When I set off on a three-month stint travelling Thailand and Vietnam last year, I knew that while I had to keep my packing light, I had to make sure I had the essentials. With endless days of sunshine ahead and average temperatures sitting around 33C, suncream was at the top of my list, but I needed to find one that would work well with my skin.
I have tried multiple SPF creams and SPF-infused moisturisers over the years but never found one that complimented my skin without looking greasy or causing irritation. That was until I discovered the Hada Labo Tokyo Light Hydrator Sun Face cream. I chose it mostly because of the SPF 50 combined with the mid-range price point, retailing for £18.99 in Superdrug at the time. The product also has positive reviews online, which gave me the final push to give the cream a go.
On Amazon, the product has a rating of 4.5 based on customer reviews. One shopper left a review, saying: ”Absolutely love this cream!! Absorbed quickly and skin feels very hydrated and smooth.” [SIC]
Another added: ”I’m very sensitive to SPF but this one worked. My skin [loves] Hada Labo Tokyo so maybe it was biased but it was really nice. Not really the [matte] look that it says it will have but I like it a little glowy. [It] will start pilling a little, [therefore] the four stars, but otherwise good.” [SIC]
The Hado Labo Tokyo Light Hydrator Sun Face cream is now reduced from £18.99 to £14.22 on Amazon, saving 25% off, so it’s a good chance to try it out for less. The Sun Face cream is on sale at Superdrug with the same price reduction.
Given that I was wearing the sun cream on my face every day I truly put it to the test, and quickly realised it was exactly what I’d been looking for. As I was spending a lot of time outside, battling the high temperatures of Thailand and Vietnam, I needed a lightweight product that I knew would do the job of protecting my skin.
However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it did that – but there were so many other benefits too.
The consistency of the Hado Labo face cream is super-lightweight and smooth, blending into the skin much quicker than thicker, heavier sun creams I have tried in the past. This made it ideal for topping up while we were on the go.
Though I was applying it regularly, it didn’t leave a white cast on the skin, which is something I’ve struggled with when using some other brands. My absolute favourite thing, however, was that it made my skin glow. This is thanks to the hyaluronic acid infused in the cream which can help with lines and wrinkles and offers added hydration, so I found I didn’t need to use a separate moisturiser. Of course, this could vary if you have drier skin.
The Hado Labo cream can be layered underneath make-up too, as the lightweight texture doesn’t feel like an extra layer.
However, though the product is described as giving a “smooth, matte look without any greasy residue”, I found this wasn’t necessarily the case. I found the cream added a slight sheen to my skin. I loved this effect as it gave me a lovely glow, but it might be disappointing if you’re choosing this sun cream for the mattifying effect.
Of course, there are several alternative sun creams that have rave reviews from shoppers. The CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion, also available at Amazon, has SPF 50, preserves hydration for up to 24 hours, and contains three essential ceramides which help protect the skin’s natural barrier.
CeraVe is a particularly good brand for people with sensitive skin or who are prone to breakouts as every product is formulated with dermatologists. The SPF sun cream has a rating of 4.6 out of a possible five on Amazon from previous customers.
Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hydrating Fluid is also developed by dermatologists to benefit the skin, as well as protect it. The suncream, currently retailing for £16.50 at LookFantastic, features a powerful blend of pro-vitamin B5 and C, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, to offer radiance and hydration to the skin.
Unlike other face creams, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Fluid comes in a pump bottle for easy application.
It’s another highly rated product, with LookFantastic customers scoring it 4.5 out of a possible five stars. Customers who have tried the sun cream recommend it for its “lightweight and non-greasy coverage” and its ability to “keep the skin hydrated” throughout the day.
