Blue Lizard Sunscreen Review
Sunscreen is the one product we fly through the most in our household. Buying massive multi-packs and having them only last a month, that is normal for us, we just do not handle the sun well and we need lots of sunscreen.
With all this said, I was ecstatic to try out some Blue Lizard products this year. They are an Australian mineral-based sunscreen brand that has been around for over 20 years. If there is one thing I know, Australians take their sun protection very seriously.
Now, mineral sunscreens aren't everyone's cup of tea, but lots of people love them. I have always been in the middle; I like the right formulas and in the will be drawn to the sunscreen that works best for me and my household. In other-words, I am willing to try and use them all.
They have a few formulations, Sheer, Sensitive, Sport, Kids and Baby. Sheer and Sensitive have both a face and body product in their ranges, and Kids, Baby and Sensitive both have a stick version.
All their sunscreens are:
• Mineral based sunscreens - using Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide
• Fragrance-free
• Paraben-free
• Sweat and Water Resistant for 80 Minutes
• Reef safe - no Oxybenzone or Octinoxate
The Sensitive tubes and the Sport tube have Smart Cap Technology, which means the clear caps turn purple when in the presence of UV rays. It is shocking how purple they turn, even in the shade. It is a great reminder to apply and reapply your sunscreen.
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ and Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Face SPF 50+
Blue Lizard's Sheer line boasts that it is a sunscreen that rubs on smooth and dries clear. It is formulated with Shea Butter, Antioxidants, and Vitamin E. The face version has the hyaluronic acid in it as well.
How do I find they worked? Good, surprisingly good. The face formula is watery, so shake it up and be careful when you open it, it could pour out a bit. It applies smoothly and blends in well. It blends in quickly so there isn't too much time needed to rub it in and did not leave any white cast or streaking on me.
As for the body, it is also a bit runny, but absorbs nicely into the skin with minimal rubbing required. I actually really liked that it was thinner, so I didn't have to spend as much time blending it in and it reduced the application time needed.
Both formulas left my skin soft and dewy, but not greasy. It was definitely a nice feeling, like after one moisturizes the legs and they want to keep on touching it.
Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 and Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Blue Lizard's Sensitive line is fragrance-free (all their products are though), making it ideal for those that can be irritated by other sunscreens. It doesn't have the Shea Butter or other moisturizers the Sheer line does, because it is more focused on sensitive skin vs the feel on the skin. The face version does still have hyaluronic acid in it to help hydrate and claims not to clog pores.
The Sensitive Face sunscreen only seems to come in 30 SPF for now in Canada. I there is such a small difference between 30 and 50 SPF that I really could not tell any difference in coverage. .
Both the face and the body are thicker than their Sheer counterparts. They have a bit more of a traditional sunscreen thickness and feel, as a result I did need to rub them in a bit more. The end result was nicely covered skin that good, not dry or itchy like some sunscreens can leave me. The New York Times Wirecutter declared this their favourite sunscreen this year. They cite the non-chalky texture and ease to apply as reasons to love it.
Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Sunscreen sticks are always great to take with you on the go for touch ups, this one is a tiny little guy that goes with the Sensitive line. This formula only uses Zinc Oxide (20%), there is no Titanium Oxide in it.
I really like it for my lips, I do not find it moisturizing for my lips though, I just like that it is a stick.
The husband was complaining about how working outside his lips were not just dry, but he was afraid of the exposure to the UV rays. I told him to start using it and it has been great. He also keeps it in his work bag for touch ups. He applies the Sensitive at the start of his shift but as the day goes on his hands get dirty and the stick makes for an easy clean way to touch up.
Sport Mineral-Based Sunscreen SPF 50
The Sports Sunscreen is meant to give you more time doing activities outside without the sunscreen coming off.
It, like all the others, is good for 80 minutes of sweating and water activities, but I did find it held up in the pool so much better. I used it in a saltwater pool, chlorine pool and a hot tub. In all three situations, the water beaded up on my skin and my husbands.
It is the thickest between the Sheer and Sensitive formulas. It was a minor pain for the hubs to apply to his hair arms, but it held up so much better than any sunscreen he has tried this year in the water.
Overall,
I really like this line. I appreciate their variety of formulas, for both the face and body. I like that they are reef friendly so you have options when traveling. As well I like how they feel on my skin.
The Sport is by far my favourite, just because I spend so much time swimming in the summer and often burn quickly in the water. I haven't had that happen yet, and when I get out of the water I can see the sunscreen is still on my skin and working. For the face I think the Sheer is my favourite, but would definitely buy the Sensitive face sunscreen again.
You can find Blue Lizard products at Well.ca/Rexall, London Drugs, Real Canadian Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix and Indigo.
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