Lagom Cellus Sun Gel SPF50* - Could this be 'The One'?

We are well into Summer here in the UK so I wanted to talk about this SPF before winter comes along and SPF50 isn’t as necessary! (I usually drop down to SPF30 during Autumn/Winter). I will start by saying that I am in no way a pro when it comes to SPF and I am not particularly clued up on the science behind it. In all honesty, it totally baffles me. Refer to Gothamista, Lab Muffin and Tales of Skincare who are able to provide a wealth of knowledge in this area! There are so many on the market but this is essentially what I look for...

• Effective protection, stands up in sunny weather without burning my skin. (Of course, this is dependant on your commitment to re-applying) 

• No white cast

• Sits well under makeup

• Isn’t greasy or clogging

• Doesn’t cause breakouts

• Is within my budget. I prefer to spend no more than £30 on my SPF

Now onto the details...

Lagom is a brand that’s new to me. Stocked at the UK online distributor of Korean skincare, Skinsider, I jumped at the chance when the founder of the company, Karolina, kindly asked if I would like to try a couple of products from the brand. 

Lagom stands for 'Not too little, not too much' which appealed to my view on skincare! A fine balance...

The products have been developed by 12 renowned dermatologists and professors who have for years researched skin disease and skin health based on medical science. It has been co-created with Korean makeup guru Go Won Hye to ensure the formulas were perfected and compatible with the use of makeup. I love that as it shows they recognise the importance that products should work well with makeup and that skincare provides the key to excellent makeup application. 

The brand uses a Nobel Prize-winning and a patented formula called 'AQUALICIA' technology. This aims to ‘fill the skin with moisture and nutrition to the fullest whilst using minimal products and healthy ingredients’. Now looking at the ingredients list I wouldn’t say it’s anything groundbreaking or healthy but I can tell you how the product works for me....

Like many, I’ve been on the hunt for an SPF that ticks all the boxes. The common issues I have are that they are either hard to get in the UK or are too expensive for me. I generally fall in love with ones that are around £40 plus and I don’t feel comfortable spending that when I know I don’t need to. 

It is well known that Korean skincare offers some of the best SPF’s. And most are reasonably priced. With this one being available in the UK I was excited!

What is it?...

A maximum protection UVA/UVB SPF50 which is lightweight in texture, it nourishes skin with herbal extracts and oils without clogging pores.

My thoughts...

I’ve been using this nearly every day since I received it over a month ago. It is everything I want in an SPF. In actual fact it doesn’t feel like a sunscreen at all, pretty much undetectable, you forget you are wearing it! Although it is called a gel it is most definitely a lightweight soft cream texture. That being said it absorbs quickly and leaves a non-greasy, satin finish. It says that it has a matte finish but I would contest this as it leaves my skin looking glowy, the right type of glowy!

The cream as you can see is white but once applied there is no white cast at all. It just melts into the skin. It doesn’t feel suffocating or clogging in the slightest. I’ve found this to be an excellent base for makeup as it primes skin perfectly (no surprise given the brand's mentor). This gives the skin a bit of grip so makeup isn’t slipping and sliding all over the place. Another important point to note is that this doesn’t sting my eyes. Some make my eyes water so badly! There is a very slight citrus scent to it but nothing overpowering or 'SPF like' if you know what I mean. Sensitive skins may need to be aware of the inclusion of essential oils such as lavender, bergamot, and orange. 

In terms of where this sits in your routine, always the last step but personally I have to use a moisturiser before it as this on its own isn’t enough for me. Oily skinned folks might be satisfied with using this in place of a moisturiser as it does provide some hydration. Which is surprising considering its high alcohol content! Fortunately, it isn’t drying at all. 

We have had some hot days here in the UK over the last few weeks (unbelievable I know) and this has stood the test. No sunburn over here thankyou! I use one index finger length as a guide for applying. For so long I know I wasn't applying enough but now I know better thanks to resourceful people like Dr Sam Bunting! Of course, re-applying is essential throughout the day and if wearing makeup I do this by using an SPF mist (my favourite currently is the La Roche Posay Anthelios). There have been some days when I didn't wear any makeup and I just reapplied with the Lagom. I didn't get any build up or greasiness and more importantly no sunburn! 

As you’ve probably figured I’ll definitely be purchasing this with my own money. I think what I’m most impressed by is that it costs £26 for 50ml and there isn’t really anything I can complain about! At a push I’d say the packaging may cause some issues when nearing the end of the product as the bottle isn’t particularly ‘squeezy’ but it does stand with the nozzle downwards so should be ok.

You can purchase the Lagom Cellus Sun Gel SPF50 here from Skinsider. If you would like to learn more about this brand or the 'AQUALICIA' technology then the Skinsider website has some fantastic articles. 

What is in it...

Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene, Alcohol Denat., Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Propanediol, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Bis Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Urea, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Maltodextrin, Indole Acetic Acid, Bis-PEG/PPG-20/5 PEG/PPG-20/5 Dimethicone, Methoxy PEG/PPG-25/4 Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Panthenol, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, BHT, Sodium Hydroxide, Isohexadecane, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Polysorbate 80, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, Sorbitan Oleate, Rose Flower Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil, Styrax Benzoin Gum, Commiphora Myrrha Oil, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol

*PR/Gifted 

What are your favourite SPF’s? I’d love to know! 

Thanks for reading xx