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I love daytime moisturizers with SPF in them. I like to avoid having to apply two different products when I only have one. During the summer, I especially like to put a lighter lotion during the day and a heavier one at night.
I like the Aveeno Positively Radiant SPF 15 for drugstore moisturizer and Chanel Beaute Initiale SPF 15 for department store moisturizer, although I sometimes just use Nars Brightening Serum if I really feel like something light and then put SPF over that.
Just a note, the Chanel product has a ton of a very drying type of alcohol that can cause irritation and over-sensitivity, so I would recommend not using that product. Stick with the Aveeno, because despite having a lackluster ingredient list (with hardly any antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, etc… it doesn’t contain anything particular harmful to the skin). Not to mention, it’s significantly cheaper in comparison.
One thing I can’t stand about daytime moisturizers is their inability to keep my shiny skin matte. Other than that I pretty much adore them. Right now I’m am using LUSH Enzymion which smells like heaven.
I had to chime in that I loooove LUSH’s Enyzmion, too!!
If I forget my daily moisturizer, which is Clinique’s DDMG, I feel naked! My face will be dry and itchy all day. I love my moisturizer and think it’s a necessity, at least for daytime.
Make sure to use sunscreen! xD
I hate that most day time moisturizers don’t have adequate sun protection. SPF 15 is NOT enough to protect against sun spots and wrinkles in the winter, much less the summer! Its also misleading since the protection becomes ineffective after about 4 hours. Also, most day time moisturizers don’t protect from both UVA and UVB but the packing isn’t explicit so people buy them thinking they are protected but they aren’t.
Actually there’s not a huge difference between SPF 15 and SPF 30; it’s a difference of about 3% of UV rays absorbed/reflected. So SPF 15 is certainly enough protection for most people, depending on one’s particular skin type.
And to make sure if your daytime moisturizer provides adequate UVA and UVB ray protection, simply look at the ingredient list. For the average person, that’s all there is to it, and for any skincare product for that matter.
One more thing. Sun spots and wrinkles are caused primarily by UVA rays because they penetrate more deeply into the skin. The SPF rating on sunscreens only refer to the UVB protection they provide. So even IF SPF 15 wasn’t enough, which it is for most people, that particular rating has no weight weight whatsoever on sun spot and wrinkle prevention.
Hope you learned something. :]
For me personally, I burn like crazy when I have anything less than spf 30 on my face. I’m the kind of person who burns when it’s super cloudy. Even though there isn’t that much of a difference in percentage, for a very fair and sensitive skin type, it does make a difference in protection. Also, I believe that when people put on their sunscreen through the application of a moisturizer in the morning, they tend to forget that they need to reapply through out the day. I like to use a moisturizer with spf, but I always put on a separate sunscreen as well.
Sure that’s certainly understandable. As as I said in my previous response, SPF 15 is enough for most people, but certainly not all depending on skin types (verbatim).
As to your reapplication theory, it really depends on a person’s habits. I for example, reapply my daytime moisturizer periodically; I don’t have a separate sunscreen. Also remember that even if you do apply a separate sunscreen, if both products are chemical sunscreens, only the first one that comes into contact with your bare skin will provide protection. The second one will merely sit on top of the first one and not provide any protection. Physical sunscreens are a separate issue. The best combination of course would be to apply a chemical sunscreen, wait 20-30 minutes, then apply a physical sunscreen on top to insure maximum protection, but who really has the time for that. I find it best to find use a hybrid chemical/physical sunscreen/daytime moisturizer.
Actually most of the time whatever they say it is sunscreen is usually below or only SPF 8 drugstore and department brand, which is already preventing 93% of the sun’s rays. It’s extremely hard to find a sunscreen that’s actually SPF 30 so what you’ve been using that’s “below SPF 30” was probably below SPF 8 and the one you like that is SPF 30 is probably SPF 8. And rather if it’s cloudy or notit doesn’t affect the sun’s rays sothat might be why you even burn when it’s cloudy.
Amy, I honestly don’t know what you’re talking about. I have yet to read any data that suggests that most drugstore and department stores marked with an spf of 30 actually only provide protection of an spf of 8. It’s virtually impossible as long as you read the ingredient list.
The only way I can see that happening is if you don’t apply enough, which actually happens a lot with people. One needs to apply about 3 mgs of sunscreen per centimers squared to get the labelled spf rating. That works out to about 0.1 oz/ft^2, which is why I don’t recommend products that cost like 50 dollars per ounce or something crazy like that. Because that product would be used up after about 10 applications, which would translate to $5 per application, an astronomically huge figure. Seriously. :[
I never apply makeup without moisturizer on! I love to mix two Aveeno ones: Positively Radiant and Clear Complexion. My skin looks great. 🙂
Sarah
SPF 15 covers 92% of the suns rays. SPF 30% covers 97% of the suns rays. Everything over SPF 40% is a marketing technique to charge more, but will see all those changes next year.
Lol I’m like OCD about figures so I have to say this. xD
SPF 15 covers about 93.33% of UVB, not UVA rays. SPF 30 covers about 96.67%. I can see why you rounded up for the SPF 30 ratinbg, but not for the 15… Maybe you accidently pressed 2 instead of 3. It happens. Haha.
Just like how I spelled “accidentally” wrong. Bahaha.
Origins A Perfect World SPF 25, can’t be without it.
While this product does provide UVA protection, it includes countless potent irritants that make this a poor selection. Irritants include: Bitter orange oil, camphor, bergamot, and spearmint. Remember, irritation or inflammation=collagen breakdown.
While the sunscreen actives will prevent premature aging and this particular formulat does have notable emollients and some antioxidants, the irritants are just present in too concentrated amounts. I would highly recommend finding another daytime moisturizer.
What would be a good day time moisturizer then? For an extremely pale 16 year old Asian girl with a slightly oily t-zone? I currently use Garnier Moisture Rescue and Neutrogena Dry Touch SPF 75 which I believe is actually SPF 8.
Well the Neutrogena product, based on the ingredients and the sunscreen simulator from BASF, has an actual SPF of about 35 not 70. However, when applied correctly that product will provide sufficient UVA and UVB protection. I don’t like the preservative used, methylisothiazolinone, because it’s not recommended for use in leave-on products because it is sensitizing.
I’m a sweater for most of the year in this hot and humid climate where I live so I feel like daytime moisturizers are pretty much a lost cause for me!
I have never used any moisturizers or anything, but as I turned 25 and started to notice small wrinkles I decided to buy a wide range of skincare:-) For a daytime moisturizer I opted for Clinique’s Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief and Youth Surge SPF 15. I’m awaiting my order any moment. Wonder if I made a good choice…
Depending on which version of Youth Surge you’re using, I’d say that it is a decent daytime moisturizer. Two of the three have 1.2% titanium dioxide, which in my opinion, does not provide sufficient UVA protection. One because the concentration is too low, and two, because titanium dioxide does the provide adequate protection against both low and short UVA rays. So if you are using any of those, I’d suggest finding another product.
The last YS product contains 3% avobenzone and is stabilized by 2.7% octocrylene. I wish that the octocrylene concentration was higher, but it’ll do. If you are using this product you should be fine for sun protection.
Now all three versions are packaged in jars… which should be avoided because the many antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, etc, will begin to deteriorate. Not to mention the sunscreen actives, if you open the jar when in sunlight. Clinique did include some fragrant irritants, which is surprising because Clinique is usually very good with this issue, so that’s just another reason to avoid these products.
So ultimately Clinique YS is a decent product, but there are much better ones out there.
Thank you for your insight! Can you please mention some of those better products available? I’m afraid I’m no good with identifying beneficial components of skincare products. I was considering some Estee Lauder products as well. Could you help me which ones to pick? I’d like to buy some of theirs serums…how about Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lifting Serum? Or is there any better option? Thank you once again, JOhn.
Jana I hesitate to recommend products because there are so many aspects to consider. Like what is your water and oil skin type? Then we have to consider sunscreen… chemical or physical? What is your daily routine, and how does a specific product fit into that? Which textures do you like better? Are you allergic to a certain ingredient? Are you acne-prone…? As you can see, this list can go on and on. It’s simply easier for you to identify good ingredients and then get samples and see which ones fit you the best. You may not be good at identifying now, but you need to learn some basic ones because it will allow you to make a more informed decision. This is exactly why skincare companies can sell poorly formulated products for outrageous prices.
Anyways, at least you narrowed it down that you wanted a serum from Estee Lauder. I wouldn’t recommend a pricey sunscreen because you have to apply so much to achieve adequate sun protection, and that will add up money-wise. Anyways, the Re-Nutriv Serum is an excellent product. It contains many antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and emollients like pomegranate, sweet almond, Lady’s Thistle, olive, etc… I mean it is packed with essential skincare ingredients. I’m not going to do an in-depth review of this product just to save time and space, but I can if you really want me to. Now, the only thing is the price. At $200/oz, it’s astronomically expensive. I personally wouldn’t spend that much money and I don’t think you should either because Estee Lauder sells several other serums that are equally as good for a fraction of the cost. Their Advanced Night Repair Concentrate Recovery Boosting Treatment, Perfectionist [CP+] Wrinkle Lifting Serum, and Nutritious Vita-Mineral Radiance Serum all have equally elegant formulations. Again, I can review all of these (if you’re prepared for a super super long response if you want). So if you are conscious of how much you spend, I’d recommend going to an Estee Lauder counter and getting samples of the other three serums and seeing which texture you like better, how well they work with your routine and/or under foundation, etc… Note that the Nutritious serum is available exlusively at Nordstrom department stores. Also note that there are many non Estee-Lauder products that are excellent as well.
If you would like to see more reviews and my opinions on things related to what you asked, please read the recent post on Temptalia that I made many responses to like this one. Here’s the link:
http://www.temptalia.com/rant-rave-evening-moisturizer#comments
I hope this helped. And you’re so very welcome.
Thank you John for your comprehensive answer and reviews. I can’t stop reading them over and over again, they’re so informative and enlightening:-) I have just bought the Re-Nutriv serum out of aukro.cz, which is Czech version of e-bay. It was less than 30 dollars for a half full bottle. Hope it’s authentic, I’ll definitely stop at E.L. to compare it once I receive it.
As I’ve read somewhere how you compared Clinique Even Better (which I have) to E.L. Night Repair, I think I don’t need to own 2 “similar” products. But I’m interested in Perfectionist [CP+] Wrinkle Lifting Serum. Could you do a review on it please? I’d be grateful.
I’m glad that you value what I have to say! Now, I wouldn’t recommend buying any type of skincare or makeup from Ebay if you can get them from a reputable distributor. And the fact that the bottle was already opened and half of it was gone… please don’t do that again. xD You can’t know if it’s authentic and even if it is, you don’t know how long it’s been sitting there.
Anyways, I actually said the Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector is similar to the EL Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator, not the Night Repair. Furthermore, when I mentioned the ANR on the post above, I was referring to the “boost” version, which EL sells as an intensive treatment that people can supplement with the regular ANR. Just to note, the boost treatment includes a larger portion and number of antioxidants, and is overall a much better formulation than the regular ANR. But anyways, it looks like you’re interested in the Perfection product. Keep in mind that the other 2 products I mentioned in the last post have similarly good formulations. Okay so here’s a quick (relatively-speaking) ingredient-based review of the Estee LauderPerfectionist [CP+] Wrinkle Lifting Serum:
The texture is very silky, but not creamy, due to its silicone base (Cyclopentasiloxane, Polysilicone-11, Dimethicone, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer) and lack of many emollients. There are generous portions of skullcap (which acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory) and grape extracts (which acts as an antixoidants and emollient in the form of linoleic acid). Then there are moderate amounts of corn (an anti-inflammatory and emollient), licorice (an anti-inflammatory), and Lady’s Thistle (an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory), and soybean (an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory). Finally there are low amounts of several skin barrier emollients like squalane and linoleic acid that act as oil-binding agents, as well as various peptides that have theoretical cell-instructive properties, but primarily act as water-binding agents.
Now, intersperced between these established beneficial ingredients are ones that have no proven or studied benefits for the skin like St. Paul’s Wort, Barley, and fish collagen. That’s the one small thing that I don’t like about Estee Lauder, which is that they like to include these ingredients with the ones that are good in order to make consumers think that they are including more good ingredients than the actually are. Again it’s a marketing technique, but thankfully even with these ingredients, their products are still some of the best.
Finally, this product includes a high level of mulberry extract, which due to its arbutin content and therefore hydroquinone content, can theoretically inhibit melanin production, which can result in a more even complextion. However, you aren’t going to get anywhere near the results you’d get with hydroquinone.
All in all, this is a fantastic product that I recommend wholeheartedly. I’m not saying you can’t get something equally good or better for cheaper, but looking at the plethora of options out there, this one takes the cake or at least a part of it. :]
Again you’re very welcome.
Oh and you should have your own blog;-)
Haha I know right?
But I’m actually waiting to see if I can join an already established blog. So until I get a definite answer on whether I’ll be included or not, my decision regarding whether or not I will start my own blog will be hold indefinitely.
I’m really picky about my sunscreen, as many of them irritate my skin. I prefer a moisturizer without SPF in it, so that I can use any moisturizer I like and any sunscreen I like. I can also use one moisturizer for day and night.
I don’t worry about a high level of SPF on most days because I’m indoors all but a short amount of time. My only real sun exposure 5 days out of the week occurs when I’m walking to the car, driving to work, and walking from the parking garage to my office and then back. (And the back is after 6:00pm.) I think 15 is fine for that. I do keep sunscreen at my desk in case I decide to go out for lunch, but I’m really not worried. When I’m going outside in the actual sun and know I’ll be getting more than incidental exposure, I use an SPF of 30 or more and reapply frequently. I carry some sunscreen wipes and a sunscreen stick of SPF 30 in my purse for unexpected sun exposure, like sitting on a patio.
Daytime moisturizer is a must for me. I have mature skin. I put it on whether I am wearing makeup that day or not. I have a collection by my sink too many to list. I grab the first one. I agree with the poster above– John, I do not have sensitive skin whatsoever but the only time I ever had issues with moisturizers was with Chanel. For some reason I just can’t use that brand of moisturizer. Had to give away what I had.
Both of my “go to” daytime moisturizers contain SPF so rather than having to layer on more and more products on my face, I can get 2 products in one. I like Clarins’s Super-Restorative day cream with SPF 20 and also the Clinique SuperDefense (I think that’s the name) also with SPF 20. I have some daytime creams that don’t have sunscreen and when using them, I top them with Lise Watier’s SunSmart – that stuff’s amazing! Non-greasy and feels like a primer and seems to act like a primer too.
I love Ole Henriksen’s Vitamin Plus. It’s somehow mattifying, yet also very nourishing. It makes my skin feel wonderful! I don’t know if it has SPF, but I don’t really look for that.
Sun protection is so important! Even if you don’t spend a lot of time outside (say 15 minutes per day on overage) that adds up to 105 minutes (1 hour and 45 minutes) of unprotected sun exposure per week! Remember, sun damage on your skin is cumulative; it doesn’t reset after every day. I’d highly HIGHLY recommend wearing sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection everday! :]
I really love my Aveeno Active Naturals Moisturizer with SPF 15, but I also use Murad’s Vitalic Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer SPF 15 & Age Reform Perfection Day Cream SPF 30 (though that one seems to irritate my skin somewhat), and sometimes Neutrogena’s Age Shield FACE (I love the random capitalization) SPF 70, if I know I’m going to be outside for a bit! Darn super-fair skin.
These days I just use a BB Cream!
What king of BB cream do you use? How do you like it?
Origins Vitazing SPF 15 moisturizer!
Please read my response to Isela above about Origins products in general.
I like DDF’s Ultra Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew and GM Collin’s Oxygen Puractive Cream as well as Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. These are all great for oily skin and you can add some Jojoba Oil in the winter.
Make sure to use sunscreen!
I use an SPF 15 moisturizer by Garnier…it’s called Moisture Surge.I like it but it leaves my face a little oily.When I’m done with my makeup,I dust BareMierals SPF 30 Sunscreen on my face,neck,chest and backs of hands.I really love this one.
I use Neutrogena SPF 50 moisturizer.
I usually use the Clean & Clear mattifying moisturizer with SPF something in it, but since I’ve started using BB creams, I haven’t reached for it!
I love them! they’re so lightweight and if they have spf better 😀 …
Lately I’ve been using the body shop tea tree line… the moisturizer it’s pretty good but the bad thing it burns my face so badly I think I’ll come back to my Olay Daily…. 🙁
Absolute musts for me are SPF and something that absorbs quickly. I’m especially liking Ole Henricksen’s Herbal Day Creme w/ SPF15. It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly plus the smell reminds me of that Orange Zinger Celestial Seasonsing’s herbal tea. 🙂 I used to love Garnier’s Skin Renew moisturizer in the green pump bottle but they changed the ingredients and I don’t like it anymore because it takes forever to absorb and leaves me pasty. That has SPF28 in it I believe.
Keep in mind that the Ole product does NOT contain ingredients that protect against UVA rays, only UVA ones. UVA rays are the primarily cause of sunspots and wrinkles, so I’d highly recommend you find another SPF product.
Oops this only protects against UVB rays.
I really, really hate moisturizer. I use them, but I wish I didn’t have to.
I have oily skin. They’re either too heavy and greasy and never sink in, or they don’t have enough moisture and leave my face feeling tight.
Without it, however, my skin will be dry until my natural oils kick in.
I either use the Clinique DDMG during the summer months. and I use the Philosophy hope in the jar in the winter. Especially in the winter my skin need a heavier moisturizer but in the summer I usually use a light one and I use it only once a day. and always sunscreen all year round, separately.
i use biore moisture lotion with spf 15. it’s ok
I’m assuming that you’re talking about the Biore Nourish Moisture Lotion SPF 15. That product does NOT contain ingredients that protect against UVA rays, only UVA ones. UVA rays are the primarily cause of sunspots and wrinkles, so I’d highly recommend you find another SPF product.
Uh oh this only protects against UVB rays.
I don’t have acne-prone skin….yet lately I’ve had the meanest breakouts on my cheeks and chin 🙁 I used to only use E.L. Daywear SPF 15 or Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense Face Moisturizer SPF 50…they work wonders – however I’ve been using Olay Complete SPF 15, Cetaphil SPF 15, Josie Maran SPF 40, along with E.L. serums and nothing is getting rid of my breakout…both Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide just make it worse…
Daily moisturizers are a must…the ones I’ve tried are amazing…and I’m sure I will love them again once I get rid of this acne.
Hey Z,
I’m pretty sure that salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are not making your acne worse as they are some of the most potent weapons against acne in OTC products. I believe it is the other ingredients, perhaps the vehicular base or maybe some irritating ingredients (like fragrant oils or heavy emollients) that are causing you to break out even more. You’re just attributing the worsening of your condition to these two particular products.
Of course, I could be wrong, so I’d be happy to review the products with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide that you’ve been using in an attempt to help you understand what is going on with your skin.
One more thing. I can tell you that most EL serums don’t have any singular ingredient that has been proven to combat acne, so that can’t be helping your acne. I’m guessing that the exclusion of irritating ingredients (EL is excellent with not having any irritating ingreidnets unlike Origins) is reducing the inflammation of your acne and therefore appears to be helping your acne. But if you truly want to be rid of all of your acne, you’ll need more help than the EL serums can provide.
Now, if the EL serums are actually getting rid of your acne, then perhaps your condition isn’t acne but something else. You’d have to see a dermatologist for a correct diagnosis. But in the meantime, like I said, I’d be happy to help you understand those products with SA and BP. :]
i use olay complete spf 15 — i don’t know if it’s great or anything, but it works. i always do wonder if there’s something out there better for my oily skin that’s in a similar price range though (as much as i wish, i can’t shell out $50 bucks for something high end)
I use Decleor hydra floral mask as my daily moisturiser. That was the only one that could satisfy the needs of my skin for moisture during the day. I use MD Formulations moisture defence with spf 20 on top of it in order to get necessary sun protection. In summer I prefer Decleaor anti-wrinkle spf30 as a top layer that I reapply thoughout the day.
The MD product is an very good daytime moisturizer, though the amount of UVA protection could be higher. However, the Decleor should not be used at all, especially not in the summertime! This is because that product does NOT contain ingredients that protect against UVA rays, only UVB ones. UVA rays are the primarily cause of sunspots and wrinkles, so I’d highly recommend you find another SPF product.
SPF is a MUST!
Although most days I use a tinted moisturiser with SPF 20, I still find it essential to put on sunscreen and moisturiser beforehand. I use Korres moisturising cream from the organic cream (although sometimes I find it too thick for hot days) and Clarins Sunscreen wrinkle control cream in SPF 30. I also use a sunscreen just for the eye area which is the Clarins sunscreen wrinkle control eye in SPF 30. The only bad thing about Clarins is that it contains parabens and I try to have a skincare routine that’s paraben free.
I will be purchasing the Josie Maran Sun Protection Argan Oil Infused SPF 40 soon. It received many good reviews and best of all– paraben free!
Parabans are definitely not scary at all, or damaging. The skincare industry just tries to scare you through falsified data. Here’s is a link to a pretty conclusive (10-part) reivew of parabens. I will list the intro link, and you can go to the next parts by searching for them using the website’s search bar.
http://www.personalcaretruth.com/2010/11/parabens-in-perspective-an-introduction/
Note: I do not take any credit for any part of this collection of articles.
I’ve been using Nivea DNAge spf 50 lately, as I’m really fair so I get burned really easly. It’s moisterising enough so I don’t need another product, and cheap 🙂
Ive been using Benefit’s Triple Performing Facial Emulsion which has SPF 15 during the day and Benefit Total Moisture, a heavier cream, at night. I find they both work well for me in keeping my skin happy and healthy.
I;m using Peter Thomas Roth Max Defense Lotion SPF30. what I’m concern is, since it is chemical sunscreen, will it cross out the SPF 20 in my foundation? I read that certain chemical sunscreen can cross each other out when worn together.
It’s true that some chemical sunscreen ingredients can degrade one another more quickly if there isn’t a stabilizing filter like octocrylene. The typical culprit is octinoxate, which degrades avobenzone without octocrylene present. That is the case with the PTR so I would recommend finding another sunscreen. Even if octocrylene was present, I would still recommend finding another product because the PTR sunscreen only contains 1% of avobenzone, which is too low to provide adequate UVA protection.
Now, your SPF 20 foundation doesn’t really matter because one, you’re probably not going to apply enough to get adequate protection (or you’d probably start looking cakey) and two, since both sunscreens are chemical, only the one you apply first will react with your skin and form a barrier of protection. The second one will just sit on top of the skin and do basically nothing.
The best way to avoid all of these problems would be to find a chemical sunscreen that is stable and provides UVA and UVB chemical protection. Then go over with a foundation that provides UVA and UVB physical protection, and those sunscreen ingredients would include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
I hope that makes more sense to you now.
Hi John.
I;m using cetaphil Daily facial moisturizer with SPF 15. can you tell me if this is a good SPF moisturizer or not?
Hey B,
As a sunscreen, this product is an excellent chemical-based one! Not only does it contain 3% avobenzone, but it also contains (drumroll please) 10% octocrylene, which will ensure the stability and enhanced performance of avobenzone and its ability to provide UVA protection. Granted, you should still reapply about every two hours, but at least you know that you’re getting superior UVA and UVB protection! Haha there are so many exclamation points because I’m thrilled when I see a great sunscreen formulation!
Now as to the other ingredients, unfortunately there’s not much to say because, well, there aren’t many other ingredients. Besides the formulary necessities like water, slip and binding agents, this product only contains one good emollient (squalane) and a dusting of vitamin E. So in this particular aspect, the Cetaphil product is sub-par. It would be nice to see the inclusion of antioxidant and anti-inflammatories. Antioxidants are important in sunscreens because they work synergistically with sunscreen actives to form a second layer of protection for your skin. And anti-inflammatories are important because they calm and soothe the skin as it’s bombarded with pollution, wind, etc… which will lead to irritation, one of the main contributors to aging.
Anyways, hoped that gave you some insight into the products that you’re using.
thanks for your reply john. Could you pls tell me how it would compare to cetaphil’s UVA/UVB DEFENSE SPF 50. please and thanks
Sure no problem!
The SPF 50, formulation-wise, is just like the SPF 15. It’s sub-par. The sunscreen part, is not as good as the spf 15 and here’s why. Although the spf 50 provides significant UVB protection (around spf 60), it does not provide adequate UVA protection because titanium dioxide does not provide protection against the entire UVA ray spectrum. It only protects (adequately) against short UVA rays, not long ones.
So I’d recommend you stick with the SPF 15 one, which again provides a protection factor closer to SPF 25 and much better UVA protection.
I don’t use daytime moisturizer. After I wash my face, I use toner and then apply Shiseido spf 50 sunscreen for face and body and follow with makeup. I feel sticky if I use a moisturizer in the morning. So I stay away from that. When I apply my powder foundation, I don’t want it to drag.
Currently I’m using EL Daywear Lotion spf 15.. Since I’m still in search for great moisturizer I read all the comments below.. John, thank you so much for your replies to others, I’m trying to learn something from you today that I never thought before but I am lost…
Can yo please (if you can) review EL Daywear Lotion spf 15?? Pretty please? 🙂
Active ingredients: octisalate 4.90% – avobenzon 3.00% homosalate 2.00%
Thank you and I agree you should have you own blog 😉
I forgot to add, next I was going to try EL Time Zone Lotion, your thoughts?
Thank you for your kind words!
Now I’m not going to even bother reviewing both products ingredient by ingredient because I can tell you right now that both of them don’t provide adequate sunscreen protection, though they do contain many antioxidants, emollients, and other beneficial ingredients, which is what I have come to expect from most Estee Lauder products. At least for the beneficial ingredients part. What surprises me is the sunscreen part.
The Daywear does not provide adequate UVB protection. Although it’s labelled as SPF 15, the SPF is closer to 10, which is below the recommended spf of 15. The Time Zone does provide adequate UVB protection however; it comes out to about spf 20 even though it’s labelled spf 15.
Now the Daywear contains 3% avobenzone, but it’s not stabilized by octocrylene. But that doesn’t really matter because it doesn’t provide enough UVB protection like I said above. The Time Zone on the other hand does provide adequate UVB protection, but with only 2% avobenzone, the UVA protection that you’d be getting is not enough in my opinion. And of course, the Time Zone does not contain octocrylene to stabilize and enhance avobenzone’s UVA protectability.
So while I do recommend you find something else, I would also like to recommend perhaps not looking in the department store. Please read my response to Amy above to see why. It’s mostly about pricing and sufficient sunscreen application amount.
And no need to say pretty please, I will do whatever I can to help. :]
John,
Can you review Caudalie Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Cream SPF 15? Do you know if this product protects against both UVA and UVB rays?
Thanks!
How the heck are we supposed to reapply sunscreen without messing up our makeup during the day?
I hope John still checks this post once in awhile…
John, a few times when I’ve gone on vacation, I wanted to get some color, so I would go out in the sun and spend the first 15 mins or so without sunblock on and then put it on after that. Only, it’s like it didn’t work since I didn’t put it on before going out in the sun. Twice I just got badly burned, so I don’t do that anymore! But I was wondering if you or anyone knows why sunscreen/sunblock would do this (not work unless applied before going out in the sun.)
The other question, I’ve got the Physician’s Formula Healthy Wear SPF 50 powder foundation. Is the amount used really enough to give SPF protection, or like you said earlier to another poster, would you end up all cakey. Also, this may answer my first paragraph, would it be enough to reapply this as a touch up to reapply sunscreen later in the day?