How's everyone's summer so far?
I can't believe it's already summer though.
It's so damn hot here it's indescribable, it was 117 yesterday and it's sucks because we're pretty much trapped indoors when it gets like this here.
My A/C went out last week which was pretty brutal but luckily we had it fixed within a few days.
I thought with the kickoff of summer that now would be the perfect time to talk about sunscreen formulas which btw you should be using sunscreen year round.
I think that most people are unaware of just how many different sunscreen formulas are available and just like with any skincare products each formula is best suited for different skin types and can range from drugstore to high end although drugstore options might be more limited in their options.
Most people associate sunscreen with greasy white goop that's hard to blend into the skin and if using on your face then flashback.
Choosing the right formula for your skin type or needs could make wearing sunscreen a happy addition to your routine instead of the horrid childhood memories of white thick goop all over your skin.
If you're into skincare check out part one of my Month of Sheet Masks.
*Tip:
Applying a separate sunscreen directly on your skin under your foundation rather than using a foundation with SPF can help to prevent white cast and flash back if that's a concern but any sunscreen is better than none.
Cream Sunscreen
So first we're going to talk about probably the most common formula of sunscreen which is a cream formula and can be found literally everywhere even grocery stores.
Cream formulas work best for dry skin types and they tend to be more moisturizing and some can be slightly greasy.
Cream sunscreens are more of a barrier type sunscreen and usually don't fully absorb into the skin which is great for going to the pool or beach but if choosing this option for daily use is better suited for those who wear minimal or no makeup.
Gel Sunscreen
Gel formulas are best suited for my oily & combo skinned girls.
Gels are usually clear and undetectable once blended, they're more lightweight and fully absorb into the skin without leaving a residue like creams do, which make these also great for daily use and layering under makeup even full cake.
Milks / Sun Milks
Milks are the perfect in between for normal to combo girls.
They are lightweight and lightly moisturizing, they also fully absorb into the skin which makes this another great option for daily use and layering under makeup even full cake.
Milks or Sun Milks are usually found in K Beauty or at least the only ones I've seen, with a texture similar to an essence (I love essences btw). It's almost a sunscreen essence in my opinion.
Stick Sunscreen
Sticks tend to be more targeted at those on the go and all skin types and the formulation varies depending on the brand.
Although most tend to be similar to a cream whereas they don't fully absorb and some can even be quite balmy leaving a similar barrier effect (residue).
These are super convenient for quick and mess free application and travel although maybe not the best option for daily use and would be better suited for minimal to no makeup.
Powder Sunscreen
Powders can be very diverse and a great option for all skin types depending on the brand.
You can find powders in matte formulas for combo & oily skin types and even tinted powders that can be used as foundation or setting powder making these capable of being used both under and over makeup as well as for touch ups.
The most common powders are marketed as foundations but are a good option for those who want the full makeup effect without the extra layers.
These would be good for daily use for pretty much everyone from no makeup to full cake.
Spray Sunscreen
I saved the best for last in my opinion obviously.
Spray formulas are just as common as creams now and come in so many different formulas for all skin types and some brands can even be found at drugstores and grocery stores.
Spray are super quick to apply, it literally takes only seconds.
There are full body formulas which are great to apply obviously everywhere even over makeup, as well as sprays designed specifically for the face which make great primer and setting sprays.
These are great for daily use, especially if you're lazy about sunscreen or just short on time.
These work for pretty much everyone, every skin type, and for no makeup to full cake.
These are also good for spraying on your scalp if you do any kind of part in your hair.
Bonus they're great for small children who can't stay still for very long, seriously takes a few seconds.
I hope this helps you out in some way, there's literally so many options probably even more than I mentioned, these are just the ones that I am personally aware of or have tried.
Let me know your favorite sunscreen formulas and skin type in the comments or hit me up on social media.
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