Best sunscreen?!

[AzaleeG]

Currently using Elta MD SPF 40, it has no fragrance, alcohol or white cast and comes in an airless pump. My only pet peeve is that it makes my face a little shiny, but it's a small set back for all the pros. Curious why Sephora doesn't carry this one!!

I've tried most sunscreens at Sephora and I've been disappointed with most (mainly due to abundance of fragrance, alcohol) curious to see what the Beauty Community here thinks about Sephora's current roster.

[Divameister]

I don't bother buying sun screen at Sephora. I use Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen (only SPF 30 or 45---no need to pay extra for higher SPF as it doesn't add significantly to protection). It doesn't leave my face white or shiny. I've been using it religiously for more than 10 years now (ever since I went to the desert in support of (Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn)). I use it over my moisturizers (serum and face cream), then layer my foundation over that. I don't have any problems with "pilling" either (where the products don't play nice with each other). Your mileage may vary, though, so you'll have to test out whether that's a problem with your products.

[fantaji]

Kypris Heliotropic. It's in a jar and costs an arm and a leg, but I absolutely love the texture and the subtle glow it gives me (ingredients are stellar too). Doubles as a primer!

[b3autygrl]

Hi @AzaleeG!

The struggle to find a physical sunscreen that doesn't make me shiny or leave a white cast is unreal.  Currently, I've settle to using Clinique's Pep Start UV Daily Protector.  It's slightly tinted (warm tone) but doesn't leave a white cast.  Unfortunately, it's not matte and I have to say that it does make me somewhat shiny on it's own but with my foundation, it's mattifies it and I stay pretty good for about 4-5 hours before the oils start to become noticeable.  My skin is sensitive and oily.  I did try in the past an Elta MD SPF but I don't recall which ones as they have several.  Unfortunately, for me, it left a white waxy film on my skin that I just couldn't deal with.  I've been tempted to try Skinceuticals but haven't yet.  Have you tried that brand?  If you're combo, you may want to give Clinique a try, it doesn't have any alcohol but does have plenty of silicones in it.

[AzaleeG]

Hey! I've yet to try Skinceuticals but I'm actually quite oily and will definitely look into it for a summer sunscreen. I live in Canada and our winters are quite dry and cold so right now I'm not looking for a matte sunscreen. If you're darker than NC25 and looking for a physical sunscreen you might want to try the Bare Minerals physical sunscreen, it has a warm tint and nice slip that keeps you smooth and matte; the only reason why it didn't work for me is because I'm fairly pale and the pigments made me look too red. Cheers!!

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b3autygrl wrote:

Hi @AzaleeG!

The struggle to find a physical sunscreen that doesn't make me shiny or leave a white cast is unreal.  Currently, I've settle to using Clinique's Pep Start UV Daily Protector.  It's slightly tinted (warm tone) but doesn't leave a white cast.  Unfortunately, it's not matte and I have to say that it does make me somewhat shiny on it's own but with my foundation, it's mattifies it and I stay pretty good for about 4-5 hours before the oils start to become noticeable.  My skin is sensitive and oily.  I did try in the past an Elta MD SPF but I don't recall which ones as they have several.  Unfortunately, for me, it left a white waxy film on my skin that I just couldn't deal with.  I've been tempted to try Skinceuticals but haven't yet.  Have you tried that brand?  If you're combo, you may want to give Clinique a try, it doesn't have any alcohol but does have plenty of silicones in it.

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[b3autygrl]

Thanks @AzaleeG!  I'm going to look into it.  Clinique's UV Daily Protector has a slight yellow (warm) tint.  Not sure if it'll work for you but from a moisturizing perspective it may as it doesn't stay matte at all.  It does give a nice glow since it sounds like you're currently dealing with cold/dry weather.