Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Mineral Sunscreen
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.
The recommendations:
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.
Green Beaver Sunscreen Spray – SPF 27:
This lightweight spray from Green Beaver is one of my favourites for on the go. Even after several applications it still doesn’t have that ‘heavy’ feeling and because it’s a liquid, there is no need to worry about the summer heat melting it. This formulation is also water and sweat resistant so a huge plus for anyone spending lots of time outdoors.
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.
The recommendations:
Consonant’s The Perfect Sunscreen:
Toronto’s own Consonant has a wonderful medium weight sunscreen that I use very often. It has a beige hue which gives me a light, transparent glow. I love that it is moisturizing enough to pass as a 2-in-1 moisturizer and SPF for when my skin is nice and hydrated already. Another great benefit of this sunscreen is that Aloe Vera is high up in the ingredients so using this really helps calm any irritation you may have.
Cocoon Apothecary’s Reflector – SPF 30:
I love Cocoon Apothecary’s sunscreen because it such a lovely and creamy texture. It is perfect for my clients that don’t want more steps to their routine as it doubles as a daily moisturizer too. It contains so many 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.
The Rich (& Tinted) options:
Rich sunscreens are not just for the cold months. My clients with dryer skin, or those wanting tinted and makeup options can really benefit from these products. All of these options were a must have in this ultimate guide to choosing a mineral sunscreen because they provide deep nourishment and also ease of use because you only need one product to get the job done.
The recommendations:
Helena Lane Skincare:
Helena Lane is one of my top selling brands and for good reason. They promote simplicity and use only the most nourishing and skin loving ingredients. This simplicity helps to restore skin to its natural and healthy state and protect it from the outside elements. In the name of protection from the sun, there are some wonderful options to choose from:
Tinted Moisturizers:
HL’s tinted moisturizers are made with mango butter, rosehip seed oil and camellia oil to provide nourishment to the skin. These oils do sink in to the skin fast, but they are still quite rich.
Glow #1 is offered in a scented (geranium) and unscented option. It is lightly tinted to help even skin tone and provides a subtle warm and sparkly glow. I recommend this shade for clients with lighter skin tones.
Bronze #2 is also offered in a scented (geranium) and unscented option. Again, it is tinted, but a bit darker than the Glow #1 so I find it provides a bit deeper colour while still giving you light coverage and sparkle. If you have a deeper skin tone this is for you.
Sun creams:
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.
La Spa:
La Spa’s SPF foundations in bronze, golden and fair are available in my online shop, along with two additional darker shades which are available for special order. These are a new addition to my line up and I love the way they feel on my skin. I find they offer great, buildable coverage without feeling cakey. Also, they’re travel friendly (I see you planning that vacation!) and come in a completely recyclable tube!
Conclusion:
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!