The key with an SPF is to use it diligently, generously, according to manufacturer’s instructions. It will then be the most powerful weapon in your age-defying arsenal, because prevention is way, way better than cure when it comes to fine lines, deeper wrinkles and pigmentation.

It is the pleasure factor of a product that encourages regular use. If it’s sticky or has a weird smell or doesn’t blend well or looks chalky… well, you’re probably not going to reach for it every morning and do what every expert we know advises that you’ve gotta do.

So, we have to tell you that the pleasure factor with this new Chanel product is mega. We will start with one caveat:  Chanel UV Essential SPF50 might not push absolutely everyone’s buttons, because it’s highly-scented – but that’s exactly why WE are loving it. (And no adverse effects on sensitive skins, even in strong sunlight – of which we have actually had a bit, lately.)

It has a proper, sophisticated perfume(we have just a little hunch that Chanel’s resident perfumer Olivier Polge had a hand in this), and is one of the nicest things we’ve ever massaged into our face, neck and chest – never mind an SPF!

To ramp up its barrier-boosting powers are blue ginger extract and Tahitian gardenia extract (reckon that’s at least part of what we can smell, when we smooth it into skin). It blends beautifully, meanwhile – no white ‘cast’ – and is moisturising without being too much so, acting as a fine base for make-up. The lightweight tube could also slip into a handbag for top-ups later in the day, say if you’re lunching outdoors. 

And we rather hope to find ourselves doing just that.

 Chanel UV Essential SPF50/£48 for 30ml – buy here

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