Why using an SPF in Singapore is essential

Updated -- 05 March 2012

Living in a tropical climate takes its toll on our skin. The number one key to anti-ageing is protecting the skin from the elements. Sunscreen is found in many products, from basic oil-free sunscreen to makeup with added UV protection. If you are fair-skinned, definitely wear a separate SPF; don’t rely on your make up to give you adequate UV protection.

A BB (blemish balm) cream with SPF is considered more of a treatment than a makeup as it is a multipurpose product with sheer colour, some treatment benefits and sunscreen, but it should not be your do-all.

When should you apply your sunscreen? As your last step over serums, eye products and moisturiser. But if you are wearing makeup it should be the step before applying your makeup.

Singapore-based Canadian hair and makeup artist, Andrea Claire recommends always using a sunscreen as your base, before applying makeup. “Don’t depend on makeup with added SPF, as the strength gets diluted.”

Andrea’s favourites:

•	Dermalogica Oil-Free Matte Sunblock, SPF 20 Why I like it: A great sunscreen under makeup that helps to keep oily skin at bay. It reduces makeup oxidation in the sun too. dermalogica.com
•	Bobbi Brown BB Cream, SPF 35 Why I like it: Unlike some BB creams that go chalky or pink, this formulation has a sheer tint that evens out skin tone with minimal coverage, a great SPF and your skin looks fresh and glowing. bobbibrown.com
•	Becca Luminous Skin Colour Foundation, 25 SPF Why I like it: It’s a foundation that glides on with a little more coverage than a tinted moisturiser and lasts in this climate.luxola.com
•	iS Clinical Powder Sunscreen, SPF 20 Why I like it: There is a translucent shade so you can reapply it on top of makeup! Finally someone has thought of this and iS Clinical is a cosmeceutical which means that the ingredients are a purer pharmacy grade. Hint: Blot first with Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets prior to powder application. isclinical.com/sunscreen_powder

Canadian celebrity hair and makeup artist, Andrea Claire has 20 plus years under her beauty belt. Many celebs have graced Andrea’s hot seat including MTV Asia’s VJ Holly, Lady Antebellum, Alanis Morissette, The Veronicas, Sarah Slean, Miranda Richardson, Anita Kapoor, Linda Black and more. Andrea has led hair teams for Canada’s Fashion Week, Canadian Idol, makeup teams for New York’s Style Lounge and MAC Fashion Cares, and has starred on two makeover shows. Calling Singapore home now, Andrea has had her work featured in ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Simply Her, Seventeen, Solitaire and other publications.