You folks ask me about skincare more than anything else, and the vast majority of your questions are about sunscreen. As a skin cancer survivor, it makes me positively giddy that y'all wanna protect your skin.
A few of the questions you sent me this week:
"Best sunscreen on a budget?"
"Best sunscreen for oily/combo?"
"Best sunscreen for acne-prone?"
"Best tinted sunscreen or BB cream?"
"Best natural sunscreen?"
"Best sunscreen for sports?"
"Best sunscreen that won't make me shiny?"
"Best sunscreen for lips?"
"Best sunscreen for body?"
"Best sunless tanner that doesn't look fake?"
"Best after-sun?"
I frigging LOVE receiving all your questions, and please keep sending them my way.
Sometimes your questions disappear before I get to them all, so I created this blog post to share the answers with everyone.
I'm taking it a step further than that: I just signed up for the 15k Rexall OneWalk to Conquer Cancer and I'm working to raise $1500 for skin cancer research. More on that at the end of my post so say with me.
For now, let's talk sunscreen! I've included the regular retail prices for every single product, but keep in mind that about half of these brands go on sale frequently (including right now!) at Shoppers Drug Mart and elsewhere. Let's go!
best sunscreen on a budget
This is a question I struggle with because few budget sunscreens impress me. But fellow blogger Doll & Dye (check her out!) reminded me about Neutrogena and I have to agree it's a great option. Try Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, or SPF 45. Anything beyond that (SFP 50, 60, 110?!?!) gets chalky and heavy. MSRP $13-$18.
best sunscreen for oily/combo
Sunscreens have come a long way and there are great options that mattify the skin and won't clog pores. One of the very best for skin that's combination, oily, or prone to a little shine: La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Dry Touch SPF 60. It's a dry-touch gel-cream that feels like nothing at all and prevents shine. MSRP $29.50.
best sunscreen for acne
I feel for you folks with acne prone skin. It ain't easy, but thank goodness there's AlumierMD Clear Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 42. It's formulated to help to heal any existing breakouts AND prevent new ones. All while protecting your skin from the sun. Magical. In Ottawa you'll find it at Foundation Beauty, MSRP $48.
best BB cream with SPF
I am OBSESSED with IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+. Holy cow is that a mouthful. But it's frigging wonderful and I use it everyday. In just one pump it covers my whole face, neutralizes my red cheeks and purple eyelids, and it just generally feels amazing. MSRP $49.
best tinted sunscreen
I've been using La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra Fluid Lotion SPF 50 for close to a decade. Why I love it: it's light as a feather, and the universal shade neutralizes redness and makes me look rested, but I can still see my freckles. MSRP $34. Also available in untinted SPF 6o, MSRP $29.
best tinted sunscreen for oily skin
If you're oily and want coverage, colour correction, shine control, and SFP all in one, then you need Avène Complexion Correcting Shield SPF 50. Available in Light, medium, and dark, this is a mineral sunscreen packed with so much zinc that it actually absorbs excess oil throughout the day. A+. MSRP $30.
best natural sunscreen
COOLA has completely changed my opinion of what's possible with natural formulas: their products are light, spread easily, and aren't greasy or chalky. And they just got waaay easier to find cuz they're now available across Canada at The Ten Spot!
Stay tuned for more deets on this natural brand, but in the meantime you've gotta try COOLA Body Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 Citrus Mimosa. It's the lightest body sunscreen I've ever used. MSRP $49.
best sunscreen for sports
Hands down, it's Vichy Idéal Soleil Sport SPF 60 Ultra-Light Refreshing Lotion. What is with sunscreens and all these long product names?! Yeesh. If you're going for a run or hitting the water for SUP yoga, this is the one to reach for. No grease, no white stuff on your clothes. MSRP $29.95.
best matte tinted sunscreen
Boy oh boy do I love this one. Shiseido Sports BB Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ WetForce is INCREDIBLE. If you're headed to the beach, a pool party, or if it's insanely humid outside, this stuff stays put. Because it's highly water resistant it sets almost immediately, so apply it quickly and blend with your fingers. MSRP $48.
best sunscreen for lips
This is a blind spot for a lot of brands, I wish more of them would add SPF to their lip products! A great one I've found is Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30. I have it in Key Lime and it's fruity, hydrating, and awesome. And cheap! MSRP $5.
best sunscreen for body
My fave all-round sunscreen for body is Biotherm Lait Solaire Body Milk SPF 30. It's light, spreads like a dream, sinks in quickly, and has a light scent that's fresh and clean. At 200ml it's a larger bottle than most body formulas by other brands, so it'll last you a while. MSRP $39.
best sunless tanner
No question, it's Bioderma. I know St-Tropez gets lots of buzz (and it's great!), but Bioderma Photoderm Moisturizing Tanning Spray does just as good a job for less than half the price. No streaks, no orange, and this spray formula is a cinch to apply in the shower. MSRP $19.95.
best after sun
It happens, we all slip up. Even yours truly got burnt hiking in Peru (missed the back of my neck, ouch). Vichy Idéal Soleil SOS After Sun Balm to the rescue. It's brand new: Vichy reformulated their after sun making it a balm instead of a gel, and it's incredibly soothing on sore, enflamed skin. MSRP $25.95.
onewalk to conquer cancer
As a skin cancer survivor, I feel I should be doing do as much as I can to spread awareness, share information, and support research. It pains me that skin cancer is one of the most under-funded of all cancers... despite the fact that 1 in 6 Canadians will be diagnosed with it.
So I decided to do something about it: I signed up for the Rexall OneWalk to Conquer Cancer.
I've joined La Roche-Posay's team for this 15km walk (eep!) taking place in Toronto this September. I've personally committed to raising $1500 and I've kicked things off with a $20 donation of my own. Want to help me reach my goal? You can donate here. No amount is too small and you're welcome to remain anonymous. Tax receipts will be sent out too!
All proceeds will support melanoma research at The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world.
Together, we can conquer cancer in our lifetime. Let's do this.
