L'Oreal liquid face sunscreen, Sublime Sun, SPF 50
I buy a lot of sunscreen. A lot. I am fair and burn easily and I was not always good about sun protection, so I am desperately making up for lost time. Sunscreen for the face though, is my enemy. It is often greasy, melty and does not cooperate with makeup. If it gets into your eyes, it stings, ruins mascara and otherwise is just a general pain. Alternatively it is chalky, streaky and leaves you looking a little vampireish. A lot of makeup now has sunscreen in it. But I’ve never really trusted that because unless you are caking on your makeup, it’s doubtful you are getting enough protection.
I used to send away for this liquid sunscreen that was like $45 dollars. From France. I know. But it was honestly the only thing I liked. The other day though I saw this and because it was in a similar type of bottle, and was advertised as a liquid the same as my $45 dollar indulgence, (but at just $10)I thought I’d try it.
Sunscreen is not heavy or creamy and still manages to provide great sun protection without looking chalky. Blends well and is makeup friendly.
It’s awesome:
- You can wear it under makeup or powder and it doesn’t pill or roll off; powder still looks normal, doesn’t “sit” on top of sunscreen.
- It goes on very smoothly and is very light – not greasy. It’s more of a liquid than a creme.
- It does not fall apart later in the day. In other words it does not turn slick and oily a couple hours after application, which some do.
- It offers a high SPF – 50. While some people say anything over 30 spf is overkill I’m one of those tedious people who think if I double my medication I will get better faster. Just kidding. Kind of. Remember it is still important no matter the SPF, to reapply every couple hours. This is especially true if you are outdoors and/or sweating.
- At about $10 at Target, it’s much cheaper than the one I was buying and a lot cheaper than the other fluid sunscreens I’ve found at dermatologist’s offices. Yes, there’s not a lot in the bottle, but if you’re using it specifically for your face, it will still last since that’s a smaller area.
Most days I wear tinted moisturizer — I use Physicians Formula, either Organic Wear (SPF 15) or Healthy Wear (SPF 50). Healthy Wear is much thicker and more full-coverage; Organic Wear is sheerer. With both of them, I use Physicians Formula Mineral Wear powder, which adds a bit more sun protection.
If I’m swimming, or working in the yard, or some similar activity where I’m not going to be wearing makeup anyway, then I prefer to use Banana Boat Baby Sunblock Stick (SPF 50). Because it’s baby sunblock, it doesn’t sting if I sweat and it gets in my eyes. And because it’s a solid stick, it’s easy to reapply — just rub the stick over my face — and easy to carry in whatever purse or bag I have with me.
When I put on Serious Makeup (which isn’t often), I’ve been using Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion for Sensitive Skin. It’s gentle on my sensitive skin and plays well with makeup (as long as you give it a few minutes to absorb into your skin before applying other makeup). However, if I’m outside sweating in the heat, it will run into my eyes and sting.
Once I finish up my current almost-empty bottle of Olay, I’ll definitely give L’Oreal Sublime Sun a try! It sounds pretty fabulous.
Tara, Thanks for the good info. I too am a very fair skinned blonde. I grew up in Orange Co. and I spent my whole childhood either on the beach, on a boat, or in a pool. As teenagers, we would fry ourselves all day at the beach with baby oil and then come home and sit in front of a sun lamp! I wish I knew then what I know know! My parents never used any kind of sun protection on us kids.
The sunscreen I really like a lot, and have been using for a long time, is Neutrogena “Healthy Defense” SPF 50. It does not make me break out and my make-up goes on very nicely over it. This sunscreen was highly recommended by my dermatologist. Neutrogena also makes “Age Shield Face” SPF 110. I don’t like it as well but, I will use it when I know I will be out in the sun all day. I don’t think SPF 110 is over kill. I need it for my kind of skin. I will try the L’Oreal Sublime Sun since you gave it such a good review!
thank you for sharing this i burn so eaisly (because im practicaly a hermit, no im not) im really pale and ive always had to use really low spf like 15 under my make up so i dont look like a clown. im definaltly gonna giv it a try, thankss x