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BEST & WORST ~ Testing All-Mineral Sunscreen for Face

I’ve been busy testing sun protection products over the last few months to find the best all-mineral sunscreen for the face. I tried 12 products to find one that could be worn on its own but would also work well under either powder or liquid foundation (and that’s not easy to find, especially in an all-mineral sunscreen).

All-Mineral Sunscreens

I believe that protecting skin from the sun’s aging and damaging rays is the most important thing we can do for younger-looking, healthier skin so I wear a high spf sunscreen every day (more info.). I used to use “chemical” based sunscreen (Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid) and was very happy with it until my skin became more sensitive due to my use of Retin-A. Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin to work so they’re more prone to causing irritation. I switched to a mineral sunscreen because they form a barrier on top of the skin so they’re less likely to cause irritation. The ingredients to look for in a mineral sunscreen are a combination of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. They’re great for people with sensitive skin, rosacea, or acne.

I tested each sunscreen on its own, under a powder foundation (IT Cosmetics Celebration Foundation), and under a liquid foundation (Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid) checking each for ease of application, how it looked after dry down, how shiny or white it looked, how each reacted to the foundations and how the foundations wore over the sunscreens.

I was trying for spf 50 in all of them, but some only come in spf 30 (I didn’t test anything less than spf 30). So let’s start with the spf 30s and work from worst to best in those,

Worst to Best ~ SPF 30

MD Solar Sciences Mineral Tinted Cream ~ SPF 30 ~ $32 for 1.7 oz.

Sunscreens: Titanium Dioxide 2%, Zinc Oxide 17%

Notable ingredients: Green tea extract, cranberry fruit extract, pomegranate extract, Vitamin c. No parabens, sulfates, phthalates. Not tested on animals. Water resistant 80 minutes

Feel/Scent: Tinted gel/cream hybrid with lots of silicone, very slippery/silky feel. Feels like a lightweight oil going on. Need to shake.

Application: Slips on invisibly, no effort to spread and blend. No white cast!

20 Min Later: Stays slippery but has a nice soft satin finish, does not feel “set”. Can be worn alone from a look standpoint, it slides around too much for me to feel protected.

Powder Foundation: Causes balling & pilling on application. Makeup migrates around and is visibly pooled by end of day. Shine comes through powder.

Liquid Foundation: The sunscreen feels wet and makes foundation just smear over the top with lots of globs and streaks. Must be checked in magnifying mirror or foundation will look awful. Made liquid wear off quickly and settle into lines and wrinkles. Made skin dry and flaky by midday. Shine could be seen through makeup.

Take Away: Not Good. Can be worn alone, bad under powder, bad under liquid.

Paula’s Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Daily Mineral Complex ~ SPF 30 ~ $26 for 2 oz.

Sunscreens: Titanium Dioxide 2.32%, Zinc Oxide 6%

Notable ingredients: Green tea, licorice, chamomile, aloe, algae. Not water resistant.

Feel/Scent: Feels like a lightweight lotion, no silky dimethicone feel. Not sticky or overly thick. No scent.

Application: Glides on skin really smoothly, a little goes a long way. Disappears right into skin with no clumping at edges and no white cast. Shiny. Made my skin red & irritated?

20 Min Later: Definitely NOT shine free, it’s pretty shiny. Feels set. Slightly white.

Powder Foundation: Some minor “micro-pilling” of the powder foundation, but can’t be seen without magnifying mirror. Otherwise applied really nicely, skin looks smoother.

Liquid Foundation: Really bad with liquid foundation. Streaky, clumpy, makes foundation settle into wrinkles. Also seems to make foundation go on much more sheer than normal. Takes twice as much foundation to get normal amount of coverage.

Take Away: Not shine free so can’t be worn alone. Powder looks good. Liquid is awful.

Coola Face Mineral Sunscreen Cucumber Matte Finish ~ SPF 30 ~ $36 for 1.7 oz.

Sunscreens: Titanium Dioxide 3.2%, Zinc Oxide 1.8%

Notable ingredients: Rose Hip Oil, evening primrose, flax seed oil, vitamin c, shea butter. Cruelty free, preservative free.

Feel/Scent: Was separated on 1^st use… need to shake. Greasy feeling (not silky or dry like dimethicone).

Application: Slippery feel make it really easy to spread over the face. A little goes a long way. Feels wet, leaves a white cast.

20 Min. Later: Matte finish, not shiny at all. Still slightly whitish. Once set the greasy feel is gone and it feels like skin. The matte finish creates a soft focus look that diminishes wrinkles, but it also fills in pores with white dots.

Powder Foundation: Application caused a few little flakes, but no major sloughing. The makeup seems to go on really sheer and took a lot to get any coverage. It seems to float over the surface of the sunscreen weirdly.

Liquid Foundation: Foundation doesn’t completely cover the white cast. Played nicely with liquid foundation. No balling or pilling, streaking or caking. Very Good.

Take Away: So close! Could be worn alone if it weren’t for the white cast because of the soft matte finish & nice dry down. Not good with powder. Very good with liquid.

HydroPeptide Solar Defense ~ SPF 30 ~ $44 for 1.7 oz.

Sunscreens: Titanium Dioxide 2.5%, Zinc Oxide 6%

Notable ingredients: Green tea, acai, aloe, hyaluronic acid, galanga. Gluten, paraben, phthalate free. Not tested on animals.

Feel/Scent: Bluish/purple tint. Fruity/flowery scent. Very different from most sunscreens. Thick lotion texture not as thick as a cream, not siliconey.

Application: Not slippery, feels like a thick lotion. Doesn’t spread super far, need more than 1 pump to cover face. Disappears into skin, no problems rubbing in with streaking or gathering at hairline. Blends beautifully. Could apply on the go without a mirror. No white mask. Slightly shiny.

20 min Later: Feels set after 20 minutes, can feel there’s a coating there, but not silicone like that it’s sliding around. A little shinier than I like but it’s a soft shine, not a hard shine. It’s diffused and soft focus. Quite wearable on it’s own.

Powder Foundation: No pilling no sloughing. Powder applied very much as normal with normal opacity and normal amount used. The sunscreen finish or shine doesn’t show through the powder, so powder makeup applies “true”!

Liquid Foundation: No pilling, no sloughing. Worked really well with liquid foundation too! No smearing, not settling into pores or wrinkles. Coverage and finish was normal for the foundation. YAY

Take Away: Finally one that’s good in all 3 areas!! YES!!

Worst to Best ~ SPF 50

La Roche Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Tinted ~ SPF 50 ~ $33.50 for 1.7 oz.

Sunscreens: Titanium Dioxide 11% only

I tested this sunscreen because I was using it and really liked it, but while doing research for this post, I found out that Titanium Dioxide used alone doesn’t protect against UVA 1. So I’m including it here only to say that I can’t recommend a sunscreen that doesn’t protect against the full range of ultraviolet rays (UVB, UVA1, & UVA2).

Cotz Flawless Complexion Soothing Mineral Complex SPF 50 ~ $19.99 ~ for 2.5 oz.

Sunscreens: Zinc Oxide 20%

Notable ingredients: 100% free of preservatives, and oils, non-comedogenic, not tested on animals. Contains vitamins c & e.

Feel: Whipped up gel, but stiffer and thicker in texture. Lots of silicones. No scent.

Application: Glides on nicely, goes on transparent but shiny, the tint disappears completely, no blending problems around hairline, perfect application, so very easy, no blending problems & no balling or pilling, too bad it’s so shiny. Feels oily.

20 or 40 min later: VERY very shiny, feels heavy and greasy. I felt like I had been coated with oil… accentuates every pore and wrinkle, doesn’t feel dry after 20 or 40 min., continues to feel damp and tacky.

Powder Foundation: No balling or pilling, Powder tones down the shine a bit, but it’s still shining through… pores and wrinkles are still VERY visible. It’s too thick, pores look particularly awful.

Liquid Foundation: A healthy layer of matte foundation can’t keep the shine down! Need to powder. Makeup applied nicely over the sunscreen, no smearing or rolling, no clumping or smearing. The makeup applied as beautifully as the sunscreen did. No spotted pores, looks smooth on the surface. Still doesn’t feel “set” though so may move around during the day. Once powder is added to tone down the shine, it looks quite nice. Still has a “dewey” look, but very smoothing.

Take Away: Very good with LOTS of makeup, no good on its own, no good with powder makeup.

CeraVe Face Lotion Invisible Zinc ~ SPF 50 ~ $11.99 for 2 oz.

Sunscreens: Titanium Dioxide 4.9%, Zinc Oxide 4.7%

Notable ingredients: Ceramides, Niacinamide

Feel: Quite a bit thicker than the others, not full of silicones, so not as easy to spread on the skin. Feels like a heavy lotion… makes me feel better protected that I can see where I’m putting it & it’s not sliding around.

Application: Goes on white (invisible zinc?), Doesn’t absorb right into skin, clumps up in places, so have to be careful to check in magnifying mirror to blend well.

20 min later: Not too shiny, not overly white (white faded a bit but not completely). Feels set (not tacky) like it won’t be sliding around all day.

Powder Foundation: Takes more powder to cover the white cast of the sunscreen, it doesn’t act like a primer so no smoothing effect. Needed extra buffing around edges.

Liquid Foundation: No balling or sloughing but made makeup go on smeary and made makeup settle in lines and wrinkles.

Take Away: Could almost be worn alone (for pale people), Powder was OK, Liquid no good… Just OK

Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen (PureScreen) ~ SPF 50 ~ $13.99 for 1.7 oz.

Sunscreens: Titanium Dioxide 5%, Zinc Oxide 3%

Notable ingredients:

Feel/Scent: Moisturizer lotion feel, not overly creamy, thick or siliconey. Strong scent of titanium dioxide & zinc oxide.

Application: No problem rubbing it in, no white globs, disappeared into skin, except a little white around hairline.

20 Min Later: Not completely matte but quite wearable on it’s own. Feels set and not moving around. So far the best on it’s own.

Powder Foundation: No sloughing or pilling caused by brush application. Powder makeup tones down the slight shine and looks good. Makeup applied as normal and pores and wrinkles looked good.

Liquid Foundation: The sunscreen creates a slick surface that the foundation goes on very smeary and streaky over. Did not look good up close, had to check carefully and re-blend the foundation by pressing. Polka dots in pores, makes foundation go on very sheer, needed lots of concealer. No balling or pilling though.

Take Away: Love the finish and ease of application, quite wearable alone. Powder looks good, Liquid looks bad.

Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense ~ SPF 50 ~ $30 for 1.7 oz.

Sunscreens: Titanium Dioxide 6%, Zinc Oxide 4.9%

Notable ingredients: Paraben Free, Contains vitamin e and artemia salina plankton. Sweat/wate resistant.

Feel/Scent: Runny tinted liquid, strong titanium dioxide scent. Feels like a serum.

Application: Fairly easy to apply but the tint can streak and clump or stick to dry skin flakes, need to check in magnifying mirror. Doesn’t spread very far. No white cast. Nice low luster, semi-matte finish.

20 Min. Later: Doesn’t change much as it dries. Dries down nicely, feels set. Wearable on it’s own. Almost matte finish. Has a perfect skin-like feel.

Powder Foundation: Looks fine from a distance, but up close the powder stays on the surface and looks a little cakey. It causes powder to cling to fine hairs and looks like it’s floating on the surface instead of bonded with skin. Needs more care when applying or a spritz of setting spray.

Liquid Foundation: No balling or pilling. Just awful. Makeup goes on smeary in the same places the sunscreen went on smeary. Bunches up in places. Causes foundation to immediately settle into lines & wrinkles.

Take Away: Why can’t one be good on its own and with makeup?? Very wearable on it’s own, okay with powder, really bad with liquid.

Exuviance Sheer Daily Protector ~ SPF 50 PA+++ ~ $ 42.00 for 1.7 oz

Sunscreens: Titanium Dioxide 7%, Zinc Oxide 6%
Note: This is the only sunscreen that carries a UVA protection label (PA+++) along with the UVB protection rating (SPF 50)

Notable ingredients: Vitamin E, lactobionic acid, and green tea antioxidants. Fragrance free, paraben and oil free. Non comedogenic. Not water/sweat resistant.

Feel: Tinted runny liquidy formula. Has TD smell. Need to shake.

Application: Thicker than it looks, so it doesn’t spread super easy (not full of silicone) or go very far.

20 min later: Dries down to a ski-like finish, skin-like amount of soft gloss, slightly shinier than I’d like but not bad. Could easily be worn on it’s own but better with setting powder. Feels like I have on moisturizer not sunscreen.

Powder Foundation: Goes over the sunscreen very nicely, very little pilling but there were 2. The powder acted “normal” like it does on naked skin. The foundation gave it’s normal amount of coverage and smoothing!

Liquid Foundation: No reacting with sunscreen, went on very much like normal but was slightly smeary in 2 small places (chin & forehead). Made pores on cheeks a little white & spotty, can still see the slight shine through the foundation. A little setting powder would make this work really well

Take Away: The best of the spf 50s on its own, the best of the spf 50s under powder. Not 100% under liquid, but not awful either. Expensive.

Best by Category:

Best/Most Wearable on It’s Own:

Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense ~ SPF 50 ~ $30 for 1.7 oz.

Best Under Powder Foundation:

Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen (PureScreen) ~ SPF 50 ~ $13.99 for 1.7 oz.

Best Under Liquid Foundation:

HydroPeptide Solar Defense ~ SPF 30 ~ $44 for 1.7 oz.

Best Drugstore:

Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen (PureScreen) ~ SPF 50 ~ $13.99 for 1.7 oz.

Best SPF 30 Overall:

HydroPeptide Solar Defense ~ SPF 30 ~ $44 for 1.7 oz.

Best SPF 50 Overall:

Exuviance Sheer Daily Protector ~ SPF 50 PA+++ ~ $ 42.00 for 1.7 oz

82 Responses to "BEST & WORST ~ Testing All-Mineral Sunscreen for Face"

Alex says:

May 14, 2018 at 10:54 am

Hi Angie,

quite thorough work on the sunscreen comparison, nice. I have one question though. I recently came across https://www.ewg.org/ that analyses pretty much all sunscreens’ ingredients based on existing data and gives them a safety index. So I was wondering if you’re taking these indexes into account.

Thanks,
Alex

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  May 22, 2018 at 9:27 am
  
  Hi Alex~ My testing is mainly to see how wearable the sunscreens I test are alone and under makeup based on how they performed on my skin (which is subjective). I don’t analyze the efficacy of the sunscreens or make judgements on the “safety” of the ingredients (since there are vastly differing opinions on those factors too). I’m familiar with EWG but I don’t personally “follow” their guidelines because I find them to be a little skewed/biased against most major brands. In my mind, getting people to use sunscreen is the goal and sites like EWG often scare the public out of using sunscreen altogether. I think it’s best to look to multiple sources for information so you get beyond the attention grabbing headlines and remember that these types of sites are offering subjective information. xo ~Angie
  
  Reply
Allen says:

July 8, 2017 at 6:20 am

Hi Angier
Thank you so much for making very detailed reviews on mineral sunscreen
Any recommendations for guys with oily skin? I’m not a makeup guy . Just like to protect my skin that’s it.

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  August 22, 2017 at 10:55 pm
  
  Try Australian Gold Botanical Tinted SPF 50 for Face, it’s great for oily skin but does have a slight tint that hopefully will work for you.
  
  Reply
Candace says:

March 30, 2017 at 5:57 am

This is incredibly helpful–you just saved me so much money. I was going to try the Anthelios, but I think Iʻll try the Skinceuticals and Exuviance instead.

Reply
Chrissy says:

August 14, 2016 at 3:33 pm

Did not see you talk on it but was in the picture. What are your thoughts on the Neutrogena pure and free sunscreen?

Reply
1. Deborah Dunaway says:
  
  April 2, 2017 at 12:17 pm
  
  After reading many of these posts, I would like to tell you all that I have spent unbelievable hours in tropical sun participating in my chosen sport. I have worn sunscreen/sunblock for 365 days for 35 years. My skin is very, very nice, particularly for my age, 66. The most important thing is to get it out of the bottle & onto your face religiously.
  
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francoise says:

August 8, 2016 at 11:47 am

Do you have samples of the exuviance? I am tired of buying sunscreens that just dont work well on us black people. I have tried skinceutical, elta MD all leave white cast, the only ones that work are chemical but they itch and irritate my skin once opened cant be returned so dont want to to spend 42 on exuviance do you know where I can get sample?

Thanks

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  August 9, 2016 at 9:06 am
  
  I don’t know where you can get a sample, but they do carry it at some Ulta stores and they usually have a tester on the shelf so you can try it on your skin.
  
  Reply
Sneha shukla says:

August 4, 2016 at 1:42 pm

Hi Angie,
Thanks for the wonderful video, handwork can be seen. I’ve a question regarding sunscreen as I’m 30 years old with a combination and sensitive skin and don’t wear makeup. So which sunscreen among skinceuticals and exuberance would be good for my skin . Have you tried the PCA sunscreen.Do reply please.

Regards
Sneha

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  August 5, 2016 at 9:08 am
  
  If you don’t wear makeup, I’d go with the Skinceuticals.
  
  Reply
Rose says:

July 17, 2016 at 6:10 pm

Hi Angie, Love all your reviews. Someone asked you about a supplement. I work in a primary care physician’s office and one of our patients asked us if it’s OK for him to take Heliocare or Niacinamide with his current meds. His dermatologist recommended it since he keeps removing “things” off his face and body. Could that be the supplement? I googled both and they sounds interesting. He said he had to take one of one or two of the other but he couldn’t remember which one so will call me next week. Doc was fine with him taking either one.

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  July 22, 2016 at 5:05 pm
  
  Hi Rose~ I didn’t hear back from the reader who left the original comment, but the Heliocare supplement is one that shows promise as a sunscreen supplement. Heliocare uses what it calls “Fern Block” in it’s sunscreens and supplements. Fern block is a fern extract called Polypodium leucotomos which has been estimated to provide an spf of 3-5 when ingested so doctors don’t recommend it as the 1st line of defense against UV rays. On the Niacinamide, a recent study showed a 23% decrease in non-melanoma skin cancers in subjects who took 500 mg of Nicotinamide (a form of Vitamin B3) vs. placebo group. This is a promising study that needs more research!
  
  Reply
Katt Philipps says:

July 2, 2016 at 9:05 am

The answer to ” Why can’t one be good on it’s own and with makeup?? ” is because the preservative systems are clashing when the two products hit eachother. It’s super frustrating, but if you find two products with like preservatives it won’t happen, which is why you will find different results between every combination you try. Awesome comparison and very helpful for when my client went to Florida and forgot her SPF. You saved me! xoxo

Reply
Sally says:

June 24, 2016 at 3:27 am

Thank you for this great comparison – I wish I had gone sunscreen shopping after reading it rather than before!

I just purchased the La Roche Posay SPF 50 Anthelios Mineral. It also indicates that the active ingredient is titanium dioxide (11%). However, the front of the bottle not only says it is broad spectrum, but explicitly says UVA and UVB. Do you have any idea what ingredient(s) might provide UVA protection in this sunscreen? It’s not immediately obvious to me, looking at the full ingredient list.

I really like the ‘wear’ of this sunscreen, so will be very disappointed it if really doesn’t provide adequate protection!

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  June 29, 2016 at 10:14 am
  
  Hi Sally~ The La Roche Posay Mineral 50 does provide some UVA protection, but Titanium Dioxide alone only screens about 25% of the UVA spectrum so they can still technically call it “broad spectrum”. To block the full UVA spectrum, you need a product with Zinc Oxide in it as well. xo ~angie
  
  Reply
Kimberly says:

June 17, 2016 at 9:28 am

The untinted version of La Roche Posay does contain zinc oxide

Reply
Brook says:

June 1, 2016 at 1:46 pm

I remember reading about a supplement which many hollywood types take to help protect their skin from the sun. Do you have any thoughts about this?

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  June 3, 2016 at 9:56 am
  
  Do you know the name of the supplement or the active ingredient?
  
  Reply
Gaby May says:

June 1, 2016 at 12:40 pm

I would have to recommend 3rd Rock Sunblock. Too small of a brand/company to be noticed by most (its a best kept secret), but definitely worth it seeing as all of the ingredients are food grade, so no worries about carcinogens, and not water or oil based!

Reply
Love This Products says:

May 14, 2016 at 12:27 am

EltaMD is a wonderful light-weight sunscreen that protects my fair skin and doesn’t make me break out. And everything makes me break out. It is wonderful alone and under makeup. Can be a bit shiny if used alone, but a dusting of powder takes care of the glow.

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Mary says:

March 11, 2016 at 11:44 pm

hi Angie! I love your blog and videos!

What sunscreens are you sing these days (it’s March 2016), and which sunscreen do you like to use under each of your “everyday” foundations (which seem to be it cc cream, becca mineral foundation over mercier tinted moisturizer, and Chanel velvet foundation)?

Thanks!

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  March 15, 2016 at 1:56 pm
  
  Hi Mary~ My favorite sunscreen is Exuviance Sheer Daily Protector spf 50, it works well under powder foundations and under IT CC+ cream. I use Hydropeptide Solar Defense spf 30 when I test foundations because it doesn’t effect the application of most foundations so it works well under LMTM. Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet doesn’t play well over silicone sunscreen which both of those are so I usually wear Exuviance but put Laura Mercier Primer in between. If I want to put Chanel right over sunscreen then I use Elta MD UV Physical spf 41 or Josie Marin Argan Moisturizer spf 47.
  
  Reply
Diana says:

February 24, 2016 at 4:36 pm

Hi, the Active ingredients in the Anthelios Mineral 50 are Titanium Dioxide 6% (sunscreen) • Zinc Oxide 5% (sunscreen). This should be protecting against ALL UV rays. So I am confused you said it does not protect against UVA1. Can you explain? Thank you.

Reply
1. Tina says:
  
  June 19, 2016 at 10:13 am
  
  She is referring to the tinted version, only. It has titanium and no Zink.
  
  Reply
Susie says:

January 18, 2016 at 1:47 am

Thanks for all the time and energy you spent putting this together-so helpful! I wish I had become serious about protecting my skin years ago, but sadly I have not been consistent with it in my 46-years. Now that I am, I’ve become obsessed with getting it exactly right and sticking to it. I drool over your top choice, but just can’t bring myself to spend so much on such a small amount. I even visit it every time I’m at Ulta and put some on my hand . In any case, I’ve traded performance/feel under makeup for a combination of protection that costs quite a bit less. I ended up with Juice Beauty sport for the high zinc oxide % plus Cotz for the titanium dioxide (and a bit more ZO). I also wear IT CC Cream a few times per week on top of both products, but I don’t want to have that be my sole source of protection. I chose this combo of products after hours and hours of research (and browsing stores) and not finding a single affordable option that passed my requirements of excellent UVA and UVB protection on the BASF Sunscreen simulator. I’m not sure if I’m using it 100% correctly, but even the Exuviance product you use came up as only ++ instead of +++ when I input the actives. I’m thinking the simulator requires a higher concentration of ZO to garner +++, but I’m really not sure.

Reply
1. Tina says:
  
  June 20, 2016 at 8:38 am
  
  Input actives where? Is there a resource available to check SPF ingredients and level of protection??
  
  Reply
Kathy says:

December 20, 2015 at 8:53 am

Hi Angie,

I just started watching you on you tube and following your blog. I appreciate your reviews and the detailed information, especially because our skin seems very much the same. I found this post hopping for a your view on Neutragena Pure and Free sunscreen. I see it in the picture, but didn’t see any comments on it. Did you try this? Does it play well with the Chanel foundation that is currently your favorite?

Thanks.

Reply
birdy says:

November 1, 2015 at 4:14 pm

Angie,
Thank you for this very informative/thorough mineral sunscreen review and for all your posts about sunscreen. I read this one in April and began using your recommended products with great results. Here are some new sunscreens that might interest you:
*Colorscience Sunforgettable Tint du Soliel SPF 30 water resistant 40 minutes (TD 4.8% ZO 6.7%);
*Skinceuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50 (ZO 4% TD 9%)

*Perricone MD Photo Plasma is not new, but I love it as a morning moisturizer with sunscreen (you mentioned it in a video but did not test it). The Q&A section of the Perricone MD website states that aluminum hydroxide (the antacid) is used in Photo Plasma to boost the UV protection. On its box it’s rated PA+++.

Reply
Amy says:

September 8, 2015 at 3:00 pm

Thanks, I’ve been alternating with the Tarte tinted moisturizer and Bobbi Brown’s BB cream. They both have sun protection but it never occurred to me I might not be using enough and need more SPF.

Reply
Clara says:

August 6, 2015 at 5:53 pm

Very useful review. Thank you so much. Could you do one for lip sunscreens as well?

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  August 7, 2015 at 8:55 am
  
  There’s not a very big selection for lip products with spf, and even fewer with mineral sunscreen. I use Blistex 5-Star which has spf 30 every day.
  
  Reply
Caroline Y says:

July 31, 2015 at 11:01 am

Angie –
Thank you so much for the care you took for this review. I use the skinceuticals physical fusion and really love it. It’s expensive for going out for a walk or run and I wanted a drugstore option that works. I can’t wait to try the Neutrogena. Also, I took your suggestion for the sunblock stick for back or hands. Genius! I whip it out for my son’s lacrosse games and am all set.
Thanks again! I love your reviews, tips, and tutorials. You do a great job! 🙂
Caroline

Reply
Carrie says:

June 24, 2015 at 1:39 pm

I use the MD Solar Sciences sunscreen you rate as the worst. It has 17 percent zinc. I’m outside playing tennis all day. Are you saying your first pick the would work the same or better??? I’m obviously not wearing makeup while I play. I don’t understand how 6 percent zinc can work better than 17 percent??

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  June 25, 2015 at 10:50 pm
  
  Hi Carrie~ For playing tennis or going to the beach the MD Solar Sciences is better because it’s water resistant (80 minutes) and the one I rate as best isn’t water or sweat resistant, but I was looking at them mainly from the perspective of putting makeup on over them.
  
  Reply
Kim Daniel says:

May 26, 2015 at 9:28 pm

The hydra peptide is just $23 on Amazon with free prime shipping. Was from a reputable seller as well. Such a good price had to order and try it. So glad I read about it here as I’ve ordered it and a few more to try myself this summer as I search for the HG of moisturizing sunscreens.

Reply
-D says:

May 21, 2015 at 9:05 am

My confusion/dilemma is this: I always hear and read that sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours or so. How is that possible with full or even light make-up on? I sometimes feel that by the time the sun is fully out, my early morning make-up/sunscreen routine has been rendered useless. Is there, & have you tested or plan to test, ‘mist-like’ (would have to be, right?) facial sunscreen sprays that can easily be reapplied throughout the day? Thank you so, so much for your site.

Reply
1. Angie says:
  
  May 22, 2015 at 11:43 am
  
  I offer a few solutions for that problem in the next post, you can check it out here: http://www.hotandflashy50.com/my-ultimate-sunscreen-guide-beyond-the-basics/
  There are new “setting sprays” out that contain sun protection, but I’m not sure about the safety of spraying sunscreen on the face… there’s some research that would indicate that breathing sunscreen ingredients is not healthy.
  
  Reply
Alice says:

May 13, 2015 at 3:33 pm

Thank you for this AMAZING post!!!! You really helped me narrow down my summer sunscreen choices

Reply
Renee says:

May 12, 2015 at 9:37 pm

Hi Angie, You have an amazing ability to comprehend all of the science behind the anti-aging products. I get so overwhelmed, so thank you for sharing all of your research, experiences, and opinions! I have a couple of sunscreen questions. I am currently using Cerave AM moisturizer. Is the 30 spf in this product broad spectrum? Do I need an additional sunscreen with this product? Also, I remember watching one of your older videos before you were having sunscreen sensitivity and you explained which Neutrogena sunscreen to wear under different make ups. Will you please provide me with that link or information? My dermatologist recommends Elta md sunscreen. Do you have any experience or thoughts on this product?

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1. Angie says:
  
  May 17, 2015 at 5:50 pm
  
  Hi Renee~ I think the CeraVe AM is broad spectrum because it contains a good amount of Zinc Oxide which is a broad spectrum sunscreen but I’m a little confused since the product does not say “broad spectrum” on the label… I’ve use the Elta MD UV clear sunscreen in the past and liked it a lot with the exception that it is VERY shiny. I’m afraid I can’t find the video you’re looking for either… I’ll keep looking though.
  
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Anna says:

May 12, 2015 at 7:59 pm

Re Paula’s Choice Hydralight: I had the same shiny problem with it, but their Resist Super Light Wrinkle Defence mineral SPF is vastly better in terms of finish, but not chalky feeling at all, goes on well under makeup, definitely the best mineral SPF I’ve found recently. I have quite an oily T-zone and normal/moist cheeks. The Becca Mineral SPF Primer was my all time favourite, but they don’t make it anymore 🙁

I’d love to try the Neutrogena but they don’t sell that part of their line in Australia for some very annoying reason. The Exuviance sounds great, but so expensive!

So yes, PC Resist mineral SPF is definitely worth a go in my opinion.

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Aileen says:

May 10, 2015 at 4:34 pm

Hi Angie
Thanks for this blog. Its so great to see someone my age putting on makeup. You’ve inspired me. Just ordered the hydropeptide. I was wondering in what order to I apply moisturizer sunscreen and liquid foundation so they don’t get diluted. I need a quick fix since I’m always in a rush in the morning. Btw, love your tip about applying mascara before eyeshadow. No more dots to clean up.

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1. Angie says:
  
  May 12, 2015 at 6:19 pm
  
  Hi Aileen~ It’s my understanding that the proper order is: moisturizer, then sunscreen, then makeup. Ideally, you should let the sunscreen dry for 15 minutes before applying makeup so try to put it on before you get dressed or do your hair. ~angie
  
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Anne says:

May 3, 2015 at 8:42 pm

This is fascinating! I had the same question as Donna L, although I wasn’t expecting an answer really – how can one manufacturer get away with saying SPF 50 with a very low percentage of active ingredients whereas others will have a much higher % and say SPF 20 or SPF 30? (Coola is the worst!) Personally, I disregard SPF numbers & only look at % of ZO as a guide. If its below 10%, I won’t bother.

One SS that I really rate (and which doesn’t get much love) is the Algenist Ultra LightWeight SPF 50. Its got 17% ZO and wears like iron in the summertime. It also works beautifully under makeup. It does leave a bit of white cast, but I compensate with a warmer tinted primer & some bronzer. Its really worth checking out once you get through some of your bottles.

I am impressed with how many you tried Angie, thank you for doing this for us!

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1. Anna says:
  
  May 12, 2015 at 7:39 pm
  
  Lower % of actives means that the particle sizes are smaller, but gives the same SPF and better feel.
  
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  1. Anne says:
    
    May 18, 2015 at 7:02 am
    
    Exactly. Potentially give the same SPF but from my research,’ the worse the protection from UVA. Which, as you rightly point out, is the main cause of photo aging.
    
    So if we are wearing SS as an anti aging tool, what’s the point if the UVA protection is so minimal? It gives a false sense of protection, don’t you think?
    
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    1. Angie says:
      
      May 19, 2015 at 4:30 pm
      
      Absolutely! Agree 100%
      
      Reply
2. Kanni says:
  
  May 26, 2017 at 10:51 am
  
  Weirdly enough that [Algenist] is the ss I have been using for years. Love it. The only thing is I recently found out about Octinaxate being bad for you; one of the actives that Algenist has. Now I’ve been looking for alternative like a lunatic. I have yet found anything as close to Algenist though. 🙁
  
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Amy says:

April 25, 2015 at 4:35 pm

Cotz has about 12 different variations now. There’s a sensitive skin one, a tinted/no tinted regular one, one with non-natural man made chemicals, most with none. I’ve found that of all of them, I do best with the sensitive skin one, because I have super dry skin and it adds moisture. It looks like it may be the one you tested due to the polka dots on the tube. The original formula is better for police or combo skin, and you may like that better. I have some sample sizes I’m willing to send to you if you’d like. 🙂

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1. Angie says:
  
  April 30, 2015 at 9:41 pm
  
  Thanks Amy, that’s so sweet! I think I’m all set with sunscreen for a little while at least!!
  
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Susan says:

April 22, 2015 at 11:05 am

Hi Angie,

I too noticed your pic of the ‘Pure & Clear’ but it wasn’t included in the review? I recently bought this in the US after watching your videos, and I came home with barrels of IT Cosmetics products!! 😉

I’ve even posted a request to QVCUK to ask when they’re going to be stocking it here … I love it!!

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1. Angie says:
  
  April 30, 2015 at 9:58 pm
  
  Sorry about that, I didn’t want to have 2 Neutrogena products in the review for length, but it’s great… actually you can’t go wrong with a Neutrogena sunscreen!
  
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Trista says:

April 21, 2015 at 7:52 pm

Angie, I’ve used the mineral version – It was the first Elta MD product I tried, based on my dermatologist recommendation of the Elta MD line. I really liked it. It’s quite matte. It worked great on my sensitive skin. Some might find it too chalky, but it’s tinted so, it at least doesn’t have a totally white hue. I actually, liked it. I felt it helped tone down some of my redness. Compared with the other Elta MD sunscreens I’ve tried, this is my favorite. I felt like it absorbed really nicely and was the least shiny. The only drawback is the tinting makes it not so good for neck & chest, so then that’s one more product to deal with. I can’t wait to finish my current bottle of another type, so I can order more of this.

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1. Tracy Spinner says:
  
  May 5, 2015 at 3:35 pm
  
  I second the Elta MD line! I’m using Timeless 20% Vitamin C, EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex, Elta MD AM Therapy, then the Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46. I liked the UV Clear over the tinted. I use the Glo Minerals make up and the ColorScience SPF 50 for touch ups throughout the day and feel like my skin is protected and not flaky, irritated, or heavy. I use Retin A .1% on face, neck, chest, hands nightly and finally feel like I’ve found a routine that my skin likes.
  
  Angie, your thoughts on the EltaMD line vs SkinCeuticals?
  
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Missy says:

April 20, 2015 at 9:47 pm

Ahhh I see…gotcha! thanks hon!

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Mara says:

April 18, 2015 at 4:23 pm

I believe they changed the ingredients not too long ago. I found an old bottled expired 2013 (I don’t’ know why I kept this) and it did not have Zinc Oxide but the bottle I got some time last week does have it. After watching Angie’s video I felt totally ripped off by LaRoche-Posay Anthelios 50!
Angie, my question is will adding a foundation pigment such as the FX Custom Cover Drops to sunscreens like LaRoche-Posay Anthelios 50 mineral interfere with the SPF number or mess it up in anyway? How about if I just mix the sunscreen with regular foundation? Thanks.

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1. Angie says:
  
  April 19, 2015 at 4:30 pm
  
  Hi Mara~ Mixing a non-sunscreen product with your sunscreen will dilute it so you won’t be getting the full spf on the label. I’m not sure a couple drops would do too much harm, but I prefer to keep my sunscreen separate for full protection.
  
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Kathryn Fenner says:

April 17, 2015 at 3:17 pm

I found that the liquid pooled in pores and fine lines, and sweated off in white streams….

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Kathryn Fenner says:

April 17, 2015 at 2:39 pm

I swear by the Cotz for Faces in 35. It’s totally sweatproof in SC summers, looks very matte and natural on its own (I need to moisturize drier patches first), and acts as a primer–I use Colorstay Whipped foundation where needed. I can see that it is there b/c it stays matte in summer, so it definitely lasts all day. It’s cheaper on Amazon, btws.

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Sandi says:

April 17, 2015 at 8:05 am

Hi Missy,

I am so glad you asked this question. I hope Angie answers it. I have been checking daily for her response since you posted the question. Maybe it won’t be much longer 🙂

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paula Dishman says:

April 15, 2015 at 3:52 pm

Hi this is for angie. I just checked ebay for retin a did you know they have your photos listed on their products from out of the country.

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1. Angie says:
  
  April 15, 2015 at 4:56 pm
  
  Yes, I’m trying to get them to remove my pictures. Thanks.
  
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leah says:

April 14, 2015 at 8:32 pm

Hi Angie – I left an earlier post recommending a different brand of sunscreen. the only reason i mentioned it was that i was excited, after searching forever and having a facial skin cancer, finally finding something light, that really works. I wanted to share that to benefit other women. Why did you take the posting off?

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1. Angie says:
  
  April 15, 2015 at 8:53 pm
  
  Hi Leah~ Your previous comment is there. When people comment the software holds the comment for approval so I probably hadn’t read it and approved it yet.
  
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Nuts4dogs says:

April 14, 2015 at 2:59 pm

Thanks for the extensive review. Sunscreen under make-up, especially when you’re using retin-a is not easy. I’ve gone through more brands I’ve lost count. I finally settled on using my Olay Regenerist night cream under the Regenerist day lotion with a SPF of 25. Anything else pills or smears my foundation around. A powder foundation grabs in spots. I don’t think there is a holy grail sunscreen with retin-a.

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Lynn says:

April 14, 2015 at 10:37 am

Try Clinique city block 25 , tinted. Very good.

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Polly says:

April 14, 2015 at 8:57 am

Thank you! This is helpful. I am concerned about the chemical sunscreens, that they might cause more harm than good, so always look for the mineral. And in reality, I can’t stand the feel of suncreen on my face, so I sit in the shade.

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Donna L says:

April 13, 2015 at 7:26 pm

Hi Angie! I’ve been following you for about a year and you’ve really taught me a lot and encouraged me to try different things to find out what works best for me now that I’m in my 50’s. Still working on finding the right eye makeup for me, but my skin care regime has definitely made some positive changes based on your guidance. I do have one question about this article though – I noticed that the amount of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide vary greatly in these sunscreens – even ones in the same SPF category. Do you have any idea why there is so much variability? I would think the quantities would be somewhat standardized for sunscreens with the same SPF?

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1. Angie says:
  
  April 15, 2015 at 5:35 pm
  
  I found that really interesting too. I looked into it and what I was able to understand is basically that making sunscreen is REALLY complicated!! Let’s take Zinc Oxide for example. When you and I think of zinc oxide we think of it as an absolute but in reality it’s a manufactured compound made up of molecules held together by ions. What’s really interesting is that it’s manufactured in a variety of different sizes, shapes, and coatings. Variations in those factors make it more or less effective as a UV blocker. Bigger particles block more UVA but are whiter on the skin, smaller particles are more effective at blocking UVB and go on more sheer so companies have to find a balance between wearability and adequate protection. I’d need a chemistry degree to explain it any further so I hope that answers your question. <3 ~angie
  
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Luanne says:

April 13, 2015 at 7:23 pm

Hello Angie,

I was researching skincare and stumbled across your videos! Today has been an Angie hotandflashy marathon as I could not seem to stop watching all the reviews on products. I learned so much! I’m 53 soon to be 54 next month and agree that the fifties are very challenging on skin and hair, not to mention the body! Recently, I had a VI-Peel 2/20/15 ($300 one session and only skin service ever done on my face period, no fillers or botox) and with that peel came more VISIBLE brown spots! I was very diligent about NOT picking the peeling skin, moisturizing and applying the cortisone cream as instructed (because she did mention it could cause hyper pigmentation). My husband even bought a hand held mini-fan for the first couple days. Thanks honey…. quite an uncomfortable experience with an itching/burning face paired with hot flashes…… mainly at night! Of course I couldn’t go out like that! Thank you for the wealth of information you provide along with your many hours of research on products we’re all curious about trying out. I just wish I would have known some of this before ordering $75 worth of skincare from Paula’s Choice yesterday. One of them being the new 25% Vitamin C serum ($55) although I didn’t see a review on that one on your Youtube today? Have you tried it yet? A sunscreen I’m using is Neova DNA Damage Control Silc Sheer 2.0 (Photo Finish Tint) SPF 40 Water Resistant. I work outdoors with horses so I end up sweating most sunscreens off of the upper lip, therefore, that’s where I’m starting to show my age. Our local Medispa had it for $45 (2.5 fl. oz.). I also use the ZO Obagi Medical line sold there and see the Licensed Nurse Pract. who gives the injections etc. and consult. A licensed medical Aesthetician did the peel. Have you heard of the new Ommerse Overnight Recovery Cream by ZO Skin? Paula’s Choice rates it a four star. I just ran out of it and that’s why I was looking online to see if there’s anything else less expensive that works just as well. It’s $100 (1.7 fl. oz.) Yikes! It didn’t last long due to the VI- peel and being super dry. I did use it morning and evening (1 pump) because of that and not having found a great day moisturizer yet. It’s really just a night cream. They have a day cream too at $100. I had already spent nearly $400 there total the day of my peel. Cleanser ZO Foamacleanse, Neova suncreen, and the peel. Ouch both in the purse and my face with little results! I’ll be watching and if you can direct me to your video reviews that are on the listed products above, please let me know! Thanks again!

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1. Angie says:
  
  April 15, 2015 at 8:50 pm
  
  Hi Luanne~ I’m so happy you found me, and thanks for binge-watching!! I didn’t know PC had a 25% C serum out, so I haven’t reviewed it. I have heard about the ZO line but haven’t reviewed it yet either, so I can’t be much help there.
  
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Susan says:

April 13, 2015 at 12:58 pm

I’m using the LaRoche-Posay Anthelios 50 mineral sunscreen which I like. It shows the ingredients as Titanium Dioxide (6%) and Zinc Oxide (5%) and the bottle says ‘Broad Spectrum SPF 50)’. You state that it only contains Titanium Dioxide so I am confused…..

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1. Angie says:
  
  April 19, 2015 at 4:47 pm
  
  I’m pretty sure they just changed the formula on the Anthelios 50 Mineral. On the shelf at Ulta the tester did not list Zinc Oxide on the label (from a batch expiring January 2014), but the boxes of new product behind it did have Zinc Oxide on the label (batches expiring 2016). Sadly this was only the case for the untinted sunscreen. The tinted version that I included here still only contains Titanium Dioxide.
  
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Leah says:

April 13, 2015 at 12:13 am

Thanks for the very useful information. I look forward to your reviews. Have you ever tried Elta MD suncreens? I got mine at my dermatologist, (what she uses) and I think the price is very reasonable for what you get. I use the EltaMD UV Physical Broad Spectrum SPF 41 Sunscreen: Description: provides sun protection and lightly tints your complexion to enhance the skin’s radiance. The lightweight formula won’t clog pores and is fragrance-free. Gentle on sensitive skin conditions and may be used on the face and body. Apply under makeup as a base for added protection to the skin.
$30 for 3 oz. for sheer coverage I use it on its own, but it works great under foundation. This is pure physical sunscreen, not chemical. Thanks again.

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1. Angie says:
  
  April 15, 2015 at 8:55 pm
  
  Thanks for the recommendation. I was using Elta MD UV Clear spf 46 for a while, but it left my face so shiny I stopped. I did like that it contained niacinamide and didn’t contribute to my acne. I would like to try the all mineral version when I run out of all the things I used for the testing post.
  
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Jody Jeanne says:

April 12, 2015 at 11:00 pm

Angie, thank you for all the effort which allows us to make wise choices in skin care products. I noticed you showed an image of Neutrogena Pure and Free liquid spy 50. Did you try that product as well? I was wondering how it held up under mineral/powder foundation.

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Meme says:

April 12, 2015 at 11:48 am

You should try the La Roche Posay Anthelios mineral sunscreen that is not tinted. It has both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

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Missy says:

April 12, 2015 at 9:32 am

Hi Angie, Thank you for the thorough review! I was planning on wearing my IT CC cream spf 50 as sunscreen in the summer. What do you think about that? Thanks Missy

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1. Angie says:
  
  April 19, 2015 at 4:49 pm
  
  Hi Missy~ You can do that as long as you’re going to apply the CC cream heavily enough to get the full protection. The problem (for me anyway) is that I don’t like how it looks applied heavily s0 I put on only the smallest amount — not nearly enough to be protected. xo ~angie
  
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  1. Kim says:
    
    May 5, 2015 at 7:11 pm
    
    Hi first Much gratitude for all the work and dedication to your readers Ms Angie and to doing the best you can for your skin. Marvelous post! I was curious on same thing mixing- Bryan of Beautypedia did great YouTube video on how to diminish the mineral white cast. He used a liquid bronzer one or two drops adding to his personal fav of MD Solar Sciences. He explained adding such a minute amount would not diminish the strong effective sunscreen protection. I trust most of their info esp on suncsre since they r great advocates of sunscreen. Can’t remember exactly when but was done a few months ago either on their Paulas Choice YouTube channel or the desperate Beautyoedia YouTube channel. And they reviewed the Cover FX drops so highly too.
    
    Reply
Tanya says:

April 11, 2015 at 6:53 pm

Thank you so much for the detailed, thorough comparison! As a redhead, sunblock is essential, but it’s really hard to find something lightweight that works. I already don’t wear makeup because I can’t stand the heavy feeling of something on my face, so I’m glad you went over how it feels and how it does over the course of the day. Also, thank you for testing drugstore-priced brands, so those of us on a tight budget have an idea of what we can afford. I like CeraVe, which I found out about thanks to your blog, but I’m going to try the Neutrogena once this bottle runs out.

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