Facial Sunscreen

Clarins UV PLUS HP SPF 40 Day Screen

7/8/13

Sunscreen. It's one of those health and beauty items we use because we know we have to in order to protect our skin from the sun's harmful rays. Nothing good comes from unprotected skin, from melanoma to premature aging. As a fair-skinned Irish redhead, I'm a firm believer in the benefits of SPF 30 as a bare minimum, which is easy to find when seeking body protection. Heck, they even make an SPF 100 now (overkill, but hey). While there are a bounty of options available for high SPF body care, options are very limited when it comes to facial protection. A lot of brands add sunblock to all types of beauty products, from foundation to moisturizers with added sunscreen. I don't wear foundation, and don't wear much more than serums on hot summer days, leaving me with very few options. I also find that moisturizers with added sunscreen are not only heavy, but leave my skin feeling greasy and prone to breakouts. Enter Clarins. 

(click photo to enlarge)

I first bought this product a couple of years ago online. I expected not to like it, since I've struggled with many SPF products on my face. This sunscreen was a fantastic surprise, for several reasons. It's oil-free so you don't have to worry about looking greasy or having it cause a breakout, it provides UVA/UVB protection with 100% mineral filters, AND it's SPF 40! If you wear foundation, BB/CC creams or any other makeup, simply apply this SPF before your makeup. For me, I love the fact that I no longer have to wear moisturizers with SPF instead of moisturizers I actually like. On cooler days or during the winter, I cleanse, tone, use my day serum (followed by another product I'll be revealing shortly), apply my moisturizer of choice, and finish with this SPF before any makeup application. No more suffering through greasy moisturizers to protect my skin! I also apply this to my neck and décolletage, as I do with my serums and moisturizers. 

One of my favorite things about this product is the packaging. There's a ball inside that mixes the SPF when you shake it prior to application. Then there's the small tip that provides control while dispensing the product (you squeeze the bottle) so it doesn't come rushing out at once. Control over your skincare is a good thing. This product allows you to choose which makeup and moisturizer, if any, you want while providing a high level of SPF protection. Gotta love that. 

My verdict? An oil-free SPF 40 designed for the face that's applied after your normal skincare and before your regular makeup? Not needing to change any of the skincare products or makeup you love while simply using this as an invisible shield is fantastic. I've been using this for about two years and can't imagine using any other sunscreen on my face and neck. A definite year-round staple. 

Clarins UV Plus HP SPF 40 Day Screen is $25 for a 1 oz. bottle and $40 for a 1.7 oz. bottle.

Available in both sizes at Nordstrom.