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:
- Sunscreen Roundup, Part 1: Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60+, CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Sheer Tint and Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50
- Sunscreen Roundup, Part 2: La Roche-Posay Broad Spectrum Anthelios 60 SPF 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk and Sunscreen Lotion Spray, and the Sun Bum Broad Spectrum SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion and Spray
Hi, friend! Happy hump day to ya. 🙂
These are the last of the sunscreens I’ve been testing and trying. How long that statement is true remains to be seen, because I’m always on the lookout for more.
I’ve got some good ones for you (hello, Bliss Block Star), but before we get to that…do you remember the old sunscreen song by Baz Luhrmann?
SPF 1000, what the what?!
I remember the first time I heard it… I was driving across the Bay Bridge at an obscene hour in the morning after a long night of dancing in San Francisco. I was listening to Live 105 on full blast to stay awake, and I liked the song so much that, the next day, I went to (wait for it) A CD STORE — remember those! — to track it down.
I haven’t heard the song in forever, and I gotta say, it resonates differently at 45 than it did at 24. OMG! Anyway, give it a listen…
Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen SPF30
“Hey, now! You’re a block star. Get your game on, go play.
Hey, now! You’re a block star. Get the show on, get paid.
And all that glitters is gold;
Only shooting stars break the mold.”
SORRY, GIRL, but I had to do it. 🙂 This song burrows its way into my brain whenever I pick up Block Star, which, by the way, is the newest item to join the Bliss permanent lineup. It’s a physical sunscreen, and, like all of the items in Bliss’s skin care collection, this tinted mineral sunscreen is cruelty-free.
I wore it on my mug the other day when El Hub hugged me, and he said, “You smell really good.”
Good sign!
It smells like lavender, and it lingers for about 15 minutes or so. I like it, and apparently so do the peeps in my circle!
The tan tint is a surprise. It appears lighter and peachier than the CeraVe tinted mineral sunscreen, so I assumed it wouldn’t work for someone like myself with tan skin, but it completely disappears after you rub it in.
There’s a slight cast at first…but after it sets (about 10 minutes), it disappears, and all that’s left is a smooth, matte finish.
This lotion feels silky, and I don’t feel like I have to jump through any hoops to get my skin to absorb it, likely due to the inclusion of dimethicone. If you’re a fan of that distinctively smooth, silicone-style slip, you’ll probably like how this feels on your skin.
I also like how it doesn’t burn or sting my eyes, and that I can layer it throughout the day. It’s an extremely easy sunscreen to touch up and reapply with, and I think it’s even easier to use than the CeraVe.
If you’re debating between the CeraVe and Block Star, I’d say go for Block Star if you like lavender and like the feeling of a “silicone slip,” and opt for CeraVe if moisture is your top priority. Both are solid choices, IMO, and you can’t go wrong with either.
A 1.4-oz. tube is $19.99 at Target. Definitely going to keep this in the rotation.
Coppertone Water Babies Fragrance Free SPF 50
As far as affordable sunscreen options, this one costs less than 10 bucks, and you get 6 ounces, woot! This fragrance-free chemical sunscreen is pretty darn good. I’ve used this for face and body, and it doesn’t irritate my peepers. Connor has also used it and agrees.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendlier option to La-Roche Posay Melt In Milk, this might be a good alternative, because like the Melt In Milk, it’s moisturizing, as far as sunscreens go, and it actually lasts throughout the day, but I don’t think the formula is as “elegant,” meaning that it takes much longer to rub in and absorb, and it feels thicker and stickier than Melt In Milk…
You also might want to patch test this first if you plan on wearing it on your face. I haphazardly put a layer on my mug one day when I was rushing to get Connor to a playdate, and I broke out shortly afterwards, boo!
A 6-oz bottle is $8.99 at Target. I’ll definitely buy this again because I like it as a body sunscreen, especially for the price, but I would exercise caution as a face sunscreen if your skin tends to break out.
Shiseido Clear Stick UV Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ WetForce
I saw a sh*t-ton of these clear, chemical sunscreens sticks at the cash wrap at The Rack a couple weeks ago and picked one up on a whim, and now I get why — it looks like it’s being discontinued.
My feelings are totally mixed about this product… On one hand, I love the convenience of it. The shape and size make it perfect for sticking in a pocket or a purse, so that makes it really easy to reapply during the day. I just unscrew the top, run the stick directly across my skin (it leaves behind a thin, non-sticky film), then rub it in more with my hands.
It’s clear, so there’s no white cast or stain, and the light, lemony scent is delightful but not overwhelming. I also like the matte finish.
Problem is…it just doesn’t stay on all that well! The film never truly sinks into my skin and just sits on top, so it ends up rubbing off on whatever I come into contact with. I’ve worn it on my arms, hands and feet, and it doesn’t seem to do really all that much when it comes to actual, ya know…sun protection.
A 0.52-oz. stick is $28 at Nordstrom Rack, and online at shiseido.com (for now). I’m not going to buy this again, and I don’t even think I’m going to finish it, either, TBH. 🙁
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50 for Face
Gotta love how affordable this physical sunscreen is for face. A 2-oz. tube is less than $10! Those who prefer their face sunscreen without a whiff of tropical fruit notes may also enjoy how its faint sunscreen-y scent fades quickly.
Unfortunately for this latte-colored lady, the white cast is pretty visible on tan skin. When I wear the recommended amount, my face and neck turn into the most interesting a purplish gray… Very Addams Family! It also feels heavy and slightly greasy when it’s sitting on my skin.
A 2-oz. tube is $9.97 at Target, and although the price is SO RIGHT, I really can’t see myself finishing this tube or buying it again. It’s not bad…but it’s not great either.
Take care of your skin, ya hear?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
My moisturizer and cleanser are by Aveeno but some of their products, including at least some of the sunscreens, have peanut-derived ingredients and the mineral ones are definitely white af. I’m fair, so I can make it work, but they definitely get that eerie purple gray tint on more melaninated skin tones.
I want to find a zinc sunscreen that I love but dang that purple tint!
Hope you’re having a great Wednesday so far.
We took Hettie to the vet for shots and a checkup and the vet was really happy with how healthy she is! She lost 10 lbs since last year thanks to our walking routine (I lost weight too LOL). We also scheduled a dental checkup. She’s 9 years old, so she’s not young, but we want her to be healthy and happy for many more years.
I love that Aveeno sunscreen for my face. It isn’t irritating to my sensitive skin and doesn’t make me break out. I’m very fair so the white cast doesn’t really show up on me. Later in the summer when my skin is darker I mix a few drops of Drunk Elephant bronzing liquid in to take the harshness out of the white. Custom tinted sunscreen!
Hi Susan!
Someone had mentioned a similar trick (I wish I could remember where I heard it) with Dermablend drops. You can quickly and very easily create a custom color with any mineral sunscreen, supposedly! I want to try it soon.
I love that you’re exploring the sunscreen options for us. Every time I look at my dwindling supply of Japanese sunscreen I feel this panic rise up inside of me. It means I will have to keep trying a whole slew of sunscreens made for the US market and I know I will get frustrated and have a lot sunscreens I will be pawning off on Dear Husband because he’ll wear any slimy, sticky, gooey gunk on his face.
I’m really trying to be diligent about wearing and reapplying it. Next on my list are more drugstore ones; I’ve been researching Hawaiian Tropic and Banana Boat. Will keep you updated on if I find anything truly amazing!
Is your DH home now?
Do they still make Ocean Potion sunscreens? I know they got bought out a while ago. They used to be our go-to drugstore sunscreen. It had a light citrusy scent to it.
Yes, DH hauled butt across I-80 and made it home Saturday afternoon. So even though DD wasn’t here for Mother’s Day, DH was.
DD gets the keys to her apartment on Saturday and the movers come next Tuesday.
If it ever comes back in stock, try Dr. Jart Every Sun Day. It’s mineral, not greasy, smells nice and makes my skin feel so soft. No tint. Holy grail.
–Denise M.