How to Choose the Best Mineral Sunscreen for Your Skin
With spring rolling in and people heading out on vacation (finally!), it’s especially important that you are wearing sunscreen everyday. However, nobody wants to wear sunscreen that they don’t like the feel of, is out of their budget or for a million other reasons personal to you. It is therefore crucial that you find a sunscreen you love because it’s pleasant to apply. This is why I have created this ultimate guide to choosing a mineral sunscreen.
I have written two other blogs on this topic, which you can check out here and here. They are great resources but given that I have expanded my range of SPF products, I think it is time for a new guide!
I have broken down my offerings into categories based on how they feel on the skin. I understand that skin type here is not as big of a factor as other variables like if you wear makeup, if you are on the go a lot and if you have mature or young skin. So without further ado, here is your ultimate mineral sunscreen guide:
The Best Lightweight options:
One of my most asked questions from clients is ‘what do you recommend as a lightweight sunscreen?’ Mineral sunscreens often get a bad rap for being heavy on the skin, so these lighter options are a couple of my favourites that I use regularly.
Ava Isa’s Sun to Serum Drops – SPF 35:
This ultra-lightweight serum sunscreen packs a punch of SPF 35, all while having little to no white-cast and feeling so lovely on this skin. This sunscreen is one of my best sellers and it is no surprise. If you want an easy sunscreen that you can’t feel once it is on, or you have oilier skin and cannot tolerate a heavier cream, this is for you. This formula is unscented and dries to a matte finish.
LASPA Naturals SPF 45 Lotion is crafted with essential oils, plant materials, and zinc oxide, this non-greasy formula offers seamless, translucent coverage that adapts to all skin tones. The smell is herbal with lavender being the strongest note. Amazing for the cottage as insects don’t like the scent. The bottle is refillable with that option coming in Green Beauty Curator soon!
The Best Medium Weight options:
Medium weight options are a great starting point when trying to find a mineral sunscreen that you love. You can test them out on top of your normal moisturizer if you have dryer skin or skin in need of nourishment. I also find that my clients with well hydrated skin can use these options as their daily moisturizer. For this ultimate guide to choosing a mineral sunscreen, these are two picks both offered on my online store.
Made with certified organic and naturally derived ingredients, LASPA keeps skin smooth and protected by using plant ingredients, and zinc oxide to deliver a moisturizing sunscreen with a non-greasy result. It contains nourishing oils and butters that your skin will soak right up leaving you glowing. This sunscreen also doesn’t leave a white cast which it wonderful for additional applications as your day goes on.
Ava Isa Every Morning Lotion SPF 30 is an easy to apply all mineral sunscreen for the face with 25% zinc oxide. This hydrating, skin barrier friendly sunscreen is perfect for people who want an uncomplicated yet deeply hydrating mineral sunscreen. Glossy and smooth, it applies as a white lotion and blends to be clear on all skin tones with no white cast. Perfect for travel in a lightweight 50ml bottle.
The Best Tinted options:
My clients with dryer skin who also want a tinted option will benefit from the tinted mineral SPF products below. These offer a light coverage on the skin for a beautiful no makeup feel.
Glow Jar Tinted Daily Glow SPF 30 is formulated with 20% non-nano zinc oxide and just the right amount of tint. It protects your skin from UVA/UVB rays and supports skin health with hydrating, barrier-friendly ingredients. There’s no white cast, stinging, or pore clogging. You get a soft, radiant finish that blends effortlessly into most skin tones (fitzpatrick 1-5). My pre-teen also loves it as he’s now aware of the white cast most mineral sunscreens leave on the skin, and staining on his baseball hats.
Just Sun Daily Defense Tinted Moisturizer 30 SPF s a beautiful mousse-like facial moisturizer that serves as a 3-1 product – Protects, Moisturizes and Revitalizes. Shea Butter, Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil, and Raspberry Seed Oil offer protection and moisturization along with the most beautiful glow.
The Best Rich Options:
For those of you with mature skin who want to replace your moisturizer and your sunscreen with one product, the Helena Lane sun creams are it! These sun creams are nourishing and protective offering 20% non-nano zinc oxide protection in summer and winter.
The Lemongrass and Lavender (scented) sun cream is hands down, by far one of the best smelling products I offer. And to make it even better it is super nourishing and provides protection from the sun. When I am out and about, I love applying this all over. Really, I could not love this product from Helena Lane any more.
The Chamomile Calendula (unscented) sun cream is the same formulation as above minus the scent. The texture of this sun cream is wonderful with and without scent. It also doesn’t leave a white cast! The chamomile and calendula helps reduce any sun irritation on the skin alongside the sun protection.
Final Thoughts
I hope this ultimate guide to choosing a mineral sunscreen will help you to find a product you love. If you need more help, I offer one-on-one consultations which can be booked here . I can also answer any questions you may have by contacting me through my website, commenting below on this blog or through my social media!