4 on test: Long Lasting Sun Cream Review

Sun cream is the bane of my life. It gives me spots, stains my clothes and makes my flip flops slippery. In my quest to find the perfect sun cream I have put to the test some bespoke sun creams to see how they fair on my problematic skin and my kid's super fair skin. So here's the latest four on trial: Ultrasun, Calypso, Eriis and Brush on Block.

Ultrasun Once a Day

I have heard Ultrasun being muttered under the breath of many Mums in the park but at a hefty RRP of £25 for 150ml it seemed too high a price to pay for a suncream. Boy was I wrong.

This clear spray formula is simply amazing. Not only does it spray on clear, it doesn't stain your clothes at all (unlike it's rival P20 which turns clothes, bedding, and anything it touches, a horrid yellow colour). It is the only suncream Little E will allow me to apply without a fight. It is water proof so there is no need to reapply after swimming (Start bowing down now to the god of sun creams) The high factor 30 with UVA and UVB protection is considered a family and sports factor and it protected us all very well this summer at home in the garden and on holiday in Northern France but they do make an extra strong factor 50 which I would probably buy if we were going somewhere super hot like Southern Spain or the Tropics.

I'm seriously considering never buying anything else. It is that good.

Brush on Block

This sun block was supposed to be strictly for me. Look at it. Isn't it gorgeous. Brush on Block is a mineral powder sun block with comes in a self dispensing brush applicator. It looks like it should live in your make up bag rather than your bathroom cabinet and that is because it is designed for your face and scalp area.

You can wear the powder underneath or on top of your makeup and being oil free it is non-greasy (perfect for my spot prone skin). It is sweat and water resistant so great for on the beach or on active holidays. It is also a great product for your hairline as it protects your scalp without making your hair greasy. At £22.46 it isn't cheap but you can buy refills for £10.99 each so once you have made the initial investment it gets cheaper. I have been wearing this everyday for a week and not burnt once. There still seems to be lots of powder in the brush,

Calypso Once a Day

I hadn't heard of Calypso before and the high factor, once a day formula was appealing. As soon as I opened the tube I knew it was not for me. The formula is really thick and very white, very much like a traditional sun cream, and it is very hard to control the amount dispensed from the squeezy tube bottle. You either get none or half the bottle. Little E hated it how sticky her skin felt after application. Plus you can really smell it on their skin, even Little I's nursery staff commented that they know when she has got it on!

However, the long lasting formula factor worked well protecting the girls skin and lasted the whole day at school for Little E which is a plus as the school will not reapply sun cream throughout the day. Despite the traditional, thick formula it has not stained the kids clothes at all. With an RRP of £8.99 for 100ml it is good value for all day protection.

Eriis Sun Protection Milk

This Eriis sun milk interested me as it also block Infrared A rays which are invisibly harmful to our skin. It also claims to be anti aging with carrot root and a host of vitamins giving anti-oxidant effects. As I inch slowly closer to 40 I need all the help I can get. So this is kinda a cross between a moisturiser and a sun cream. It's a win, win situation.
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​The lotion is thinner than your traditional sunscreen hence why it is classed as a milk. It has a distinct smell but not unpleasant. The very high 50+ factor was perfect for the kids and none of us burnt when wearing it. It is hard to tell if it worked better than the others as the Infrared-A damage is invisible but a little extra protection can't hurt. Did I put it on my face? No. I was not brave enough. At around £14.00 it is expensive but not too bad.

Linking up to #triedtested and #twinkytuesday
​Some of the products featured above were sent for review purposes but all opinions are my own
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