Sunscreen – Makeup Most Wanted

Category: Sunscreen

22
Jun
2018

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen SPF 50

categories: PR Sample, Reviews, Sunscreen

I’ve been a massive fan of Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost line since it was released a few years ago and Neutrogena is also generally my go to brand for drugstore sunscreen, so when I heard there was a Hydro Boost sunscreen coming I was all over it. I’m extremely fair, burn easily and have already dealt with melanoma once, so sunscreen is a pretty important part of my life. I have at least one in my purse at all times and slather it on before I leave the house, even if I’m just driving around the corner. I have a few requirements for a sunscreen to make it into my routine.

It obviously has to work, it can’t leave a white cast behind (I’m pale enough on my own), it can’t have a funky smell and it can’t leave my skin dried out. This Hydro Boost sunscreen checks every box and then some! We have a number of sun care posts coming up but this sunscreen blew me away so much that it had to get it’s own post.It’s not a physical sunscreen, so there isn’t any zinc goop leaving a film and while I don’t really love chemical sunscreens, this one works ridiculously well.It has the same light, fresh scent as the Hydro Boost Moisturizer and it’s fairly runny and absorbs instantly. But it also has Hyaluronic Acid and leaves my skin on my face and body super moisturized and I love that I can use it on both and not break out. I’ve used it in the car and walking around outdoors and I have to say, this is my favourite new sunscreen in a long long time.

It’s a couple dollars more than a typical drugstore sunscreen (at least when I’ve seen it in stores) and at 88mL, it’s not a big tube but results will have me replacing this every time I run out.

19
Aug
2016

Summer Suncare Most Wanted – Alyssa’s Picks

categories: Sunscreen

Steph posted her Most Wanted suncare products yesterday and while I’ve used quite a few of the same products, I wasn’t surprised that my list was completely different. I have much paler skin than she does and I burn easier than anyone else I know; so to say I have an obsession with suncare products is a little bit of an understatement. We might be heading closer to the end of August, but summer in Toronto doesn’t seem to be going anywhere and I’ve been using these sunscreens for months, so I know how well they work. Two of these are physical sunscreens and two are chemical and I honestly don’t think I have a preference between the two kinds as long as they work.
Avène High Protection Spray SPF 50+
Avene High Protection Spray SPF 50+
This lotion spray falls into the physical sunscreen category and unlike another product I’ve tried from the brand, it’s much easier to work with. It’s a lotion spray, so rubbing it in is essential (but you should really rub in all sprays). It does leave a faint white cast to my skin but it fades after a little while. I like this one best when I don’t have a ton of skin showing because it’s easier to work with.

Shiseido Wet Force Ultra Sun Protection Lotion For Sensitive Skin + Children SPF 50+
Shiseido Wet Force 50+
This is the other physical sunscreen on my list and it might be my favourite physical sunscreen ever. It becomes more effective once your skin is wet and my head sweats a lot in the summer. I haven’t gotten a hint of pink on my skin while using this and that’s saying something. It does turn my skin white but I found a way to make it less noticeable. I apply it and rub it in a little, then wait a few minutes and rub the rest in. It takes longer to get ready but it’s worth the effort.

Coppertone Clearly Sheer Face SPF 30

Coppertone as a whole has been the biggest surprise for me this year. The matching body sunscreen is hands down my favourite sunscreen lotion this year but the face version really stood out to me. It comes in a pump format and absorbs so quickly that you can apply the proper amount without feeling like you’re piling it on (and I use A LOT). This doesn’t leave my face greasy and the scent is so faint that people who have issues with the smell of sunscreen should be good with this one. I love this whole line way more than I expected to.

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Weightless Lotion SPF 30

This lotion is part sunscreen, part moisturizer. Or at least that’s what it feels like. It absorbs fairly quickly and smells delicious but the best part is how it makes your skin feel. If someone told me I could have a sunscreen that actually worked and made my skin feel super soft, I wouldn’t have believed them. Now I have proof.

18
Aug
2016

Summer Sunscreen Most Wanted – Steph’s Picks

categories: Sunscreen, Uncategorized

Biotherm Body Milk Sun Protection

Moisturizer meet sunscreen. With an SPF rating of just 15, this isn’t the kind of sun protection that you are going to wear on a trip out to the beach. For those days, we have stocked up on lots of serious sun protection. This is the super moisturizing body product that also happens to protect your skin while you’re out. I love it for work days when I will probably be indoors most of the time, but still want protection. It will also be great for the winter when you sometimes forget to wear sunscreen. It does have a tangy lemon scent that smells a bit like cleaning products, so be sure to have perfume ready if you aren’t crazy about lemons.

Clarins Sun Care Milk-Lotion Spray
Clarins Sunscreen Care Milk-Lotion Spray
I’ve had some bad luck with spray sun screen this summer. None of them have the right spray with the right power. Clarins is getting closer to perfection with their milk-lotion. The spray is a bit weird. It doesn’t spray evenly, so you have to spread it around. The SPF is also just 20, so it’s not strong enough for many people I know. That said, everytime I wore it my skin was totally protected. I didn’t burn anywhere and started to feel really confident in this sunscreen. It goes to show sometimes you have to give things a chance.

Garnier Ombrelle Sport Endurance Sunscreen
Ombrelle Endurance Sport Sunscreen
It’s been so hot this summer that you need a sunscreen that is going to last through everything. Garnier’s new sunscreen is not just water resistant, but also sweat resistant. I love how quickly it absorbs into my skin and it doesn’t leave any weird residue. My skin still feels like my skin.

Banana Boat Sun Comfort Sunscreen Lotion
Banana Boat Sun Comfort Lotion
Somehow I’ve made it this long without ever using Banana Boat sunscreen lotion. It might be one of my new faves now. I love the faint smell. I love how it makes my skin feel moisturized. I love how strong it is to protect me from the sun. I’m not sure how I feel about the claim that sand will brush off easily. While I’ve only used it at the pool, I doubt that this is true. Regardless it’s still my new favourite sunscreen.

22
Jun
2016

Phyto Phytophlage Collection

categories: Hair Reviews, Sunscreen

Phyto Phlage
We all take care of our skin during the summer. We slather on sunscreen, wear longer sleeves or stay in the shade. And with the exception of those that wear hats, we generally let our hair fry. Phyto’s Phytophlage line is a quick way to save our hair from sun, chlorine and UV Rays. Both the Protective Sun Veil and the Protective Sun Oil can be sprayed on dry or damp hair before you head out into the sun or into a pool. You reapply them after you’ve gotten your hair wet while swimming or showering.

The Sun Veil is a little finer, more of a mist that you really don’t notice and the Sun Oil doesn’t leave your hair greasy at all. I haven’t tried either of these in a pool yet but I’ve worn them both while outside and my hair hasn’t gotten that crispy, fried feeling like it usually does in the summer. Keep in mind, these aren’t going to keep your scalp from getting a sunburn but if you don’t want your hair to look and feel like straw by the end of the summer, you might want to give these a try.

18
Aug
2015

Sunscreen Most Wanted

categories: Makeup Most Wanted, Sunscreen

It might be the middle of August but since Toronto didn’t really get summer until mid-July, we’re just in the swing of the heat now and there’s plenty more coming before it’s over. We use sunscreen pretty religiously to begin with but the sunnier it gets, the more we use so these are our Most Wanted Sunscreens this year.
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60

If you’re anywhere near water or just even sweating a lot, you need a good waterproof sunscreen and Neutrogena’s Beach Defense is my favourite. As long as you reapply often, you can do any kind of activity you want and be covered.
Vichy Ideal Soleil Invisible Mist-Dry Touch SPF 50

If you like a spray that smells great and absorbs instantly, Ideal Soleil is a great choice. It absorbs so fast you don’t even have time to rub it in and it’s really moisturizing at the same time.
Ombrelle Kids Water Resistant Lotion SPF 50+

If you have kids or even really sensitive skin you really need a sunscreen that’s hypoallergenic. Ombrelle has been one of my favourite sunscreens for years because it works amazingly well on my sensitive skin, doesn’t have a fragrance and I find the kids’ version works a little better on my extremely fair skin.
Acure Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Spray SPF 30

There aren’t a ton of mineral sunscreens that I like but Acure’s version is one of the exceptions. It’s not an invisible spray, so you have to rub it in but at least you can see where it’s going. There’s also the added bonus of argan oil to moisturize.

05
Aug
2015

Bioderma Summer Most Wanted

categories: Skin Care, Skin Care Reviews, Sunscreen

By now most beauty enthusiasts have fallen in love with Bioderma’s Micellar Water but we love a lot more of their products as well. Here’s our list of our Most Wanted Bioderma Summer Essentials.
Photoderm Spray SPF 40

This spray sunscreen is a little thicker and more liquid than all the dry sprays out right now and I love that I can see how much I’m applying while I’m rubbing it in. It has a light, fresh scent and the UVA/UVB protection works really well. This one isn’t waterproof, so you really have to make sure you reapply.
Photoderm Refreshing After-Sun Milk

This light milk is really refreshing on hot skin and while I’m not the greatest fan of the scent, it makes my skin feel great after a long day outside. It keeps your skin really hydrated, which is perfect for summer time when the sun can really dry you out.
Cicabio Soothing Repairing Cream

If you’re peeling, have a slight sunburn or are scratched up from camping, Cicabio Cream is a fantastic healer for irritated skin. What makes this scent-free formula different is that it leaves a slight film over the area you’re putting it on, which gives it a better chance to heal.
Sensibio 3-in-1 Cleansing Milk

While most people love the Micellar Water, I much prefer this one step cleansing milk. It gets all my makeup off without irritation, soothes my skin and helps with redness. It doesn’t leave my combination skin dried out or oily which is a bonus.
Hydrabio Light

When I want moisturizer but want it really light I reach for the Hydrabio Light cream. It’s made for dehydrated, sensitive skin, which pretty much defines my skin but you barely feel it. It works just as well as heavier creams but the lightness is perfect for summer.

01
Jul
2014

Sunscreen Most Wanted

categories: Makeup Most Wanted, Sunscreen, Uncategorized

I have very fair skin and over the years summer has become a game of what sunscreen will keep me from turning lobster red and what does absolutely nothing. At this point I’m absolutely fine with being pale all year round so I’ve put together a list of sunscreens that actually work.
Arbonne Water-Resistant Sunscreen SPF 30

This is more of a traditional sunscreen lotion. It absorbs really well and has a slight orange scent. It doesn’t leave a greasy feel but like most lotions can get a little difficult to reapply on wet skin.
Neutrogena Beach Defense Kids SPF 60

Another lotion, I find that kid’s formulas sometimes work better on my super fair, sensitive skin and this is one of those times. This one definitely works, but it takes a little effort to rub it in.
Ombrelle Dry Mist SPF 60

Spray sunscreens have come a long way in that now they actually work. This Ombrelle sunscreen is what I use on a daily basis when I’m running into the car or heading out for an hour. It sprays on almost invisibly and it really does feel dry. The lack of greasiness or moisture sometimes causes me to question how much actually went on.
L’Oreal Sublime Sun Quick Dry SPF 30

This spray isn’t quite as dry as the Ombrelle one but it’s alcohol free which means it won’t dry out my skin as easily, it smells delicious and it works really well.
Coppertone Kids Mousse SPF 60

I’ve never seem a mousse sunscreen before and I had to try it. It’s the same as using mousse for your hair only it feels much drier. It absorbs so quickly, the first couple times I used it I went over the same areas a few times because I thought I had missed spots. This one takes a little more work in application but it won’t leave you greasy.

I love the way that sunscreen is changing into working better and not leaving you looking like an oil slick. Did I miss a sunscreen you love? Let us know!