Serum + moisturiser + sunblock = sticky face?!

[CottonBallsUp]

The good people of Style and Beauty have finally convinced me to up my skincare game. I have invested in vitamin c serum, decent moisturiser and factor 50 sunblock. Problem is that when I use them together my face feels so sticky, it’s unbearable. Am I using too many products? Do I need to leave time between ‘layers’? When I was’t doing the moisturiser step my skin was flaky.

I use my vitamin C serum at night for this reason otherwise it does leave you greasy. I also use a light moisturiser (CeraVe PM moisturiser) under sunscreen, and leave it at least half an hour before applying sunscreen.

The sunscreen you use also matters. I hate 'greasy' skin, so use Heliocare 360 Oil-Free Gel SPF 50 (Boots/Amazon) . Doesn't pill or leave you greasy, so long as you follow the steps above. It also comes in a tinted version if you want to skip foundation.

Thanks so much for the tips. A tinted but lighter sunscreen might be helpful - I’m using Clinique city block which has a bit of colour which I like but feels quite heavy. I’ll definitely try moving the serum to night time and leaving more time between applying the moisturiser and sunscreen. I was just rushing to make sure I didn’t forget the sunscreen step.

Are you using a specialist facial sunscreen? mine is and I don't really need a moisturiser under it as it's really moisturising on its own.

I think Clinique City Block is just for the face but it still left my skin feeling dry on its own. I’d definitely hoped it would act as a moisturiser of sorts, particularly as it does feel heavy.

Dust light translucent powder over the top

I’ve started using an over make up spray spf which has been a game changer for me

@BrickingIt44 Thanks. I tried that and it definitely looked better but it also feels really unpleasant, makes me itchy. I think it might be trial and error with different products, and timing of application but I was hoping I was doing something really obviously wrong.

@Ballcactus ooh, what brand have you got please? The idea of adding a make up layer to my oil slick of a post serum, post moisturiser, post sun block face feels ridiculous.