Can you believe how fast this year has gone by?

In a few more months and I will be a year older, and now that I've reached the mid-20s mark... There are a few things that I wished I have done and one of them was that I should have used sunscreen!

As I was once an environmental educator who spent most of my time outdoors conducting nature trails, I know that I should have slathered on some sunscreen but let's be honest... In a humid climate like Singapore, sunscreens have a tendency of feeling sticky and greasy on the skin. Now, I have pigmentation, uneven skin tone and more wrinkles as a result of not using sunscreen.

If you are like me and have skipped using sunscreen for a reason like mine, I've got something to share with you. 

Bioré has introduced its complete range of new and enhanced sunscreen products, its enhanced UV Series could be your perfect shield against skin woes like sun spots, wrinkles and freckles caused by damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. Along with this improvement, Bioré also launched its newest addition to the range, the Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel, which provides the highest level of UV protection from head to toe!  

It contains the breakthrough Aqua Micro Capsule a water capsule which breaks upon application on skin to release the UV protection agent while giving skin a cool and refreshed feeling. Unlike most sunscreens that have a higher SPF value which tends to compromise on the product texture, Bioré’s Aqua Rich Watery series retains its lightweight feel and at the same time provide maximum UV protection. The Aqua Rich Watery Gel is also infused with hyaluronic acid and citrus extract to keep skin hydrated and healthy. 

VERDICT  

Aqua Micro Capsule seen.

Texture: Like a light-weight moisturizer, leaving a slight velvety layer

Smell: Mild citrus scent

Benefits:

• Superior double UV block with enhanced SPF50+/PA++++
• Maximum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun
• Retains its light and watery texture that allows smooth application without a sticky feel
• Infused with hyaluronic acid & citrus extract to keep skin hydrated and fresh
• Suitable for application on face and body

Ingredients:

Cost: $18.90 for 90ml bottle
Available at all leading pharmacies, super & hyper markets, departmental stores, beauty stores and selected minimarts.

Product Rating: 7.5/10

I think it is wonderful that this sunscreen is multi-purpose, so all you need to bring out with you is just this one bottle for both your face and body. I tested it with water and noted that it is water-resistant too, so it is something that you can use for a day out on the beach.

This product holds true to its claim of not being sticky or greasy on the skin. It takes awhile to spread and for it to blend into the skin if you add too much at one go, so I would advise to start out with a little and add more if needed. That being said, do note that for a sunscreen to work, regardless of its SPF/PA coverage, you will need to apply a decent layer of it to protect your skin from harmful rays.

Personally, I'm not a fan of this product despite its texture and high coverage because of the ingredients used. I try to avoid sunscreen with chemical blockers because of the possible health issues it might impose.

But that being said~ using a sunscreen, any type of all, is still better than none!

Daily Defense UV Protector SPF 50 

Catch the sun, not the tan. Our lightweight oil-free sunscreen contains an optimized UVA/UVB protection system, thanks to a hybrid of mineral and chemical filters.

Clinically tested on Asian skin.

To Use:

Smooth over face and neck to protect against UV rays and prevent skin ageing. 

May be used as a makeup base.

Texture: Cream base that doesnt feel greasy

Smell: Light sweet floral scent

Ingredients:

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Zinc Oxide, Dimethicone, EthylLhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Propanediol, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Tromethamine, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hydrolyzed Wheat Flour, Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate HCI, Fragrance*, Iris Pallida Leaf Cell Extract, Jasminum Sambac (Jasmine) Leaf Cell Extract, Rosa Damascena Leaf Cell Extract, BHT, Tocopherol

Benefits:
High Sun Protection System (with zinc oxide)
Oxygenate and promote CO2 and toxin elimination for luminosity and clarity
Boosts brightening by reducing skin pigmentation.
Non-comedogenic.
Oil- free. Paraben free.
Alcohol Free.

Cost: $68

Product Rating: 6/10

I am quite amazed that this is one of the few sunscreen that I have tried that doesnt leave a very greasy-after feel. It blends quite nicely from white to nothing on the skin but it will be a little reflective (you may look pale in photos). 

Because it is quite lightweight, it works well as a base for makeup and it feels almost like nothing after application unless its humid then you might feel that layer that sunscreen always leave on the skin.

I love that it has high sun protection coverage and free of paraben and alcohol but its ingredients do bug me a little. This sunscreen consists of both physical and chemical filters, personally, I try to stick to physical (ie  minerals) or natural filters (eg coconut oil) because chemical filters may lead to some health concerns. I wrote about synthetic sunscreens here. 

However, that being said, it boils down to personal preference. I use this when I am going out for a short while and I will normally wash it off as soon as I get back because its sun protection coverage is too good to ignore and it does feel nice on the skin when it isn't overly humid. 

Multi Benefits Eye Treatment Gel

This gel-dispensing roller-ball twist-pen gently massages and moisturizes your undereye area, reducing the appearance of dark circles, fine lines and puffiness.

To Use:

Twist to dispense gel as needed, and smooth around eye area with the rollerball tip.

Texture: Cooling gel that absorbs easily

Smell: Light sweet floral scent

Ingredients:

Aqua (water), polyglyceryl-4 caprate, butylene glycol, glycerin, polymethyl methacrylate, sodium polyacrylate, pentylene glycol, glyceryl caprylate, panthenol, ethylhexylglycerin, xanthan gum, hydrolyzed wheat flour, disodium EDTA, escin, parfum (fragrance)*, ruscus aculeatus root extract, ammonium glycyrrhizate, centella asiatica extract, hydrolyzed yeast protein, calendula officinalis flower extract, sodium citrate, iris pallida leaf cell extract, jasminum sambac (jasmine) leaf cell extract, rosa damascena leaf cell extract, acetyl tetrapeptide-5, tocopherol, linalool, benzyl salicylate

Benefits:

Reduces the appearance of dark circles, fine lines and puffiness

Gently massages and moisturizes your undereye area

Cost: $25

Product Rating: 9/10

To be honest, I am not an eye product user yet... I know I should start caring for the areas around my eyes because it's the area where aging starts first! I have used an eye roller pen before but this one is a little unique. It has a dispensing roller-ball twist tip to prevent contamination and I find that a smart thing to consider especially for an eye product. 

Personally, I keep this in the fridge and use them when I need a quick wake-me-up! I have pretty bad dark circles and I do have chronic eye bags. Having tried others before, I know that the metal roller tip will definitely help to reduce some puffiness under the eye so it is no surprise when my puffiness were reduced after using this.

I have been very skeptical about eye product that claims to reduce the appearance of dark circles because most of the time, it works due to an ingredient that is reflective. Hence, creating the appearance of lighter dark circles because lights bounces off the reflective particles. I am glad to say that this product doesnt have any reflective ingredients (to the best of my knowledge) and relies solely on natural ingredients to help reduce the appearance of dark circle. It does work a little but it's not 100% which is good enough for me, I use makeup for perfection!

~~~

If you are interested to get these products, dont forget to quote "5GHYJXD" when you are making your payment to be entitled to a 10% discount off when you shop online at Crème Simon! And if you are still doubtful and you would like to try the products out, you can request for a sample online.

Last month, I wrote about avoiding synthetic sunscreens (read post here) and provided 2 safer alternatives to chemical sunscreens.

Personally, I use mineral sunscreen for face and I am using up the one I got from Jamacia for body. 

On one of my random online shopping rave,

I chanced upon and bought one of Human Nature's latest product:

SAFEBLOCK 100% Natural Sunscreen

"Save our skins, save our seas!"

Be a good seatizen and celebrate the exuberance of summer with SAFEBLOCK, a100% natural, broad-spectrum, reef-friendly family sunscreen.

Don't see double − SPF30 doesn't mean twice the protection of SPF15.SAFEBLOCK's SPF15 already blocks 93% of UVB rays, while SPF30 actually only blocks 4% more!

To Use:

• Apply liberally to exposed skin.
• Dermatologists recommend waiting 20 minutes after applying sunscreen before exposure to sun.
• Clinical tests show that SPF15 may drop to SPF13 after 80 minutes of swimming. Reapply after swimming, sweating, toweling or as needed.
• Don not stay too long under the sun even while using a sunscreen.

VERDICT

Texture: Slightly oily consistency, leaves a thin white film on skin

Ingredients: 

Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, zinc oxide, hydrogenated castor oil, Ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride (coconut-derived), dicaprylyl ether (vegetable-derived), beeswax, Glycine soja (soybean) oil, oryzanol (rice-derived), fragrance (all-natural), glyceryl caprylate (coconut, palm and glycerin-derived), tocopherol, anisic acid (anise seed-derived)

Benefits:

• Armors skin against aging UVA rays with PA+++ rated protection
• Blocks 93% of skin-burning UVB rays
• Cares for our coral reefs with only all-good, sea-safe natural ingredients

Smell: Somehow, to my nose~ the scent smells like Grape Hi-chew.

Cost: From $14.90

Product Rating: 8/10

It works well as a sunscreen for swimming, I used it while I was snorkeling in Cebu and I didnt even end up with a burn or tan! I love that it contains natural ingredients that not only makes it safe for us but also for the reefs and corals! So~ Plus points!!!

As for the texture, I knew it would be oily considering the ingredients used in this product. A combination of both mineral and natural oils are used to combat against the harmful rays, I can see why this product is water resistant and effective in protecting my skin against the burn~ A thing to note is that it is important to shake and stir the contents in the tube before application if not, this is going to happen is this:

Hahaha! Yup~ Besides that, I would also recommend layering the sunscreen bit by bit rather than applying a thick layer in one shot. It makes application easier and smoother! 

(This is how white it will be when you apply a thick layer and it will take awhile to blend it out)

This product leaves a thin slight whitish layer on the skin (sunscreen is applied on the whole face, thickly over nose & cheek) without feeling oily after application. And as with all sunscreen and makeup, make sure to remove them thoroughly and properly by the end of the day!

NATIONAL DAY PROMOTION

Get $5 off when you purchase $49 and above (Promo Code: NDP49)

Up to 49% off on Mineral Make-up Care!
(Read my reviews on Human Nature's Mineral Makeup!)

Shop now at Human Nature's website:

www.humannature.com.sg

This week, the ingredient to avoid is:

Synthetic Sunscreens

Sunscreen comes in two forms: chemical (synthetic) and mineral. 

Chemical sunscreen is the most popular because it goes on clear and does not have the chalky residue of some mineral SPFs.

Purpose/Usage 

Provide sun protection

Why should you avoid it:

Chemical sunscreen penetrates the skin, absorbing all the ingredients into your blood stream, and they have been linked to endocrine and reproductive changes. It mimics estrogen in the body potentially causing hormonal disruption.

It may lead to breast cancer, ovarian cancer and prostate cancer for men.

It can also cause skin irritation.

Moreover, because people wear sunscreen when they are out at the beach and in the sea, these ingredients are also known to attribute to the bleaching of corals.

How to identify on a label:

The three most toxic ingredients are oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate. 

4-Methyl-Benzylidencamphor (4-MBC), Oxybenzone Benzophenone-3, Octyl-methoyl-cinnamates (OMC), Octyl-Dimethyl-Para-Amino-Benzoic Acid (OD-PABA), Homosalate(HMS)

They are found in sunscreens, facial moisturizer, lip protection products.

Safer alternatives:

1) Mineral sunscreen

Use sunscreen products that uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients do not penetrate the skin, have shown no endocrine or reproductive changes, and have the lowest toxicity concerns.

2) Protect with natural oils

If you are worried about nanoparticals, then your best bet is to use natural oils such as coconut oil and carrot seed oil, that provide SPF protection.

Tips:

There is a general misconception that the higher the SPF, the longer you can stay under the protection of the sunscreen. But it actually refers to the ability of the sunscreen to block Ultraviolet B Rays~

Here’s a quick reference guide:

SPF 15 – Blocks 94% of UVB Rays

SPF 30 – Blocks 97% of UVB Rays

SPF 45 – Blocks 98% of UVB Rays

After that, it does not really make much of a difference. 

So, to ensure that you are protecting yourself from these harmful rays, reapply sunscreen often (every 2 hours or so) and dont forget your eyes and lip area too!