Product Review 1: Sunscreens
Finding a sunscreen can be hard, especially for people of colour. Between good sun protection, formulation feel, sensitivity, and white casts, there are so many factors that one should consider before settling for a sunscreen. Today I’ll be reviewing the few sunscreens I’ve tried and loved or hated.
The Inkey List™ Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF30
This could have easily been a ten out of ten for me. The sunscreen easily glides on your face, with no gritty nor sticky feel to leave a smooth, glowy, and most importantly, transparent layer of protection. I remember I was super excited when this product was announced, and rightfully, so it lived up to my expectations except for one thing: the sting. Unfortunately, if, like me, your eyes are quite sensitive to products, then this sunscreen just isn’t for you. After application, I experienced a continuous stinging sensation in my eyes whenever I applied sunscreen. When choosing a sunscreen, I look for one that:
Offers good sun protection
Is white cast-free
Does not sting the eyes and is suitable for sensitive eyes.
Has appealing physical characteristics (e.g. Smell, colour, texture, etc.)
The Inkey List™ Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF30 ticked all these boxes for me, except for one.
2. Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Sensitive Advanced Sun Protection Cream
The Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Sensitive Advanced Sun Protection Cream offers sun protection thanks to mineral and chemical sun filters. As stated by Garnier, the sunscreen “Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced Sun Cream SPF50+ protects against UVB, UVA and Long UVA. The filtration system features Mexoryl ®SX and helps protect against:
UVB: Immediate sun-induced skin damage
UVA: long-term sun-induced skin damage and premature skin-aging”.
The sunscreen lives up to its “sensitive” claim, as it causes no eye irritation. The product has a great feel and applies easily to the face. The only downside to this sunscreen is the white cast! This product does leave a white cast, making it unsuitable for black and brown skin tones.
Rating: 3/4
3. Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Face Mist
The Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Face Mist gives you a dewy finish with no white cast. Unfortunately, this sunscreen has a strong smell of alcohol that can be quite annoying. My eyes also started to sting after application. Although this product has a great finish and is suitable for all skin tones, I wouldn't recommend it to people with sensitive eyes.
Rating: 2/4
4. Ambre Solaire Super UV Anti-Dark Spots & Anti-Pollution Face Fluid SPF50+
I stopped using this sunscreen a few months ago because the price increased(I know!!), but this was absolutely my go-to sunscreen! It doesn't leave the skin feeling dry as it is enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, it has a white cast-free finish, it offers great protection against both UVA and UVB rays, has a great feel on the face (it isn’t gritty or sticky), it doesn't smell like alcohol and is fragrance-free. The Garnier \Ambre Solaire Super UV Anti-Dark Spots & Anti-Pollution Face Fluid SPF50+ met all my expectations. Plus, my dark spots drastically faded while I was using this sunscreen as my sole treatment for hyperpigmentation. So, I would recommend it for people who have sun-induced hyperpigmentation and for everyone.
Rating: 4/4
5. Ambre Solaire Super UV Anti-Dryness Protection Cream SPF50+ 50ml
Garnier has done it again! I have tried 3 Garnier Ambre Solaire sunscreens so far, and I have only been disappointed once (scroll up). The Ambre Solaire Super UV Anti-Dryness Protection Cream SPF50+ is another great sunscreen from Garnier Ambre Solaire. With an SPF value of 50+, this sunscreen offers great protection against UVB radiation. The product's website also claims that the product offers great protection against UVA rays, although no UVA rating is not disclosed by the manufacturer. The sunscreen blends nicely and gives you a nice glowy finish with no white cast. Although it’s a chemical sunblock, it doesn’t sting the eyes. The product is also really thick and hydrating, it has a nice texture and easily blends into your skin when applied. I have been using this for 3 months now, and I honestly have no complaints so far. If anything changes, I will come back here to provide an update. But so far, 10/10, and I would recommend it.
Rating: 4/4
