Still Looking for the Best Sunscreen for Dark Skin | Empties
I have a Manolo Blahnik shoebox full of empty makeup and skincare containers. I keep it on a bookcase in my room and once I finish a product, if I deem it worthy of this blog, I put it in this box. I've been trying to group my empties into posts of similar products. So, this go round I'm talking about the best sunscreen. Specifically, I'm talking about my quest for the best sunscreen for dark skin.
You see, so many sunscreens are touted as "sheer" but once they're on my face, that's not really the case. I always wear a separate sunscreen, so I go through it pretty quickly. I think it's better to have a separate sunscreen rather than a moisturizer with SPF. I just feel like sunscreen does its job better by itself, you know?Also, I almost never re-purchase a sunscreen, because I'm constantly on the hunt for something better. I mean, I just want something with SPF 30, dries matte, completely sheer, non-irritating, plays nicely with my makeup and mineral based would be great. Is that too much to ask?I have three sunscreens here that I've recently used up on my quest for the best sunscreen.
Korres Suncare Yoghurt Nourishing Fluid Veil Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
I've tried a few things from Korres here and there. It's touted as a more natural skincare brand and the quality is generally really good. So picked up the Korres Suncare Yoghurt Nourishing Fluid Veil Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($35 for 1.69oz) because I figured it couldn't be bad. And it's not bad at all.First off, this is actually sheer. I didn't notice any white cast or ashiness at all. I didn't get that almost sheer finish that seems OK at first but actually makes me look a little dead.Also, this didn't irritate my skin at all. Sometimes sunscreen can irritate my eyes, or clog my pores and cause breakouts. I was very pleased that didn't happen at all with this sunscreen.So, this may be a winner right? Unfortunately, I probably won't be re-purchasing this one. It leaves a very slick finish on my skin. Some people may call it "glowy" but that's being too generous. This Korres sunscreen doesn't feel heavy, but it just left my skin looking too shiny, and I think that's due to the "nourishing" element. The yogurt is meant to add moisture and nourish the skin, so this could be amazing for dry skin. However, since I have combination skin, it was too much for me.
Clarins Sunscreen Multi-Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 40
The Clarins Sunscreen Multi-Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 40 ($43 for 1.7oz) sunscreen has actually been featured on this blog a few times. It's something that I keep going back to because it's pretty damn good. It has a very high SPF (note: I have the SPF 40 version but it looks like now it's only available as SPF 50). It's also non-irritating and has a nice satin/matte finish. It's not a super dry finish but not shiny like the Korres one.But, I think I'm finally throwing in the towel on this one because it leaves a very, very slight white cast on my face. It's something that I don't often see when I'm looking in the mirror in my bathroom. But it'll show up when I'm outside trying to take a selfie. It's not a very obvious thing, and it doesn't affect how my makeup looks. When I wear it alone, though, it alters my coloring just enough to annoy me.So, unfortunately this wasn't a winner either.
Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist with Rosemary SPF 50
Alright, this is really nice. The Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist with Rosemary SPF 50 ($12 for 10z or $28 for 3.4oz) does exactly what it says. It's an SPF setting mist that most definitely smells of rosemary. I like to keep the small 1oz size in my bag when I'm going to be in the sun all day. And, I think it does a good job.I also think it helps to extend the life of my makeup, but sometimes it makes my skin feel a little dry. You know how some setting sprays leave your skin feeling almost stuck in place? I kind of get that feeling with this one. On hot days when I'm sweating anyways, I don't notice it much. But on days where I'm inside or just not that hot, I do notice my skin feels a little tight when I use it.I'll probably re-purchase the 1oz size to keep in my bag this summer, but I don't think this will replace a traditional sunscreen.
Guess my search for the best sunscreen continues...
I hope you guys liked this roundup of sunscreens. If you did, check out some of the other posts in my Empties series...