Glow… with my review of 15 of the best (and worst) mineral sunscreen products.
I’m not positive… but it is possible that I own more bottles (some empty, some used) of sunscreen than I do craft paint.
That’s a lot of sunscreen! It’s borderline ridiculous. But… the sun is a deadly laser, right?
Y’all know by now that there are many key reasons I wear sunscreen everyday. It’s an important step in my skincare routine to hopefully help prevent cancer, inflammation and photoaging. But I realize that buying sunscreen can be overwhelming to some people. I recently shared with you the seven key factors I consider when I’m purchasing sunscreen.
For my next sunscreen related video (or two), I wanted to review for you some of the sunscreens I’ve tried over the past couple of years. I have a sunscreen wardrobe and I use certain products for specific situations.
In my quest for the ‘perfect’ sunscreen, I often turn to US drugstore formulas first. I like the price points in drug stores but MORE importantly, I like that (most) retailers in the US allow you to return the product if it does not work out. If you haven’t found a sunscreen you enjoy yet, my advice is to keep trying different kinds… and start in the drugstore so you can return it if needed.
As you’ll see in this video, I’ve tried a couple of non-drugstore and more expensive options, too. My opinions on these luxury products are… mixed. Spoiler alert: I’m cheap!
I’m a big believer that sunscreen should be affordable. It is something that should be applied liberally and frequently and I don’t want to worry about rationing something so important because it is expensive. However, sunscreen is also a key tool for disease (and wrinkle) prevention. If you’ve found a sunscreen you love that is more money and you can make it work financially, I think that is an item to prioritize in your skincare budget.
I have a variety of both chemical and mineral filter sunscreens I enjoy using. Don’t remember the difference? I covered the basics between mineral vs. chemical filters in my sunscreen buying tips video.
In this week’s video I’m covering all of the mineral only or mineral containing combination sunscreens I’ve tried.
The major variables between these products are the prices and the overall finish. Keep in mind that the latter is highly subjective… what works for me may or may not work for you. The biggest challenge with mineral based sunscreens is their thick feel and often white finish or white cast. What doesn’t cause a white cast on me, could for you. Some of these products, in my opinion, apply like a dream while others feel like I’m applying school glue.
Watch this week’s video to find out my experience and opinion about 15 mineral based sunscreens. I run through these items quickly and there is a list at the end of this post if you wanted a review of what I covered:
I purchased all of these sunscreens myself. I have nothing to disclose concerning possible financial or personal relationships with the sunscreen brands or other companies that have an interest in the topics presented in this video. Please note that this post contains affiliate links. (I may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post, at no cost to you.)
SUNSCREENS REVIEWED in this video:
MINERAL ONLY SUNSCREENS:
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch
Aveeno Baby
Blue Lizard Sunscreen
ThinkSport Kids
Banana Boat Baby (older formula)
Banana Boat Kids (older formula)
Banana Boat Kids Family Size Pump
Banana Boat Kids Simply Protect (new formula)
Banana Boat Kids Sport (new formula)
TINTED MINERAL:
Australian Gold Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
Cotz Flawless Complexion lightly tinted
COMBINATION: (mineral + chemical filters)
Obagi Medical Sun Shield Matte
Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen
Coppertone Water Babies Mineral (now called Pure & Simple)
Elta MD UV Clear
Eucerin Daily Protection Face Lotion
Stay tuned for the chemical sunscreen review in the next couple of weeks! I have a ridiculous number of those to cover with you, too!
Warning: Please exercise caution and common sense when, based on your own research, you use products and/or make DIY projects and homemade products/recipes. Please attempt any of the projects or use the products discussed at your own risk. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions of any product you use. All opinions on beauty and skincare products are my own and not meant to be endorsements or medical advice. This video is provided for informational purposes only. It is what works (or doesn’t work) for me. As always, your experience may vary. The information and links shared in this video and on my site does not establish a patient and healthcare professional relationship. If you have concerns about your skin and health, please consult with your personal health care professional. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
