As if the heat isn’t bad enough, having to put on sunblock several times a day can be bothersome.

The coating we must put on our face, neck and other exposed areas adds to the humid feeling. Some of us have special requirements for a sunblock, and piling a treatment or foundation with it just doesn’t work.

But there are several choice offerings to make the experience a pleasurable one. Tip: Asian women are prone to pigmentation, so we are best served with SPF PA+++.  Do not be fooled by a high SPF number. Look for PA+++ to prevent pigmentation, aging and damage.

Cooling sunblocks are best for those who are exposed to the sun for a long time. I would suggest a minimum of SPF 50 PA+++ to be applied every three hours.

Try Sunplay Watery Cool SPF 65 PA+++ which has menthol and a light watery feel. It provides a relief on my face and neck every two hours. It is a godsend for those with oily skin, as it gives a velvety matte finish.

I also love the cool, powdery finish and the instant lighter skin tone it gives.

Downside: It comes only in white, so others complain of ashy tones.

Belo Sun expert mist SPF 50+++ is non-oily, colorless and water-based so it will not make your makeup run or clash with foundation.  Do not spray on face directly, though. Apply on hands and dab on as it may sting eyes. It’s possibly the mattest sunblock I know so it won’t benefit those with dry skin looking for moisturizing properties.

Can’t live without foundation, need to even up your skin tone, and apply treatment for pigmentation plus a sun block?

Try Kiehl’s Actively Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream SPF 50 PA+++ which has vitamin C to boost collagen production, heal skin, moisturize and even out skin tone.

Another one to consider is Lancome GN Shield UV Expert Makeup base SPF50+++ which comes in a pale yellow shade that brightens any complexion, giving it a freshly showered look instead of the ashy appearance that white-toned sunblock gives.

The following sunblocks have lower SPF than I would like, but they’re for those who are always indoors. I included them for the whitening/brightening effect they have on dull skin, as they work well with brightening serums to aid in skin rejuvenation.

The Body Shop Vitamin C SPF 30 Daily Moisturizer with Camu Camu oil smells like tangerines and fresh oranges. It energizes me throughout the day. It feels great on the hands, neck and face which have dried out from the strong air-conditioning. My hands have gotten whiter, smoother and softer since this is where I most frequently apply it.

The Camu Camu oil has been proven to decrease oxidative stress and inflammation brought about by pollution and exposure to people who smoke which is an instant skin killer.

L’Occitane Immortelle Brightening Shield SPF 40 PA+++—Immortelle flower essential oils boost collagen production for firmer skin, improves microcirculation of the skin treated and enhances skin renewal.

So, it not only protects the skin from the sun but also evens out and lightens overall complexion. It has a calming light floral scent that smells clean and soothing.

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