Makeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To Makeup

Target Adventures! Billion Dollar Beauty, Jason Wu, Olive & June and SO MANY TWEEZERS

May 13th, 2021 by Karen 20 Comments

Some exciting finds from Target, like this build-your-own palette by Billion Dollar Beauty

Random unsolicited beauty advice for the day: ALWAYS REMEMBER TO PACK YOUR TWEEZERS.

You’re going to laugh at me… We’re staying in Sonoma for a few days while our house is being worked on (and by “we,” I mean all of us, including Rosie the Cat!). Of course, me being me, I did some last-minute “panic packing,” which means throwing everything I could grab into my luggage, including all of the stuff I like to have around but probably won’t use because all I’ve been wearing lately is sunscreen — random neutral palettes I haven’t worn in years, foundation, liquid lipsticks, etc.

Anywho, the first night we get here, I’m lying down in bed trying to fall asleep, when I touch my chin and realize that 1) there’s a stiff, stubby renegade hair; and 2) I didn’t pack any tweezers.

NOOOOOO!

I went to Target the next day to find a pair, and, incidentally, the beauty section had a shocking number of hair removal tools, ranging from pricy (Tweezerman, which are BOMB) to mid-range (Japonesque) to super-duper budget-friendly (Trim).

I’m usually a Tweezerman girl, but I couldn’t resist the Japonesque ones because they look like mini works of art! I ended up with these $6 point tweezers, which swiftly remedied my stubble situation.

Not exactly tweezer related, but does anyone else find this Trim Blemish Removing Tool terrifying…? It looks like something that belongs on a dentist’s exam tray!

If you use this tool and love it, please fill me in on how to use it.

While I was there, I also looked around, of course (it seemed like the right thing to do), and I was pleasantly surprised by all of the new brands I’d never seen before.

This brand called Billion Dollar Beauty looks really cool. They sell an empty palette and individual makeup pans, so you build your own palette from scratch! Everything is pretty affordable, too.

Aren’t the colors pretty? I love the wide range of useful neutrals. I’m saving my lunch money to build my own palette (or palettes?) ASAP.

Oh, please excuse the sad state of my nails. I didn’t have the chance to remove the tow-up remainder of a recent Chanel New Dawn manicure, and that’s probably why I ended up up grabbing these polish removing pads…

I also got a grayish-green shade called KMC, along with a top coat from a new-to-me brand called Olive & June. ?

I saw my favorite Honest Beauty palette right across from the Olive & June display, by the way! If you haven’t tried it yet, you better get on it ASAP. I actually wore it last night out to dinner (, along with my Bliss Block Star Tinted Sunscreen), and I still love it.

Isn’t the Jason Wu packaging gorgeous?

See anything you like? I’m most excited about the Billion Dollar Beauty and Olive & June lines.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sunscreen Roundup, Part 3: Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen SPF30, Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50 for Face, Coppertone Water Babies Fragrance Free SPF 50

May 12th, 2021 by Karen 9 Comments

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

5 Things I’ve Been Loving Lately

May 11th, 2021 by Karen 10 Comments

pink reading glasses — I can see clearly now!

1. Prive Revaux Eyewear Reading Glasses

Got these at THE RACK because I’m tired of staring at my phone and having everything be hella blurry! Usually, these reading glasses are $40 at full price, but I found this lightweight pink pair for $13! I saw lots of blue-light blocking glasses in lots of cute frames, too.

pink reading glasses nordstrom rack — This is what happens when your hair is crazy and you’re only wearing sunscreen and you just go with it…

2. Old Navy Eva Slides in the Big Leopard Print

Leopard print is a neutral! I saw one of Connor’s teachers wearing these cute leopard slides, and so when she told me to run-don’t-walk to Old Navy, I promptly heeded her advice. These are cute, and the arch support is decent, although I wouldn’t go walking around Disneyland all day in them or anything… They’re fine for errands and camping.

I suspect they’re only built to last one summer, though, because some of the print along the edges of the slides has already started peeling off. I’m not crabby about it, but I think I’ll eventually try to find a similar one that’s more durable.

3. The beauty section at the Old Navy cash wrap

Speaking of Old Navy, the beauty section located near the cash wrap is LIT. They don’t have a ton of brands, but the ones that are there (in the store in my town, at least) are stocked. I saw quite a few things from Pacifica, e.l.f., Burt’s Bees and a perfume brand that’s new to me called Kindred Goods.

4. Shirts with sun protection UPF50

Apparently, I’ve somehow ended up on a mission to have absolutely no rays of sun touch my skin over the next few months, LOL! I’ve been browsing and bookmarking long-sleeve shirts with UPF50 sun protection. I’m on the hunt for affordable, lightweight and cute shirts.

I like that these breezy, comfy-looking Under Armor shirts are only $35. It gets really hot where I live in Northern Marin County, and the sweat-wicking material would be helpful.

The curved hem and thumbholes in the Athleta Uptempto top are nice touches. Lots of colors to choose from, too.

They’re $69 each, which is out of my budget, but if I can find one on sale, I’ll pounce!

5. The Jetsetters, by Amanda Eyre Ward

Last night I started this book and had to force myself to put it down, so I could go to sleep! This fiction novel is about a woman in her 70s, Charlotte, and her three estranged adult children; Charlotte enters an essay contest and wins an international trip as a prize. She then invites her kids to join her, and shenanigans ensue.

the jetsetters cover — I can’t wait to read this tonight!

What’ve you been loving lately?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 677

May 10th, 2021 by Karen 25 Comments

be kind to yourself today monday may 10 2021 — It’s going to be a great day!

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of five more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007). I love reading your answers, and it helps me get my week off to a good start. ?

1. What are your favorite summer foods?

Oh! — I love all the summer fruit, especially watermelon and strawberries! I look forward to the fruit that shows up in stores around this time all year long.

This I will also gobble down most anything found at an outdoor BBQ, with emphasis on all the sides — corn (with lots of butter and salt, of course), potato salad, chips and dip, what have you.

2. Does your family take seasonal trips?

Well…prior to 2020, we tried to take at least one or two trips out to Oahu to see El Hub’s family. Hopefully, we’ll be able to start doing that again soon! I know we technically can go out there, but we’re not quite there yet in terms of our family’s readiness. There are still too many family members who haven’t gotten their vaccine shot.

Last summer we started going car camping, and I hope we can continue doing that for as many summers as Connor will tolerate hanging out with us, LOL.

3. One of your current short-term personal goals?

Honestly, it’s to get through May in one piece with my sanity intact. We’ve got a lot of things going on in terms of home repairs and stuff.

4. What’s your OOTD today?

My Prince tee and a pair of denim shorts.

5. Best and worst thing about traveling?

Best thing? Exploring new places and feeding my brain with new memories and experiences. Worst thing — bathrooms. Enough said.

6. How often do you accidentally butt-dial people with your phone?

I really don’t do this! I don’t understand how it happens. (El Hub said “You’re kidding!? It happens to me all the time!” when I mentioned this to him.)

7. What do you think about reality TV?

It’s not my favorite way to pass time because I’d rather watch a scripted drama or comedy, but if I’m tapped out mentally and need to just sit and let my brain turn into mush, I’ll look for old MTV reality shows like Laguna Beach and The Hills.

8. What are some things in beauty that excite you at the moment?

I’m really into all things skin care at the moment, but especially sunscreen. Is that weird? I’m also excited about a couple of hair care lines, Pattern (at Ulta) and Function of Beauty.

9. Last emoji you texted to someone?

? ? ? The thumbs-up sign my catch-all symbol. It’s short for “will do,” “got it,” “great idea,” and “let’s do it,” for starters.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.

1. What are your favorite summer foods?
2. Does your family take seasonal trips?
3. One of your current short-term personal goals?
4. What’s your OOTD today?
5. Best and worst thing about traveling?
6. How often do you accidentally butt-dial people with your phone?
7. What do you think about reality TV?
8. What are some things in beauty that excite you at the moment?
9. Last emoji you texted to someone?

P.P.S. Hiya and hello, Monday! How are things on your end, beautiful girl? I’m feeling happy and excited about the week ahead. Here’s to this week being a great one for us all.

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 658

May 9th, 2021 by Karen 6 Comments

Happy Mother’s Day! ? Thank you to all the pet moms, people moms, caregivers and mother figures who play an important role in someone else’s life. You don’t always get recognized for how much you do, but you make the world a better place for us all.

Flashback to 2016… This was 20 pounds of tabby love right there, and I was just about ready to pop.

Rosie greatly enjoys cuddles, FYI.

Today on her walk she decided to wear her rainbow collar with the red heart charm.

After ensuring that Harris, the neighborhood cat ragamuffin, wasn’t around, Rosie sat and relaxed on the lawn for a long time, just listening to the sounds of the circle waking up. People starting their lawnmowers, the wild turkeys gobbling and distant church bells ringing.

I hope you have a wonderful day. ❤️

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Saturday Surfing, May 8, 2021!

May 8th, 2021 by Karen 5 Comments

Hello, my friend! Welcome to the weekend. Whatever you’re up to, I hope you’re wearing your sunscreen.

I’ll be wearing it while do my “Cinderella chores.” 🙂

This week’s reading

I’ve been researching UV blocking shirts this week…and here are five things that affect how well your clothes block UV rays.
Speaking of sun protection, these skincare experts say that these are the 15 best sunscreens of 2021.
’90s-style brown makeup is having a moment (side note: YESSSS!).
Waterproof brow products to keep your arches high all day
Feeling like doing a little organizing? Here are some makeup storage ideas!
I wonder if doves are crying (tears of joy, obviously) over this Urban Decay collaboration with Prince.
Pretty spring makeup from Byredo… WANT.
Speaking of Byredo, I would love to try this scent.
Teens are worried about wrinkles, say what?!

Big hair, smokey eyes… I’m here for it.

Something I’m working on!

I love him.

Chemical versus mineral sunscreen

TBH, I’d wear this daily.

Awww!

I’m not exactly sure what’s going on here, but I really want to be a part of it.

Let it go.

That seems like a lot of sunscreen, but I’m down for it.

Shout-out to my current dermatological paramour, the Neutrogena retinol cream!

Because I’m obsessed with sunscreen…

Have a fantastic weekend! I hope you’re doing something fun, or at least not too terribly unpleasant. What are you up to? What did you have for breakfast, BTW? Inquiring minds want to know.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

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

May 7th, 2021 by Karen 10 Comments

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

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!!!! ?

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

May 6th, 2021 by Karen 14 Comments

sunscreen roundup neutrogena paulas choice cerave — Sunscreen Roundup, Part 1!

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