the right sunblock
The first stop was at a Macy’s department store. After testing samples from Clinique, Clarins, and Shiseido, I decided I loved the Shiseido Ultimate Protection cream(I think that’s what it was called) at SPF 36, and almost bought it, until spending $33.00 on a sunblock felt too painful and I turned away. The ingredient list indicated a very high ratio of the active ingredients to product, compared to famous drugstore brands. Thus, the high price may be partially accounted for.
Still believing that there must be a mineral sunscreen for the stingy or poor, I went to a Whole Foods Market. They had really great products from Dr. Haushka and Burt’s Bees, but somehow the SPF was too low at 15 or 20. The products they had at Whole Foods were great, with natural ingredients and a good feeling when applied to the skin, but the price range was generally from $24 and up. So, I drove a block to Target, where I finally scored a Burt’s Bees sunscreen at SPF 30, for $16.00. The active ingredient is Titanium dioxide, which is what I was looking for, as opposed to the chemical sunscreens that have to be reapplied frequently.
If you see me tomorrow, I’ll have it on my face.
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the verdict on the Burt’s Bees sunscreen SPF 30:
1. smells a little like beeswax and a little like hemp
2. takes some time to rub in to skin, because the cream is opaque and thick
3. makes the skin look yellowish-white (although the package says “non-whitening” I bet
one would agree it is “yellowing”)
But I still like it. Seemed to be effective all morning and all day, without a reapplication.
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additional comments in April 2009:
1. I stopped using Burt’s Bees sunblock because the cream would clump in places on the face over time and become visible. Friends would comment that I had something on my face.
2. Trader Joe’s grocery store carries its own brand of sunblock. It is high on SPF, and is good because it does not dry out the skin like some powdery sunscreens do. This is what I have been using for two summers now.
my favorite sunblock is VMV Armada. it goes as high as SPF 70 for its Sport variant. for daily use, VMV Armada face and body cover, anywhere from SPF 30, 45, 60. Incredibly light, especially considering the high sun protection. and it’s odorless too, so it won’t conflict with the fragrance i use
they also have VMV Armada Baby SPF 60 for infants and toddlers for my little girl 
| Posted 7 months agoHey Guys! Armada is a must-have this summer and the whole year round. I’ve been using this for more than 3 years already. And guess what, it’s the only sunblock who satisfies me all these years. Amen to this great brand!
| Posted 7 months ago