types and runs clear. What makes it ethical? It’s Certified Cruelty Free by PETA, manufactured using 100% solar power – and as all our sunscreens – uses 100% natural ingredients only.
|
Best for antioxidant nourishment:
My Sunshine + Antioxidants
If you’re all about fusing suncare and skincare, you’ll love My Sunshine’s beautiful blend of broad spectrum sun protection and botanical ingredients. This mineral zinc sunscreen is enriched with Red Raspberry Seed Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil and a heap of nourishing antioxidants including Vitamin E, Green Tea, and Olive Oil to fight free radicals and repair your skin barrier. With a transparent application and two hours water resistance, we’re big fans of this NZ made broad spectrum sunscreen.
|
|
Three steps to a healthy sunless tan
If you’re diligent with your sunscreen you might miss out on sun kissed skin. We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the only safe tan is a fake one. However, with this trio you’ll be looking freshly bronzed in no time – and with no sun damage.
Step 1: Hint of a tint with Eco Tan Face Tan Water
Eco Tan Face Tan Water
Build a natural glow with this ingenious product that replaces your toner and moisturiser AND gives your complexion a hint of ‘I spent my lockdown in Fiji’ bronze after just a couple of days of use. Swipe on with a cotton pad and enjoy the anti-aging and clear skin benefits that come with this subtle sun kissed tan.
|
Step 2: Prep with Weleda Birch Body Scrub
Weleda Birch Body Scrub
Just like the judges at the Best of Natural Awards, you’ll fall in love with the fresh, citrus scent, then you’ll go gaga over the creamy texture (a little goes a long way!) and how soft-as-silk your skin feels when you step out of the shower. This Body Scrub Winner is perfect to prepare your body for a fake tan, natural beeswax pearls provide gentle exfoliation, while Birch extract helps to improve skin tone.
|
Step 3: Glow up with Three Warriors Gradual Tan
Three Warriors Gradual Tan
Forget streaky fake tanners and say hello to the moisturiser of your dreams. This certified organic Gradual Tan is formulated with skin soothing organic Manuka Honey, Olive Oil and Aloe Vera and with a lingering Lime and Vanilla scent and is the body moisturiser you’ll look forward to applying each day. Plus, with continued daily use you’ll not only be rewarded with silky skin but a gorgeously tanned skin tone. Our Best of Natural Awards judges loved the easy-to-use-in-the-morning-in-a-rush nature, fast appearance of a healthy glowing tan and the natural fragrance from a certified organic product making this one a clear winner.
|
|