LANCÔME SÔLEIL DNA GUARD SPF 15, £20.50, available nationwide

They say: Contains white willow flower to create a protective shield, jasmine flower and African mango extract to nourish.

We say: Absorbed easily, leaving skin soft. However, it did not stand up to water and needed to be completely reapplied after a swim.

Mark: 6/10

DECLÉOR’S AROMA SUN PROTECTIVE HYDRATING SUN MILK SPF 15, £20.50 (020-7313 8780)

They say: A simple three-step process to look after the face and body before, during and after sun exposure.

We say: Great to have one bottle for the face and body. This absorbed easily, was nongreasy and good for active types as it didn’t have to be reapplied that often.

Mark: 7/10

ORGANIC PHARMACY CELLULAR PROTECTION SUN CREAM SPF 25, £29.95 (020-7351 2232)

They say: Promotes safe tanning. Red, white and green tea protect and shea butter hydrates.

We say: Easily absorbed; it didn’t leave a chalky residue or give me spots like other organic creams. Had to reapply every few hours. Packaging can be recycled.

Mark: 8/10

No7 ANTI-AGEING FACIAL SUN PROTECTION SPF 25, £9 (0845 0708090)

They say: Offers five-star UV rating and protects against ageing sun damage. As well as moisturising and conditioning, it helps to build up your skin’s natural defences against free radicals.

We say: This was a reliable protector from the sun which absorbed easily, though it left a greasy residue. Gave great coverage and didn’t have to be reapplied too often.

Mark: 8/10

HAWAIIAN TROPIC SHIMMER OIL PROTECTIVE 10, £8.99 (0870 5143528)

They say: The microfine sparkles enhance your natural tan.

We say: The shimmer got on to everything, so not very practical. It was easy to apply, although the low SPF meant that it was more suited to the end of the holiday.

Mark: 4/10

ESTÉE LAUDER SUN PERFORMANCE SPF15 WIPES, £18.50 for box of ten (0870 0342566)

They say: Single-use towelettes provide mess-free application.

We say: A novel concept, although there is a lot of packaging. The application was quick, although the wipes were a bit greasy and provided only a thin layer of protection which took a while to absorb. Three wipes required for full-body coverage so had to switch to another form of sun protection.

Mark: 3/10

DERMALOGICA SOLAR DEFENSE BOOSTER SPF 30, £24.40 (0800 591818)

They say: A booster that blends easily with any moisturiser or foundation, or can be applied directly to the skin. Designed to shield the skin from UVA rays which cause deeper dermal damage and skin cancer.

We say: A truly tiny bottle, so a great idea for those who want to travel light because you mix it with your moisturiser. It absorbs into the skin easily and doesn’t leave a telltale white pigment or any unpleasant stickiness. The only concern was getting the ratio of cream to moisturiser correct.

Mark: 8/10

Skin cancer now claims more lives in the UK than in Australia. If you are anxious about any moles, The Mole Clinic offers a whole-body check for £95, or £30 for a single mole. The Mole Clinic, London W1 (020-7734 1177); www.themoleclinic.co.uk or at selected Superdrug pharmacies (0845 6789111)

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