Sunscreen Gets Sweaty
I know how hard it is to find a sunscreen, especially a facial sunscreen. Selecting sunscreen used to be a nightmare for me and so for the majority of my life I just didn’t use any – I know, major skincare faux pas. But good luck finding sunscreen that smells decent, isn’t too thick and doesn’t leave a white film on your face.
About four years ago, a trusted friend talked to me about the necessity of sunscreen and how it was an important factor in protecting skin as it ages. It was then that I realized the better care I took of my skin, the less makeup I’d need (the less time I’d need to apply makeup). So I embarked on the journey to find facial sunscreen.
I tried about four or five brands sold at Shoppers Drug Mart and settled on a facial sunscreen that was moisturizing, went on smooth, didn’t create a white film and most importantly didn’t clog my skin – thank you Clarins. For my body sunscreen, La Roche Posay wins cause of its easy application and lack of white film – can you tell I strongly dislike the white residue that most sunscreens cause and leave behind.
So my summer skincare routine is Hyaluronic Acid, Gel Crème, Moisturizing Lotion and Sunscreen. I’m on day 59 of makeup free days so four skincare products are a solid quick routine. I’ll dab on some eyeshadow, mascara and lipstick if I have a meeting and voila, that’s all I’m glamming up with.
I’m on the go so anything quick, light and long lasting is appreciated. In addition, I fit a 60-minute workout during the day so I need products with staying power that I can sweat through.
Enter in a skincare gamechanger – Shiseido’s Wetforce Sports BB SPF 50+
First off, I’ve never previously used a BB cream nor a sports sunscreen/beauty/skincare product but these factors had me eager to try this product given my current fitness goals and on-the-go lifestyle. Tinted sunscreen definitely piqued my interest.
The BB colour palette comes in three options and surprisingly one of the options (dark) actually fit my summer skin tone. I applied it all over with my fingers. It was spreadable but did feel a bit dry. It reminded me to wear it over freshly applied moisturizer. I had applied my routine skincare products about two hours ahead of time and simply used the BB instead of my usual sunscreen. It felt a little dry and tight once on so I dabbed on a little more to wet up a few areas. Then I went about my day, which included a combat class (5,000 steps in an hour), a 14 minute stair climb, 2 hours of drinks with colleagues and a 30 minute walk in 25 degrees Canadian warmth. I applied the BB cream at around 9:30 a.m. and think it looked better as the hours passed right until midnight. I kid you not. This is probably/definitely due to Shiseido’s WetForce Technology, a sunscreen’s UV protection veil becomes more effective when the applied area is exposed to water or perspiration for 30 minutes.
The verdict
I was surprised at the all-over coverage. It evened my skin tone without the feeling of a heavy foundation or better yet, it didn’t create those facial cracks you get with foundation after wearing it for a long time. Even at midnight my skin looked healthy, glow-y and natural – and it didn’t feel clogged even after the long day I had. I didn’t even realize it was due to a BB sunscreen! I got compliments from colleagues throughout the day saying my skin looked airbrushed, this was before and after the gym class.
During the gym class, I sweated a lot and tapped my face with a towel, which only sometimes transferred over a little colour. The BB cream has a Contouring Powder with White Pearl that is said to enhance “the look of facial contours for a perfect look for the sports and fitness scene.” Talk about getting your face to look shredded! I kid – for me it just gave me that post-workout glow on a more even toned skin.
Urban Environment
While I’m a fan of Clarin’s sunscreen, the Shiseido Urban Environment was quite a moisturizing SPF to apply post skincare. I just need to remind myself to not apply it close to my undereye areas as they can irritate the eyes and cause them to water. It gave my skin a blurred appearance and seemed to even out my skin tone, too.
Ultimate Cleansing Oil
I never thought I’d need a different cleanser to take off sunscreen but this unique product gets applied on dry skin pre-shower! Cool technology, but not my thing.
Note: All three products were given to me for free trial by Influenster. The experiences and opinions are my own.
First written by me on madderandshade/wordpress on June 25, 2017: https://madderandshade.wordpress.com/2017/06/25/sunscreen-gets-sweaty/
Reposted on this final madder and shade site in 2018