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
I’m currently using Ilia Super Serum Tint 40 SPF 40 “Foundation.” It’s more like a tinted sunscreen. I love the emolliency and lack of white cast, but for the price there isn’t much in the bottle and I won’t repurchase.
The next in rotation for face will be Cotz Sensitive Sunscreen, which I have been enjoying. It’s not as emollient as the Ilia because it does not have hyaluronic acid, but I can always layer it without issue on top of moisturizer. The price/value is much better than the Ilia.
For body I just use hubby’s Neutrogena Beach Defense or Hawaiian Tropic Island Sport (which smells so beachy, we love its fragrance!). I use the least amount of spf on my body and normally use plain almond oil as a natural sunscreen. We don’t sit out there for hours and I want the vitamin D, as I have been clinically deficient in the past. However, hubby just got a small slice taken off his chest and it turned out to be a superficial basal cell carcinoma, in spite of the constant lathering of sunscreen when he goes for his daily run/jog. So, even with all the protection, we can’t control things 100%.
I’m glad your hubs was able to get that slice removed. I haven’t used Hawaiian Tropic in a minute, but I think I might have to explore because Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration is supposed to be really good!
Thanks for the heads up on the Ilia Super Serum.
Me, too. Hubs (Caucasian, lots of moles) is very diligent about regular skin checks, esp. here. Once the wound heals he’ll be using what seems like a chemotherapy cream to kill any potential cancerous surrounding tissue. Cannot get into the ocean for awhile.
omg those sunbathing oils from the 70s/80s smelled so good! I don’t mind fragrance and Hawaiian Tropic smells like tropical paradise in a bottle! Now I wanna try the Silk Hydration!
It was rated by Good Housekeeping magazine as one of their top sunscreens. These also scored very high, and I want to try them, too:
Hawaiian Tropic AntiOxidant+ Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Hawaiian Tropic Matte Effect Sunscreen Lotion
I haven’t used Neutrogena sunscreen in ages. I just remember it would melt into my eyes in the heat and then my eyes would burn and sting. And then I’d go rinse, rinse, rinse my eyes out to try and alleviate the pain and realize in the process all the sunscreen was rinsed off. And the cycle would repeat when I reapplied.
I’d like to try the CeraVe because it sounds good. But I’m a NC 15, so pretty sure that tint is gonna look weird on me.
I remember when Paula’s Choice products were simple and affordable. The prices have gone up and containers have gotten much smaller since TA Associates acquired them. I won’t use them anymore.
I had an incident with my eyes stinging recently and you know what really helped? Using a cotton ball soaked with eye makeup remover on the lids and lash lines! Try it the next time you get sunscreen in your eyes.
I’ve tried a few Paula’s Choice things and have yet to be truly blown away. I keep using the BHA toner, but it’s not like it’s life changing or anything.
I’ll try that trick the next time it happens. It just means I need to carry cotton balls and eye makeup remover with me when I’m out in the sun.
To be honest I haven’t had that problem since I switched to Shiseido, Annessa and Allie sunscreens.
Yeah, the BHA toner is the only product from PC that I have. It’s not my favorite. Leaves my skin a bit tacky and prickly and itchy.
You could always pre-soak them and put them in a plastic bag, hahaha! Mom hacks!
OK, so I loved my Shiseido sunscreen in the blue bottle back in the day. I recently tried the solid sunscreen stick and was not loving on it, though.
Since we’re now getting into Too Hot to Leave the House season in Florida, I won’t be needing much sunscreen, but this will be handy later (much, much later) for cooler weather!
What are those gorgeous animal print sandals in the top pic? Love them.
Thanks, Suzanne! They’re from Old Navy. I just got them and love them.
I don’t know what it is about the Neutrogena sunscreen, but whenever I used the one for the face, it broke me out too. I use the Ultra Sheer Dry Touch one for the body and it’s fine. For the face I’ve been using the Elta MD for the face and body. Also I have been trying the Tula Protect and Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel.
Elta MD is so good! I love their UV Clear. Gotta remember to buy another bottle!
I’m still a big, big fan of the Clinique mineral sunscreen – I use the 30spf body lotion for my body and face, and am considering getting the spf50 soon (I’m holding myself back because it’s a splurge for me at the mo). It’s the only sunscreen that I love with my whole heart – love how it applies, love how it feels, don’t feel too greasy or gross when I apply it, just nice. And reapplication is lovely, as well!
Wish I could use the neutrogena, it sounds amazing! (No chemical sunscreens for me tho, le sigh – I break out ALL OVER from them.) Keep the good sunscreen coverage (hahaha #puns) coming! I want to know all about all of the lotions and potions you try out this summer.
I haven’t, but I tried a few European ones: Heliocare 360 Water Gel and the new Garnier Ambre Solaire Anti-Age Super UV, both of which are great.