I’m being rather slow overall sunscreen-testing thing, aren’t I? In truth, I have made extensive notes on a large number of sun creams – all tried very carefully and objectively – but my written comments are, for some reason, slow to materialise. Perhaps it’s since i find writing about sun protection just a little daunting; I feel it’s an area of skincare that, in many ways, crosses over into healthcare – misinformation on this topic can have very real, potentially dangerous consequences and it always feels like a bit of a hot potato.
But I shall bite the bullet and obtain on with the show, because this Classic Sunscreen from US brand COOLA is a gorgeous option for those currently feeling hot underneath the collar. So to speak. As Heatwave Week 8,931 rolls on in the united kingdom, many people seem to have had enough and are requesting beauty products that are cooling, refreshing and hydrating. “Provide us with gel textures!” they’re pleading, “give us jelly masks and water serums and leg cooling sprays that’ll faux-freeze us to the bone!” The over-heated screams could be heard from miles around, “I want a face mist that seems like ice, even when the bottle’s been at the bottom of my bag, temperature similar to that of a domestic pizza oven!”
So here you go, for the heatwave-haters of Britain; a lightweight, completely invisible sunscreen that feels refreshing to use but doesn’t leave skin tight or dry. It smells of cucumber, that we don’t mind – the scent’s subtle – and also the SPF 30 formula is completely non-greasy and free of any sort of chalky, gunky residue. I originally tested this one because so many readers had asked for organic suncare recommendations, but it was instantly a firm favourite, along with the brand’s Pina Colada Sunscreen Spray.
I always discover the word “organic” deeply unhelpful when it comes to choosing beauty items, largely because the meaning of the word seems to be so loose and unregulated, but COOLA use a high proportion of things that are organically sourced (over 70% within this products) so well worth noting if that's a particular concern. I did try quite a few products from brands who are dedicated to sourcing sustainable, organic ingredients and this was my favourite by far.
(Though, on the sidenote, Pot of Shade from Kypris (Cult Beauty here*) would be a gorgeous, moisturising option with mineral rather than chemical protection, and I also really liked the SPF 30 Micro Mist from Soleil Toujours, here*. I’ll review those soon, for all those waiting on more organic sunscreen options!)
The COOLA Classic Sunscreen SPF30 formula contains antioxidants and hydrators alongside the chemical sun filters, so despite the fresh, cooling effect on your skin, it never feels drying. Perhaps those with very dry skin might choose something creamier (I’ll submit the CeraVe* again, I think it’s great) but for just about everyone else it’s a great sunscreen that’s completely undetectable.
A word on the Pina Colada SPF30 Spray, which comes out of the can inside a continuous, invisible mist; it’s the best in convenient sunscreen application. I mean, you barely need to use both hands to apply it, unless you feel the need to pat it in after spraying. But I’m always cautious with SPF mists since i wonder whether we ever apply enough of them to achieve the stated protection level. I virtually always employ mists as a top-up strategy, keeping them handy for instances when I might unexpectedly be out in the sun for longer than anticipated – an impromptu pub lunch in the beer garden, an unexpected sundowner following a day at the beach, or what have you. (Ha! Like that happens.) Having a mist, there’s no faffing about moving vest straps or socks or jewellery out of the way of a messy sun cream, and you can spray yourself liberally in a fraction of the time it takes to put on a lotion, but if you’re using a mist then
