How the hell are we in AUGUST right now? The summer feels like it has just begun and with this heat, I am totally feelin' the summer burn. I know it doesn't stay warm in Vancouver for very long so I should really be enjoying this, but the air has been feeling really heavy and muggy which I can't stand so I hope things lighten up a bit! This post has been a long time coming and now that we are in the throes of summer it seems a good a time as any to chit chat about some new (and maybe not so new) favourite sunscreens that I have been reaching for this season!
Some PR samples featured and are indicated with *
Alumier MD Clear Shield Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 42*
I have talked about this sunscreen a lot on my Instagram feed because it was one of the first physical sunscreens I started using that had a smooth consistency. It protects against UVA and UVB rays using micronized zinc oxide and titanium dioxide without the classically chalky white texture. It also has one of the nicer ingredient lists with niacinamide for soothing redness and sodium hyaluronate in the first half of the ingredients list making it seem a lot more like a moisturizer than a sunscreen. This also wears well under foundation which is a huge selling feature for me!
Mad Hippie Facial SPF 30*
This sunscreen from Mad Hippie is my latest discovery and though it also uses micronized zinc oxide for UVA/UVB protection, this texture, the scent and the ingredients list has me categorizing this as skincare! It has an incredibly light and liquid-like texture that you need to shake the tube before every use and when the folks at Sitka Naturals told me a little goes a long way, they weren't kidding! At this rate, I could use this 59mL tube for the whole year EASILY! The scent is probably the most pleasant thing about this sunscreen as it smells citrusy thanks to ingredients like sweet orange, carrot seed, raspberry and jasmine oil which is unlike ANY sunscreen I have come across! This sunscreen even has actual vitamin C in it! I mean, this is a sunscreen that I legit feel is doing something more than just being a helmet for my skin and I think is worth trying out!
LASPA Moisturizing Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30*
While I find this sunscreen a touch heavy feeling to wear on days I am wearing a full face of makeup, this is probably the most hydrating sunscreen I have ever used. Completely translucent and easy to work into the skin, this physical sunscreen is fragrance-free and contains coconut oil and coconut extract for hydration and rosemary and green tea extract for a little extra dose of antioxidants. This is a great sunscreen for when you are out and about and going light on makeup.
Apothekari Shade SPF 30*
I have long been an admirer of Vancouver-based Apothekari Skincare because knowing that the founder is a pharmacist has me trusting that the ingredients in all their products are in there for a good reason! Shade 30 is a mineral sunscreen that doesn't give skin a ghostly white cast and in addition to providing UVA/UVB protection also contains ingredients like red algae that further absorb both UVA and UVB rays and ergothioneine, a natural-occurring antioxidant that prevents damage caused by UV radiation, recycles Vitamin C and even inhibits melanin production! This sunscreen doesn't mess around! It is even suggested to be used in conjunction with the Apothekari Bespoke Vitamin C Serum for the ultimate day time antioxidant cocktail! One main difference with this sunscreen and others I have featured is that because the texture is light, but a bit tacky the best way to apply is to tap instead of rubbing into the skin and then letting it dry before applying makeup.
COOLA Full Spectrum 360° Sun Silk Drops Organic Sunscreen SPF 30 (birthday gift)
These sunscreen drops are just COOL and it is sad that they are not available in Canada. We all know COOLA was one of the first brands to make a nicely textured physical sunscreen and since then, they have not stopped coming out with fun and effective ways to apply sunscreen with even a hair and scalp sunscreen spray! These sun silk drops not only provide protection from UVA and UVB rays, but also from blue light emitted from technological devices. To apply, I just use a couple of drops - enough to cover my face, neck and chest and spread all over. The texture is very spreadable and is perfect to use on its own or underneath makeup. A big feature of this product is that you can blend these drops with your current skincare or makeup products, but keep in mind that mixing can reduce the SPF protection. This is why it is challenging to convert ANY old beauty product into one with SPF power. You can't just mix your current sunscreen of SPF 30 with your moisturizer and say the mixture STILL has an SPF 30 since you have now diluted it. Regardless, this is still one of my favourite finds this year!
LASPA Broad Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen Ultra Sun Stick SPF 50*
I thought the LASPA Sunscreen Stick deserved an honorable mention because it is the only mineral sunscreen I have with this high of an SPF! Saying that, it is a bit thick, BUT this is in the convenient form of a stick AND it's tinted! This is perfect for when you are out at the beach and need a touch up that doesn't involve sticky sunscreen hands being covered in sand. I was able to throw this little guy in my crossbody for the afternoon to touch up my shoulders which can get too exposed to the sun.
I hope you spotted some new sunscreens to try and given you some renewed faith in mineral sunscreens because damn have they gotten better!
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