I think it's safe to say, most people hate facial sunscreens. I feel so lucky to live in a time where there has been a major shift towards sunscreens that are skincare. Now, so many formulas are being brought out that are doing so much more than just being the SPF step in your routine. You're now getting skin care benefits and protection all in one. Cutting down on heavy layers and making the process feel fantastic.

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.

It is summer time, which means lots of sun and potentially sun damage if you're not careful out there.  As a pale person who happens to get sun hives I like to make sure I am protected as much as possible. Today I am going to talk about my favourite sunscreens.

Body Products:
First off I should let you know I hate cream sunscreens, it is rare that I will use one on my body and it is even more rare that I will be happy with the results. This is why I usually reach for sprays.

L'oreal Paris Sublime Sun: Invisible Dry Oil Spray
This spray isn't an aerosol, it is pump that has a fantastic dry oil inside it. My skin feels soft and supple when I use it, not greasy or sticky, but like a dry oil you might use as a moisturizer. I find it doesn't take too much to get a good coverage. I usually give myself a good spray, then a spray on my hands before rubbing it in. If you have dry skin like me you might also enjoy this oil and how it hydrates while protecting your skin.  It comes in both 15 spf and 30 spf.

Vichy Idéal Soleil: Invisible Mist
This spray provides a comes in an aerosol, it feels dry, light and feels great on the skin. It has Mexoryl in it, which is the number one recommend sunscreen filter by dermatologists. It dermatologist tested for sensitive skin and has Vichy Thermal Spa Water in it and Paraben Free. I find when I use it my skin feels soft and silky. Being a dry touch spray I feel it is almost absorbed right away. It comes in both 30 spf and 50 spf.

Face Products:
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face & Body Stick Sunscreen

When it comes to your face you don't always want a lotion, this stick is what I use at those times. I love to use this on my face but also on my body. Shoulders, decolletage, neck, it covers it all for me. Other then the formula working really well on my face, I love that it is an easily portable stick that I can put in my purse at any time for touch ups throughout the day without lugging around a can of spray or a lotion that might leak. It comes in spf 50+.

L'oreal Paris Sublime: Sun Silky Sheer BB Tint

This has been a favourite of mine since it launched 2 years ago, and I haven't stopped using it since. It is by far the best face sunscreen I have ever used. It has a tiny tint to it, but not too much, that is actually the only thing that makes it different from their Silky Face Sunscreen. It is just the trick to even out my skin and isn't greasy at all for a face sunscreen. It needs to be shook a lot before using because of its thinner constancy, but that constancy is part of the reason I love it so much on my face. I also love the high spf protection of 50.

Coppertone ClearlySheer: Faces Sunscreen Lotion

This is a feather light lotion that blends into the skin just like a proper skin lotion should. I love to mix my CoverFx drops into it to create a tinted moisturizer. It is also water resistant up to 80 minutes. The only down side is that is only comes in 30 spf.

So there you go, my favorute ways to protect my skin from the sun.

L'oreal Quick Dry Sheer Spray 50 SPF: Last year I was sent the 30 SPF version of this and liked it so much that when it came time to buy sunscreen for this trip we opted to grab the 50 SPF version (it was on sale for about $9 so I was happy). I highly recommend it. Would I buy it again? Yes, but for now I have quite a few other sunscreens I must try to use up before they go bad.
Banana Boat Kids Tear-Free UltraMist Sunscreen Spray in 60 SPF: This is supposed to be UltraMist (like a thing they invented I guess) but went on in a stream. It works well in a few ways because it makes it easy to see and rub around, but doesn't go on in anything resembling a mist. I screamed every time the put it on my back because it was so cold and in a stream Would I buy it again? Truth be told it works well, I think we just got a defective can, so yes I would try it again. PS we got kids incase we needed it for our nieces who were traveling with us on the trip.
 Bath and Body Works Oahu Coconut Sunset Body Wash: I wanted to get a travel bottle of the BBW Waikiki Beach Coconut body wash, but my store was out of it. I got this instead. I liked the smell a lot and it did a good job of washing away all the sunscreen at the end of a day in Mexico. I used it all up before we left because the hubby ran out of his body wash on day 4 or 5. Would I buy it again? No, while I like the smell I like some of the other ones from the collection much more and would get them instead.
L'oreal Casting Step 3 (Conditioner): I coloured my hair using L'oreal Casting right before leaving, I packed up a refillable bottle with Palmer's Olive Oil Conditioner and I brought this baby along for the ride. Both were used up at the end of the week. Would I buy it again? While not something you can go out and get on its own, I really did like it, it's a nice hair mask.
Moving along to non trip items...
Joe Fresh Pop Goss: I got this back in 2011 when I won a contest, so it is old now and needed to go. Would I buy it again? Yes, it was a sheer lip gloss with an iridescence to it that I liked. I don't think they sell it anymore though.
Elf Studio Exact Lash Mascara: I've gotten so many of these over the last year and a half, I really like the tiny wand for lower lashes and tightening lashes. It also is crazy waterproof ( a big deal for me). But like all Elf mascaras they dry up almost right away into a hard mess. This was this mascara's fate. Would I buy it again? Yes, I still have more though. I will find a way to stop it from drying up.
ELF Lip Stain:  I've had this forever, it sort of is just too old to keep, and dried up. Would I buy it again? I would, which is strange for me to say. I like stains when doing bold lips, it gives them longer staying power.

More than half way through August and I still haven't finished my July Empties post. So without further adieu here we go...
We're going to start off with some of the hubbies empties, this is new, but I thought it would be good.

Irish Spring Intensify Body Wash: I got this for him almost 2 years ago.Little did I realize it tingled and felt cold when he used it. Well he hates it and I honestly am impressed he used this much of it up. Would I buy it again? No, he didn't finish it and declared he hates it. I will buy the regular Irish Spring for him again if I see it on sale.
L'Oréal Men Arginine Resist X3 2 in 1 Shampoo This shampoo took him a year to use up, no lie, a year. I don't know why it took so long, it was the only shampoo in the shower for him, but it took forever. It claims to help with hair breakage and strength of the hair. Since the man works as a cook he wears a hat pretty much 90% of the time and it just seemed like a good thing for him to use. He liked the 2 in 1 factor and it always left his hair really nice. I cannot say if it helped with the breakage and damage, but I do think his hair looks much nicer over the last year. Would I buy it again? Yes, right now he is trying out the L'oreal EverStrong Anti-Breakage System (shampoo, conditioner and spray).
Old Spice Pure Sport Body Wash This is his go to body wash. If we can we buy a three pack at Costco as well as the deodorant. There really isn't much to say about it, it works well and doesn't dry his skin out or cause excessive breakouts. Would I buy it again?Yes, sadly both Costco and Walmart were out of it on our last visits so he is breaking the rules and trying an Adidas body wash for the time being.
Done with the mens stuff and on to my hair care.

L'oreal Preference Conditioner This is the conditioner tube you get when you buy Preference hair dye. I have a bunch of them hanging around so I am using them up. Would I buy it again? Yes, if I could get it on its own I would, I really like it.
Marc Anthony Beach Spray I got this at an event, I was so excited since I never used a beach spray before.. While I like the beachy waves it gives my hair, I cannot stand the synthetic coconut smell it has. Ick. Would I buy it again?No, I just can't get past that smell. Right now I am using one I got from Bath and Body Works and it is just ok.
Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner I got this in Boston last year when I stocked up. I love this conditioner. It leaves my hair so light while giving it so much needed repair. I learned that London Drugs sells it and recently did an order for some more. Would I buy it again?Yes! I have 3 more in my stockpile.
L'oreal Professional Feria Conditioner: This is the same conditioner you get when you buy a box of Feria. Sally's sells it for about $12.99 and it was great to have around. Would I buy it again? Yes, but not right now, right now I am trying to use up some of my stock pile.
The Body Shop HoneyMania Body Wash I used up this travel sized honeymania. I liked it, liked the smell. Would I buy it again?Yes, I would, but have you seen my stockpile? Not any time soon.
Avon foot Works Serum I never ever used this stuff. It is almost completely full.  Would I buy it again? No, there is nothing wrong with it, I just never use foot products.
L'oreal Elnett Hair Spray This was my hair spray for work, tiny and fit in my at work essentials bag. Would I buy it again? Yes. I have a big can of it at home. I haven't replaced it yet at work but plan to some time soon. I just love elnett.
L'oreal Sublime Sun Invisible Protect SPF 50 Spray (reviewed) I cannot stop recommending this sunscreen to people. I brought this with to Europe for two weeks and used a lot of it up. It works really well and feels amazing on the skin.  Would I buy it again?  Yes, but I have a bunch of sunscreens to use up at the moment that I still like a lot. Right now the L'oreal Silky Sheer Mousse and Quick Dry Sheer Spray are in my current rotation. 
The Body Shop HoneyMania Bath Melt I like this bubble bath a whole lot. Sadly the packaging just sucks.  You make a mess, you use too much, just awkward. Plus the bubble bath has honey in it, which might not be the best idea for people with feminine issue. Would I buy it again?  I have another one that I am using right now, after that I wont buy it again because of the honey/sugar issue.
Almay Lash Care Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads (reviewed) I used these up finally. They seemed to have lasted a long long time.I started to use two when removing my eye makeup and found I got even more off than with just one. Would I buy it again?  Yes I would. Right now I am using the Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads instead. I really like them too.
Marcelle New Age Night & Day Creams I've had these creams around forever. While I love them they just were taking forever to get through with all the new products I have accumulated. Would I buy it again?Yes I would. Marcelle's skin care lines are some of my most coveted.

NYX For Your Eyes Only Smokey Eyes Palette (reviewed)  I tried to give this away so many times. No takes. Time to toss this under-performing palette  Would I buy it agian?HELL NO!! Not worth the money.
Annabelle BB Cream I love this bb cream and have used it all up. This took forever and I even busted the cap in the process. It is lightweight and the perfect consistency for my skin in the spring or fall. I really love it Would I buy it again? YES! I  have about a dozen BB/CC/Tinted Moisturizers at the moment and need to weed through them before purchasing any new ones, but this is on the top of the repurchasing list.
Want to see a FOTD featuring it? Click Here!
Many many mascaras too. It is their time too. I really did like the Essence Mascaras, the Big waterproof one was pretty darn waterproof.
I am also tossing my old ELF brow products since I just ordered new ones.
First off I am tossing all my old ELF All Over Color Sticks, I've had them forever and the plastic is cracking. Also, to be 100% honest I never ever use them any more so they have to go.
I'm also getting rid of two liners that I never used and sort of dried up a bit.
Makeup Forever Eye Seal this is pretty old and I actually used it up. I love this stuff for so many reasons. One is mixing it with liquid liners makes them waterproof - waterproof. Like I went and did hot yoga after working  all day and it was still there. Would I buy it again? Yes! I already have a new one on the go.
Urban Decay Primer Potion I got this little one with a palette on boxing day. It dried out incredibly fast. One of the things I don't like about UD PP.  Would I buy it again? No, I actually don't like UD PP that much. I find it is good, but not fantastic. I like Too Faced's Shadow Insurance, Essence's Eye Primer and Marcelle's Velvety Eyeshadow all much more.
So these are not really empties. These are throwing away the packaging, because it is taking up way too much room in my life. These are the ELF Studio Primers. Some are the mineral ones and one is the new moisturizing one. They all have 14g in them new....which isn't a lot (but I'm not paying a lot for ELF so I am not complaining). It turns out one 14g tube can fit into an 8ml tube that I got from buyincoins.com. So I decanted them. Below is what the ELF packaging for 4 tubes looks like with the 4 tubes I transferred them into.

What the ELF packaging looks like when taken apart.

My decanting into tubes

Original packaging and tubes

So there you have it...a lot of wasted packaging from ELF out of my drawers and into ...the trash? Recycling? Can you recycle this? I'll try.

Here is a final look at what I am getting rid of this month.

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.

Summer is finally here (it sure took a while) and I have been trying out L'oreal Sublime Sun line of sun protection for the last month and I cannot wait to share my opinions with you.
Now if you know me, you know I always wear sunscreen, always! And I always am telling others to follow suit.  Yes, I get told I am pale, yes I've been mocked, yes I get gifted self tanners … a lot, but I don't care. What I do care about is not damaging my skin and exposing myself to harmful UV rays that could potentially cause cancer.

On a serious personal note my mother-in-law, aunt-in-law and aunt have all been diagnosed with melanoma in the last year. That is 3 people I love dearly who inspire me to do everything I can every day to prevent the same fate for me and my husband.

So back to the review…

L'oreal has a bunch of new ways to protect your skin from the sun and its harmful rays. So if you don't like creams or lotions there are some interesting options for you.
For the face there is Silky Sheer BB Cream and Silky Sheer Face Lotion. Both are thin and go on super light. They also boast a 50 SPF protection level. The only real difference between the two is a light tint in the BB that evens out your skin tone ever so slightly.
What I think: I brought the BB on my recent 16 day vacation and it was my only foundation like product I brought with….and I loved it. I am so glad I brought it with. It went on even and smooth, it protected my skin amazingly. It was in no way greasy or heavy, thin and light. No break outs happened either. It might just be the most amazing facial sun screen ever…or at least I think so.
As for the Face Lotion, the hubby has been using it, even with his beard and he has been quite happy too. He breaks out on a whim so the fact this goes on smooth and is light weight makes hime super happy. The no breakouts is a massive plus too.
Silky Sheer Mousse is actually a mousse sunscreen, so neat. Shake it and foam some out then apply. Available in 30 and 50 SPF, it is my husbands favourite.
What I think: Well I like it, it drys nice and isn't heavy on the skin. But forget me, this is the sunscreen of choice for the hubby. Apparently men have hair on their arms and legs that regular cream gets on and it just gets annoying. This goes on smoothly and makes men really happy. The hubby is bringing it to work daily so he can prevent the strange one arm farmers tan he gets on his drives to and from work.
Silky Sheer Lotion is a bit more of a traditional sunscreen lotion. Available in 15, 30 and 50 SPF it works great. Not too heavy or greasy.
What I think: I like it a lot for a lotion, but lotion is still not my preferred method of sunscreen, I like sprays just so much more. That being said it is light and absorbs quickly, if I had to buy a cream and not a spray I would buy this one in an instant.
Quick Dry Sheer Spray is an alcohol free spray making it ideal for anyone with really sensitive skin. It comes in 30 and 50 SPF. It drys instantly to a satin finish.
What I think: Since I often run into sun hives the fact this product is alcohol free is a big plus for me. I  love how light and sheer this feels, once it drys (which is quickly) it feels like I never applied anything at all and looks matte on my skin. I'm a big fan.
Invisible Protect Dry Oil Spray is a spray oil that is also a sunscreen, crazy. Now one might think this
might be heavy on your skin, no it isn't, because it is a dry oil spray. Spray it on, rub it in, feel your nice smooth skin, amazing. Available in 15 and 30 SPF.
What I think: I love it!!! My second favourite sunscreen to use. I always loved aerosol sprays sunscreens but this something I am loving more and more everyday. It is an oil, but it doesn't fee oily. It absorbs nicely and leaves my skin silky smooth and soft. I just love it. I really am not doing it justice in my description, but trust me it is fantastic.
Invisible protect Sheer Spray is my all star product. Available in 30 and 50 SPF it weightless and not sticky at all.
What I think: This one also came with me on the long trip and I loved it, in fact I used it all up. It is by far my favourite protect on this list. It sprayed on fantastically leaving no grease or oil on my skin. It felt weightless like it claimed. The high SPF provided with me the right amount of coverage for my needs and I never once broke out in my sun hives.

There you go the new L'oreal Subliime Sun Collection - I'm currently loving them and I think you will too.

And Remember:

• Apply your sun protection 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every 2 hours.
• Sun protection is still needed on cloudy, overcast and snowy days, in other words use it everyday.
• 30 ml of sunscreen is what you need on your body for maximum coverage - that's a shot glasses worth.
• 10am - 4 pm are peek sun hours when UV rays are the strongest 
• Always use a broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15.