Perfect sunscreen achieved.

I have been searching for the right physical sunscreen for my face. I am slowly trying to eliminate the chemical ones from my arsenal.

I tried Dermalogica. I loved it, but it was too pricey. Also, I have since learned that it is high in toxicity.

I tried Neutrogena. WAY too greasy and yucky.

I tried California Baby--pure titanium dioxide and super waterproof. It is great for the body, but broke my face out in teeny bumps. Yuck.

I landed on one that is always raved about, but somehow I had never tried. It is not waterproof, but I simply apply my Bare Escentuals mineral powder sunscreen midday. This doubles as a primer, isn't at all greasy, is tinted to counterbalance the whiteness of physical sunscreens and is just altogether wonderful and really reasonable. LOVE it.

Some Product Disappointments

I'm sitting here listening to very nearby neighbors singing karaoke.  Not pleasant when you aren't singing too, and don't know the people.  They just finished Beatles "Yesterday."

Anyways, here are some products that I have been disappointed with.

This was very disappointing.  I can't figure out if it was this or a new sunscreen I've been trying, but my face broke out into tiny bumps all over it.  Also, it felt like pure silicone, and my pores felt suffocated.  I have read so many rave reviews, but wasn't sold.

Wow, this was so chalky white and greasy.  I have been wanting a waterproof, physical sunscreen.  I thought the newer technologies prevented it from looking like the Zinc of older days.  I got some samples of Dermalogica super sensitive suncreen, and loved it.  All physical sunscreen with no chalkiness.  Then again, it's $45.  I read that they used microionized particles to avoid that chalkiness.  I guess I'll stick with my Shiseido--with its super waterproof, chemical/physical SPF blend.  I just have to be sure to remove it fully with a cleansing oil or wipe.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
It seems like every blog I read, someone raves about it.  I was thinking it would be sheer.  Nope.  I like a very sheer coverage.  I don't like looking like I have makeup on, I guess.  This looked very makeup-y on me.  Very matte on me.  No likey.

Mineral Sunscreen

I am a big fan of physical sunscreens (as opposed to chemical sunscreens.) I am also super obsessed with anything clogging my pores. I currently use Shiseido SPF55 lotion, which is wonderful for balancing out my combination skin. It has a mixture of physical and chemical sunscreens, and stays put.

I have tried a Peter Thomas Roth mineral sunscreen, but returned it because it dried my skin out so much. I discovered that it had cornstarch in it, that's why! I loved taking it to the pool and keeping in my purse for instant coverage. Chemical sunscreens take up to 30 minutes to become active, whereas physical sunscreens both a physical barrier on instantly. I used the PTR powder on my niece for instant protection on her little face too. Plus, the less chemicals, the better. I saw my doctor today and he talked to me about the traces of estrogen in many cosmetics that are affecting alot of women...possibly myself included. I need to be better about researching all the chemicals that go into my products.

I saw that Bare Minerals was coming out with one and it's finally here. I can't wait to try it in time for summer. I just hope it's not so drying.

Natural Sunscreen, $28

Sephora Sunscreen Face-off

I've been on the hunt for a new mattifying sunscreen for my face. I've posted about my two favorite ones here, but just still have wanted a better go-to one for everyday. In my latest Sephora catalogue, I circled a bunch of new ones I wanted to try. I ended up getting samples of Peter Thomas Roth Uber Dry SPF 30 and Dermadoctor Ain't Misbehavin' Clarifying and Mattifying SPF 30. Now, this test isn't taking into account the UVA stability or anything scientific like that. It is simply which one makes my face feel less greasy. I don't want to use a primer and a sunscreen, so my new goal has been to get one to do double duty.

The winner by a landslide is PTR. It is perfectly matte and smooth. I love it! Definitely my next purchase. The Dermadoctor left my face feeling completely greasy and smelled so strongly of sunscreen. Not at all mattifying in my opinion.