I’ve been trying quite a few new sunscreens lately, and this is a new series reviewing the hits and misses!
For more, check out:
You may have noticed that things have been serious around here lately with regard to sun protection. ??️
This cat lady and her cat companion don’t mess around, ha!
La Roche-Posay Broad Spectrum Anthelios 60 SPF 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk for Face and Body
This moisturizing and water-resistant fragrance-free chemical sunscreen for face and body is made for all skin types, even sensitive skin. Pretty much every spot I put this on feels great — my arms, legs, face, neck. It’s just like applying a regular old body lotion, and after it absorbs, it dries to a velvet finish that doesn’t feel sticky. There’s nary a greasy limb in sight! It just feels comfy. It hasn’t triggered any breakouts for me, and no burning or stinging eyes.
I mean, I know it’s just a sunscreen, but it’s a delight to wear. Please, however, remember to budget time for it to set and absorb completely before putting on any light or white clothing because it will leave yellow stains on white shirts. Yup, this is a lesson I learned the hard way. Thankfully, I got the stains out of my shirts, but I cannot say it enough — LET THIS BAD BOY DRY DOWN.
Even with the staining issue, I still like it a lot. It’s moisturizing, non-sticky, doesn’t leave behind any cast whatsoever, and I can load up on multiple layers throughout the day without any pilling. It also works well with other skin care products and makeup.
A 5-oz. tube with a flip cap is $35.99 at Ulta. It’s PRICEY, but I’d totally buy it again. I’ll be dancing into summer with it by my side.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Sunscreen Lotion Spray SPF 60
Basically, the same as the lotion sunscreen above but in an aerosol spray. I think it works just as well too, but one big advantage is its watery consistency, which makes it easier and faster to rub into skin. It’s useful to have when I’m touching up on sunscreen at lunchtime and feeling lazy.
Here’s how I like to apply it: I cup my hand and point the nozzle into my palm to spray liquid in there first, and then I rub the liquid on my arms, legs, etc. I don’t like spraying it directly on my body willy-nilly because I feel like it misses too many spots, ya know?
Please note, I’d recommend waiting for the liquid to dry completely because, like the lotion, it stains light or white clothing.
A 5-oz. bottle is $24.99 at Ulta. I’d buy this again if it were on sale, but I don’t know if I’d call this my holy grail spray because of the potential for staining… I’m going to keep searching for one that won’t stain my clothes.
Sun Bum UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion
I see this brand all the time at outdoorsy type places like Sports Basement, and I’ve always wondered if it was any good. Long story short, it is!
No cast, stays on like glue, but oh, the scent… It’s very strong. I like it because it’s yummy, like a coconut smoothie, but dang — I feel like I’m trapped in a tropical bar listening to the Steve Miller Band’s greatest hits all night long. In other words, you gotta be in the mood.
I’ve only used it on my body so far, so I can’t say how well it does on the face and neck, but both Connor and I wore this on our arms and legs on a very hot, sunny day last week, and neither of us picked up *any* color whatsoever. It really does seem to freakin’ work wonders at screening skin from the sun.
Other things to love? The satin finish is super pretty, and the formula isn’t sticky at all. Plus, it layers well.
Note: when you get into the shower or bath at night, expect to spend a little extra time removing it with a washcloth or an oil-based cleanser because it does such a good job of staying on skin that it’s actually hard to remove.
A big 8-oz. bottle is $15.99 at Ulta. The super strong coconut scent is a little much for an everyday sunscreen, but I still love this enough to buy it again for the beach or camping.
Sun Bum UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum SPF 70 Sunscreen Spray
The spray version is exactly like the lotion but in liquid form, and it’s just as lovely. This is the sunscreen I bring to Connor’s playdates at the park for touchups.
A 6-oz. bottle is $15.99 at Ulta. I like the price, and it works great, so even with the strong coconut scent, I’ll buy it again.
Happy sunscreen-ing, my friend! ?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. TGIF!!!! ?
TGIFBMD (Thank God It’s Friday Before Mother’s Day).
More Rosie Face #2, please.
I’ve been meaning to try the Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Face Tint SPF 30; hopefully it does not smell too coconutty as the other Sun Bum products you’ve featured. Glow by Ramon (YouTuber who reviews, inter alia, brown skin-friendly sunscreen) spoke highly of the Sun Bum Face Tint.
We’re mostly under masks these days but don’t have to wear them at the beach if socially distanced; have you tried an SPF lip balm that you like?
Ooh funny you should mention the SPF because I bought the Sun Bum lip balm, and it’s OK. I’m going to keep looking, though. (Really, I just want an excuse to explore the wide world of SPF lip balms, haha.)
I just watched the Sun Bum video by Glow by Ramon! Totally adding it the the list.
How’s your Friday going?
Thanks for this! I’ve worn the Sun Bum at the beach and really like it, but I wear a different lotion if I’m just going out and wearing regular clothes. Did you find the Sun Bum stained too? I’m tempted to make it my regular, everyday lotion.
Hi Jennifer,
I still haven’t used it with a lighter shirt but my daughter did earlier this week; let me check the laundry and I’ll get back to you!
I think the Sun Bum ones would be great for outdoor workouts and hikes – most of my more lotion-y ones start to run off when I am sweating.
I love Sun Bum! The face lotion is my go to sunblock and it’s fragrance free. What sold me on top of the SPF, is their products are reef friendly and the do not test on animals so no kitties are harmed! 🙂
I’m going to try the face lotion next because the body stuff is impressive! I’ve been using the spray a lot lately; I like that it’s clean and absorbs quickly. Have you ever tried the tinted face lotion? I’m very curious about it!
I have not; never had luck with tinted moisturizers – they are either too light or too dark. I’m almost out so I may work up the nerve to try it next tube. I’ll watch for your review and if I beat you to it, I’ll letcha know 😉
OK! I’ve got two bottles of tinted mineral sunscreen to finish, which I think will happen sooner than later. I’ve been trying to be diligent about reapplication throughout the day, and I’m realizing, DANG. I’m going through a lot of sunscreen!
Oooo Sun Bum is on my list now for body sunscreen.