What sun cream do you use?

[-]

leekyscallion@reddit

Boots Soltan. They’re all UV 5 stars which not all the super expensive ones are.

They’ve a non-greasy sensitive skin version for the face - SPF50, it’s in a blue bottle. Great.

The standard yellow stuff for everything else

[-]

EUskeptik@reddit

I use the yellow one on my face. I have no problem with it.

In what way is the blue one better?

-##-

[-]

Bambi_H@reddit

It's non-comedogenic , so it doesn't clog your pores as much as yhe "body" versions can do.

[-]

EUskeptik@reddit

Ooh, thank you!

Learned something new today. 😁👍

-##-

[-]

frankie_baby@reddit

The star rating isn’t really a good standard - Boots created it and it purely compares the level of UVA to UVB - the more equal the higher the star.

The SPF is the better one; 50+ means a minimum of SPF 60 and above (some can be upward of 100). SPF measures UVB. Which is time of protection.

So you could have a sunscreen with SPF 100 but a Boots Star Rating of 4 because the UVA measurement is below the threshold to achieve a 5 star. Even though the true levels can higher.

So, to the eyes of the consumer, the SPF 20 with a 5 star looks like it would perform greater than an SPF 50+ with a 4 star.

So even though the SPF 100 is 5 fold greater protection, it comes across as a lesser product due to the star rating… which companies have to pay Boots for.

Any sunscreen manufactured in Australia will be of the highest standard, as the regulations are way stricter.

SPF 50+ is the best!

[-]

frankie_baby@reddit

I know too much about sunscreens and skin, haha.

I find sunscreens super interesting. The only law we have in the UK for labelling is the 50+. By EU law, no company can actually put SPF 100. Only the 50+. Outside of the EU, you may see SPF 60, 70 etc…

I do think the star rating should be explained better. It could be very misleading to someone who just relies on that.

The main things to note, for me, is that by putting a 50+ on, it is not a total block, you still allow 2% of light to hit the body, so there is no ‘blocking’ of Vitamin D and all the other tales that are told. No sunscreen is water proof, only water resistant - EU sunscreens are circa 40mins to wash off completely, Australian sunscreens are labelled with time (can be upwards of 4hrs) and that’s to drop below SPF 50 - they are super strict over there with labelling.

I find this all super interesting. Sorry if I’m a bore, haha!

Sauce: used to work in dermatology and sunscreen industry for quite a while.

[-]

Embot87@reddit

This is very helpful, thanks! So what sunscreen(s) do YOU use? Specifically.

[-]

Kerrypug@reddit

Can we pin this comment somehow? Lots of replies are talking about using the star rating!

[-]

frankie_baby@reddit

I can add more; the EU don’t use Boots star rating at all as it’s not officially recognised.

There is also the PA rating for UVA in other countries.

UVA can penetrate through glass (a reason why some people tint car windows) and is also responsible for some skin cancers. However, UVB holds the crown. An easy way to remember how deep these light waves go: UVA = Aging, UVB = Burning.

[-]

Mission-Sound9493@reddit

Tbf I've never taken any notice of any star system and would assume most people base their purchases off of SPF. Eager to hear if that is not so, though!

[-]

frankie_baby@reddit

You’d be surprised how many people don’t look at both the labels and solely rely of star rating. All the Boots Soltan and Once ranges all are 5 star (iirc).

The ‘One’ application a day that’s advertised on products is such a dangerous game to play as well. Sunscreens should be reapplied every 2-3hrs to maintain levels. The Companies that sell ‘once a day’ sunscreens even have reapplication timescales on their products for liability. Mad.

[-]

Superb-Ad-8823@reddit

Yes Soltan is good stuff. I also use Aldi 50spf for my face and Soltan face stuff if its on offer.

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Melodic-Tutor-2172@reddit

Altruist. My husband’s dermatologist recommended it as he needs a good broad spectrum cream.

[-]

MrPilgrim@reddit

100% agree! I use SPF every day of the year (bald/shaved head). Saw this recommendation a year so ago in an article. It's developed by consultant dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon Dr Andrew Birnie, it's top quality, non greasy and cheap she he is not looking to make money off it.

[-]

Embot87@reddit

I’m glad to learn boots invented the star rating system because I can’t say I have ever even noticed a star rating on suncreams. I usually go for whichever F50 smells ok and look like decent value for the size of the bottle.

[-]

Kcufasu@reddit

The aldi one seems to do the job and is cheap

[-]

Organic-Can7856@reddit

Only ever organic with no nasty chemicals. Badger and Green People are good ones.

[-]

Embarrassed_Park2212@reddit

Bondi Sands because it's the only one that I found that doesn't lay on my skin or drips into my eyes. I can't bare anything that sits on my face skin, probably why I don't wear make up and that sinks in beautifully.

[-]

EvandeReyer@reddit

Which one is it? I’m the same with makeup and sunscreen, I’m always seeking the holy grail.

[-]

Embarrassed_Park2212@reddit

Bondi Sands Everyday Non Tinted Face Fluid SPF50+ 50ml https://www.boots.com/bondi-sands-everyday-non-tinted-face-fluid-spf50and-50ml-10360786.

It's small but a little goes a long way.

[-]

EvandeReyer@reddit

Thanks!

[-]

FluffyBunnyFlipFlops@reddit

P20 is the absolute best. It is really expensive, but once you spray it on, you're good to go for the whole day. It's extremely good.

[-]

e-pancake@reddit

beauty of joseon, regrettably expensive but after years of my sensory issues around suncream borderline bringing me to tears this stuff is a miracle

[-]

delboy_mangetout@reddit

This is great stuff! It’s a Korean brand and they don’t fuck about when it comes to looking after your skin!

[-]

FlameFoxx@reddit (OP)

Where from?

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delboy_mangetout@reddit

I got this from just my look but I’m sure a lot of the k beauty places will sell it!

[-]

EffyDoodle@reddit

On my face - Fenty Mineral Suncream moisturiser spf 30

On my body - nivea kids factor 50

I'm very fair, burn very easily and a good thick, greasy kids suncream keeps me vampiric

[-]

banxy85@reddit

Honestly Aldis is decent. And 5* UVA which a lot of brand names aren't

[-]

bennettbuzz@reddit

Aldis spray one is brilliant, been using it for like 3 years and never got burnt. For £3 it’s an absolute no brainer. The 5 rating is all I ask for when expensive stuff might only be 3-4.

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banxy85@reddit

Exactly. Pay 3x as much for something that's maybe 2 or 3 star

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yelliekate@reddit

I’m a big sun avoider and have tried everything and always come back to the same ones. Biore Watery Essence for face (and can do body as well), or if I’m going to be in water or sweating I swear by Shiseido Expert SPF 50. Smear all over, let it dry for ten mins, pat the excess down with a towel and I’m good all day.

[-]

jgcarraway@reddit

Nivea SPF50

[-]

Automatic_Row6441@reddit

Apparently some have some not so great for you ingredients, would love to hear from anyone who know's the technicalities behind it so I know what to look out for. I usually get Dr ChatGPT to read the ingredients list just in case

[-]

StrengthForeign3512@reddit

House of Joseon spf50. Goes on like a moisturiser, not greasy, no white residue and doesn’t clog up my skin.

[-]

TheRealWhoop@reddit

Beauty of Joseon, or Mixsoon. The Koreans sent to know their stuff .

[-]

takesthebiscuit@reddit

Whatever is on offer at the end of season and I buy the shelf so long as it’s factor 50

As a redhead a Camera flash burns me so I use it prophylacticly

[-]

happysolo@reddit

riemann p20.

It goes on a bit greasy but as a sweaty person who just burns in the sun this has been so reliable. Just don’t miss a spot when you put it on in the morning and lasts all day and actually works. Done multiple festivals in blazing heat and it’s never let me down.

[-]

adamneigeroc@reddit

Everyone loves p20 until you get it on your clothes and it stains them.

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msmoth@reddit

Yep. I used it in the Alps while hiking and it lasted forever but my t-shirts were ruined by the end. Any of the long-lasting sunscreens leave either staining, smell or both.

[-]

MadWifeUK@reddit

You need to wander about naked for about 15 minutes to let it dry in first. Then you're good to go.

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msmoth@reddit

Maybe with P20 but that definitely wasn't an option at the time! And to be fair, I do this with most sunscreen when I can and i've still had issues with the long lasting ones staining or making my clothes smell. Or maybe I've got a really sensitive nose.

[-]

NoisyGog@reddit

>riemann p20

It's the absolute best. survives sweating, and even some swimming. I burn even just walking past a newsagent that sells the Sun newspaper, but i managed to survive (and have a pleasant time) on a Grecian holiday thanks to P20.

It also works on long days of cycling and sweating. Just magic.

[-]

Mrmagicdan@reddit

This stuffs great. I’m a builder and use it and I’ve never been burnt. And I don’t care about it staining my work clothes

[-]

TapeDeckSlick@reddit

Best stuff, never leaves me feeling sticky

[-]

OK_LK@reddit

I use Nuxe's tanning oil for face and body with SPF50

It smells divine and it soaks in quickly

Most of the time, I just cover up as I burn too easily, and use this for the areas I can't cover up or when it's just too hot for coverage

[-]

EatingCoooolo@reddit

The cheapest. Clear one, not the white staff as I’m black and don’t like how it settles.

[-]

ambadawn@reddit

Cosrx or Beauty of Joseon for my face, nivea spray on for any other exposed skin.

[-]

NeuralPlato@reddit

Nothing comes close

https://www.kiehls.co.uk/skin-care/category/sun-care/ultra-light-daily-uv-defense-spf-50-pa----/WW0053KIE.html

[-]

txe4@reddit

I loathe the stuff and prefer to cover up than use it, but otherwise: the one Lidl sells.

[-]

vipros42@reddit

I am apparently sensitive to some chemicals in sunscreen and the Lidl one doesn't affect me. I've used it in a lot of very hot sunny places and it works a treat.

[-]

txe4@reddit

I've worn Lidl SPF50 a lot of thousands of miles from the nearest Lidl. Great stuff.

It doesn't smell super nice, which I take as a positive as it means it doesn't contain a perfume.

Rich relatives spraying kids with some organic wholefood vegan £30 a bottle shit and we smear ours in the Lidl stuff. Seems to work just the same.

I still think it gives you cancer, like. All of it. But if the alternative is being too sunburned to do anything then needs must.

[-]

vipros42@reddit

The alternative is skin cancer which is much more likely

[-]

Second_Guess_25@reddit

Lidl and Aldis ftw. Top tier sunscreen in different formats and affordable 👍☀️

[-]

zig131@reddit

Lidl and Superdrug own brands are both UVA 5 Stars/Ultra, so safe bets.

[-]

txe4@reddit

Lidl and Aldi are my highest-trust retailers, the way Tesco was before Leahy ruined it post-2005.

I will simply fling their own-brand stuff in to the trolley without thought, confident that it will be fairly-priced and of decent quality.

[-]

katie-kaboom@reddit

For a morning application to my face, La Roche-Posay Anhelios, because it goes on without being tacky and just kind of sinks in. For a top-up, I carry a Tocobo sun stick. At the beach, Hawaiian Tropic because I like the scent.

[-]

essjay2009@reddit

The spray (like aerosol spray) La Roche-Posay are a revelation. It makes me wear sunscreen when I usually wouldn't bother because it's so easy to apply (and re-apply) and you can't really tell it's there once it dries. We stumbled across it a few years ago in Europe (where it's much cheaper!) and haven't looked back.

[-]

KeepMyselfAwake@reddit

I'm a late convert to La Rochay-Posay as I heard they were non tacky. I did wonder if the one I bought is counterfeit as there's a spelling mistake on the back, but I have yet to be burnt using it!

[-]

katie-kaboom@reddit

I think mine does too but it came from Boots and I reckon they keep their supply chain legit.

[-]

KeepMyselfAwake@reddit

That's reassuring. I'm the type who notices errors in books so it shouldn't be surprising it can happen on the back of products too 😂

[-]

GoldiBlogs@reddit

FYI, LRP do an over-makeup spray that's great for top-ups and comes in a fairly small bottle.

[-]

katie-kaboom@reddit

Cool, I'll check it out!

[-]

Independent-Ad-3385@reddit

Nivea for kids spf50 roll on.

[-]

mysteriousmistress66@reddit

I used that yesterday and still burned 😭

[-]

Mediocre-Opinion@reddit

I always burn with Nivea, it's next to useless

[-]

Real-Box-7144@reddit

I think it’s only got 3 coverage so it’s not that great. Try boots/tesco own brand. 5 uv a & b.

[-]

mysteriousmistress66@reddit

Thank you 🙌🏻 I will try one of these

[-]

HarketSavoy@reddit

Same happened to me. It’s made me wary of sunscreens since. Most irritate my face…

[-]

mysteriousmistress66@reddit

Thing is, it works great for my son. He didn't burn once yesterday, and we were at the beach all day. But I got so burnt that when we got home, my mum started to get pain in the same places my sun burn is 🥲 and I won't even tan after the sunburn fades lmfao

[-]

bists@reddit

Ultra sun, it’s a once a day application sunscreen, I use the face 30/50 and the sports (it has a gel like texture)

I’m a gardener so out in the most extreme of weather, and have never ever burnt using it

[-]

Sapphicorns@reddit

Same! Love ultrasun

[-]

RevFernie@reddit

Boots stuff is great. Always get waterproof ones and always reapply after swimming anyway.

[-]

SpudFire@reddit

Aldi or Lidls SPF50. Both 5* UVA and far more affordable than most others. Seems to last well, rubs in easily and isn't too sticky.

FYI, contrary to what a lot of people here are saying, there's no such thing as 5* UVB. UVB protection is the SPF number

[-]

Second_Guess_25@reddit

Aldis and Lidls ftw. Top tier sun creams at affordable prices.

[-]

hashbrowneggyolk0520@reddit

Can vouch for the lidi 50+ too. I practically start getting sunburn at the mere thought of sun and this is 100% one of the best suncreams i've tried.

[-]

Second_Guess_25@reddit

I also use Superdrugs B.Enhance matt primer which has SPF 50 in it :)

[-]

Capable_Tip7815@reddit

Bondi whatever it's called and SuperGoop.

[-]

loulabelle20@reddit

Ultrasun 50spf

[-]

helpnxt@reddit

Round Lab Birch Juice Sunscreen SPF50+

[-]

shaunDtone@reddit

Eucerin oil control. So much nicer than own brand creams. It's quite light and doesn't feel anywhere near as greasy as the usual brands.

[-]

Jaded-Honeydew-9794@reddit

Malibu once a day spray f50. I'm a redhead and this works for me. Really does last all day and I've never burnt using it

[-]

Papertache@reddit

Eucerin for every day use as it's non greasy. If I go into the water, any greasy one works for me, on top of topping up every hour.

[-]

plantlady1-618@reddit

Soltan

[-]

SpaceWomble64@reddit

Piz Buin factor 30 or 50.

I have ginger hair and fry like a crisp in the sun so I feel like I am qualified to respond to this thread. 🙂

[-]

Infamous_Army_ofcats@reddit

Lidl Spray sun cream. Easy to apply and works well. Also makes your skin look glossy. I use LaRoche Posay on my face, skin & me (but I don’t like it it’s too grainy) and SuperGoop it’s pretty good.

[-]

Rubostars@reddit

Bioré Aqua Rich watery essence - Innisfree long lasting EX - La Roche-Posay Anthelion Age Correct - All of them SPF50+ PA++++

[-]

_Cridders_@reddit

I need to find one that I don't just sweat off within half an hour

[-]

YOF626@reddit

Hawaiian Tropic Glowing Protection

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-Gypsy-Eyes-@reddit

if I'm willing to spend a bit, then La Roche Pusay has great stuff

[-]

_Cridders_@reddit

What do you put on the rest of your body?

[-]

rocketscientology@reddit

it works really well and feels really nice on the skin but it also stains the living shit out of anything white you wear. proceed with caution!

[-]

banxy85@reddit

The. What. 👀

[-]

GoldiBlogs@reddit

La Roche What-now?!

[-]

chobobot@reddit

Get some that Pusay!

[-]

Second_Guess_25@reddit

Don't really care for brand names, but Lidls and Aldis do some top tier sun creams in different formats at affordable prices. So long as they are SPF30 at minimum, then it goes into my basket ☀️👍

[-]

Srddrs@reddit

My favourite for this heatwave has been the Lidl invisible sun spray factor 50. I spend a lot of time swimming and the kids love the water (hose, swimming pool, lakes, the sea - the whole lot). It still has 50% protection after 40 mins in water. It dries well and isn’t greasy at all. We’re getting through buckets of it atm.

Day to day on my face I like la Roche posay or Sam buntings tinted.

[-]

Sad-Garage-2642@reddit

Hawaiian Tropic, because it smells like holiday

[-]

OneArmJack@reddit

It’s also the only one I’ve found that doesn’t make my eyes sting.

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Second_Guess_25@reddit

Don't care for the brand, as long as it's affordable and at minimum SPF 30. Spray stuff is fantastic and a wee bottle to keep in my bag for top ups throughout the day.

[-]

floralflourish@reddit

Eucerin SPF 100+ Actinic Control La Roche Posay Lidl Boots Soltan Superdrug

[-]

pleasedontwearthat@reddit

Soltan from Boots - lots of options, affordable and has the 5 star rating on the bottle. big fan of this and this.

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Worried-Penalty8744@reddit

It would be fun if Boots’s stuff didn’t have the maximum star rating for the scheme that Boots invented

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pleasedontwearthat@reddit

okay you've just blown my mind, I had no idea that was Boots-created.

[-]

Worried-Penalty8744@reddit

A lot of people don’t

Here’s what calypso have to say about it -

https://www.calypsosun.com/advice/best-sunscreen-uva-star-rating-system

[-]

pleasedontwearthat@reddit

thanks!

[-]

Kizzieuk@reddit

I dont, I do it all the old fashioned way. A bit of sun every day and cover up after a while until my skin is nicely tanned then I can go longer without covering up.

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terryjuicelawson@reddit

I like the Nivea factor 20. Just make sure I keep reapplying more often than the factor 50 lovers. It goes on a lot easier, not as greasy, smells good, no bother.

[-]

Westsidepipeway@reddit

I just ordered a load from stylevana for body. Derma b is great as is verdio. Prior to that I used nivea for kids. But you just can't beat Japanese and Korean sunscreens for comfort.

[-]

CornbreadVanillaPud@reddit

Absolutely. I like Iunik's Beta Glucan or Seoul1988 pine cica, use them all year round.

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EUskeptik@reddit

I have to use SPF 50 because medication destroyed my resistance to UV.

I’m currently using Boots Soltan aerosol which seems effective. I previously used Malibu spray which was probably better but it’s a wet (non-aerosol) spray whereas the Soltan is drier.

Malibu no longer seems to be sold in an adult pack but the version for kids is identical.

I would recommend either of these.

-##-

[-]

ellatheprincessbrat@reddit

For my face I use Thank You Farmer water sun cream and then I kinda just buy whatever spf 50 seems like a good deal at the time for my body, as I hide my body from the sun

[-]

fixxxer17d@reddit

P20 on arms/legs

La Roche possay on my face - Doesn’t feel absolutely disgusting or greasy, lasts forever

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msmoth@reddit

Piz Buin at the moment but I don't religiously stick to a single brand. I prefer the smell of it though.

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LDNSarah@reddit

Garnier vitamin c factor 50. It seems fine and not too greasy.

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ohsaycanyourock@reddit

Nivea SPF50+ spray for body, Skin1004 centella sunscreen for face. I am very pale and burn at the drop of a hat 🥲

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LayingInBracken@reddit

For my face: La Roche Posay Anthelios 50 spf. And I'll always wear a wide brimmed hat. For the rest: nivea sun 50 spf.

But mostly I avoid the sun.

[-]

Away-Classroom-3389@reddit

The bondi sands fragrance free spf50 works great for my skin

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DameKumquat@reddit

Nivea for kids - the turquoise spray so I can see where I've done, then the roll-on to top up. Not too sticky or smelly, does the job. And the teenagers are willing to use it.

[-]

damned-n-doomed@reddit

Bondi Sands tinted glow for my face, then either Calypso continuous mist or Piz Buin for my body. Both smell gorgeous and aren’t greasy.

[-]

MrJones-@reddit

Aldi spray on - works really well

[-]

Soggy_Detective_4737@reddit

Aldi Lacura Sun Dry Mist spray SPF50+. It's rated 5 stars, UVA and UVB protection, and it's easy to apply.

[-]

Kukotzki@reddit

I loved the Shiseido face stick. I could carry it on my bag everywear and not worry about spillage.

Now I use La Roche-Posay 50+ for my face

For my body I use something I bought in my holiday in Amalfi. It reminds me of that place. It's called Positano LatteSolare 50+

No matter what I use, I always make sure it is 50+ protection

[-]

LionLucy@reddit

La Roche Posay on my face and Garnier Ambre Solaire everywhere else

[-]

Pristine_Winter_5513@reddit

Asda's cheapest

[-]

discoveredunknown@reddit

Sun bum

[-]

AdAccomplished8342@reddit

Anthelios 60spf. Great non-greasy finish.

Then I use any 50spf spray for the body as long as it can spray upside down.

[-]

toastandjam97@reddit

This is a bit of a lesser known onion the UK but I had a fried who was a model who swore by this and put me on to it ‘Heliocare -fluid cream’ it’s the BEST they do other ones to but that on specifically gives your skin the best dewy glow, never clogs pores and smells amazing!

For body I love the Kopari sheer mist !

[-]

Cranberry64@reddit

Calypso factor 30. (Factor 20 and 50 are available) Apply ALL OVER once a day and it lasts all day. We’ve used it on all our holidays and never burned. Tends to stain white clothes if you don’t let it dry fully before dressing. Bargain at about £5 per bottle.

[-]

Digital-Sushi@reddit

P20 or calypso once a day stuff (can't remember it's exact name)

It's weird stuff, like a silicon gel or something. You put it on 30 mind or so before going into the sun and it's brilliant.

I burn quite easily with fair skin but with this stuff I can walk around all day in 35+ temps on holiday without burning at all

[-]

HeverAfter@reddit

Lidl

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Derfel60@reddit

Ultrasun sport. I hate suncream and its the only one thats remotely tolerable.

[-]

jesuisnick@reddit

For my face I'm picky because I don't want to get too shiny. I've settled on a Garnier SPF50 moisturiser that does a good job and is about as mattifying as possible whilst still sweating (and it isn't super expensive like some).

For the rest, so long as it isn't one of those super thick ones that goes on like a mime's facepaint, I am not picky. I'm using a Lidl SPF30 spray currently and it smells nice, spreads well and I didn't burn, so that's really all I need!

[-]

Alone_Improvement735@reddit

Tesco own brand this year. 5 star rating which none of the branded ones seemed to have (they were mostly 3 & 4 star rated) and pretty much half the price. It’s done us alright so far in this sunny weather.

[-]

DaveL16@reddit

Techno-sun, as it stops me getting prickly heat

[-]

dinkidoo7693@reddit

Soltan from boots, i have a garnier one for my face though as most creams make my skin greasier than a chip pan

[-]

Glozboy@reddit

Nivea Sun 50. I burn so easily these days it's the only stuff that does the job.

[-]

Worried-Penalty8744@reddit

I just use the calypso stuff from wherever it’s cheapest.

I have always ignored the * ratings given it’s a pay-to-enter scheme owned by Boots

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