the sunscreen situation

I know I should be wearing a hat in the sun - and I do! Most of the time. 

Hats aren't always an option, so I've been on a quest to improve my sunscreen situation. I have been upgrading to products that are free of toxic chemicals but maintain my high standards for being beautiful, luxurious and effective. My everyday body moisturizer is great - Alba Botanical Very Emollient with SPF 15. For my face, I like the Supergoop City Serum with SPF 30 for days when I know I won’t be in the sun for very long.

The search has been harder for a face sunscreen that feels more protective. Since I am trying to avoid chemical sunscreens, a physical barrier like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is needed to block the damaging rays. Physical blockers have a reputation for leaving a ghostly pallor on the skin. The products I am looking for must have: 

 1. No white, chalky residue

2. No pilling or changing texture under makeup

3. No scent or a very mild scent

Suntegrity SPF 30 is my new favorite.

It is a broad spectrum product and includes a primer, which must be what helps it work underneath makeup so well. Suntegrity has 20% zinc oxide, which I have learned is a good standard for protection, but the whiteness in the tube blends easily into skin. The company was also founded on a very moving premise - in honor of the founder’s mother, who died from skin cancer.

Photo: via Pinterest from thegiftsoflife.tumblr.com