I blather on about sunscreens so much that reader Jessica thought it might be a good time to pick my brains on what is THE sunscreen for her 😀 Here’s her request:-
Hi PB!! I know what a big fan you are of sunscreen so hope this question’s easy to solve 😉
I am currently in search for THE sunscreen as I am getting more and more aware of how bad UV can be for the skin. Problem is, most sunscreen (be it for the face or body) can be a litle too sticky and some of them have scents which are overwhelming!
So, PB (and fellow readers), can you please recommend some of the possible sunscreen products which are of good quality, not sticky (mattifying effect is the key word!), easily absorbed and without any of those plasticky scent??
Thanks much!!
Well Jessica, I detest sunscreens that have strong plasticky scents too. I grew up with the smell of Coppertone sunscreen invading my nostrils almost everyday while my mom slapped it on me. This was in the days before we had more choices available in the market. Then it was Banana Boat sunscreens, both of which I now detest with a passion. Its a personal thing – brings back memories of swimming lessons 🙂 I do however thank her for her foresight in protecting my skin from those harmful UV rays when it was not in vogue to!
However, because we are all different and our skins can tolerate different levels of chemicals or products and we all have different requirements and preferences, I’m afraid there is no THE sunscreen I can recommend. I can however tell you which are the ones I have tried and which I like to use.
For the face, I will place my money on either of these sunscreens or sunblocks, all of which offer UV-A and UV-B protection:-
- La Roche Porsay Anthelios XL Fluid Cream SPF50 PA+++
- Vichy UV-Active Anti-pigmentation fluid sunscreen SPF50 PA+++
- Clinique Face Cream sunscreen SPF30 or SPF50 PA +++
- L’Oreal UV Perfect sunscreen SPF50
- Eucerin White Solution Whitening Extra Treatment Fluid SPF40
For the body, these are the ones I use:-
I have said time and again that my personal preference lies towards chemical mixed with physical sunscreens and I’ve worked out Zinc Oxide is not for me so I stick to products with Titanium Dioxide. If you prefer sunscreens that are natural or mineral based Vivawoman has some good references. 🙂
I also prefer a cream texture as opposed to liquid textures as found in Japanese type sunscreens. I find that sunscreens that are very liquid or that dry matte tend to have high alcohol content and makes my skin feel dry and papery or weird so I stick to creams which might make some feel oily. Again, its a personal preference – there’s no right or wrong.
We’ll discuss SPF and PA ratings some other day k? For now, lets just keep it to what sunscreens you like to use. Do share with us:-
What is your favourite sunscreen or sunblock for face and/or body?
Stay beautiful,
Paris B
Personally I am a big fan of MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50. Here in Australia the highest SPF the government allows is SPF30+, so I always have my girlfriend who works as a flight attendant buy me some from the US. It’s dual use, as a primer and mattifier, suits me and the harsh Aussie sun!
I’m using the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Waterlight SPF50+++. It also comes with whitening version but mine is just the regular one. What best about this sunscreen is, each type comes with different skin type – for oily skin and normal/dry skin. I bought the one with oily skin and the texture is very light and a bit runny. When i applied, it feel like i’m wearing nothing – very light and absorb to my skin very well. But it cost around RM49.90 for 30ml. Quiet expensive for drugstore brand. But i’m loving it. I also asked the SA what’s the different between Neutrogena Waterlight and Neutrogena Dry Touch and she said the Dry Touch is more suitable when u’re going out to the beach but u also have to wash ur face properly or it will cause breakout!
oooops! i am guilty of not using body sunscreen.
as for face, i have tried:
# Clinique Face Cream sunscreen SPF30 or SPF50 PA +++ : didn’t really impress me
# L’Oreal UV Perfect sunscreen SPF50 : broke me out
# Eucerin White Solution Whitening Extra Treatment Fluid SPF40: too oily for me
my future target may be:
1. clarins
2. kielhs
3. vichy
i have tried Eucerin White Solution Whitening Treatment SPF40, yeah, too shiny and oily for my skin too! Sadly….wasted RM60 😛
SUNPLAY whitening milk, spf 50+, cant remember…
the texture is ok…not thick…..and not too oily….
Lastly, NUTOX Bnest SPF45++, this one i like most of the 3 mentioned. It’s not shiny, but u gotta spread it as directed, ie. in gentle circular strokes so that u dont get a white cast!
Neutrogena’s Dry Touch sunscreens for the body and face just came out here, and I have to say, I’m in LOVE. The body sunscreen’s amazing; no icky sunscreen-y smell that turns you off, and the oil-free facial sunscreen is great too. Because of the horrid smell most sunscreens have, I normally squeeze out a tiny dollop (guilty as charged) for the body and face. But now, with the Neutrogena sunscreens, I’m very happy to say that I’m actually using a liberal amount 😉
personally japanese brand skincare works better for me.
i’ve tried loreal UV Protect, but too oily for me and made my makeup smudge 🙁
biore UV face milk is good, with spf 50+, PA+++, works as a make up base as well. but sometimes it can be a lil drying, and leave a bit of white sheen on face.
recently i bought sunplay skinaqua uv moisture gel. and im loving it! absorb almost instantly, and leave the skin feeling hydrated looks supple too!
but it only comes with spf 25 though
I have been using Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF50 for quite sometimes now and I have to say I am pretty impressed by this sunblock 🙂
The SA actually told me it will be a little more sticky if I use it on face. But regardless of that, I still slap it on my face. And it turns out that it is not sticky on me. In fact, I think it brightens up my skin tone a little.
I have also used it on my body and I must say it did a pretty good job as well. This is my HG sunblock. No regret buying this! 😀
For my body, I am using neutrogena ultra sheer dry touch spf 30. I like it better than the one with spf 50 as it’s lighter and enriched with vitamins but I heard it’s not stable. Spf 50 is stable but not enriched with antioxidants.
For my face, I use clinique city block spf 25 as it evens out the skin tone well but I don’t quite like the texture. It is a physical sunblock and feels like a foundation to me. On no make-up days, I use the face shop natural oil- free sun milk. It feels light and spreads easily but It has alcohol.
Hard to find the perfect sunscreen, isn’t it?
Hi Paris!
I’m very picky when it comes to sun protection – hate anything too rich or sticky. My favourites include:
Bioxil Clarity Protective Sunblock
Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen SPF50
Shiseido Suncare Sun Protection Lotion SPF 55 PA+++ for face and body.
Lancome UV Expert SPF 30/50
Lancome UV Expert Neuroshield SPF50 PA+++ is my new HG sunscreen. Light texture, absorbs well and great as a make-up base! I just HATE the price tag.
For my body, I use Laneige Sun Block Cool SPF25 PA++. It works as a sun protection spray, absorbs quickly too but kind of drying. I just like how it has a cooling effect and is fuss-free.
I used to love the SunPlay series too since I grew up with it as a teenager. I agree on it being drying but the protection is there. It does give you a pasty white complexion and probably works best for those with fair skin and no skin problems.
On the body: Banana Boat Sensitive SPF30+.
On the face: Mecca Cosmetica SPF30+ Hydrating Facial Sunscreen.
Personally i LOVE the Lancome Neuroshield SPF50 PA+++ one, but i HATE the price tag! 🙁 This one may not be for your Jessica because it does leave my face abit shiny after application!
Since you’re looking for something mattifying, do check out the Biore UV Perfect SPF50 PA+++. It’s cheap and it goes on matte. It does help with oil control too! Unfortunately this one broke me out so i stay away from it, but don’t let that discourage you! 😀
I love the Loreal UV Perfect Advanced Cream-gel protector SPF30 PA++ one for daily use during my lunch break when i have to walk to my car under the sun. For long exposure to sun, i can’t live without my Sunplay SPF130 one!
HTHs! 😀
ZA Powerblock for face and body.
SPF 40 PA+++. Physical & chemical blocker. No scent, has vitamin E, controls oil like crazy and lasts all day. Non-greasy & cheap, as well.
I have very sensitive, acne-prone skin and eyes that are sensitive to a lot of things, but no reaction from this.
I am currently using L’Occitane Apple Almond Velvet Face Fluid SPF40 for the face and is liking it a lot. Pretty steep RM145 price tag and UVA protection is not stated on the packaging, it lasted me 3.5 month. L’Oreal UV perfect or Neutrogena ultra sheer or Banana Boat for the neck and body. Works for me without any breakout.
Been faithfully using SkinFood’s Sun Aloe BB cream… I love these all-in-one products! Acts as a moisturiser, base, light foundation, and SUNSCREEN! haha… I am guilty for not using anything on my arms… Really lazy and I don’t like the smell of Banana Boat (I have plenty at home)…
Hey gals..! Wow, this is one hot topic..love all the responses here 🙂 Seems that Neutrogena is a great fave among most of you..so maybe I should keep an eye out for it…keep those suggestions coming! I’m just so excited..can’t you already tell LOL.
I use La Roche Posay Uvidea SPF50PA+++ PPD18.
Great as a makeup base. 1 tube lasted me about 9 months. Maybe I don’t put enough…hahaha….
Hi Jessica, my two cents view on sunscreen is it is definitely a very personal choice, as PB has pointed out Zinc oxide is not for her. Everyone’s skin reacts differently to each chemical or physical properties found in different sunscreen. For example, Eucerin treatment fluid had caused major break out to me. You just gotta find out which one suits your skin and do take note that sunscreen is not a skincare product hence you need to clean your face throroughly even though no make up applied.
Lancome UV Expert Neuroshield seems to fit your ideal sunscreen if you don’t mind the price. 🙂
Oh yes…thats good advice. Normally, if I don’t put on any makeup, I will use the tinted version of La Roche Posay Uvidea SPF50PA+++ PPD18. So, I use a cleansing oil at the end of the day.
Shu Uemura’s =) they have a new formula, it’s really nice and non sticky/oily
i prefer it over shiseido’s
Kosé’s Sekkisei Sun Lotion! SPF 50 PA+++
I was worried about the lotion texture at first because I am very break-out prone, but after half a year of use, I’d say it rather healed my skin than make it worse!