The Perfect Parasol

Recently, I’ve fallen in love with parasols and it dates back to last year when I spotted Hollywood darling Anne Hathaway carrying her own parasol in New York.  She looked so glamorous and sophisticated, a true lady and it’s no surprise her porcelain skin remains unlined and translucent she clearly takes care of her complexion avoiding the sun. I’m also extremely aware of the harmful factors of sun exposure. For quite a few years now I’ve been very reluctant to put my face in the sun because of the danger of UV ray penetration.  Everyone knows how these rays accelerate premature aging, not to mention increase risk of cancerous melanoma so I’ve been looking for different ways to protect my skin. A parasol from Californian based Persolé is now my must have item – I can’t leave home without one!

I’m happy to say that I follow a very strict skincare regime.  I always cleanse, tone and moisturise twice a day.  I use anti-aging moisturiser, a serum underneath packed full with Vitamin C and antioxidants and I apply a light covering of SPF 50 to any exposed areas including my face.  So far, I’ve noticed very little aging and any lines I have are extremely feint.  I’m pleased that people are often surprised at my age (40) and many of them remark how I could easily pass for younger.  I know this is because I am very careful with what I put on my skin and how well I protect my face from the sun.

I don’t avoid sunshine altogether because the feeling of sunshine dancing on my skin is so pleasurable and when you live in a warm climate, it’s difficult not to spend time at the beach or by the swimming pool. However, I always wear my sunscreen and top up regularly and I sit in the shade for most of the time.  Additionally, I wear sun sensible clothing which looks fabulous, you’d think it was created by haute couture designers there’s so much choice these days.  A hat is imperative when by a swimming pool, to protect my face and my hair.  Giant sunglasses complete the look and when I walk around I use one of my Persolé parasols.  That’s my poolside beauty covered but since seeing Anne Hathaway donning her parasol I’ve added parasols to my day to day ensemble. I now own quite a few magnificent sun umbrellas or parasols from Persolé not only do they look stunning, they are UV repellent and fashion statements of their own.

A Persolé parasol promises almost 100% protection from UVA and UVB and the fabrics they are created from promise UPF (fabric factor) 50+.  If you get caught in a downpour they’re suitable to use as an umbrella too because they are completely waterproof although I wouldn’t advise using them for this purpose too often!  You should definitely check them out; they are just superbly made, some of them fashioned from bamboo and covered in divine glistening Swarovski crystals not to mention the stunning jewelled handles.  It’s no wonder I’ve fallen in love with them and I keep finding myself looking for new styles to complement my different outfits.  It doesn’t matter what I wear, there’s a Persolé parasol to match any outfit, even if I’m just going to the soccer game in my favorite jeans and T-shirt or if I’m dressing up for a smart brunch party with friends.  A parasol looks chic and striking and now I’m never without my Persolé. I’m finding I’m buying my parasols and matching outfits to them!  I’m particularly in love with Blue Flower with Lucite parasol and when I’m feeling a little more adventurous I bring out the Red Leopard with Red Crystal parasol – one of my absolute favorites.

So if you want to protect your skin from aging, age spots, melanoma and retain your youthful good looks there’s nothing better than plenty of high quality SPF 50 and a fabulously gorgeous parasol to match your outfit.  Not only does one of these protect your face, it also keeps your hair away from the sun so there’s no chance of your color lifting or it drying out so a Persolé parasol ticks all my boxes.  I don’t feel fully dressed without mine!

Sun Parasol and Gucci Bag

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