Top Sunscreen Recommendations 2024

Summary

In this comprehensive update, Michelle from Lab Muffin discusses new additions to her daily face sunscreen recommendation list, emphasizing the importance of finding a sunscreen that suits individual skin types and preferences. She reviews various sunscreens, highlighting their textures, finishes, and performance, while also addressing the discontinuation of some products. Michelle provides insights into the benefits and drawbacks of different sunscreens, including the innovative UV Mune 400 range from La Roche-Posay. She also navigates the complexities of Australian sunscreen regulations and shares her husband Omar's experiences with local sunscreens, advocating for consistent use over perfection.

Takeaways

• 📝 Michelle, a cosmetic chemist and sunscreen connoisseur, is updating her daily face sunscreen recommendation list on Lab Muffin Beauty Science.
• 🌞 She emphasizes that sunscreens are not just for sun protection but also for daily use, highlighting the importance of layering protection for better coverage.
• 🧪 Michelle's list is subjective and tailored to her oily to normal skin type, which is prone to clogged pores and dehydration, suggesting viewers should choose sunscreens that suit their skin type.
• 🚫 She mentions that many sunscreens on her previous list have been discontinued, a common issue that affects consumers' ability to access recommended products.
• 🌏 The video discusses sunscreens that may not be available or approved for sale in Australia due to regulations, indicating the need for region-specific recommendations.
• 💧 Michelle reviews several new sunscreens, including Nivea UV Deep Protect and Care Essence and Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence, both from Japan, noting their lightweight and water-resistant qualities.
• 🧴 She also covers European sunscreens like Eucerin's oil control dry touch gel cream and Garnier's anti-UV dark spots and anti-pollution super UV, emphasizing their matte finishes and water resistance.
• 🆕 The introduction of La Roche-Posay's UV Mune 400 sunscreens, containing a new UV filter exclusive to L'Oreal, is discussed, with Michelle providing a balanced view on its benefits and practicality.
• 🏖️ The video touches on the importance of reapplication, especially during activities that may remove sunscreen, such as exercise or swimming.
• 👀 A note on eye sting is mentioned, with some sunscreens being more suitable for those sensitive to this issue, highlighting personal preferences and sensitivities.
• 🎨 Michelle expresses a desire for more tinted sunscreen options and innovations in application methods, emphasizing the need for ongoing improvements in sunscreen technology.

Q & A

Who is the speaker in the video and what are their qualifications?

The speaker is Michelle from Lab Muffin Beauty Science, who holds a PhD in chemistry, is a cosmetic chemist, and considers herself a sunscreen connoisseur.

Why is Michelle updating her daily face sunscreen recommendation list?

Michelle is updating her list to provide more options for viewers who may not be able to access her previous recommendations or who have specific skin concerns or allergies.

What is the importance of layering protection when using sunscreen according to Michelle?

Layering protection reduces the chance of gaps in coverage, as sunscreen is an error-prone form of sun protection and relying solely on it may not be the best idea.

What is unique about the Nivea UV Deep Protect and Care Essence mentioned in the video?

The Nivea UV Deep Protect and Care Essence has a gel texture, a light and floral fresh fragrance, and a cooling sensation upon application. It also contains alcohol but does not cause burning on the skin.

How does the Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence compare to the Nivea sunscreen?

The Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence is similar to the Nivea sunscreen in terms of texture and filters, but it has a slightly more noticeable alcohol smell and takes longer to dry down, making it a bit oilier.

What is the main benefit of the Eucerin oil control dry touch gel cream according to Michelle?

The Eucerin oil control dry touch gel cream is beneficial due to its non-glidey application, fragrance-free nature, and satiny finish that stays consistent over time, making it comfortable for oily skin.

Why is the La Roche-Posay UV Mune 400 sunscreen range getting attention?

The UV Mune 400 range is getting attention because it contains a new UV filter, Mexoryl 400, developed with BASF, which offers improved UVA protection, especially in the 370 to 400 nanometre range.

What are some of the cosmetic downsides of the La Roche-Posay UV Mune 400 sunscreens?

Some cosmetic downsides include a slightly yellowish tint, a higher alcohol content compared to previous formulas, and issues with texture and scent that some users may find unappealing.

Why does Michelle recommend the Evy technology mousses despite the aerosol format being a pain?

Michelle recommends the Evy technology mousses because the mousse format is great for quick and easy reapplication, especially during outdoor activities, and the product is well-dispersed, requiring less rubbing in.

What are some of the challenges Michelle faces in recommending Australian sunscreens?

Michelle faces challenges due to regulations surrounding how influencers can talk about sunscreens available in Australia. She can recommend sunscreens sold in Australia but cannot discuss her personal experience with them if she has received free samples or worked with the brand.

What is the significance of the Nambour trial mentioned in the video?

The Nambour trial was a large clinical trial on sunscreen use that demonstrated significant benefits of daily sunscreen application, such as a 40% reduction in squamous cell carcinoma and a 24% reduction in signs of aging, even with an SPF 16 sunscreen.

Outlines

00:00

🌞 Sunscreen Update Introduction

Michelle from Lab Muffin introduces an update to her daily face sunscreen recommendation list. She discusses the challenges of discontinuation of previous recommendations and emphasizes the importance of providing options for different skin types and locations. Michelle outlines the purpose of these sunscreens for daily use, not for intense activities, and stresses the importance of layered sun protection. She also shares personal skin concerns and preferences for sunscreens, including being prone to clogged pores and dehydration, and her dislike for eye sting. Michelle mentions that she will cover mineral and hybrid sunscreens in a separate video and acknowledges that most of her audience is not in Australia, indicating a need for different recommendations for that region.

05:02

🔍 Detailed Sunscreen Reviews and Comparisons

The script delves into a detailed comparison of various sunscreens, starting with the Nivea UV Deep Protect and Care Essence and the Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence, both from Japan, highlighting their similarities and differences in texture, scent, and finish. Michelle then reviews the Eucerin oil control dry touch gel cream and the Garnier anti-UV dark spots and anti-pollution super UV, discussing their unique features, such as fragrance, alcohol content, and water resistance. The paragraph also covers the La Roche-Posay UV Mune 400 sunscreens, discussing the new UV filter Mexoryl 400 and its benefits, particularly for darker and more pigment-prone skin types.

10:05

🏖️ Sunscreen Performance and Personal Experiences

Michelle shares her personal experiences with the UV Mune 400 range, discussing the practical implications of the new UV filter and its benefits for those who may not be using other sun protection options. She also mentions the Evy technology mousses, highlighting their ease of application and quick reapplication, especially during outdoor activities. The paragraph includes a brief mention of previously reviewed sunscreens, such as the Round Lab Birch Juice moisturizing sunscreen, and notes on the importance of consistency in sunscreen use for skin health.

15:08

🇦🇺 Australian Sunscreen Regulations and Reviews

The script addresses the complex regulations surrounding sunscreen recommendations in Australia, explaining the limitations on discussing personal experiences with products that may have been provided as samples. Michelle decides to include Australian sunscreens in her recommendations, focusing on the Cancer Council active sunscreen and the Hamilton everyday face sunscreen, discussing their features, benefits, and the experiences of her husband, Omar, who provides his own review of these products.

20:10

🧴 Sunscreen Packaging and Personal Preferences

Omar provides his personal reviews of several Australian sunscreens, discussing their scent, texture, and packaging, with a focus on practicality and user experience. He highlights the benefits and drawbacks of each product, including the potential for 'bag explosions' due to certain packaging designs. Michelle adds her own insights, discussing the importance of finding a sunscreen that fits one's daily routine and budget, and emphasizes the value of consistency over perfection in sun protection.

25:13

📝 Final Thoughts and Future Sunscreen Wish List

In conclusion, Michelle shares her wish list for future sunscreen innovations, including more tinted options and improvements in application methods and long-wear formulas. She advises against obsessing over finding the perfect sunscreen and instead encourages finding one that is enjoyable to use daily. Michelle also promotes her book, 'The Science of Beauty,' and invites viewers to explore her collection of sunscreen videos for further information.

Keywords

💡Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a topic central to the video, which discusses various types and brands of daily face sunscreens. It is a lotion, spray, or gel that is applied to the skin to protect it from the harmful effects of the sun's UV rays. The script mentions several sunscreens, emphasizing their unique features, such as water resistance, texture, and suitability for different skin types.

💡Lab Muffin

Lab Muffin is the brand and platform associated with Michelle, the speaker in the video script. It represents the source of the recommendations and insights provided about sunscreens. The term is used to establish the authority and expertise of the speaker in the field of beauty science.

💡Cosmetic Chemist

A cosmetic chemist is a professional who specializes in the research, development, and manufacturing of cosmetic products. In the script, Michelle identifies herself as a cosmetic chemist, which lends credibility to her sunscreen recommendations and analysis.

💡Sunscreen Connoisseur

The term 'sunscreen connoisseur' is used by Michelle to describe her expertise and refined taste in evaluating sunscreens. It implies that she has a deep understanding and appreciation of the nuances between different sunscreen products.

💡Water Resistance

Water resistance is a property of some sunscreens that allows them to remain effective after exposure to water, such as during swimming or sweating. The script discusses this feature in the context of certain sunscreens, indicating that it is an important factor for consumers to consider, especially for activities involving water or heavy perspiration.

💡Pilling

Pilling refers to the formation of small balls or 'pills' on the skin when a product, such as sunscreen, is applied and then rubbed or moved across the skin. In the script, Michelle mentions pilling as a potential issue with some sunscreens, indicating that a good sunscreen should not cause this effect.

💡MCE or Mexoryl 400

MCE, or Mexoryl 400, is a new UV filter exclusive to L'Oreal, developed in collaboration with BASF. The script discusses this ingredient as an innovative addition to sunscreens, highlighting its ability to absorb UVA wavelengths from 370 to 400 nanometers, which is a broader spectrum than some other filters.

💡Phototypes

Phototypes are categories that classify individuals based on their skin's sensitivity to the sun, ranging from very light (I) to very dark (VI). The script mentions phototypes in the context of clinical trials for sunscreens, indicating that the performance of sunscreens can vary among different skin tones.

💡Tinted Sunscreens

Tinted sunscreens are products that contain colorants to adjust the skin tone, providing a slight coverage or even out skin tone while offering sun protection. The script notes that European tinted sunscreens often come in limited shades and may not be suitable for all skin tones.

💡Evy Technology Mousses

Evy Technology Mousses are a type of sunscreen product mentioned in the script, known for their aerosol format. These mousses are highlighted for their convenience in reapplication, especially during outdoor activities, despite the potential issue of the product dispersing in windy conditions.

💡Invisible Fluid

The term 'invisible fluid' likely refers to a sunscreen that has a lightweight, non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a visible residue. The script compares a current product to the old La Roche-Posay invisible fluid, indicating a preference for a sunscreen that feels unobtrusive on the skin.

💡White Cast

White cast is a term used to describe the undesirable effect when a sunscreen or skincare product leaves a visible, pale hue on the skin after application. The script discusses this issue in the context of certain sunscreens, emphasizing the importance of a product that blends well with the skin tone and does not leave a white cast.

Highlights

Michelle of Lab Muffin updates her daily face sunscreen recommendation list, emphasizing the importance of varied options.

Sunscreens recommended are not for intense activities like eating spicy food or vigorous exercise, highlighting the need for layered protection.

The list is subjective, tailored to Michelle's oily to normal skin type, prone to clogged pores and dehydration.

Mineral and hybrid sunscreens are saved for a separate video due to their unique positioning in the market.

The Nivea UV Deep Protect and Care Essence is praised for its gel texture and light fragrance.

Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence is highlighted as an affordable and wearable introduction to Asian sunscreens.

Eucerin oil control dry touch gel cream is recommended for its non-greasy finish and water resistance.

Garnier anti-UV dark spots and anti-pollution super UV is compared to La Roche-Posay's invisible fluid.

La Roche-Posay UV Mune 400 sunscreens contain a new UV filter exclusive to L'Oreal, offering improved UVA protection.

Evy technology mousses are noted for their easy application and quick reapplication, especially useful for outdoor activities.

Round Lab's birch juice moisturizing sunscreen is commended for its moisturizing properties without being sticky or greasy.

Skin1004 Hyalu Water Fit Sun Serum is highlighted for its lightweight feel and hydrating properties.

Haruharu Wonder black rice moisture air fit daily sunscreen is recommended for its lack of white cast on darker skin tones.

Australian sunscreen regulations are discussed, noting the restrictions on influencers discussing specific products.

Cancer Council active sunscreen is recommended for its water resistance and lack of eye sting.

Hamilton everyday face sunscreen is praised for its matte finish, light application, and lack of irritation.

Clear skincare hydrating sunscreen lotion is noted for its hydrating properties and pleasant scent.

The importance of consistency in sunscreen use is emphasized over finding the perfect product.

Transcripts

I am finally updating my daily  face sunscreen recommendation list

Here we go again again

it's Michelle of Lab Muffin  Beauty Science chemistry PhD  

cosmetic chemist and sunscreen connoisseur

I know it's been a while since my  last video but the sunscreens that  

I'm adding this time aren't like a massive  step over the ones I recommended last time

but I do like giving more options in  case you can't get them where you live  

or you're allergic to a particular  ingredient or they get discontinued

that is the bane of my existence a few  sunscreens that were on my list were  

discontinued before I got around to filming this

important background info  these are daily face sunscreens

most of these are not going to hold  up to eating really spicy laksa

doing burpees in the park

rapping really angrily

it's also best to layer your protection more  slices means a smaller chance of holes lining up

sunscreen is one of the more error-prone forms  

of sun protection so relying just on  sunscreen probably isn't the best idea

this diagram is from my book The Science of Beauty

this list is subjective it is my opinion  

my skin is not your skin my likes  are not your likes everyone is unique

your best bet is probably  to go with recommendations  

from people with similar skin to you

my skin is oily to normal it's prone to  clogged pores especially with sunscreens  

it is also pretty easily dehydrated and  I get hyperpigmentation pretty easily

genetics plays a big part in this this  is what my dad's pigment looks like

Dad if you're watching I'm sorry I  keep showing this photo of you but  

people need to understand the level of  pigment that nature has intended for me

in general these are my likes for sunscreens

I like lightweight my skin is  oily I live in a place that  

is generally hot and humid and I  walk really fast so I get sweaty

I also like my sunscreens to be nice  under makeup so no peeling or bunching  

and not too much movement over time I  usually use a translucent powder over  

my makeup this one is from Jurlique and  that sort of soaks up the oil and shine  

a bit so shine and stickiness is not  automatically a deal breaker for me

I also do not like eye sting but  eye sting is pretty personal so what  

does and doesn't cause eye sting for  me is not necessarily the case for you

this year I'm saving mineral and hybrid  sunscreens for a later separate video  

for me they just haven't really been on the same  level as these organic slash chemical sunscreens  

but I have tried some recently that are  getting close of the gap is narrowing

plus I didn't have time to film that many tryouts  

my face hurts from trying all  the ones in this video already

this video also doesn't have sticks  and sprays they are really more like  

secondary sunscreens it is hard to  get enough of those on your face

and a disclaimer the vast majority of my audience  are not in Australia most of the sunscreens I'm  

going to talk about are not approved for  sale in Australia there's going to be a  

separate section for Australian sunscreens  I'll have more disclaimers when I get there

a lot of these products were  free PR samples or they were  

from a sponsorship but only about 5%  of the sunscreens that I've been given  

or even tried made it onto this list so  there is a strict selection process here

let me know if you've tried these  sunscreens in the comments what you  

thought also give me suggestions for your  favorite sunscreens that I need to try

let's start with new entries  to the recommended list

the Nivea UV Deep Protect and Care Essence  my husband brought this back from Japan  

it has a gel texture it's got a really  light and floral fresh sort of fragrance

it has a light cooling sort of  sensation as you apply it there  

is alcohol high on the ingredient list  but I couldn't really smell much of the  

alcohol when I was applying it and  I didn't feel any burning on my skin

this time I've decided to show myself putting on  each of the sunscreens I've weighed out 0.8 grams  

for these which is the amount I need  for my face size and like one finger

this spreads really nicely it dries down  quickly but the flip side of that is that  

it does get a little bit tacky and hard  to spread a bit faster if you go back  

and try to apply more on areas you've  already covered after it's dried down

it's clear and a little bit glossy but it is a  really thin comfortable layer there's not like  

a greasy shine and that shine is easily  covered up by a tiny any amount of powder

there is a bit of a pore filling effect and it  

feels really lightweight even  though it is water resistant

standardized water resistance labeling has been  coming in for Japanese and Korean sunscreens and  

the standard is the same as for Europe the  SPF is allowed to drop by up to half after  

the immersion time so in theory the SPF  could be as low as 25 after 80 minutes

the packaging does say that  this is recommended for sports  

the pool and the beach I assume  it is for Japanese levels of sun

this is very very similar to  the next sunscreen which is

the Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence this is the  2023 version it is another Japanese sunscreen

my best friend brought it back to me when  she went to Japan both of these have the  

same parent company Kao they have the same ratings  for everything and they have very similar filters

and just like every other version of this that  I've reviewed for the last decade which is like  

I think four of them now it is fantastic  it is very affordable and very wearable

it is an excellent introduction  to Asian sunscreens it has a gel  

cream texture and again it has a light  cooling sensation when you're applying it

it also has a really light fragrance maybe like a  

sort of baby powder fragrance and when it's  dried it has that lovely pore filling effect

both of these seem to have very  similar film forming technology

so I guess more importantly  what are the differences?

I found that the Biore has slightly more  of an alcohol smell when I was applying  

it but it didn't really bother me and the alcohol  itself didn't really irritate my skin or anything

the Biore is a bit oilier it doesn't  dry down quite as quickly as the Nivea

the Nivea is more matte my skin is  oily so I personally prefer the Nivea

if I try extremely hard and massage my face a  whole bunch after the sunscreens have dried down  

I can get the Biore to pill a little bit the Nivea  doesn't I have never had an issue with either  

one of these pilling under makeup so this is  probably only an issue if everything pills on you

the Biore comes in a larger pack size it's  70 grams versus 50 and it has a flip top lid

next we have the Eucerin oil  control dry touch gel cream

this is the European version this was one  of the sunscreens I bought when I was in  

Italy a while back it was the one that  I used the most while I was on holiday

I really like this because it isn't  too glidey when I'm applying it

it is fragrance-free with very  minimal smell there is alcohol  

in it but to me it isn't really that obvious

the finish is satiny it isn't as matte as I really  expected for an oil control product but honestly  

I don't think any chemical sunscreens go  really super matte but it does stay the  

same level of satiny for a really long time  so I found that really impressive in summer

it is heavier than Asian sunscreens which is  not really that surprising it's a European  

sunscreen but it is still really lightweight  compared to most other European sunscreens

I found it really comfortable especially given  that this is water resistant I really enjoyed  

wearing this it felt like it stayed in place  really well despite all the oil and sweat and heat

another European sunscreen the Garnier  anti-UV dark spots and anti-pollution super UV

I bought this at Boots in Heathrow  airport and it is really similar to  

the old La Roche-Posay invisible  fluid I talked about that in my  

last recommendations video it is still  available in some places but not the UK

this has an almost identical ingredient list it is  

definitely meant to be a dupe but they  are manufactured in different countries

this is manufactured in Germany so I  would guess that they probably use some  

different ingredient suppliers so they  are not going to be completely identical  

but if you miss the old invisible fluid  this is probably the next closest thing

it's fragrance-free it's  lightweight it's non-greasy

it is just really lovely and smooth to apply

it says it's anti-eye stinging  which was true in my experience

I found this a bit more matte and less  oily than I expected which was a really  

pleasant surprise the downsides which  honestly aren't really much of a downside

there's a slight sunscreen smell and  it is pretty runny it is a fluid but  

it's not ridiculous it is still pretty  manageable and doesn't make a massive mess

also the packaging is pretty neat it is Omar  approved my husband Omar hates sunscreens that  

can explode in his bag it's a very specific  want but the nozzle is really impressive  

compared to a whole bunch of sunscreens  that are similar with similar nozzles

this nozzle just doesn't seem to be very messy  like there is no sunscreen on the threads

next we have the La Roche-Posay  UV Mune 400 sunscreens so many of  

you have asked me what I think of the  UV Mune 400 range from La Roche-Posay

this has been really hyped up because  it contains a brand new UV filter that  

is exclusive to L'Oreal it was developed with BASF

the full name is a mouthful it is  methoxypropylamino cyclohexenylidene  

ethoxyethylcyanoacetate let's not try  that again it's MCE or Mexoryl 400

I've mentioned before that I don't  think this is as much of a massive  

game changer "must have" that some  people have been making it out to be  

some people have asked me to elaborate on  this so here is like the extended version

I think it is super cool to have a new filter  and I am really impressed by the innovation  

behind it it is really good at absorbing UV  for the percentage included in a sunscreen it  

is even higher than avobenzone which  I have said before is pretty hectic

here are some other UV filters  this would be roughly how MCE looks

you can see that it covers longer  UVA wavelengths from 370 to 400  

nanometres and other filters don't  really cover that area that well

I am also really impressed by how the absorption  sort of plummets close to the visible region  

that is about 400 nanometres that means  that you get minimal visibility on skin

the sunscreens with it do seem to  be a little bit on the yellow side  

so it does seem to absorb a bit  of violet light but this probably  

isn't a big problem unless your  skin is very pale and cool toned

I'm also pretty impressed by the  clinical trials on it it seems  

like they are actually really trying to  challenge it and put it through its paces

I was especially impressed by this  one which was published recently  

they compared SPF50 sunscreen with and without MCE

the people had 2 hours of sun exposure for 8  weeks on the face and arms and the absorption  

spectra of the two sunscreens look like this the  fact that they measured any difference when the  

two absorbance spectra aren't wildly  different was really impressive to me

but the differences weren't like really  massive it seems to be mostly differences  

in pigmented spots in more pigment prone skin  types all of the studies I've come across use  

people with phototypes three and four skin  that's like darker more pigment prone skin  

Asian and darker except for the newest  one which had some people with phototype 2

so it is clearly an impressive  technological Improvement but  

in terms of practical implications for people I  don't think it will be that big for most people

there is already some uva1 coverage with  products on the market so avobenzone does  

creep into that range not shown here is the  iron oxides which are in tinted products and  

of course there's also shade and hats  and sunglasses as well as window tints

we do have info on how shorter wavelength  UVA and blue violet light both impact skin

so it seems like the people who would benefit  the most from filling in that longer UVA1 gap

people who have very pigment prone skin

they are probably layering a lot of these  things already plus they are probably using  

pigment fading products and they are very likely  not getting 2 hours of direct sun a day so I  

would expect that in real life the difference  might not be as noticeable as in the studies

but I do think the UV Mune products  do fill a few important niches

the biggest benefit I think is for people who  might not be using the other options so for  

example people who work outdoors or people who  don't want to wear makeup or broad brimmed hats

there are also some places on your face  where some of these things don't really work  

so things like hats and sunglasses they don't  protect the lower part of your face very well

and of course if you are using these things and  

you're not seeing your pigment fade as  much as you want then you are going to  

get even higher protection with this  layered with with everything else

but whether these sunscreens are a  "must-have" to get I think it is very  

subjective especially because they are pretty  pricey to get if you are outside of Europe

on top of that there are some cosmetic  downsides that people have noticed so  

things like the texture the scent  there does seem to be more alcohol  

in these products compared to previous formulas

my full reviews of the range are on  my blog but out of the ones that I've  

tried my recommendation for oily  skin is the oil control gel cream

my friend Hannah English  grabbed a sample of this for me  

from a La Roche-Posay event  that she went to in Singapore

this does contain mattifying microparticles that  help to absorb excess oil and those were in the  

other oil control products from La Roche-Posay  as well which I have also really enjoyed

there are a few tinted versions in  general I have found that European  

tinted sunscreens firstly only come in  one or two different colors and they  

are usually more pink toned than my skin  is okay with and they're also a bit too  

pigmented to really get away with unless  your skin is a really good color match

more difficult to get European  sunscreens the Evy technology mousses

these were sent to me by Evy  who are a Swedish brand it  

was a massive pain because of the aerosol format

the SPF 30 version of the face mousse was  in my honorable mentions last time but it  

has moved up because first off it is SPF50  secondly even though they are a bit heavier  

and stickier for my skin and climate than I  generally like for everyday wear although it  

isn't really noticeable under makeup I did start  doing very sweaty exercise outside in the sun

I know who even am I

it turns out that the mousse format  is fantastic for reapplying quickly  

and easily it's like it's already spread out a  whole bunch so you can just slap it on really  

quickly you don't need to rub it in much and  it is really good if you are unco you're not  

like flinging sunscreen fluid everywhere  and getting lotion all over your stuff

it is also really easy to apply  lots of these sunscreens in one  

go you don't have to like apply  in two layers and wait in between

Evy recommend applying a golf  ball sized amount to your face  

and I found that that is pretty accurate by weight

the downside if it's windy then it  can fly away if you're not careful  

that happened to me the first time  at the beach and I was not prepared

Evy also do a lot of extra testing on  their sunscreen products which I find  

really impressive I have a video  on some of that plus they also did  

a sponsored talk at the sunscreen  e-summit that I co-hosted in 2023

the face version isn't water resistant but the  

body ones are I've been using the  kids one I don't really know why

the biggest difference is that the water resistant  

ones are a lot stickier than the  face ones but honestly I haven't  

really noticed a huge difference when  it's on my skin and I'm not touching it

onto some sunscreens that I've reviewed  before I will run through these really  

quickly so you can look at my older  videos on these for more details

first we have the round lab birch  juice moisturizing sunscreen which  

I reviewed for a sponsored Stylekorean video

there's a sort of family of Korean sunscreens  which have the same core formula they have the  

same filters and they are all made by Kolmar  they are a big Korean sunscreen manufacturer  

but all of these have like very slightly  different finishes and bonus ingredients

round lab is the version that's super  popular in Korea it's covered in Korean  

writing so it is like kind of like  the hipster version it's very very  

similar to the beauty of Joseon sunscreen  which has been my longtime favorite I wore  

that one at my wedding and I gave  out little tubes as wedding favors

they feel almost the same on my skin I  would say that this is like a touch more  

moisturizing it's glidey and moisturizing  without being like sticky or greasy

now in terms of white cast if I apply  this unevenly and let it dry then and  

sometimes I will get a bit of a white  streak but it blends out really easily

on some people with darker skin there is a slight  white cast though that doesn't go away so for  

example my friend Esther who is themelaninchemist  on Instagram her skin tone is nw45

there's no alcohol in the sunscreens from this  family and most of these also don't have fragrance

the Skin1004 Hyalu Water Fit Sun Serum is another  

one from the same family but this is  probably the lightest version there is

it's really popular with people  in more humid countries I reviewed  

this for a skin1004 sponsored video

this dries down to feel like almost  nothing but it is still hydrating it  

is really great if you hate the  feel of sunscreen on your face

I also really like this flat pump  tube it is really good for tucking  

into your handbag and it's really easy to  measure out the right amount of product

I'm also adding the Haruharu Wonder black  rice moisture air fit daily sunscreen

this is one of the very few Korean chemical  sunscreens that has a different formula from  

all those Kolmar ones that I've tried so far that  I would still give top marks to for my my skin

I reviewed this for a HaruHaru sponsored video and  

the biggest upside is that it has no  white cast if you have darker skin

I would say that this is slightly  more moisturizing than the round lab

all right Australian sunscreens honestly  one of the main reasons I have taken  

so long to do a new recommendations  video is the regulation surrounding  

how influencers slash content creators  (if you like to use the fancy name) are  

allowed to talk about sunscreens  that are available in Australia

the regulations allow me to recommend  sunscreens sold in Australia but I can't  

talk about my personal experience with  them if I've been sent a free sample  

or potentially if I've ever worked with  the brand on sunscreen or they've given  

me any other free samples or potentially if  I want to work with the brand in the future

the regulations are not very clear on this

these regulations are meant to be  for any therapeutic products which  

are essentially drugs in Australia  and it makes sense to an extent

you don't want influencers to get  paid by brands to say their brand  

of antibiotic worked better for them than  this other brand or this SPF 50 sunscreen  

protected me better from burning  than this other SPF 50 sunscreen

anecdotes are really persuasive so  you wouldn't want brands to use an  

influencer's experience to try to like sway  people over standardized regulated tests

but for sunscreens there is so  much evidence showing that the  

main reasons that people don't use sunscreens

it isn't effectiveness or any  of the other regulated aspects  

it is cosmetic aspects like a lot  of sunscreens are heavy and greasy  

they sting your eyes they clog your pores  they make you look white and shiny and oily

and influencers talking about their  personal experience with sunscreens  

online I think that's gone a really long  way towards making people realize that a  

lot of sunscreens are not like this and  just kind of making sunscreens cool again

and just giving sunscreens the same sort of  attention as let's say tanning oils which aren't  

regulated the same way so influencers can still  go wild talking about how much they love those

some influencers are turning down  sunscreen samples and buying the  

themselves to review to get the info  out there which I think is fantastic

but I've been around for a really long time  I have pretty big numbers so most brands have  

sent me free samples at some point and I have  worked with a whole bunch in a paid capacity

most of my audience isn't Australian so  really it would probably make sense for  

me to just never talk about Australian  sunscreens but I want to because I think  

we do have some of the best sunscreens  and sunscreen regulations in the world

I think it makes sense for Australians to use  sunscreens regulated according to Australian  

standards if Australian content creators like  me with big platforms didn't talk about them  

then Australians would be mostly hearing about  overseas sunscreens from overseas influencers

and that's already happening to some  extent I've had someone in Australia  

ask me how to import Supergoop from  the US because that is the sunscreen  

that they have heard the most good things about

that just should not be happening

so I'm going to be showing you what the sunscreen  looks like and talking about it in general terms I  

will refer to the product description and  what other people are saying about them

that's what I did in my old recommendations video  

and I think I managed to do it without  sounding too weird but that one took a  

really long time to write so I thought I  would just explain it up front this time

I'm also bringing on Omar my husband  to talk about his experience with them

first we have the Cancer Council active  sunscreen they are a cancer charity here  

they do a lot of good work with sun  safety awareness they have physical  

stores where you can buy sun protective  clothing and of course their sunscreens

they have a whole bunch of sunscreens I  had two in my honorable mentions last time

one of the issues that a lot of people  complain about with some of their  

sunscreens is eye sting and this one gets  recommended a lot on skincare forums instead

I didn't buy and try this until late last year  and it is now on my recommended list it is 4  

hours water resistant and it also comes in a  big 200 mL pump so twice the size for under $20

and now we can have my husband Omar's reviews  [Omar insisted on this corny click :')]

O: all right smells neutral  even slightly pleasant plastic

feels exceptionally light a big achievement for  an Australian sunscreen with water resistance

it's smooth and glides well no piling up and it  doesn't feel like it's going to rub off either

no shine or whiteness no stinging  which is the eye stinging or irritation

lightly oily feel but doesn't  feel enough to clog pores

packaging is a flip top with a squeezeable  

container which means that  it could explode in your bag

M: what do you mean by pleasant plastic?

O: it smells like plastic

M: but you like it

O: but it's okay you know when  electronics burn and you get a  

plastic smell that comes out of it  that's unpleasant this is pleasant

Hamilton everyday face this is another sunscreen  

I bought after seeing it recommended over  and over again in tons of skincare forums

fun history fact Hamilton was the lab set up by  Milton Blake who was an Australian chemist he  

was one of the inventors of sunscreen back in the  1930s he called himself H A Milton in his notes

I haven't really worked out  why but I do feel an affinity  

for people with really hard to explain usernames

Hamilton was actually the first  sunscreen brand I ever used  

back when I was like six and my dad was  teaching me how to swim in the backyard

this was reformulated recently  you can see it says like new  

formula the main change is the addition of  bemotrizinol which is a newer UVA filter

M: before we keep going can can you show  the class which sunscreens you approve of

O: yeah look at this right [buzzer noise]

O: I could probably do it with  my little finger [emphatic pop]

O: [uncertain noises]

M: okay

O: did you see M: what about this

O (indignant): did you see  how little - this is really

O: why?

M: because not everyone needs to  have violence inside their backpacks

O (not believing anyone would have  different priorities): it's so bad though

M: how's this one

O: oh it's twist yes [ding] um this is good [ding]

O: this is good (it's the one he bought) I feel  like it's unlikely to explode in either direction

O: if I was to just squeeze it like this M: don't

O: which direction do you think  it would explode in M: don't

O: cos it won't go like that  it'll go this way or that way

O: the container is nice but  it should be a twist [buzzer]

O: this is good [ding] I like this one I want to  

talk about why I like this one  especially out of all the others

O: it's got a firm case in all directions except  for the one direction that you want to squeeze  

in it's not going to explode in any other  direction uh it can only go in this direction

and you have to twist out off the  the top now if you're going to be  

using this on a daily basis twisting  it off it's not that big of a deal

except for the fact that you can lose the cap

M: get back to get back to work

O: all right M: um O (obediently): Yes dear

O: Hamilton initially I was concerned  about Hamilton because uh it comes out  

of the bottle looking brown uh and I'm not  a fan of putting on foundation but weow

weow

but it doesn't show up at all on my skin uh  scent is natural or neutral uh the cream is  

super light and glides on very well it  sinks in great uh there's no piling and  

no tackiness it's not noticeable  at all and not that much shine

the product description says it's matte  finish I'd agree with that it's not white so  

it's not white casting uh there's no stinging or  irritation and it is lightly moisturizing as well

packaging again is a flip top with  a squeezable container which means  

that it can still explode in  your bag this should change

clear skincare hydrating sunscreen lotion this  is another recently launched reformulation this  

was sent to me as a PR sample it has a really  similar ingredient list to the Hamilton sunscreen

all right clear skincare smells lightly  nice very light and glides really well  

sinks in great you have to rub it in  a little but it's not tacky at all

it comes out lightly white on my skin but  disappears after 30 seconds and leaves  

behind a very nice little bit of a shine  it is shinier than Hamilton but there's no  

stinging there's no irritation and wow weow  super hydrating too I can actually feel it

no seriously I uh I tried on all  five of these sunscreens thanks to  

Michelle uh and this one was the  most hydrating out of them all

doesn't feel like it will clog up my pores  either again packaging is a fliptop with a  

squeezable container potential for bag explosions

this isn't where's the twisty tops

M: you can check out my old video for my  top sunscreens from last time I feel like  

they all still hold up but the Biore  has been replaced by the new version

onto my honorable mentions the  Bondi Sands Hydra sunscreen

the fragrance free lotion also from Bondi  Sands was in my honorable mentions last  

year it was an Australian sunscreen that is  also available in tons of other countries and  

went viral in so many places because like I  said before Australian sunscreens are great

O: all right Bondi Sands Hydra appears lightly  oily on my skin but disappears very quickly it  

smells okay kind of plastic smooth to apply  easy to work with sinks in quickly and also  

doesn't pile up doesn't leave any white on  my face it feels oily but light with a very  

light shine no stinging on the skin but lightly  irritating I might have had dry skin at the time

not really sure about the hydrating part of this  

but um doesn't feel like  it's going to clog up my skin

packaging is a flip top again with a  squeezable container potential for bag  

explosions it's lighter and less greasy  than the other Bondi Sands sunscreen

M: the Naked Sundays Cabana Clear Water gel serum

the only reason this isn't in the top for  me is because it only has older filters  

but the upside is it is available in the US it's  formulated to be lightweight hydrating and it's  

clear as you can tell from the name it has zero  silicone though unlike a lot of clear sunscreens

there is a photo on the website of someone with  very dark skin using it and it doesn't show up

it has a gel cream formula it has a similar sort  of formula build to a lot of overseas sunscreens

O: all right Naked Sundays I don't like  the smell personally but others might be  

okay with it it feels smooth light  and glides on well but it takes a  

while to sink in and it still feels oily  about 10 minutes later doesn't pile up

has a noticeable shine and stays white  for a short while after applying I think  

it was white for me for a good  minute afterwards uh there's no  

stinging or irritation but it doesn't feel  hydrating at all also feels a bit heavy

hate the packaging that cap is going  to pop off just by looking at it

also why is it only 30 mL feels like you're  

going to apply to your face once  and that's it you throw it away

don't listen to me I'm not an expert

M: I also wanted to add like a  wish list of things that I think  

are missing from sunscreens please  let me know what your wish list is

first I really want more tinted sunscreen options  

so just more shades really I also want more  innovations around how sunscreens are used

so things like testing the impact of different  application methods like what happens when you put  

sunscreen under makeup what happens with setting  sprays if you're applying with brushes or sponges

I'd also like to see innovations around  things that make sunscreen easier to use  

so things like longer wear  and easier re-application

I also want to see more mineral  sunscreens that actually feel  

nice and look nice I obviously don't  really mind what sort of sunscreen I  

use but there are lots of people with  allergies who do need these sunscreens

I also wanted to add a note I think a lot of  people tend to get too deep into sunscreen  

and they end up obsessing a bit over finding  the perfect sunscreen and using it perfectly

I think it's helpful to remember that the  Nambour trial which was the largest clinical  

trial on sunscreen use they saw a whole  bunch of great effects with daily sunscreen

squamous cell carcinoma was reduced by 40%  the skin of daily sunscreen users had no  

detectable increase in aging and they were 24%  less likely to show increased signs of aging

and that was with an SPF 16 sunscreen  that was in the '90s now three decades  

later our sunscreens are leaps  and bounds better and I think  

that just really shows that consistency  is much more important than perfection

so find a sunscreen that you can wear  every day that you enjoy wearing that  

is within your budget and you are  already doing so much for your skin

so more important than the sunscreen you use is  how you use it I talk about that in this video

if you like nerding out about beauty check out my  book The Science of Beauty it has lots of really  

nice illustrations and useful information all  about beauty with a more sort of technical bent

I also have a massive collection of  sunscreen videos for your binging  

pleasure I hope you enjoyed  this video see you next time