Wanderlust Getaway: Wellington Street Art Scene

Before the new year, I got a couple of products from Charis Natural for review.  I have reviewed a handful of products from Charis Natural before and this time round, I get to put a sunscreen to the test!

Introducing~

Thinksport Sunscreen SPF50+

Thinksport sunscreen is perfect for daily use and for anyone spending time in the sun, including pregnant women, children over 6 months, and anyone with sensitive skin. Please note that use of sunscreen on children younger than 6 months of age requires a doctor's prescription. This is true for ALL brands. 

Thinksport sunscreen is a physical sunscreen which means it works immediately upon application. It is not necessary to apply 30 minutes before you are exposed to sunlight as is the case with chemical sunscreens. Thinksport sunscreen is classified as “water resistant - 80 minutes” and it will maintain its SPF after 80 minutes of water immersion. Thinksport sunscreen is perfect for sensitive skin but it is recommend to test on a small area of the body to ensure that you don't have any sensitivities.

Thinksport formula applies easily and absorbs quickly. Be sure to apply all areas that will be exposed to sunlight, including behind the ears, neck, hands, feet, and scalp. Reapply every two hours or more as needed. While the sunscreen applies very easily, it is recommend not to spread it too thin. Otherwise you will decrease the effectiveness of the sunscreen. Keep in mind that physical sunscreens work by reflecting sunlight.

First Sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care Requirements 

Top Rated by EWG with a “1” rating in 2010, 2011, and 2012 for Baby, Beach and Sport 

 To Use:

Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure

Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying OR at least every 2 hours

VERDICT

Texture: Non-oily, leaves a slight thin white film on skin

Smell: Has a sweet fruity floral scent

Active Ingredient:
Zinc Oxide 20% (Non-nano)

Inactive Ingredients:
PURIFIED WATER, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, CAPRIC CAPRYLIC TRIGLYCERIDES, SORBITAN STEARATE (COCONUT BASED), PINE WOOD RESIN, VEGETABLE GLYCERIN, DIMETHICONE, HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, MAGNESIUM SULFATE (EPSOM SALT), SUNFLOWER OIL, JOJOBA OIL, ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C), TOCOPHEROLS (VITAMIN E), OLIVE OIL, RASPBERRY SEED OIL, CRANBERRY SEED OIL, HYALURONIC ACID (MADE FROM VEGETABLE), WHITE CURRANT(NATURALLY SCENTED)

Benefits:

Free of biologically harmful chemicals (No Avobenzone, Oxybenzone or UV Chemical absorbers)
Highest SPF 50+*
Highest level of Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection*
Highest level of water resistance (80 minutes)*
Non-nano formulation
Non-aerosol formulation (High concern of both ineffectiveness and particulates being inhaled)
Paraben, phthalate, PABA and 1,4 dioxane free
Applies and absorbs easily. Non-oily feel 

* As per FDA 2012 Rules 

Cost: $29 for 3 ounce 

Product Rating: 8/10

The usual issue with sunscreen is that in our humid weather, it tends to feel even more oily and yucky than in a non tropical climate. However, I have got to say that Thinksport sunscreen surprised me. It doesn't feel oily, it feels more like having moisturizer on.

As for the sun protection coverage, it works really well! I tested it out during my trip to islands around Singapore and I got to say that I'm impressed. While I did get slightly burnt, I conclude that it was more because of the fact that I missed the spot or that I didnt reapply as was recommended. I tested it out on my guy too when he was suntanning and the difference is really obvious. I only applied the sunscreen to his front but not for his back and he ended up with really bad sunburns on his back :/ There was none on his front.

The only issue I have with this is the application of it. It claims that the formula applies easily and absorbs quickly but I find that it was a little bit challenging to spread it out and for it to be absorbed. It goes on white and as I spread it out, it feels a little like pushing the lotion around waiting for it to be adsorbed. 

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

I found that it is easier to apply in small amount first and build up the layer as you go. It leaves a slight whitish layer on the skin but as you spread, it fades off unless you have too much on the skin.

That being said, I half expected it to be whitish because it uses Zinc Oxide that is a physical sunscreen (Read more about harmful ingredients here). Personally, I am not bothered about the consistency or the slight whitish layer because that's how physical sunscreen works, the whitish layer helps to reflect the rays away. I love the fact that it is free of the usual harmful ingredients and that it doesn't feel like I have a yucky layer on my skin. I also did a little more digging about the brand and product, and found out that even the packaging tube is made to be environmentally friendly and safe as it does not contain BPA, vinyl, or phthalates. If you are the sort of person that hangs out a lot under the sun or into sports that exposes you to the sun a lot (hi, golfers), this is a sunscreen worth trying out!

Thinksport Sunscreen SPF50+  can be purchased directly via Charis Natural here, and right now, they are having a additional discount rate if you buy 2 or more tubes! 

Click here to the website!