AIR-CONDITIONING in a handy travel bottle. If only it were that easy to beat the heat of the Bermuda summer. Apparently, it now is.

A body of scientists from France Med (UK) has created the world's first cooling spray, claiming it to be effective, environmentally friendly and - of greatest concern to someone on the verge of sunstroke or in the middle of a cricket pitch at a county game - instant.

Dubbed Magicool, the British invention is being touted as "a personal air-conditioner in a can", delivering a fine, ready-chilled, water-based spray even if the canister has been left standing outdoors in the hottest weather.

"Magicool proved to be a popular product with men, women and overheated children, babies in particular," said Nelly Malek, a spokesperson for the company. "Those suffering from prickly heat, itchy, irritant skin and those prone to heat exhaustion found it to be indispensible; a must for travel."

The product is without chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a gaseous compound of carbon hydrogen and fluorine, thought to harm the ozone layer and found in many aerosals.

"The coolant has no harmful CFCs, HCFCs or alcohol, making it an ozone-friendly spray. Its contents are actually a mixture of a chemical coolant, demineralised water and a fragrance that deliver a cooling spray without causing cold shock or discomfort.

"Magicool safely cools the skins and the face, providing instant relief from the heat and its related stresses. When the spray is activated, the coolant rapidly turns to gas, expands, and disappears after absorbing the latent heat of transformation from the water and the surroundings.

"(It) instantly lowers temperature, then slowly evaporates to further cool the skin and to provide a longer lasting, cooling effect. This distinguishes it from the water-only sprays currently on the market," she added. "Such sprays are hot when the weather is hot and, because they are propelled by compressed gas, their quality deteriorates during use from a mist to a coarse spray."

The unique spray could also be used in sun-baked cars to prevent burning from steering wheels and seat belts, she added, without risk of damage to the material.

Magicool Body Cooler & Freshener and Hot Weather Cooler & Freshener, are available for $10.50 at Trimingham's in the cosmetics department.