I really enjoyed my vacation in Australia. It really has been a long time since I was Down Under (my last visit was in 1988). Of course this is a country so close to the equator that sunscreen is something paramount on most people's minds.
I remember, from the 1980s, that zinc oxide was always a go to choice for most Australians. People would buy brightly-coloured pastes and literally paint their faces while on the beach. Of course we have learned so much more about sun safety since then and one thing I did notice was how very few people actually frequented the beaches during the most dangerous times of the day. But sunscreen was still on my mind the whole time.
Zinc Oxide has sure come a long way since the 1980s and no longer is one required to wear neon-coloured paste to benefit from the protective nature of this great sunscreen.
Technically speaking the product I am reviewing here is an international beauty find but the key active ingredient is one found in many sunscreens in Canada—so read labels carefully and look for Zinc Oxide the next time you are shopping for a sunscreen.
Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear SPF 30+ ($34 for 30mL) a 3 in 1 formula that is a moisturizer, sunscreen and foundation!
PROS:
1. Benefits of Zinc Oxide:
Zinc Oxide is a natural physical sunscreen that reflects UVA and UVB rays; unlike chemical sunscreens that work by absorbing the rays.
2. Milled Formula
Invisble Zinc is a milled formula that prevents the white particle from being seen by the naked eye. All the protection without the white film.
3. Unique Properties
Zinc Oxide is one of only two sunscreens that is broad spectrum. When using Zinc Oxide there is no other sunscreen required for full portection.
4. Safe for the Whole Family
Zinc Oxide is safe for everyone incuding babies and children. As a matter of fact it is the active ingredient in most diaper rash creams and baby lotions. One product for everyone and no risk of irritation.
CONS:
1. Requires a Setting Powder
The only drawback to this product is that it requires an additional purchase to get the maximum benefit. Invisible Zinc Powder ($40 for 12g) in order to keep it in place all day and maximize the sunscreen. So the true purchase is actually $74 for the best benefits.
While the Invisible Zinc product is not yet available, in the Canadian market, there is a great alternative (shameless self-promotion ahead):
Daniel Thompson Beauty Mineral Sheer Tint SPF 20 ($62 for 30mL)
Mineral Sheer Tint uses the same milled technology to deliver Zinc Oxide and it is actually 5 products in 1: moisturizer, sunscreen, primer, foundation and setting powder (self setting) in one. Direct comparisons make it 16% less expensive! And it's all Canadian.
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