Ok, we know what you’re thinking. What possible need could there be for aftersun lotion, when there’s no ‘before’ sun to speak of? Murky grey drizzle and ominous, overhanging clouds don’t generally tend to signal a boost to the sun cream industry; and we’d wager you’ve spent less time sunbathing than you have in a pub this year.

Well: we’ve got news for you, gents. The Riviera, London is not; but that doesn’t mean the sun can’t creep up on you with barely a second to whip out the Factor 30. The British sun is a sneaky fellow; he burns his way through clouds with minimal effort, and makes an appearance just when you least expect it: mostly when you’ve favoured your Barbour and umbrella over your sun cream and sunglasses, only to end up with a headache from too much squinting and a face and shoulders sporting a blotchy, unflattering sheen of the lobster variety.

And, in such an event, you’re going to need a really good after sun. Here are some of the best to buy now…

Ah, the aforementioned lobster sheen. Don’t worry; we’ve all been there. There’s nothing to be ashamed of — but we’ll stop the platitudes here and crack on with the good stuff, since you’re currently bright red, in pain and desperate for something to cool the burn.

Start by slathering a thick layer of Shiseido’s After Sun Intensive Recovery Emulsion on the worst affected areas and let it get to work doing its nourishing, restorative thing. Next, apply Clarins’ SOS Sunburn After Sun Mask to your face; and, finally, apply a few drops of Aurelia’s Cell Repair Night Oil before going to bed. Don’t panic; you’ll be back to normal before you know it (and next time, try a preventative approach in the form of SPF moisturiser…)

You’ve spent all day working on that golden glow (after the requisite manscaping, of course); so don’t let your hard work go to waste with overzealous exfoliators. If you’ve managed to avoid redness altogether (well done you) then — rather than an after sun treatment — you’ll want to opt for a cream designed to moisturise and extend your new tan.

For all-over hydration, Institut Esthederm’s Tan Prolonging body lotion can be used from head to toe to refresh skin and prevent dryness and irritation. Sisley’s After-Sun Care Tan Extender similarly, can be used all over (although at this price point you may want to be a little more sparing); and for those sporting a more sensitive facial skin, the Golden Tan Maximizer After Sun from Lancaster offers a serum-style formula that promotes melanin production while combating the ageing effects of the sun’s rays.

On really hot days (they are approaching, we promise…) sometimes even applying an after sun cream can feel like too much effort. And, thanks to a new generation of cooling after sun mists and sprays, you don’t have to. Life really is becoming easier and easier.

Containing healing aloe vera and refreshing mint oils, Herbivore’s Soothing Aloe Mist can be applied throughout the day, as well as post-sun. Likewise Soleil Toujours’ Organic Aloe Antioxidant Calming Mist can also be used to soothe windburn and chafing – but works particularly well on sun burn, thanks to its antioxidant EcoSunComplex. And Uriage’s refreshing mist contains thermal water — together with vitamins C and E — to give overheated skin that much-needed instant relief.

The lobster look isn’t a good aesthetic, by any means; but UV rays don’t just damage the skin. It may be the effect that immediately draws the eye — but, when combined with the drying properties of salt water and chlorine, a day in the sun can leave hair feeling (and looking) straw-like and parched. Not really the appearance any gentleman should be striving for, to say the least.

Start the reparative process by washing with Kerastase’s Soleil Bain Apres Soleil Shampoo, which gently cleanses away residues and hydrates hair. Still feeling a little dry? Apply Aveda’s After Sun Hair Treatment Masque and leave for five minutes to let the green tea, sunflower oil and vitamin E replenish away. Still not enough? Sachajuan’s specially formulated Hair In & After the Sun kit provides a styling aid with a handy UV filter, together with a leave-in lotion. The kit utilises ocean silk technology (it’s a thing, we promise) to deliver supercharged conditioning to all hair types. Just the thing for a hot, dry day.

Looking for a sunny destination to make all these after sun purchases worthwhile? Well, these are the most luxurious hotels in the world…

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