Sunscreens Review: Avene SPF 50+ Body

I'm at a point where I've tried so many sunscreens in my life that I in fact have a hard time recalling all the brands. Today I thought I would share a few European brands (French specifically I believe) that are fairly popular and which I generally enjoyed. Note that I used these predominantly on my body rather than my face as they were labeled for this.

The one downside of many European sunscreen names is that they are pricey. They can easily be multiple times an equivalent (and in my belief better formulated) Korean sunscreen brand. That said, the upside is that you can easily walk into your neighborhood drugstore to pick them up, and they do have a luxurious packaging and brand vibe. 

Vichy Capital Ideal Soleil SPF 60

The first product I'll review is the Vichy Capital Ideal Soleil. This is the lotion version, although I also tried the spray on version (which I bought while I was traveling through Europe and used in my time there). 

The lotion is quite smooth and easy to spread. All the Capital Soleil products have a very pleasant scent, which is true for their spray and lotion. 

Eau Thermale Avene SPF 50+ Body

The second product I tried is the Avene SPF 50+ body. This spray is fairly thick (as you can see from the shot below), almost like a very thin lotion that you can smoothly spread easily over your body. I enjoyed using it, although I think it's since been discontinued. 

Overall I enjoyed using both but think they're overpriced and in this day and age you can find much better sunscreen brands.

All about suncreens + a few of my favorites

I've been a religious wearer of sunscreen since I hit my early 20s, once the research started coming out on just how linked sun exposure is to not only skin cancer but also photoaging, wrinkles, spots, and other sorts of things that are better off avoided. As such, I've probably spent thousands of dollars on both hyped upscale and conventional drugstore sunscreens, and wanted to pass along some of my knowledge. If you click on the sunscreen label you'll also find some of the older reviews I've done on specific sunscreens.

General tips

1. Chemical formulations are a must for lighter, lotion-like clear formulas with no white cast. That said, the challenge with chemical sunscreens is like many of the common ingredients like oxybenzone have known issues, causing skin reactions and functioning like an estrogen. For kid-safe nonchemical formulations, physical sunscreens are an absolute must. For me, as a time matter I don't like dealing with thick and goopy physical formulations, though if I do have those I'll use them on my legs / arms where the thickness doesn't bug me as much as on my face.
   
   
2. Use your FSA funds to reimburse purchases of suncreens with SPF 30+: This is huge, and something I only just realized this year (doh!). Basically, any sunscreen related product, INCLUDING foundations / tinted moisturizer / BB cream with an SPF of 30+ when clearly shown in the product name etc. can be submitted to your insurer to reimburse from money you set aside tax-free for health related purchases in an FSA. Seriously, this means you can essentially buy tax-free, and you do not need to get your sunscreens from any specific source
   
   
3. More expensive sunscreens do not mean better - look at the SPF, check the ingredients, but at the end of the day sunscreen is sunscreen. I've fallen to the ploy of $50 tiny bottles of sunscreen marketed by big high end cosmetics shops, and honestly a lot of those probably aren't even as good as your basic drugstore brands. My go-to recommendation for high quality and value are Korean sunscreens, which I purchase through Yesstyle (much better prices for any Asian beauty product, do not be overcharged at more hyped up places like SokoGlam or Sephora, which I've checked are and always pricier for the same items). You can also find sunscreens at TJ Maxx or other outlets (but check expiration per next point)
   
   
4. Check expiration dates: Most sunscreens expire after 12-18 months, particularly chemical ones as they denature and become ineffective. Physical ones you can get away with longer (as it's literally there are a physical block), but they do tend to start smelling and feeling less nice after they age too long. Point is, there's not much point to hoarding sunscreen since it will go bad if you don't use it up
   
   
5. Makeup with sunscreen is not enough: Put it simply, to get the labeled SPF, you need to use a full teaspoon of product on your face. Most of us are not putting on that much make-up, plus most make-ups only include low SPFs of 15.  
   
   
6. Layer your sunscreen after moisturizer and before makeup: It makes intuitive sense, as you want to go from thinnest to thickest formulations as a general skincare rule. Skincare products should go directly on your skin, then sunscreen will go on to protect (give it a couple mins to sink in) followed by makeup which is for coverage.
   
   
7. Look at the PA rating - this is a Japanese system, hence you're likely to find more on Asian beauty products. The more +'s, essentially the more UVA protection and hence anti-aging / cellular damage benefit there is. PA++++ is as high as they go and is what I always try to opt for in my facial sunscreens
   
   
8. Reapplication is critical: Most sunscreens denature or wear off after a couple hours, so if you're out in the sun throughout the day, be sure to reapply every few hours
   
   
9. The morning and evening light is heavy in UVA: So yes it may be dusk and the sun may seem to be faint, but UVA rays are long and are strong in the morning and evenings.
   
   
10. Protect the lips: It took me years to get good about this, but I've realized that the lips are every bit as important, if not more so, than the skin. Additionally, if you are prone to cold sores, the number one cause of them is unprotected sun damage to the lips. So pick up a zinc-based lip protectant and reapply often (after eating and drinking especially).

Recent favorite sunscreens

These are the current ones in my arsenal, though chances are I've tried any sunscreen you're looking at. Leave a comment if you want a review on anything specifically. Note for the Yesstyle items you can use my code PSWCKU for a discount on the products (disclaimer, affiliate link).

1. MISSHA - All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++: This is my current daily sunscreen. It's light, it's got a very high protection factor, and it applies so easily into the skin (a common theme you'll find in all of the sunscreens I'm showing here. It has a light and fresh scent
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   

   Post-application - totally clear

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. JMsolution - Marine Luminous Pearl Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++: The stick foundations from this brand have really impressed me. You can't feel it on your skin at all, and it rolls on so easily. I have the flower one as well, but between the two I think the Marine one is a better value and just as nice. They have a very light scent, with the flower version smelling like rose (which is lovely)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   

   Applies completely clear and can't feel a thing

3. Trader Joe's spray sunscreen: I don't love this, and the ingredients aren't by any means clean (has oxybenzone sadly), but nothing beats a spray sunscreen when it comes to applying to the body quickly in the summer. This is one of the few sprays I've found, and as I used to live close to Trader Joe's it was convenient and a good price (about $6 a bottle). Does the job.
   
   
4. Etude House - Sunprise Must Daily Lotion SPF50+ PA+++: This one I remember being pleasantly impressed by, as one of the other formulations was dry and chalky (think the natural version of this).
   
5. TONYMOLY - Intense Care Gold 24K Snail Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++: This was my go-to sunscreen for the better part of a year, because who can resist the claims of anti-wrinkle with snail and gold extract? Can't say I noticed a difference while using it, but it has a very pleasant texture and lightly tart scent. 
   
   
   Hope this review is helpful to folks!

Estee Lauder Daywear SPF 50 Review

I'm now 100% a Supergoop convert, but back when Estee Lauder was running its free gift with purchase I went ahead and spent the $35 to get a hold of the Daywear SPF 50 sunscreen. All in all, it's a pretty decent sunscreen that skews on the more greasy side, but still works for the face and is easy to apply.  

As a major label product, it's not surprising that this product contains some of the less healthy sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone. But at least there's no retinyl palmitate, and as a boost it also contains sodium hyaluronate, making it a nice dual mix of sunscreen + moisturizer. 

I would massage it over my face each morning, and found it easy to absorb and very hydrating (almost too much as a warning for those of you with oily skin). The product also has that familiar cucumber scent in most Estee Lauder products. 

The only issue I had was that it honestly didn't last very long. I think you can get maybe a month or two of total use from each bottle if you put it on your face alone, which is not great for a product at this price point. Basically, I think there's better sunscreens out there for a much better price. But when you combine it with the gift for purchase, which at the time landed me with a free bag as well as sample sizes of Estee Lauder skincare, it becomes a better value. Basically, I wouldn't go out solely to buy this.

My Favorite Sunscreens: Supergoop Sunscreen Oil and Setting Mist

One of my least favorite parts of my morning routine is applying sunblock. With a normal sunblock, it just takes so long and requires constant skin rubbing. But no more! My routine literally now takes seconds with the Supergoop Setting Mist and Sunscreen Oil. I've repurchased these twice, and have my application process down cold.

I start the morning off by spritzing my face and neck a few times all over with the Setting Mist, which is SPF 50+ but seriously is like spraying a toner over your face. Granted, I think there's a risk that it won't be as effective as old-fashioned rubbing sunscreen over your face, but for the time it saves I'll take this option. After spraying, I gently pat it into my skin. The one thing you have to be careful of is to not inhale this stuff when you spray. I usually take a deep breath and hold it until I have patted the product in. 

For the body, I use the sunscreen oil. I just spray and rub into my legs, and it sinks in amazingly well. I don't use this on my face because honestly it's too greasy and will make you look gross. But on the body it's fantastic, and moisturizing to boot. 

My one complaint is with the spritzer, which I find tends to jam up with use. I usually end up just uncapping the bottle and pouring some out directly into my hands later on. 

What I like about Supergoop is that while the products are inevitably chemical based (as physical based sunscreens can't be made into a mist or oil consistency, they do stay clear of parabens, Oxybenzone, and other harmful ingredients. Yes, it's probably not as healthy as an old fashioned physical sunscreen, but it's so much easier to apply and I'm willing to make the tradeoff. 

 What are you favorite sunscreens?

Goldfaden MD Sun Visor SPF 30: Review

As mentioned, I'm normally a drugstore sunblock fan due to the much more attractive price point, but I decided to splurge on the Goldfaden MD Sun Visor after watching a tutorial that purportedly showed how easy it was to spray and go with this product. To be honest, even after months of use, I have no idea how that particular person was able to use it so easily. It beats regular sunblock, but it still is far from an effort-free product, and brings other concerns that keep me at bay.

My first major concern with this product is its use of microionized titanium dioxide, which has been cited as a potential risk upon inhalation. Spraying it directly on the face not only heightens the risk of directly breathing it in, but in my experience also often led to some of the product going into the eye (even with your eyes closed). I had white particles accumulate around my eye shortly after I used this.

However, it isn't gloopy like most sunscreens. This is good and bad, because good news is it spreads easily - I usually spray a bit into my hand and then massage it into my face. I do find it doesn't seem to stay as well on my skin, as it starts running off immediately when I spray a bit of water on. I also don't think it's as effective as my traditional formula sunscreens.

I purchased from the SkinStore, and got the below samples with my order. I think the price was about $35/bottle with discount, so still a fairly pricey bottle. At this point I won't be repurchasing, because I think there's better alternatives.

My Drugstore Sunscreen Picks

I've certainly splurged on very pricey sunscreens before (I'll be posting a review of one of them shortly), but to be honest have rarely found them to be worth it. In fact, branded, expensive sunscreens are just as likely to contain the "Avoid" ingredients as drugstore ones and the performance gap just isn't enough to warrant the high price tag. 

Here are three of my drugstore sunscreen picks that you can get for under $10. You can zoom in on the ingredients list in the photo below and see that all three pass the "Avoid" test.  

Aveeno Natural Protection: This one leaves the most obvious white cast, so for that reason it's my least favorite of the bunch. It's fine for the body, but I would keep it far away from the face and neck - I once put it on and despite blending it as best as possible, I had people commenting on what the white stuff on my face was. Yikes. However, the texture is quite smooth and less goopy than some of the others, making it easier to spread out than a couple of the others.

I will warn you to watch out against the other products in the Aveeno sunscreen line. They have a Protect and Hydrate SPF 70 version with very similar packaging, but that's a chemical sunscreen with Oxybenzone. Stick to this Natural Protection version if you're doing this brand.

Banana Boat Kids (Yellow Tube): This is my favorite. It's also conveniently the cheapest of the three, costly less for 8oz than the others for only 3 or 4oz. You'll note that I have two kids choices up here, because it seems manufacturers are at least becoming aware of the importance of keeping harmful chemicals off kids skins. But don't be deterred, because these work perfectly fine for adults too!

This one is a nice medium between the other two. It's fairly easy to spread and does not leave a white cast when blended out. I use it on my face and body.

Banana Boat Kids Natural Reflect (Green Tube): To be honest I'm not sure what the major difference between this and the yellow tube are, especially as this costs over twice as much per oz. It is a significantly thicker texture though, so maybe it has a higher coverage (I noted the Titanium Dixoide is 3.6% versus 3.1% for the yellow tube)? Anyways, as much as I like this product, I really don't like the thick formulation. This one is literally impossible to rub in - you have to aggressively pat it onto the skin because it's so thick.

However, unlike the Aveeno one, once you pat this in it all but disappears, leaving a flattering glow to the skin. In fact, that's what I kind of like about mineral sunscreens - they make the skin appear luminous after. Just make sure to powder, or else your face will be too shiny.

As always, make sure to apply sunscreen often, and keep protected!

All About Sun Protection - Why It's important, What Ingredients to Avoid, and Application Advice

With summer now well underway, here's a summary of my knowledge on sun protection. I'm not a professional, but I have read up extensively on the topic.

Why use sunscreen?

Most people don't realize that the sun is associated with as much as 90% of wrinkles and skin aging. Even worse, the effects of sun damage may not show up for 20 years, so what may seem like harmless tanning or Vitamin D-getting now can wreck havoc on your skin later on. 

Additionally, UV penetrates the clouds year-round, so whether you live in gray Seattle or the sunny equator, be sure to apply any time you'll be outside, rain or shine!

General: There are two types of sunscreens:

·        Physical: Use minerals Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide to physically block sun. May leave a white cast on the face with flash photography, but generally safer to use.

·        Chemical: Uses chemicals that absorb UV rays (e.g. Oxybenzone).

Avoid:

·    Oxybenzone: Active ingredient in most chemical sunscreens, a hormone disrupter that may be absorbed into the skin

·    Retinyl Palmitate: A form of Vitamin A that can increase risk of skin cancer when the used on sun-exposed skin

·    SPFs over 50: Generally not shown to be effective, and may even cause more exposure to UV radiation

·    Parabens: Preservatives included under inactive ingredients

Make sure to:

• Reapply at least every 2 hours because the sun breaks down the sunscreen
• Find a “broad spectrum” sunblock that covers UVA and UVB. UVA causes wrinkles, UVB causes burns. Some sunscreens only protect against UVB so make sure to be aware of this.
• For spray sunscreens, make sure to not inhale while spraying (or spray on hand and then rub onto face). Also make sure to spray a couple times to ensure even coverage.
• Apply if you're sitting in front of a window or driving in a sunny car! Glass only blocks UVB, but not UVA rays, so keep your skin shielded.
• Wear wide-brimmed hats whenever possible - they're not only a fashion statement, but also offer valuable protection. Try to get a hat with tightly weaved straw so that the sun isn't able to get through. For the winter, look for stylish black wool options.
• Pat, don't rub, sunscreens into your face. You don't want to tug mercilessly on your face and cause wrinkles!

Stay tuned for a list of the specific sunscreens I use!

Links to read more:

http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/16/health/sunscreen-report/

http://foodbabe.com/2013/05/05/what-you-need-to-know-before-you-ever-buy-sunscreen-again/

Check the list of the safest sunscreens here: http://www.ewg.org/2013sunscreen/about-the-sunscreens/