In search of the perfect daily sunscreen product!

I use an olay facial moisturiser, Olay complete defence which contains SPF. I use this when I travel and am outside all day, or if I'm exercising outdoors at home, my face has never been sunburnt using this.

Do you have a budget, Nell?

You sound like my skin type, I’ve been using the Natio 50+ I love it! Haven’t done a review yet (thought I had already) but it’s great on my oily forehead and sensitive skin. It doesn’t have a white cast which is a huge plus as I’m already extremely pale.

It’s about $12 at Priceline.

https://www.beautyheaven.com.au/body-health/suncare/product/broad-spectrum-sunscreen-spf-50

I’ve used the La Roche Posay spf before, it’s horrible. Don’t waste the money.

I use NATIO sunscreen. I have combination skin and prone to blackheads/break outs and this doesn't irritate my skin at all. It won't white wash you at all (I am very pale, porcelain skin tone). I haven't had any issues with my eyes either, but if they have a tester available maybe see how it goes on your skin first.

I use La Roche Posay 50 plus. It is about $28 but regularly goes on sale. It is not oily like other sunscreens and my favourite part is no white residue marks whilst still high protection sunscreen. It really doesnt feel like wearing sunscreen, just more of a light moisturiser.

I have using NIVEA brand for decade because it works for me. Read this article by Choice Magazine for more ideas: https://www.choice.com.au/health-and-body/beauty-and-personal-care/skin-care-and-cosmetics/articles/face-sunscreens-and-spf-moisturisers

Hi NellAdams, I'm also on the quest to find a holy grail sunscreen!

I have previously not used them because I didn't like the feel of them, and now that I can start to see the aging process I'm more invested in my skin.

The chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the radiation once it has entered your skin. Many greenies consider these chemicals as toxic themselves. Chemical sunscreens are more irritating to sensitive skin but can go into moisturisers that feel more cosmetically elegant.

Usually any moisturiser or bb cream with spf is a chemical one. I want to try LaRoche Posay Anthelios XL its got good reviews on here and adorebeauty.

But I prefer mineral sunscreens that contain zinc and/or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient. They are more natural. These type of sunscreens work by being a shield that reflects the radiation away from your skin. Some greenies dont like titanium dioxide either due to nano particle toxicity. Traditionally these ingredients are suspended in an oil emulsion and feel really greasy. Its hard to find one that doesn't feel grainy from the zinc or oily. Everyday I use natural instincts tinted sunscreen with a nbn mineral foundation over the top. I think its too oily for your skin, but I love it.

I've just recently bought a moisturing sunscreen by antipodes Immortal thats all natural isn't oily or grainy. Its a bit patchy as you rub it in but it absorbs straight away no white cast and makeup applies beautifully over the top, perfect for oilier skin. I'm going to buy the bigger tube when this 15g sample one runs out.

Good luck!

Neutrogena SPF irritates my eyes too, I prefer La Roche posay, nivea and Invisible Zinc sun protection.

I've got oily, blemish-prone skin. I love La Roche-posay & Invisible Zinc. Pretty much any sunscreen is going to irritate your eyes if you get it too close to your lash line. Sunscreen is not meant to be used too close to the eyes, but I take it as close to my eyes as I can. (The eyes are the first spot to show the signs of ageing, right?)

Try as many testers as you can. Look for travel sized products or buy the smallest size in case you break out. Double cleanse at the end of the day to reduce the likelihood of pimples.

I get the same thing with the Neutrogena SPF's, itchy eye nightmare!

The one I've found and have stuck by is the Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster SPF 50. It's a product that is meant to be mixed into other things. I usually mix it into my serum or moisturiser. It's great, it doesn't irritate me at all and it doesnt leave me too greasy or shiny either (fellow combo/oily girl here!) I would definitely recommend looking into it. It is a little pricey but it's worth investing in I think :)

https://www.beautyheaven.com.au/body-health/suncare/11365-dermalogica-solar-defense-booster-spf-50

I've been using ultraceuticals and loving it. I'm prone to break outs when i use sunscreen on my face, but so far i haven't had any issues with ultraceuticals, plus it doesn't leave my combo (normal/oily) skin looking greasy

ALPHA H this brand has 2 different sun screens depending on what you feel you need. 30+ and 50+. I use the 30+ on days I'm just at home or in the office and 50+ if I'm going to be outside or the chance ill be outside. Absolutely love these and i have never broke out from either. light weight and feel beautiful <3!

Kiehl has a pretty good oil free suncreen. Lancome has both for dry and normal skin. I am currently using Biore sunscreen you get from japanese cosmetic shop.

Although I haven't tried it myself, I've heard and read great things about the Life Basics facial sunscreen from Nourished Life, and it's currently 50% off. All natural, contains calendula to soothe the skin, and is apparently non greasy. I'm going to get some when I get paid tomorrow!

Have you tried the sun bum face stick at all?

I also have combination skin, and I'm currently using Olay's Complete Daily UV Moisturising Lotion SPF30 -Sensitive Skin. It's light and easily absorbed, and doesn't irritate my eyes. Every month or so, it will be half price at Chemist Warehouse/Coles/Woolies which brings it down to $7.50.

https://www.olay.com.au/en-au/skin-care-products/complete-defense-daily-uv-moisturising-spf-30-sensitive-skin

However, I'm also on the lookout for a higher SPF like SPF 50 for summer months.

I've read very good reviews from combination-oily skinned people for the new Nivea Sun UV Face Shine Control SPF 50. It's just released in Australia but has been in Europe for a while. You can google for reviews and you'll see it. It's currently half price $6.50 at Coles this week:

https://shop.coles.com.au/a/a-nsw-metro-westmead/product/nivea-sun-uv-face-shine-control-spf-50

Then again, I'm also thinking that the Natio face SPF 50 is tried and tested in Australia, it will be a choice between the Nivea and and Natio :P