sunscreen recommendations? American sunscreen is killing me.

[VamPriestPoison]

I'm on accutane and currently use Elta MD. It's the best I've found so far - clearish but it still has a habit of getting in the eyes. I also think I saw the only spray on sunscreen was American (I did buy - we need to reapply). But an EDC sunscreen would be amazing. The Elta MD sunscreen pills and if you're dumb (like me) you may mess up and buy the not clear version and then you're just in hell until the value size bottle wears out. I will soon. I need recommendations that won't totally break the bank as I'm on short-term disability but... got a b needs sunscreen. I have no idea what I'm doing, everyone just says Asian sunscreen (and skincare overall) is better and the Hada Labo Goku Jyun Moist Cleansing Oil changed my life so I believe it. Since I just bought the spray I'll be reupping a bottle soon, that's what I'm looking for. It'd be cool if they came in trial/mini sizes to test before I commit to a value size bottle.

Also are Asian sunscreens FSA eligible? I may be 26 but I'm not a real adult.

[zolotoi]

Hi there!

I wanted to share my holy grail sunscreen by COSRX: ---

It's the best. I have sensitive, combination skin thats acne prone. This has truly transformed by skin. As far as FSA eligible, depending on your FSA you may be able to submit invoice as a claim to get it covered. I know ULTA sells this sunscreen as well so probably easier to submit the claim by purchasing with them, however, COSRX has so many wonderful sales + free shipping so I prefer always to buy with them. I hope this helps. It truly is a staple in my collection and so I had to reply once I saw your question! Best of luck with your new sunscreen! 

[zolotoi]

**sunscreen details: COSRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+ in white tube. 

[KayPowe]

I order all of my SPF's off of stylevana.com 

[CookieGirl1]

@VamPriestPoison I just finished a tube of the Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Sun Serum sunscreen and it was quite nice.  Check out some reviews--it's one of the more popular K-beauty sunscreens on the market right now.  A couple of other suggestions would be the Biore UV Watery sunscreen or the Beauty of Joseon Relief sunscreen.

[VamPriestPoison]

Dang, the amount of googling I had to do to find out if the Beauty of Joseon Relief sunscreen had both UVA/UVB protection (I think my derm said mineral sunscreens but was about UVA/UVB essentially).

So the first one is a no go but the other two are options.

Beauty of Joseon Relief: Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate for UVA and Ethylhexyl Triazone for UVB

Source: https://www.dr-jetskeultee.com/blog/my-list-of-good-and-bad-sun-filters/

[JoSometimes]

@VamPriestPoison I currently use COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream. I have dry, sensitive skin, and this hasn’t given me any hassle. It’s pretty affordable, at least where I am. And the bottle travel friendly, so if you end up not liking it, at least it’s not a huge loss. It has aloe in it, so even if you don’t like it, you could always repurpose as a soothing ointment if you ever get a burn. Not sure about the FSA issue as that seems to be a US only thing.

And I’m sorry you bought a value pack of sunscreen that you don’t enjoy. It sucks when that happens.  Perhaps you could you repurpose it for your arms and legs on sunny days?

[VamPriestPoison]

Oh for sure. Elta MD was the best I had but when you order on Amazon and the packaging is IDENTICAL unless you read very carefully to get the clear(est) version. But even their clearest version is... Listen people talk about Asian sunscreens like they've met Jesus himself and I want some of that xD. I already use the COSRX Snail Mucin so I already trust the brand. I don't have any issues with aloe (I have a plant I keep handy for minor burn purposes xP). I have a couple sunscreens that I use when I plan on putting makeup over it or just don't care if I look like the most half-assed goth on the planet in white face (don't ask a man to fetch you your sunscreen and other skincare essentials while you're in the hospital - at least I didn't have to look good xD)

Edit: And yes, FSA is a US thing because of our wondefully functioning healthcare system. Theoretically I should be able to submit any sunscreen but sometimes it'll be posted on the listing that it is FSA/HSA eligible. I figured I'd toss it out there just in case.

[JoSometimes]

@VamPriestPoison I’m glad to hear you’re already familiar with the brand and have tried some of their products. I find COSRX to be quality and trustworthy. Their lip sleep mask is amazing too if you need a lip balm. Etude House is another great k-beauty brand, though I haven’t tried their sunscreen offerings yet. If you like COSRX, I think you’ll like Etude too. 

And some men know their way around the beauty world. 😉

[VamPriestPoison]

Of course you say that after I buy the Laneige Midnight Minis Lip Sleep Mask for my accutane lips 🙄 😂

[JoSometimes]

@VamPriestPoison Ohhh Laneige is good too! I have both. They brought back LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask Intense Hydration with Vitamin C Mango and I absolutely had to have it. I love mango anything. 

[VamPriestPoison]

Yesss I get a mini of that in this set I just bought. I'm going to be doing an autistic unboxing XD