Sunscreen problems

[LucyLocketLostHerPocket]

I bought some Roche Posay Athelios XL facial sunscreen as I've seen it recommended. I must be doing something wrong though as it just doesn't go on well. It leaves a slight white cast and seems to sit in my pores. Should I be applying moisturiser first? I want to be able to wear sunscreen daily (better late than never I'm hoping) under a bb cream maybe but I just can't get it right. Maybe I should try a something like Olay serum & moisturiser with SPF20, would this be better?
My budget is small and I can't keep wasting money. I've never bothered with skincare but I'm outside an awful lot these days and in my late forties so feeli should be doing something.

As well as not testing on animals, which ones don't leave your clothes with a yellow hue please?

I'm half Japanese so a sunscreen maniac - as most Asians are ;-)
I do purchase a lot of BB creams and SPF products in Japan (when I visit) as they tend to be high in UVB protection (50+) and UVA protection (PA++++).
However, it's worth noting that many brands (UK and Japan) do use a lot of alcohol - that's how they often feel like they absorb quickly - where is it's just the alcohol evaporating that's drying out the surface.
It's up to you personally how much alcohol you like in your products. I'm not entirely against them but I prefer them not to be in the first few ingredients on the ingredient list.
The Body Shop Skin Defence SPF50 has a lovely light feel but it does contain alcohol as the second ingredient.
AlphaH does a good SPF50 moisturiser, Ultrasun is also good.

I found ultrasun really sticky.

I got a sample of clinique city block spf 40 from the counter in boots but the woman who served me told me not to use it if i'm sitting out in the sun

AuntieMaggie - that's hilarious!
Did she also advise not to use lipstick on your lips?
I wonder what she meant?

I think that moisturisers with an added SPF tend to be not recommended as people tend to out them on far too thinly, and don't reapply frequently.

No idea what she meant but I did think why would I bother if I wasn't going to be in the sun! I wasn't going to use it on the beach but I spend quite a bit of time outside with ds so want something that would do if i'm going to the park for a few hours etc... Though I do also need one for the beach...

That's true ItsAllGoingToBeFine - people don't tend to use enough sunscreen. However if you use the recommended amount then whether you use sunscreen or moisturiser with sunscreen, it makes no difference (all other things being equal). A sunscreen of SPF50 or a moisturiser with SPF50 both give the same protection - however you need to use the recommended amount.