Sunscreen Mini Review

I've been trying out a few facial sunscreens recently on the hunt for 'the one'. Or the one for this summer at any rate. Knowing that I was looking for sunscreen, Klara from Mookie on the Bench sent me a sachet of Murad Oil-Free Sunblock SPF30 and Triology Age Proof Moisturiser with SPF15. I also received small samples of Coola facial sunscreen SPF 30 in both the scented and unscented versions from Mise Beauty. These are just my initial impressions but I thought they might be useful to anyone on a similar hunt.

I found the Murad Sunblock really easy to use. I'm not usually a fan of oil free formulas on my skin but I liked this very much indeed. I find sun protection on my face can sometimes feel cloying, especially when worn under foundation, so something I can't 'feel' is ideal. This is described as having a matte finish, I don't think I registered that but it certainly didn't feel greasy. I had fully intended to purchase this as soon I finished the sample but it appeared to be out of stock everywhere. I'm going to take this as a good sign! A full size tube costs £25 for 50ml.

The Trilogy Daily Defence moisturiser with SPF15 was not as much of a success. This felt super, super thick. I think it's partly the texture of the moisturiser itself but I found it too heavy for my skin. So much so that I actually wanted to wash it off. I've just applied some to my hand and I would say it has the feel of a night cream. I think unless you have very dry skin, this is probably one to miss.

I've only tried the cucumber scented version so far but I really like the COOLA Moisturising Sunscreen SPF30. I like the cucumber scent, there's something about it that reminds me of holidays of my youth but I've yet to put my finger on why! It goes on easily with no hint of a white cast. It doesn't feel any heavier than a moisturiser and layers well. I wish I'd been able to do a direct comparison with the Murad as I can't say for sure whether one is better than the other. Price wise the COOLA costs £23.50 for 50ml. They also produce a Mineral Sunblock which is a little more expensive at £26.

Have you tried any of these? Do you have a favourite facial sunscreen or do you prefer to use a moisturiser with SPF? 


Disclosure: The samples of Coola were sent to me without cost.

Current Favourites

I haven't done a favourites post in a long time. I think we're a bit too far into April to call it a March favourites post but these are definitely items I've been favouring over the last month or so.

Trilogy Cream Cleanser
I was keen to try more of the Triology range after trying and liking their Gentle Scrub. I was thrilled to discover that the cleanser has the same lovely scent which I really enjoy as part of my evening skin care routine. I use this in the same way I use all cream cleansers; I massage in to the skin with my hands and use a warm muslin or flannel to remove. This cleans well, leaves no residue and doesn't leave my skin dry which are the three essentials for me with a cleanser.

Elemental Herbology Facial Glow (Radiance Peel)
I can honestly say that I was impressed with every single sample of Elemental Herbology that I tried. This is a lovely skin care range, pricey but as everything works so well and feels so good it will be a worthwhile investment for me. Facial Glow feels like an exfoliant but you use it like a mask, leaving on cleansed skin for 4 minutes. My skin feels soft, smooth and glowing after I have used this. It contains Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid and Vitamins A, C & E amongst other things. This and Cell Food are definitely full size purchases for me, once I have saved up my pennies of course.

Haus of Gloi Something Hopeful Pumpkin Butter
I really like Haus of Gloi pumpkin butters but I'm a bit hit and miss when it comes to choosing scents. I really enjoy Samhain, I'm so, so about Hearth and I couldn't get on at all with Snow Wolf. However, I have loved and devoured my Something Hopeful pumpkin butter. It was released with the Valentine's collection so there's no replacing it but I'm reliably informed by my HoG enabler that Milkmaid could be a good alternative for me.

Too Faced Shadow Insurance
I don't think I realised how much I like this until I forgot to put it on a couple of times. I've come to the conclusion that my eyelids are a little oily and this just provides a better surface for eyeshadows. Without this primer it isn't unusual for me to end up with creasing towards the end of the day. I only use a tiny amount but I find that's enough and doesn't leave my eyelids feeling dry.

Lancome Hypnose mascara and GOSH Truly Brown eyeliner
I won't say too much about these as I've mentioned them quite a lot already. They have become staples for me and there were a few occasions last month when this was all I wore for the school run in the morning.

Healthspan Nurture - Illuminating Touch Concealer
My obsession with covering up my dark circles is becoming quite legendary and I was sent this illuminating concealer to try a little while ago. It's made by Healthspan who you may already know of for their vitamins and supplements. I will do a review post soon but this has happily joined my rotation of concealers. At £9.95 it's a cheaper alternative to other illuminating concealers and any faults with the packaging are made up for by the formula.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation
Unfortunately you can't see because of the angle but I have used up more than half of this bottle. I wear this pretty much everyday and I really like the finish. The colour is an ok match for me, it's not perfect but I find it really easy to blend in. My only gripe is that is it seems to disappears during the day. I don't powder over it, then again I don't think the finish requires it.

Becca Creme Blush in Turkish Rose
I don't think you can beat cream blusher for giving life to the face when you're feeling less than perky. This is a perfect natural colour for me and the cream finish fakes a subtle glow. I took this on my weekend away as it's so compact and I don't have the same worries about it smashing in transit that I do with powders.

Illamasqua Bacterium Nail Varnish
I fell in love with this colour after the Illamasqua event. I must try and get a good photo of it on my nails as I don't think the photo below shows off it's true beauty. I have a bit of a thing for murky colours with complexity and this is a great example, the varnish formula is excellent too.

Essie Smokin' Hot and Luxedo
Both of these colours came out with Essie's Winter 2010 collection. Luxedo has become my new favourite pedicure colour. It's a really dark plum colour, not black with a hint of colour but very dark and vampy. Smokin' Hot is a grey with a hint of purple, similar in feel to Metro Chic. If you're not in to gruples this won't be for you but I love it and I'm pretty sure it isn't a dupe for any others that I already own. Having found so many gorgeous nail varnishes recently, I only wish my nails were stronger so I could wear them more often.

Recent Empties

I thought I would share with you some things I have recently used up. I always find these posts interesting and I think which products get used up completely is often very telling. This is a mixture of sample size and full size products.

Mane 'n Tail Conditioner

This sample size conditioner came with one of my Zuneta orders. I was quite excited to give it a try as I'd read about the Mane 'n Tail products before. It's quite a thick, blobby (for want of a better word) consistency and reminds me a little of an old conditioner I used as a girl. It was really yellow and I seem to vaguely remember something about egg yolks, maybe it was Wella or Alberto Balsam... Anyway, I digress! The Mane 'n Tail conditioner was nice to use and left my hair feeling soft. I think it would be particularly good for those with long hair that is prone to tangling.

All For Eve Shower Gel

I bought this as part of a TSV set on QVC. It has a lovely fresh scent, produces a beautiful lather and doesn't dry my skin. Best of all, it's supporting a really great cause. If you haven't come across All For Eve before, all net profits go to The Eve Appeal which supports research into gynaecological cancers. You can read more about it on their website here.

Batiste Brunette Dry Shampoo

I was really late to the dry shampoo party but I'm getting the hang of it now. I bought the Brunette version as I thought it would be good for avoiding the talc-y look on my dark hair. It also has the added advantage of disguising my grey roots a little. I find it so handy for the days when I'm short on time and it's saved me from being late for school drop off on more than one occasion. I will definitely replace it but might go for one of the other scents for a change.

Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser

I received this sample of Balancing Cleanser at an Alpha-H event a little while ago and I have been using it as my night time cleanser. The texture is between a lotion and a cream. I tend to squirt a bit in my hand, massage over my face and wipe off with a warm cloth (the Eve Lom muslins are my favourite). I find it good at removing all of my makeup used this way and with the consistency, I don't get any greasy residue. There's no scent and the packaging is basic but practical. I like it and if it wasn't for my desire to try a balm cleanser, I'd probably buy a full size.

Dior Capture Total One Essential serum sample

I received this sample when I went to get a shade match for the DiorSkin Nude foundation. I just looked up how much it costs for a full bottle, £65 for 30mls and £80 for 50mls. As the sample only lasted a couple of days, I couldn't really comment on long term performance but from my brief use, this wouldn't be a purchase for me. The serum is supposed to 'boost the performance' of any other treatment you use. The consistency is of the thin, milky cream rather than a liquid (I much prefer a liquid serum). I noticed it did leave a slightly tacky feel to the skin if I didn't apply moisturiser immediately. Although it felt hydrating as it went on, I didn't feel that it 'boosted' my moisturiser as my skin often felt dry again in the morning. It certainly didn't have any immediate plumping or radiance effect on the skin which was a little disappointing after my experience with the Bioeffects EGF serum.

Trilogy Gentle Facial Exfoliant

I was sent this exfoliant as part of my guest blogging stint on Zuneta last year and it's been part of my routine since then. I had previously been used to more gritty products but I found this did the job just as well without feeling scratchy. I love the smell too. This is one I would happily purchase again.

What products have you finished recently? Was it a rate or a hate?