On the (bridal beauty) shelf – REN Clean Skincare Evercalm SPF 50+

Avoid sun damage on the big day

Being a peely-wally Irishwoman, no one needs to preach to me about the importance of care in the sun.

I would burn at the slightest hint of rays on a February day in Fife. You can forget your factor 30s. It’s 50 all the way here.

And although I’m headed to Italy soon there’s no way this white skin will ever bronze naturally so I’m booked in for a pre-holiday spray tan before I slather on the sun cream while I’m out there.

As any pale girl will tell you finding the perfect sun cream can be a total task. Often proper protection comes at the sacrifice of your own comfort.

You may be safe from the sun but you’re also sweating profusely under an impenetrable layer and don’t even start to talk about the shine.

Then there’s that luminous white cast that’ll never look good.

It’s bad enough on a normal sunny day in Scotland or on holiday but what if it’s your wedding day?

While I got married at the end of August, I was actually quite glad of a bit of cloud cover on my big day so I wouldn’t have to coat all my exposed skin in sunscreen. And I know I’m not alone.

That’s why I really love the REN Evercalm SPF 50+. While it can feel slightly gritty during application (shake it well before you start) it glides on smoothly and feels lightweight and breathable.

At £36 for 50ml it’s far from being the cheapest on the market but I’ve been applying it underneath my primer and foundation every day and it only takes a very small amount to provide even coverage. The formula is hypoallergenic and suitable for all skin types, even eczema-prone.

The one draw-back is it’s not water resistant so not a cream to rely on for protection on your honeymoon if you’re planning on spending time in the sea or pool, or engaging in any water sports.

But as you’re unlikely to get soaked on your wedding day, it’s the perfect pre-make-up SPF base so you can enjoy the sun without any sunburn anxiety.