Makeup Labs

Tag: summer beauty tips

  • The Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens for Your Next Beach Holiday

    The Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens for Your Next Beach Holiday

    You’re on the beach, you’ve done the responsible thing and slathered on SPF, and you wade into the sea feeling smug. Here’s the part nobody mentions: a slick of that sunscreen washes straight off your skin and into the water around you. Multiply that by every swimmer on every coastline, and the numbers get serious fast.

    The good news is that protecting your skin and protecting the ocean aren’t a trade-off. You just need to know what to look for on the label.

    This guide breaks down what “reef-safe” actually means, the two ingredients worth avoiding, and the sunscreens we’d reach for this summer.

     

    In This Guide:

    1. What “reef-safe” actually means

    2. The two ingredients to avoid

    3. Mineral vs chemical: which is right for you

    4. Our Sustainable Picks

    5. How to wear reef-safe SPF under makeup

     

    1. What “Reef-Safe” Actually Means

     

    Here’s the catch that trips most people up: “reef-safe” isn’t a regulated term. No official body in the UK certifies it, which means a brand can print it on the bottle without having to prove much at all. That’s frustrating, but it also means the label isn’t where you should be looking.

    The ingredients list is. A genuinely ocean-friendly sunscreen is defined by what it leaves out far more than the badge on the front. Once you know the two names to scan for, you can judge any bottle in about ten seconds, regardless of its marketing.

     

    2. The Two Ingredients to Avoid

     

    The two big ones are oxybenzone and octinoxate, chemical UV filters found in a large share of conventional sunscreens. Research has linked them to coral bleaching, genetic damage to coral, and disruption of reef reproduction, even at very low concentrations (Surfrider Foundation).

     

    This isn’t a fringe concern. Hawaii became the first place in the world to ban the sale of sunscreens containing these two ingredients, with the law taking effect on 1 January 2021, and several other regions have since followed (Goldberg Segalla). The bans exist because the science was strong enough for legislators to act on.

    So your one job at the shelf is simple: turn the bottle over and check that oxybenzone and octinoxate aren’t in the active ingredients. Some people also choose to avoid octocrylene and homosalate as a precaution, though the evidence there is less settled.

     

    3. Mineral vs Chemical: Which Is Right for You

     

    Reef-safe sunscreens generally fall into two camps, and the right one depends on how you actually use it.

    Mineral (physical) sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to sit on top of the skin and deflect UV. They’re the most reliably reef-friendly option and tend to suit sensitive skin. The historic downside, a chalky white cast, has largely been solved by newer formulas, though very dark skin tones should still patch-test.

    Newer “clean” chemical sunscreens swap oxybenzone and octinoxate for gentler filters. These often feel lighter and disappear into the skin with no white cast, which makes them the easier everyday choice if you wear SPF under makeup.

    Quick rule of thumb: beach and pool days where you’ll be in and out of the water, lean mineral. Daily wear under foundation, a clean chemical formula will feel nicer and play better with the rest of your routine.

     

    4. Our Sustainable Picks

     

    Four reef-friendly SPFs we rate, across budgets and skin types. All are available on Amazon UK; drop your tagged links into the markers below.

     

    Best for sensitive skin and certification-checkers:

    Green People Scent Free Sun Cream SPF 30. A British brand, vegan, cruelty-free and made with organic ingredients, free from oxybenzone and octinoxate. If you (like Laura) read the certifications before you buy, this one holds up to scrutiny (Moral Fibres). 

     

    Best easy swap:

    Sun Bum Original SPF 50. Widely stocked, affordable, vegan and free from the two banned filters. If you want to make a greener choice without overthinking it or overspending, this is the no-fuss option (PETA). 

     

    Best under makeup:

    PURITO Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen SPF 50+. Vegan, reef-safe and famous for leaving no white cast, with a lightweight finish that sits invisibly under foundation. The convenient pick if SPF currently gets skipped because it feels heavy. 

     

    Best mineral all-rounder:

    Badger Reef-Safe Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40. Non-nano zinc oxide, a short and recognisable ingredients list, and water-resistant for actual beach use. A solid choice if you prefer a physical filter you can trust in the sea. [INSERT AFFILIATE LINK]

     

    5. How to Wear Reef-Safe SPF Under Makeup

     

    Switching to a reef-safe formula only works if you actually keep wearing it, so here’s how to make it part of your routine rather than a separate chore.

    Apply your SPF as the last step of skincare and give it a few minutes to settle before you start on base. A lightweight chemical formula or a sheer mineral one will grip better under foundation than a thick, greasy lotion. If you want a real shortcut, a tinted mineral SPF can double as your base on low-key days.

    The bit people forget: SPF wears off. The standard guidance is to reapply roughly every two hours, and after swimming or towelling dry. Over makeup, a mineral SPF mist or a powder SPF lets you top up without wrecking your look.

     

    Small Swap, Big Impact

     

    You don’t have to choose between looking after your skin and looking after the ocean. Reef-safe sunscreen gives you full protection while keeping two genuinely harmful chemicals out of the water, and once you know to scan for oxybenzone and octinoxate, making the switch costs you nothing but a few seconds at the shelf.

    If you’re replacing an SPF this summer, start with one of our picks above. Then have a look at the rest of our sustainable beauty edit for more easy swaps that are better for you and the planet, no compromise required.

     

    Featured Products

     

    References

  • Top 5 Lip Care Products for Hydrated, Protected Lips This Summer

    Top 5 Lip Care Products for Hydrated, Protected Lips This Summer

    The Top 5 Lip Care Products for Hydrated, Protected Lips This Summer. From Summer Fridays Lip Butter to Burt’s Bees To Keep Your Lips Smooth And Moisturized.

    Top 5 Lip Care Products for Hydrated, Protected Lips This Summer

    This week, my lips have been feeling super chapped and dry. I think the change in weather is to blame—seriously, where is the sun in July? To combat this, I decided to try out some new lip products to nourish my lips and say goodbye to dry, cracked skin. Today, I’m excited to share a complete guide to choosing the right lip balm for you. With this guide, you gurus can achieve soft, juicy lips all summer long.

    What’s Trending?

    I genuinely couldn’t contain myself in purchasing this one. The trending Summer Fridays Lip Butter is all the rave right now and I needed to get my hands on it. With so many different scents and flavours to choose from, I can guarantee you’ll find one that you will love. This formula is 100% vegan and also is award winning for the best lip balm. The lip balm is also infused with ultra-hydrating seed butters and vegan waxes which will help with that extra hydration. I decided to go for the ‘Pink Sugar’ flavour and honestly, I can say it is absolutely worth the hype.  Not only does your lips feel amazing but depending on which shade you go for the balm has a slight tint to it. Juicy and tinted? Yes Please. If you haven’t tried it yet and want to, I won’t gatekeep. Amazon have a mini size for £5.49 online if you don’t want to commit to the larger tube. But honestly gurus if you want your lips to have instant hydration, I think you will fall in love with this lip balm:

    https://amzn.to/3XQOADo

    Summer Fridays Lip Butter in Pink Sugar flavor, a vegan and award-winning lip balm with ultra-hydrating seed butters and vegan waxes for smooth, moisturized lips

    The next product I tried is the Laniege Lip Sleeping Mask. I really love the idea of putting a mask on overnight and waking up to smooth hydrated lips. I thought it would be a win-win situation. I put it on, have a full night’s sleep and wake up ready to go. It just makes sense. I also feel like a mask feels very luxurious, think of when you are having a pamper day and put on a face mask or a hair mask, you just feel really good about yourself. This mask promises to intensively hydrate your lips whilst you sleep and leave them soft, smooth and ready for the day. The formula is infused with antioxidants to protect your lips from environmental damage. The formula also comes in many delicious scents. I tried the berry flavour but am extremely tempted to try the grapefruit next. I would definitely recommend this lip mask if you wanted to add a little bit of luxury to your makeup kit, but don’t see this product as a necessity. However, I will say, my lips have never felt better.

    https://amzn.to/3S2ts9k

    What’s New?

    The next brand, I use for all of my skincare routine. If you haven’t tried The Inkey List’s products, I would really recommend. The Inkey list is a certified B-Corp (I’ve written a previous post about certifications: click here)

     vegan, cruelty free and carbon net-zero. This brand has transformed my skin, around 4 months ago my skin was extremely blemish prone and red and the difference in those four months is crazy. So, when I found out they had created a lip product I needed to try. I was a little sceptical of the complete mixed reviews but decided to try it out and see. The Inkey Lists Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm has a multi-tasking formula that works to hydrate your lips whilst also plumping them (without that tingly feeling). It also works to improve your lips skin barrier to protect overall lip health. This is not an immediate fix but works overtime to improve your lips full appearance. So if you are looking for a quick fix, then this isn’t the product for you, however if you have patience and want to improve your skin over time then I’d recommend you try this out.

    https://amzn.to/3W2u4Ns

    Staples For Instant Hydration

    Okay now I’ve discussed the hot topics of lip care, I want to strip things back and go to a cult favourite when it comes to lip balms. The Burts Bees lip balm has been a staple in my makeup kit for years now. It is a product I always go back to, no matter what products are trending, I will always have one in my kit. It’s super natural formula and instant hydration is absolutely perfect. It also has a matte finish which is unusual for a lip balm, so if you’re not super into glossy lips and like the matte effect this lip balm is perfect for you. Its bestselling for a reason you know! The 100% natural formula contains hard working ingredients such as sustainable beeswax, coconut oil and shea butter to really target those dry lips. You will never regret purchasing a tube!

    https://amzn.to/3zE7P99

    The last product I want to share with you is my summer staple, which I always buy before heading on holiday. Let me tell you why it’s a must-have:

    1. Affordable: Priced so reasonably that if I lose it (which happens often when traveling), I won’t be too upset.
    2. Effective: It keeps my lips smooth and moisturized.
    3. Protective: With SPF 50, it safeguards my lips from the sun, which is crucial since I burn easily.

    This fantastic product is the Bondi Sands Lip Balm SPF 50+ in Tropical Mango. There are four delicious flavors to choose from: Juicy Watermelon, Sweet Vanilla, Wild Strawberry, and Tropical Mango. At just £3.74 for a 10-gram tube, it’s the perfect travel companion and fits easily in your hand luggage. I can’t wait to try all the flavours! I’ll link these below if you want to try them out:

    https://amzn.to/4604kpw

    As we wrap up this ultimate guide to lip care, I hope you’ve found some new favorites to try out. Whether you’re in need of a hydrating balm, a luxurious overnight treatment, a trusty classic, or a summer staple with SPF, there’s a product here for everyone. Remember, taking care of your lips is just as important as the rest of your skincare routine, especially during the summer months when they can easily become dry and chapped.

    Don’t let the changing weather keep you from having smooth, soft lips. Give these products a try and discover which ones work best for you. And if you’ve already tried any of these, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

    Thank you for joining me on this lip care journey. Stay hydrated, stay protected, and most importantly, enjoy every moment of your summer with lips that feel as good as they look. Until next time, happy lip pampering!

    Shop the Products:

    Stay beautiful, gurus!

    Naidine x

  • Summer Glow on a Budget: Top Affordable Dupes for High-End Makeup Favorites

    Summer Glow on a Budget: Top Affordable Dupes for High-End Makeup Favorites

    With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to lighten up your makeup bag with high-performing products that won’t weigh down your budget. While luxurious, high-end cosmetics often carry a hefty price tag, there are several amazing and affordable alternatives—dupes—that perform similarly, allowing you to keep your summer beauty game strong without breaking the bank. Here’s our guide to achieving that coveted summer glow with the best budget-friendly dupes for some of your favorite high-end makeup products.

    In today’s beauty landscape, savvy consumers are continually seeking ways to maximize their look without maxing out their credit cards. The concept of “dupes” has gained immense popularity, as beauty enthusiasts discover that they don’t need to sacrifice quality for affordability. These budget-friendly alternatives not only mimic the performance of high-end products but often come with added benefits such as being cruelty-free, vegan, or having cleaner ingredient lists. Embracing dupes means you can enjoy the latest beauty trends and maintain a polished, glamorous look throughout the summer, all while being financially savvy.

    The beauty market is saturated with products, making it challenging to discern which items truly deliver on their promises. High-end brands have built their reputation on quality and luxury, but that doesn’t mean they hold a monopoly on effective beauty solutions. Drugstore and affordable brands have stepped up their game, offering innovative formulas and extensive shade ranges that cater to a wide audience. This democratization of beauty ensures that everyone, regardless of budget, can achieve a stunning summer glow. As we delve into these top affordable dupes, you’ll discover how you can achieve a flawless look that rivals any high-end counterpart.

    1. Foundation: A Flawless Start

    High-End Favorite: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup is renowned for its remarkable durability and flawless coverage, making it a summer staple for those seeking a long-wear solution to humidity and heat.

    Budget Dupe: The Maybelline New York Super Stay Full Coverage Foundation offers a comparable performance at a fraction of the cost. Known for its 24-hour wear, this foundation ensures a matte finish that resists sweat, heat, and humidity—perfect for long summer days. Its oil-free formula delivers full coverage without clogging pores, making it an excellent option for all skin types, especially those prone to acne.

     

     

     

     

     

    2. Bronzer: Sun-Kissed Brilliance

    High-End Favorite: Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer has been a go-to for makeup lovers looking to achieve a natural, bronzed look without any shimmer or glitter, ideal for contouring or warming up the complexion.

    Budget Dupe: Rimmel Natural Bronzer, Sun Bronze closely mirrors the effects of the Hoola bronzer with its matte finish and natural tone. Waterproof and SPF 15, it’s perfect for beach days and poolside outings, ensuring you get a glow that lasts through sweat and splashes. It’s a great tool for enhancing a tan or adding a touch of color to a fair complexion.

     

     

     

     

    3. Eyeshadow Palette: Bold & Beautiful

    High-End Favorite: Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette is beloved for its range of warm browns, burnt oranges, and rich siennas, all of which are perfect for creating sultry summer eye looks.

    Budget Dupe: The NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette, Warm Neutrals, offers a similar color scheme at a wallet-friendly price. With sixteen high-performance eyeshadows in one palette, you have the flexibility to create subtle day looks or dramatic night looks. The pigments are rich, blendable, and long-lasting, ensuring your eyes will pop from day to night.

     

     

     

     

     

    4. Lipstick: Pops of Color

    High-End Favorite: MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo is the quintessential red lipstick, known for its ultra-matte finish and intense color payoff, making it a favorite for vibrant, long-lasting wear.

    Budget Dupe: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick, Certainly Red is a fantastic alternative that offers a similarly striking red shade but at a much lower price point. This lipstick provides a creamy texture that’s comfortable to wear and infused with Vitamin E and avocado oil to keep your lips moisturized under the summer sun.

     

     

     

     

     

    5. Setting Spray: Lasting Finish

    High-End Favorite: Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray is a cult favorite, known for keeping makeup looking freshly applied for up to 16 hours without melting, fading, or settling into fine lines.

    Budget Dupe: The NYX Professional Makeup Makeup Setting Spray, Matte Finish offers a similar longevity and matte finish, ensuring your makeup stays in place throughout the most sweltering summer days. It’s lightweight, easy to apply, and keeps your makeup from sliding off or caking up as temperatures rise.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Investing in these affordable dupes allows you to maintain a fabulous, summer-ready look without overspending. These products not only mimic the performance of their high-end counterparts but also ensure that you can enjoy your summer adventures without worrying about touch-ups. Embrace the season with confidence knowing your makeup game is as strong as it is smart.

    As we’ve explored, achieving a stunning summer glow doesn’t require a hefty investment. These dupes offer you the chance to experiment with different looks and find what best suits your style without the financial strain. Additionally, opting for budget-friendly alternatives means you can allocate your resources towards other summer essentials, be it a vacation, a new wardrobe, or simply saving for future needs.

    The beauty of dupes extends beyond just saving money; it’s about discovering the vast array of products that offer similar, if not better, results than high-end brands. This approach fosters a more inclusive beauty industry where quality and performance are accessible to all. By making informed choices and exploring these affordable options, you empower yourself to look and feel your best, proving that great makeup doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.

    In conclusion, the world of affordable dupes opens up a realm of possibilities for achieving that perfect summer glow. These alternatives provide exceptional quality, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds—high performance and affordability. As you integrate these products into your routine, you’ll not only enhance your beauty but also gain confidence in your savvy shopping skills. Celebrate this summer with a radiant look that’s both stunning and budget-friendly, and remember that true beauty shines through smart choices and self-assuredness.