2 Buzzy New Sunscreens Worth Adding To Your Summer SPF Rotation

 

2 Buzzy New Sunscreens Worth Adding To Your Summer SPF Rotation

Consider adding these 2 popular new sunscreens to your summer SPF rotation

While sunscreen is absolutely essential (and I wouldn't dare leave the apartment without it), I have to admit that it can be challenging to find a product that you actually enjoy applying. As a child, I hated the greasy and heavy sunscreen on my skin, and even though it was naturally pale, it still managed to leave a white cast. And while sunscreen formulations have come a long way since my early beach days, these are still some of the most common complaints. Not to mention, sunscreens that truly surpass the competition in terms of combining broad-spectrum sun protection with a luxurious formula are priced to match—a splurge that isn't always practical when applying the recommended 1 ounce of sunscreen to your body. and half a teaspoon on the face every day. 

For this reason, Bubble Skincare has invested the past three years in creating two beautifully designed, reasonably priced sunscreens to complement its range of products created in collaboration with dermatologists.

Both Solar Mate and Plus One sunscreens are fully invisible (Solar Mate) or tinted (Plus One) and both provide broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection. This is made possible by the mineral sun blocker zinc oxide, which forms a shield on the skin that reflects UVA and UVB rays. Perhaps best of all, both formulas are only $19. Both are non-comedogenic, meaning they don't contribute to the clogged pores that cause acne. I tested both of Bubble's recent launches in case you're on the hunt for a new sunscreen this summer, and both proved to be good choices for anyone picky about their SPF. 

Solar Mate Daily Mineral Sunscreen is a sunscreen that is barely noticeable when applied to the skin. Zinc oxide offers broad-spectrum sun protection as well as protection against exposure to potentially harmful blue light, which is emitted by everything from fluorescent lighting to cell phones and computers. The sunscreen has a thin texture and a transparent finish on the skin even over mineral makeup (it is necessary to blend it in only a little). In addition, Solar Mate is non-comedogenic and has a gentle matting effect, leaving no greasy residue. 

Although Bubble recommends applying after your moisturizer, I found that it was hydrating enough on its own to use after cleansing. and before proceeding with my makeup (full disclosure: I have oily skin). The silky finish of the sunscreen is undoubtedly the result of ingredients like glycerin and cocoa bean extract, which also serve as a great base for makeup that won't dry or smudge. In addition, ginseng extract and raspberry seed oil give you even more antioxidant protection. I was concerned about the shade of this Plus One sunscreen when I first took it out of the tube because it was too black for my fair skin. But as it turned out, there was no problem at all. The sunscreen is actually a tinted solution that dissipates when you blend it into your skin, leaving behind a barely-there bronze that you could wear on its own or as a makeup base for a better-looking version of your own skin. Similar to Solar Mate, it has a mineral formula that is non-comedogenic and leaves you with a somewhat radiant finish without any shimmer or greasy feel. With ingredients like glycerin, cupuacu seed butter, and vitamin E, I found this sunscreen to be slightly more hydrating than Solar Mate for drier skin types. Fruit extracts including cranberry, pomegranate and raspberry oils also provide additional antioxidant protection against UV rays and pollution. The latter ingredient also helps lighten hyperpigmentation.

Final conclusion

Both of these sunscreens will be a part of my summer routine, with the tinted Plus One being kept for a casual no-makeup day lounging by the pool and the Solar Mate serving as my daily SPF. Since I have sensitive skin and physical SPFs are often less irritating, I personally prefer mineral sunscreens like these. I also need something that is non-comedogenic as my skin is prone to breakouts during the summer months. The pump applicator is another plus in my book, as it ensures that your sunscreen doesn't spill into your beach bag or out of the tube when you go to use it (a personal pet peeve of mine is that it not only makes a mess, but wastes expensive product).

The only downside I can think of is that neither the Solar Mate nor Plus One formulations are waterproof, so if you swim or sweat (which, let's face it, we all do at some point in the summer), you'll need to reapply immediately or use two different waterproof products. The Solar Mate Sunscreen also has a slightly unpleasant scent when you apply it, despite the fact that both formulas are free of artificial fragrances. However, this perfume quickly disappeared after I started massaging the sunscreen into my skin.