How to use a separate spf - it's making my skin look dull

[MarshmallowPink]

I know I need to use spf 50 and I've been mixing heliocare with a really light fluid. But I think my skin looks better when I use a lower spf basically. I can tell I have sunscreen on and my skin looks a bit rubbish. Am I doing it wrong? Or is there a better way?

I have to admit that i stick with SPF 25 or 30 for day to day use but do always apply actual sunscreen when it's sunny as I burn easily. I'm currently using the inky list one and it goes on well and is slightly tinted so doesn't leave the white residue which I like. If I'm wearing make up I rely on the SPF in my foundation which is also SPF25.

You shouldn't be mixing SPF with anything as you're potentially rendering it useless, not sure if that's making it look weird too but it should be applied separately. If you're not using strong actives/tretinoin SPF 30 is fine provided you apply the right amount.

I get the opposite, my skin looks more shiny/glowy with SPF 50. Too glowy really but not dull.

I think probably you just need a different product.

botemp is the doyenne of skincare and chief contributor to the massive skincare threads and knows what she’s talking about, so I would follow her advice.

Thanks @botemp . I'm using vitamin c in the morning and I'm considering starting retinol at night (the nip & fab night fix one)

And if anybody can recommend an amazing day moisturiser PLEASE do, in desperate!

Vitamin C amplifies the protection of SPF so that's not an issue. With retinol a bit more precaution WRT sun protection is needed but you're still good with an SPF30 but it is the minimum so applying properly is important. Layering two thin layers of SPF (apply two lines the length of middle and index fingers, then repeat) is probably a good strategy, both in terms of ensuring you're putting on enough and how it sits/feels on the face.

I use Super Facialist rose daycream SPF 30, it’s gorgeous. If it’s a sunny day I wear Biore Watery Essence SPF 50 over the top. If I want to be really glowy I use Laura Mercier Radiance primer over that. Super Facialist is on offer in Boots at the moment, I really rate the rose day moisturiser!

Oh fantastic, thanks all!

Thanks for that great advice @botemp

I can only see the superfacialist one at spf 15 :-(

I find mineral sunscreens too drying so that could be part of the problem. I couldn’t get on with the oil free heliocare. Depending on budget I like the medic8 spf 30

Sanctuary Spa do am illuminating face cream with an spf. That's quite good.

Oh maybe it’s spf 15 yes. I put the biore one over the top if I go out. It’s lovely.