Sunday, July 5, 2009

Sunblocks for Use under Makeup


Is there a perfect sunblock for wearing under makeup? I think we now have two! The timing is right for this posting, since most of us are spending more time outside for summer. Both offer UVA and UVB protection.

La Roche-Posay's Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid is billed as a sunblock for normal to combination skin. I have dry skin and find that, with a moisturizer boost over the top, it works for me too. This sunscreen does what it says: provides up to five hours of sun protection without making you feel greasy or like you have weights on your skin. The sleek packaging is functional - just "shake" the bottle to mix the ultra-light fluid, which instantly melts into your skin and leaves a matte finish. Perfect under foundation for a day at the pool or beach and no clogged pores! The active ingredients are avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone. A must-have for summer. You can buy this new sunscreen at CVS online or in stores for $27.50.

My second pick is Clarins UV Plus with an SPF of 40. The Clarins product also has a wonderfully light texture and leaves skin smooth and matte. Pricier than the Anthelios 60 product, it may suit those who want an 8% titanium dioxide mineral-based block. There is a little "ball" or something inside the bottle to help you mix the product while shaking before use. I have used this sunscreen for years and can attest to its effectiveness. It does not irritate my "reactive" skin. The price is $42.00. You can find the Clarins product at Sephora or at department stores.

The only downside to these sunblocks is that the containers are small. For daily use, you will be purchasing them often!

Photos courtesy of Sephora and CVS.


1 comment:

Miss Brahms said...

Following the latest "trend" in sunblocks,the Anthelios 60 line also is packed with antioxidants; the idea being to protect the skin further from UV damage. The antioxidant mixture in Anthelios 60 is called "Cell-Ox Shield," and purports to protecgt skin down to the 'cellular level." The antioxidant is called Senna Alata - a tropical leaf extract which has a self-defense mechanism to protect against cell damage in combination with an additional antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental aggressors. This is the new trend in sunblock - Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Eye Contour Care SPF 30 contains senna, olive and pea extracts to do much the same thing, and Coppertone's new Brooke Shields-repped NutraShield 60 boasts the same properties. Call me SUNBLOCK CRAZY!!!