Sunscreen, sunscreen and more SUNSCREEN! This part of my skincare routine is just a given, but I recently had a conversation with two colleagues around my age who looked at me like I was batshit crazy when I said "You need to use sunscreen!" They said that because they work "indoors" they don't need it, but we all know that you encounter UV even while working indoors (unless you live in solitary confinement within cement walls). The condition of your skin can be preserved to a large extent just by including this very simple product in your routine and though it might feel like we are just layering product after product, many brands have perfected sunscreen formulations to the point where some feel light as air and don't pill or interfere with your underlying skincare or makeup application. I didn't realize that almost every year I have done some sort of sunscreen roundup and looking back, I've noticed that I've discovered new favourites every year that I hope you will enjoy as well!
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50 PA++++
I have been hearing about this Japanese chemical sunscreen for years and I finally got my hands on it when a client of mine went to Japan last year and brought it back for me because SHE knew it was hot and wanted to get one for herself! This has a lightweight cooling, gel consistency that leaves zero residue and is one that I will restock once I finish this tube. It makes for a perfect primer for foundation as the silicone in this product gives skin the smoothest texture. It is also very easy to take off with little effort despite it being water and sweat-resistant. The only retailers I have been able to find it at are YesStyle.ca and Amazon. Both for less than $20 which is great, but with YesStyle you have to buy over $100 to get flat rate shipping.
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30*
This is a physical sunscreen and is the only physical sunscreen I have actually been reaching for this summer and not because it's amazing, but because I feel terrible not using it when it's going to expire this November. Note in the title of this post that I never said I LIKED all of the sunscreens! I cannot use this on my face and it looks like according to a number of Sephora reviews that I am not alone in my negative feelings. While the formula is not greasy, there is not a lot of slip so when you apply it to your skin, you feel like there is resistance the entire way and that you are dragging the skin. There is also a bit of a white cast so darker-skinned individuals will not be fans of this. Even my yellow-toned skin looks ashy after using this so I have been using this on my body because the tube is massive and I do not have an actual body sunscreen in the house. I can deal with that heavy feeling on my body, but not on my face. Once WE use this up (yes, I am making my husband help me use this too!), I might look into the Umbra Tinte, but not anytime soon.
Dermalogica Prisma Protect Light Activated Skin Defense SPF 30*
For those days where I want to combine the moisturizer with SPF, this Prisma Protect Moisturizer is pretty awesome. The blurb on the packaging says this is a "light-activated" moisturizer which I don't quite understand, but it also has fermented sage which apparently helps to maintain an even skin tone. I like Dermalogica and have had good luck with their products in the past so I'm going to trust them on what they say! It has a creamy consistency that doesn't leave a residue and melts right into the skin. It has a mild, pleasant scent and a matte finish making this another fantastic option for underneath makeup.
Purito Centella Green Level Safe Sun SPF 50 PA++++
I love this sunscreen and though it was one of my favourites last year, it still remains one of the best sunscreens I have ever tried! This could be your moisturizer as well and uses Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (UVA) and Ethylhexyl Triazone (UVB) as your chemical sunscreen ingredients with Ethylhexyl Triazone showing to be highly photostable (for more info on this sunscreen check out my review from last year). This particular sunscreen has a soothing herbal scent, but there is an unscented version as well. Like everything we want in a sunscreen, the consistency is smooth, leaves no residue and is great underneath makeup. This and the Dermalogica Prisma Protect feel similar once the product has been rubbed in, but I would say that the Purito texture is a bit more watery. All in all, a sunscreen I think anyone would enjoy!
Paula's Choice Smoothing Primer Serum SPF 30*
Our apartment is in the shade and when I'm home, I occasionally skip the sunscreen step of my skincare routine on my days off especially if I had planned on being a housebunny. There have been occasions when all of a sudden I want to go out and want to wear a bit of makeup so while I COULD just apply sunscreen, I may as well merge it with a primer too! This has a similar consistency to my beloved Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen as it feels (and is!) just like a silicone-based makeup primer. It comes out clear and has that characteristic slightly oily finish which eventually does goes away. Your skin will have a very smooth finish and be ready for makeup application! I know some people don't like this feeling (think Smashbox Photofinish), but I know that eventually I forget about it once the rest of my face is on.
What have been your go-to sunscreens the last few months? Do you prefer mineral or chemical-based formulations? Off to enjoy the sun!
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