Whether you need to wear SPF every day or how high the protection should be is of course up to personal preference, skin type and the climate you live in.
I wear a designated sun protection with SPF 50+ every day between March and October, as well as every day in the winter when I plan to spend a reasonable amount of time outdoors (hiking, snowboarding, whatever).
During the winter months I wear makeup which has usually between SPF 15 and 25, just to get a little protection from the rays I catch when running errands.
Eucerin Mattifying Sun Fluid SPF 50+ |
Of course I wasn’t as consistent in my early years, and now, on the wrong side of 35, I see the traces of carefree days spent outside marked on my face.
I´d rather have had just memories to remind me…
So why, despite having known about the importance of sunscreen for ages, did I struggle with applying it on a daily basis?
The reason was the horrible feeling of yet another layer on my already sweating face, adding to the shine and making my makeup slide off.
But no longer! For more than four years I have been loyal to my Eucerin Sun Fluid Mattierend LSF 50+, 50 ml.
What Eucerin claims:
Sun Fluid for the face, combining very high UV-Protection with protection for cells and DNA. A non-greasy, mattifying fluid ideal for combination to oily skin. Works well in hot and humid climates.
Scientifically proven not to aggravate acne prone skin.
Facts:
The Eucerin Mattifying Sun Fluid SPF 50+ (also available in SPF 30 and in a tinted version, both of which I haven’t tried) contains 50 ml and retails for around 15 € at your local pharmacy or on Amazon (here).
One bottle lasts me around seven months, used daily and applied only to my face and neck.
Off-white and a little runny |
The fluid is off-white, smells faintly of sunscreen and sinks in quickly, leaving an almost powdery feeling to my face.
It works well under other products, not only not disrupting any foundation put on top of it, but somehow even increasing the longevity of my makeup like a face primer would.
Favorable ingredients:
– Glycerin: Moisturizing
– Sodium Hyaluronate: Moisturizing
– Titanium Dioxide: Physical SPF
– Arginin: Smoothing
– Glycyrrhetinate: Increases Cell Repair
Neutral Ingredients:
– Octocrylene: Chemical SPF
– Phenylbenzimidazole: Chemical SPF
Unfavorable Ingredients:
– Silicones
– Preservatives
– Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane: Chemical SPF
– Homosalate: Chemical SPF
One (kidding, quite a few) words on SPF:
Chemical SPF has been criticized for being absorbed by the skin, this being intrusive and probably harmful when used regularly. Some of the chemical SPFs are proven to act like hormones (like the ones listed above in unfavorable), while others haven’t. Those hormonally active SPFs are only allowed in cosmetics when they are below 5% (as in the product reviewed here).
Physical SPF on the other hand stays on top of the skin, reflecting the UV rays. It is completely safe to use unless you are allergic, but doesn’t sink in too well. Most SPFs targeted at children are purely physical, and if you have had your experience with them, you will know they are hard to distribute and leave a white cast.
I happily use chemical sunscreen on myself, but I use physical sunscreen on my daughter, at least until she reaches adolescence.
Does it live up to its claims?
Yes.
High UV protection IS protection for cells and DNA, so this claim will always be true. They don’t claim to protect more than other sunscreens, so I will leave it there.
The product is non-greasy and, despite the moisturizing ingredients, not very hydrating, so it will work best for combination/oily skin.
Now I don’t have active acne nor do I live in a hot and humid climate, but I used this on a vacation spend in Thailand four years ago without issues.
As far as mattifying goes… Well, I guess it depends on your needs. On me, it doesn’t look matte, but very natural, as you can see in the picture below (wearing Concealer under my eyes and on spots, but only Eucerin on my skin).
Wet hair, don’t care. |
Will I rebuy?
Yes.
I have done so numerous times and have recommended it to friends and family. It is a little more pricey than your average sunscreen, but for me, it is worth the price tag.
Who do I recommend it to?
If you try to avoid chemical SPF, stay clear.
If your skin is dry and craves moisture, look for something else.
But all the oily-skinned beauties out there, shunning SPF because they dread the slick face: Look no further!
This beauty has all it needs to make you a consistent sunscreen wearer, so you can create memories of sunny days without them leaving traces on your skin.
How about you?
Are you good at wearing SPF?
And which one do you prefer, physical or chemical?