This sunscreen isn't like all the other sunscreens. Now that I sound like a cheesy pickup line, I think I might need to explain why this one is so different.

It is a gel! It is a gel loaded with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and still has a higher SPF of 50. As a result, it is super hydrating, fast absorbing and leaves no white cast. This also makes it great for the face (which they really should advertise more, because darn it, this is a great face sunscreen).

If you want a sunscreen that feels light, hydrating and like a gel, this one is for you. At the end of a day out and about in the sun, my skin usually is a bit dehydrated and needs some serious moisture, but not when I use this. My face loves it, it can breathe and doesn't break out at all, and makeup looks great on top of it.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer - Dry Touch Sunscreen - SPF 110
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer - Face And Body Stick - SPF 50+

Coppertone clearly sheer sunscreens deliver trusted broad spectrum protection in delightfully light, refreshing formulas that barely leave a trace on the skin. They absorb quickly, feel clean and light on the skin, and won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. The clearly sheer line is designed with her specific needs in mind, and unlike any Coppertone she’s ever tried before.

• SPF 50, broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection

• Lightweight sunscreen formula feels clean and light, leaving a matte finish on the skin

• Won’t clog pores or cause breakouts (clinically tested on acne prone skin)

• Moisturizing formula helps keep skin smooth and soft

• Appropriate to use on sensitive skin

• Light and fresh clean scent

• Water resistant (80 minutes) -coppertone.ca

Last year I fell in love with Coppertone ClearlySheer Face Sunscreen, this year its the ClearlySheer Body Spray version I am ecstatic with and have decided I cannot live without.

As a pale gal, I burn with just about any exposure to the sun. That being said, I hate sunscreen lotions, they are heavy and thick and take forever to absorb. Because of all of this I am always looking for a spray sunscreen that feels light on my skin but also have a strong SPF. Coppertone's ClearlySheer body spray sunscreen fits all my needs and I have been loving it all summer long.

ClearlySheer comes in a continuous spray bottle, the product feel extremely light on the skin and absorbs into the skin almost right away. My skin is left feeling soft and is light and weightless as though a product was barley sprayed on it. It also comes in SPF 50, which is what I always look for. While 30 is the minimum you should use, 50 is what I like because it gives me more protection and because I am so prone to the adversest effect of the sun.
Now the hubby is a ginger who burns even faster then me (which honestly is hard to believe), he has also been using it all summer and loves it so much. He is incredibly prone to breakouts on his body and face and sunscreens bring the worst out in his skin. The ClearlySheer line has not only protected his skin, but hasn't caused a single break out the entire summer. We even spent the whole day at the CNE without us getting burned or even tanned (FYI we don't tan, only burn).
Overall this has been one of the best sunscreens I have ever used. It combined with the face version that I purchased last year have made me very happy because my skin is protected from the damaging rays of the sun, keeps my skin feeling soft and smooth while not causing any breakouts at all.


*Product was sent for review purposes. All views and opinions are my own.

High protection UVA/UVB with Mexoryl XL technology in an ultra-comfortable and refreshing texture with 0% alcohol. 100% suitable for sensitive skin. -vichy.ca

 As you may have heard me talk about a few times before in this blog, I am super sensitive to the sun and its effects on my skin. Yes, I get sun hives. It just sort of happens when I go out in the sun, with or without sunscreen. My best protection is to layer up with good quality sunscreen, reapply and hide in the shade while covered up. But I still get hives. So when I learned that alcohol in my much beloved spray on sunscreens could be further irritating my skin I  decided to look into my options.

Alcohol is traditionally used in spray on sunscreens a carrier ingredient and lends to its 'lightweight' feeling, the very thing I love about spray on sunscreens. As a result skin can feel dry (it is alcohol after all, it does that to the skin). But in my case, if I've had hives the night before and I use a spray on sunscreen the next day with alcohol it can burn a bit, because well I often scratch the hives, I just cant help it, leading to little open soars.
Needless to say alcohol on my skin after hives is just not a good idea.

I learned that Vichy had found a way to make their Capital Soleil Invisible Mist not just feel great on the skin but also alcohol free and hydrating with vitamin E but it also sports the new Health Canada UVA Seal of
Recognition.

Criteria for the UVA Seal of Recognition as follows:

• The UVA protection factor must be at least 1/3 of the UVB protection factor (for example, a product with an SPF of 30 must then have a UVA PF of 10)
• The formula must protect against the long UVA rays reaching a critical wavelength of 370 nm. 

Pros:

• Alcohol free = less irritating
• Smells good
• Vitamin E = a bit of moisture for your skin
• Spray on - my favourite type of sunscreen
• Has the Health Canada UVA Seal of Recognition 
• Feels incredibly nice on the skin - light weight, non drying , but still soft on skin

Cons:

• 30 SPF is the only strength it comes in at the moment - I generally prefer stronger SPF level, but I found it worked quite well.

Overall:
So what do I think of the formula after using it for the last month? I love it. It feels lightweight , my skin feels soft and supple after using it, but still like no product was really applied. My skin is far less irritated, if I use it after a hive breakout I itch far less the next day, it certainly feels more refreshing on my skin.

I would recommend this sunscreen to anyone with sensitive skin who is looking for a good quality sunscreen that wont dry out your skin but still feel ultralight on your skin without leaving a residue.

photo by Michal Marcol

I just read a startling article about how in Canada and Ontario in particular the UV rays will be extra strong this year. WHY? Well, the ozone layer that had been on the mend seems to have the largest hole ever lingering over Canada, but mainly Ontario.

Now I've always been careful with my skins exposure to the sun, but this news shows that now, more than ever skin protection is important all year round.

Loading up on SPF is your best defence when enjoying nice hot sunny days. For the last year I've been using two Neutragena products with 100+ spf but unfortunately the company doesn't offer it here in Canada (but they do have 30, 45 and 60spf which are more than antiquate). I also love Coverfx Briteprepfx with 50 spf.

My best tip for avoiding sun damage (yep damage not tanning)

• Give Yourself Time. Apply a sunscreen with a spf of 30 or higher 15 minutes before going outside. If using sunblock (physical protection like a mineral product) you don't have to wait.
• Use Enough Product. It is said a shot glass is needed for the body and a teaspoon for the face. When in doubt add more or go with a stronger spf just to be safe.
• Reapply. Reapply it after swimming or doing anything active. When in doubt put more one, just be safe. I prefer sprays for my body so I fill a travel bottle so I can reapply during the day.
• Wear Sunglasses. Wear them. You can get melanoma on your eyeballs!!! Not worth scotching your eyes when going out. Try to wear them whenever possible.
• Wear a Hat. Protect your scalp, very important for men too.
• Be Aware, Be Prepared. Check the UV index for the day. Should you bring something to cover up with if you are out for a long time? Will there be shade where you are going?

These are my tips, I hope they help. Last year I was out at a ball game and then to the bar, in direct sunlight from 1:00 until the sun set...no burn why because I was prepared.
For more information here is a great article from CBC  and information from The Canadian Cancer Society