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How hard is it to find a sunscreen that actually lives up to promise?!

42 replies

Medsy · 16/08/2023 06:17

OK granted my skin is hyperreactive. But I'm getting exasperated with shelling out for sunscreen that doesn't do what I want it to, which is to soak into skin with ZERO residue. Is that even possible?!

I need a sunscreen that doesn't cause breakouts and just vanishes. I had high hopes for Ultrasun, all the reviews waxed lyrical about it being a great make-up base, no stickiness, etc.
Nope. For me it was still a little tacky and looked really bad under makeup.

Beginning to lose patience here and wondering whether this is one of those where my perfect product turns out to be a £3 own brand job!

Can anyone help?

OP posts:
Totaly · 16/08/2023 06:20

Nivea - it’s in a spray can and is very much like hairspray.

Spray in and it’s dry to the touch and no sticky hands.

kids are done in seconds and no fingerprint marks on the car.

halfthesun · 16/08/2023 06:22

In Greece on honeymoon. Just popped my dream on DH who usually uses Nivea and he is delighted. La Rosay Posay Anthelios 50 Daffodil

TerfTalking · 16/08/2023 06:23

I always find sunscreen has to be put on an hour before clothes. DH and I cream up and then wander around in underwear before leaving the house. Not usually sticky then. I use Piz Buin hypoallergenic.

of Course, this doesn’t help when topping upon the move.

halfthesun · 16/08/2023 06:23

Cream not dream 🤪 Just for face. For body we have been using Nivea 30 Daffodil

Medsy · 16/08/2023 06:29

Sorry to clarify this is for the face I'm looking for!

Thanks for the ideas so far! I do wear light foundation every day so I really need something that is just absorbed and doesn't create a film, but I'm wondering if that's even possible with sunscreen.

OP posts:
headcheffer · 16/08/2023 06:32

Beauty pies SPF is lovely. Light non sticky dries down so you can put make up on a few mins later. No cast. Great stuff.

1990s · 16/08/2023 06:36

NIVEA UV Face Shine Control SPF50 is the best I’ve found for this.

halfthesun · 16/08/2023 06:41

I have rosacea and thus wear some light foundation on my cheeks. So sunscreen, 10 minutes or so later I pop on sun screen as recommended earlier.

ChickensInaRow · 16/08/2023 06:45

I’ve found Supergloop Unseen Sunscreen works for me under makeup. No funny bobbles, no caste, no glossy shine. Downside is the cost.

Lotsofpots · 16/08/2023 06:51

Either Mimitika face SPF or the Skin + Me facial SPF. Both sink in immediately, no residue, no eye irritation (the issue I suffer from), no bobbling.

manontroppo · 16/08/2023 07:10

Have you tried the Altruist?

tigerbear · 16/08/2023 07:15

Biore Water Essence - best base for makeup I’ve ever found.
Get it from Superdrug (used to buy on Amazon, but lots of fakes on there).
I’ve tried other more expensive brands, but always come back to this, it’s amazing!

Amazongirl9 · 16/08/2023 07:17

La Roche Posay Anthelios Uvmune 400. Factor 50. You don’t need much, it soaks straight in and nothing gets through this baby. But I don’t have particularly sensitive skin though.

AuntieMarys · 16/08/2023 07:24

I have PMLE and roseacea in the sun...Tropic facial sunscreen works for me. Yes it's MLM but it suits my face and neck

gingercat02 · 16/08/2023 07:57

1990s · 16/08/2023 06:36

NIVEA UV Face Shine Control SPF50 is the best I’ve found for this.

I took this on holiday and really liked it. I normally use Rituals SPF30 at home but decided i would need more in the Canaries.
Just FYI, I rarely wear makeup in the day on holiday, so I don't know how it fairs under that.

TheChosenTwo · 16/08/2023 08:00

Another one who uses the supergoop, just bought the really big one and got the little handbag sized one free.
It’s clear and has a sort of silicone feel which actually makes quite a good primer for makeup! Doesn’t ball up or give a weird texture.

Medsy · 16/08/2023 08:03

I didn't realise you could put SPF on OVER makeup! In that case maybe I should be looking at a spray

OP posts:
mehtivation · 16/08/2023 08:08

Boots soltan baby moisturising ticks all those boxes for my face. I don't use moisturiser underneath as it's too much.

Slap it on first thing and let it soak in then do top ups with Nivea anti dark spot cream through the day

AuntieStella · 16/08/2023 08:10

ASDA own brand

Ons of the highest performing in Which? tests for years

I don’t really know if it would meet your ‘no residue’ standards, but it’s so cheap it would almost be rude not to try

LaMarschallin · 16/08/2023 08:16

I've been using Solait (Superdrug's own brand) factor 50 non-shine cream for £3.99 a tube. It's dermatologist approved because my friend, who's a dermatologist, tried it and said they were going to get some Smile
My main problem is a greasy t-zone and this doesn't make my skin any more oily or shiny as others gave done.
I haven't got sensitive skin though.

Rainallnight · 16/08/2023 08:18

tigerbear · 16/08/2023 07:15

Biore Water Essence - best base for makeup I’ve ever found.
Get it from Superdrug (used to buy on Amazon, but lots of fakes on there).
I’ve tried other more expensive brands, but always come back to this, it’s amazing!

I’ve started using this after feedback on here. It’s great!

teaandtoastwithmarmite · 16/08/2023 08:19

I use cerave face cream which has spf in it