I’ve been trying quite a few new sunscreens lately, and this is a new series reviewing the hits and misses!
I’ve gotten a few requests to do a deeper dive into the sunscreens I’ve been hoarding applying with enthusiasm lately, so next stop — SUN PROTECTION CITY. ?️
Let’s go!
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60+
I straight-up LOVE using this chemical sunscreen on my body, but I do not like using it on my neck or face because it makes me break out! — and I don’t mean break out into song. It also makes my eyes itch when I sweat. ? For arms, legs, tummy and back, though, it’s bomb.com.
You know I cannot deal with the backs of my knees feeling sticky, and this formula absorbs in less than a minute. It’s also on the watery side, and my skin doesn’t feel sticky or greasy afterward.
It’s so easy to apply and reapply throughout the day, too, which is probably why I — drumroll please — already finished the tube.
Also, the quick dry time seems to help keep this sunscreen from staining clothes, which is GREAT. I’ve already taken the plunge and worn it with white shirts, and it doesn’t leave any yellow spots behind, even though it does have a lovely yellow-ish golden tint, which, FYI, you can’t really see once you rub it in.
I must say, I don’t know why the yellow tint is there, but it seems to help this not leave behind any cast.
Oh, and the finish!? It looks all glowy and schmexy when you start rubbing it in, and then it dries to satin, which is very pretty, especially on arms and legs.
As for the scent, it has a light one that reminds me of Bobbi Brown Beach Perfume. I like it.
Another thing I like is how it does not budge, even when I sweat. It’s so good at staying put that when I get into the shower at night, it takes elbow grease and a washcloth to completely remove it from my body.
If you already have a sunscreen you love for your face and neck, I say give this one a try.
A 3-oz. tube at Ulta is $17.99. I really like this for my arms, legs and feet, and because it’s especially easy to reapply throughout the day, I’ll for sure buy it again.
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Sheer Tint
This physical sunscreen has a tint… It’s on the deeper side, so if you’re a lighter lass, you might have some issues with the tint looking too dark or too orange. I’m an NC42 in MAC, and I think it suits me pretty well, although I can see a subtle, sheer cast when I apply multiple coats.
I don’t worry about it too much, though, because the product has so many positives. It’s unscented, doesn’t sting my eyes, and it feels comfortable on my face and neck (I don’t really use it on my body). It’s also quite moisturizing, which I think is due to CeraVe’s three signature ceramides.
I’ve noticed that physical sunscreens take much longer to settle into my skin, and this takes about three minutes to rub in completely. After that, once it’s absorbed, it feels light and doesn’t feel greasy or sticky.
FYI, I’ve noticed that this tinted lotion can rub off on lighter clothing, so just pointing that out. So far I’ve been able to remove it from my clothes in the wash (knock on wood), but it’s worth noting.
This is pretty affordable at $16.99 for a 1.7-oz. tube (I bought mine at Ulta).
I wish it came in an option with a higher SPF, because if it did I’d totally get it again. It cooperates with other skin care products, looks great under makeup, and it’s super easy to apply.
Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50
I’ve been using this chemical sunscreen on my face, where I have combo skin, and there’s a lot to like about it.
The good — it’s moisturizing, lightweight, and it absorbs quickly. I can also put it on my lids and my under-eye area without it bothering my peepers, and because it’s unscented, I can apply as much as I want without getting a headache.
Oh! — I also like the demi-matte finish.
The not-so-great part? I can see a very slight grayish cast on my skin when I use it… Granted, it settles down and disappears, eventually, but it takes a while… About an hour. Also, it doesn’t play all that well with other skin care products in the mix. It balls up and pills quite easily, so reapplying it throughout the day is challenging when I’m wearing more than just this.
A 2-oz. tube is $33, which is a lot for a sunscreen that’s just OK… I liked it enough to use most of the tube, but I don’t think I’ll be keeping it in rotation when I finish it. *shrugs*
Have you tried any of these sunscreens? Are there any others you really like?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen