Emma Lewisham is a long time favourite on the Grazia beauty desk. Beauty director Annie Vischer swears by the the eye cream, while acting beauty director Verity Clark was a slave to the Supernatural Elixir. The first product I tried from the brand? That would be the Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF 50 Mineral Face Crème, £46. It’s the best I've used. This is high praise, given I’m an SPF snob. And while there's been a couple of others I’ve loved of late (the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir is amazing for hydration and Augustinus Bader's The Sunscreen SPF50is a skin soothing delight) it’s Emma Lewisham’s that has remained my favourite. It’s no wonder - Lewisham is well known for her efficacious yet luxurious formulas that yield real results. Here, glow is guaranteed. So imagine my thrill (and surprise) when yet another SPF from the brand landed on my desk.
What does the Emma Lewisham Skinceutical SPF 50 Mineral Glow Serum do?
Suited to all skin types, the Emma Lewisham Skinceutical SPF 50 is a mineral sunscreen that protects against UV and UVA rays. It also imparts a gorgeous, glowing radiance atop of skin thanks to the beautiful, bronzed tint from within the formula - this promotes a more even skin tone. It's good for bolstering skin in the long run, too. Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, pongomia pinnata seed extract and zinc oxide are known for their moisturising and protecting prowess.
Shop: Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF 50 Mineral Glow Serum
emmalewisham.co.uk
What Emma Lewisham says: 'Protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays with Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF 50 Mineral Glow Serum, a mineral sunscreen that helps give skin a more radiant look. Working to improve the appearance of fine lines, this sunscreen serum helps to promote more even-toned skin. It imparts a bronzing glow for fair to light skin, a subtle tint for medium skin, and a highlighting effect for deep complexions.'
What we know: Promising no white-cast, this bronze tinted SPF is suited to all skin types and tones. Apply daily for broad-spectrum mineral protection from UVA and UVB rays and to help protect against daily environmental stressors.'
Rachael Martin, beauty editor says: 'For an efficacious facial sunscreen that oozes luxury consider this your new go to. It’s featherlight, is beautiful to apply and plays perfectly under make-up. Plus, it leaves behind a beautiful, golden glow that could be from the sun. Only you know you’re well, and truly protected.'
Pros
- Suited to all skin types
- Refillable jar
- Dermatologically tested
Cons
- Expensive
How to apply the Emma Lewisham Skinceutical SPF 50 Mineral Glow Serum
I use this as the final step in my morning skincare routine. I shake the tub to ensure the formulation is adequately mixed. I then sweep two pumps across my face before following with a third down my neck. As ever, liberal application is a must to ensure optimum protection - experts recommend two finger lengths for the full face. I also apply this atop of my make-up for added glow - the finish is much like a liquid bronzer.
How we tested it
I’ve been testing this one for the past three weeks. Honestly, I'd not usually write a review after such a short amount of time. Where skincare is concerned, I prefer to test for around three months. That said, I’m keen to share my thoughts so far for two reasons. Firstly, the weather is (at the time of writing!) nice - so there's no better time to buy an SPF. And secondly, I suspect this one may sell out. The fact I've come to this conclusion after a mere three weeks of testing? Well, I'm as impressed as you are. I have sensitive, oily skin, and I’d know within days if my skin was going to react adversely - I’d typically develop small, white heads. I’ve had no problems with this one and my skin actually looks more radiant than in has done in quite some time.
Our review
Rachael Martin beauty editor says:
'As with the original Emma Lewisham SPF the colour is the first thing I notice. While that one erred on the side of pink, this one takes on a bronze tone. Texture wise it's light and silky - there's no stickiness at all, and it doesn't leave behind tackiness when smoothed across my skin. The first time I apply my complexion turns red. This is normal for me - anything that gets the blood flowing makes the underlying ruddiness come through. Within a few minutes, though, the redness has settled revealing a sheer, subtle glow. It’s not quite as pigmented as a fake tan would be. Instead, it's much more subtle - a barely there veil of gold that manages to works wonders when it comes to levelling out my blotchy skin tone.
There’s no coverage - my blemishes are still very much there, but my skin does look more even overall. And for those who hate sparkle? Never fear. This is more of a glisten as opposed to a mega-watt sheen. It wears well under make-up and sits beautifully on top of it. My oily skin isn't left looking greasy, just glowy - it really hits that sweet spot. As with all Emma Lewisham products it’s the price that gets me - it’s a heavy hit. But the results, I think, assure me it’s money worth spending.
Final thoughts
'For an efficacious facial sunscreen that oozes luxury consider this your new go to. It’s featherlight, is beautiful to apply and plays perfectly both over and under make-up. Plus, it leaves behind a beautiful, golden glow that could just be from the sun. I won't tell if you won't.'
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Beauty Editor. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism. After interning at Stylist and Harper’s Bazaar she dipped her toes into the world of beauty writing and never looked back. Rachael became Style Writer for heat! magazine before going onto work as Digital Writer for Boots Health and Beauty. Her special interests include fragrance (rose based scents have her at hello), new skincare innovations, and copious cups of tea. Now, at Grazia, you'll find her writing about beauty, health and wellbeing. Follow her on Instagram @rachael.alice.martin
