Left to right: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen, Missha All-Around Safe Block Essence, The Face Shop Clean Face Oil Free Sun Cream, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen |
Ever since returning from my trip to Cancun Mexico sans sunscreen as a baked potato 5 years ago, I've become quite the sunscreen addict. While searching for the "perfect" sunscreen, there are a multitude of factors to consider; varying from your skin type, the SPF level, to other lifestyle concerns. I've been rotating the above sunscreens for a few months now, so below is a brief breakdown of each. Read to the end to find out which is the top performer for my acne-prone, combination skin!
Left to right: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen, Missha All-Around Safe Block Essence, The Face Shop Clean Face Oil Free Sun Cream, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen |
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen 50mL SPF 50+ PA+++
Definitely not your conventional sunscreen! Water based, so does not leave a white cast or clog your pores. The consistency is slightly runny and looks somewhat lumpy. Upon application however, the essence smooths out and is instantly absorbed into a matte finish (great canvas for makeup). There is a subtle pleasant citrus scent that quickly dissipates after application. The best part? The impressive 50+ SPF and PA+++, which is sure to provide the utmost protection against both UVA and UVB rays even in those sweltering days! Would recommend for: acne-prone skin, oily skin, combination skin, sensitive skin.
Missha All-Around Safe Block Essence 50mL SPF 45 PA+++
Would recommend for dry skin, sensitive skin, combination skin.
The Face Shop Clean Face Oil Free Sun Cream 50mL SPF 35 PA++
Would recommend for: acne-prone skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, combination skin.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen 88mL SPF 45 Broadspectrum
NOT recommended for sensitive skin.
Terms
For those unfamiliar with the terms UVA, UVB, PA, SPF, and broadspectrum, here's a simplified blurb:
UVA: Causes photoaging and wrinkles.
UVB: Causes sunburn and hyperpigmentation.
PA: UVA protection factor.
SPF: UVB protection factor.
Broadspectrum: Both UVA and UVB protection.
And the winner is...
Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen! My oily, acne-prone combination skin does not break out, and the high protection is ideal for all occasions! Absorbs into skin oh-so-quickly, and provides an excellent base for makeup. Also remains matte throughout the day, and is amazingly sheer. This has definitely become a staple in my everyday essentials (that's right, sunscreen is not limited to summer use only!)
Which sunscreens have you tried? Please share your favorites!