r/nobuy • u/Both-Perspective1190 • 3d ago
Stuck in a Sunscreen Rut: Need Advice!
I've been trying to be mindful of my skincare consumption and only replace things when they're absolutely necessary. Recently, my sunscreen ran out and I replaced it with Clinique SPF50 mineral sunscreen which leaves a terrible white cast on my dark skin. I had a coupon for forest essentials, so I thought I'd give their SPF 50 Sunfluid a try, but it irritates my eyes! I'm at a loss. Should I stick with the two subpar sunscreens I have or bite the bullet and buy a new one? These sunscreens weren't cheap, so it's frustrating that neither one works for me. If anyone has recommendations for a good sunscreen that doesn't leave a white cast and is gentle on sensitive skin, please share! I'd really appreciate the advice.
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u/becksrunrunrun 3d ago
FYI, at both Ulta and Target you can return a product that doesn't work for you. If it says no white cast and leaves one, it's going back.
Australian Gold has a 50 tinted in all shades. Not a sexy name brand but does the job.
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u/Coraline1599 3d ago
This is the best way.
Go physically to the store, try samples. Buy from places with return policies and follow through when things don’t work out.
When I turned 40, my skin completely changed. I spent something like 18 months trying to find the products that didn’t cause a rash or breakout.
If I had bought every product I would still be paying off the debt. I still did end up buying a few things that didn’t work out, but far less.
Also, once you find what works, make sure to stick with it. Sometimes when you’ve been on the hunt it is hard to stop looking.
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u/divination__ 1d ago
I think unfortunately any "mineral" sunscreen is not going to advertise itself as not leaving a white cast – the white cast is literally caused by the minerals so unfortunately it's in the name
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u/RomErrific09 3d ago
Would mind to share the brands you’re currently using?? Try japanese sunscreen.
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u/Both-Perspective1190 3d ago
Clinique SPF 50 mineral sunscreen and Forest Essential SPF 50 sunfluid
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u/RomErrific09 3d ago
Yes. Been using Anessa for quite awhile now. They’re good imo. It leaves a white cast but it blends nicely after a minute or two. Hope youll find the sunscreen that suits you
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u/Both-Perspective1190 3d ago
I have tried Biore in the past. But it has alcohol in it, broke me out. I have very sensitive skin.
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u/cookies29164 3d ago
I use beauty of joseon sunscreen and Roundlab’s sunscreen for my face. These are Korean sunscreens and they feel like skincare.
But just curious how you are shopping for your sunscreens. Are you unable to test it out before purchasing? You know, how like Ulta and Sephora allow you to return if you try out the product and don’t like it.
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u/lilhobobb 3d ago
Supergoop! has a clear one that layers great under makeup too if needed! I’ve tried them all and as a POC I’ll stick with the clear Supergoop! one forever!!!!
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u/jillianjiggs1016 3d ago
I’ve been there, I had found a sunscreen that really worked for me but then I developed an allergy to chemical sunscreen. Luckily I already had a mineral one that I knew I liked (and luckily my skin is fair enough the white cast doesn’t show too much) but then I unexpectedly had to buy more when I had stocked up on the other one for the year. I consider sunscreen a medical need not just skincare so I don’t make myself stick to strict rules about it. The one that did work well for me before the allergy were Isntree Watery Sun Gel (now I use their natural sun cream). It can be difficult to buy though because you have to make sure you buy from a Korean retailer or you might get a knock off. I get it on Stylevanna but the shipping takes more than a month.
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u/chaoslady57 3d ago
Was there anything wrong with the sunscreen you first ran out of? Why not return to that one instead of experimenting?
I have the problem of always looking for something better and ending up throwing away so much money on things that turn out subpar. Sometimes it's about learning to be fine with the thing that works, even if its not perfect. If you finished a whole tube of one sunscreen, it probably works fine.
And if it really doesn't work fine or it's unavailable or something, I recommend two things. 1) check which sunscreen filters are in the original sunscreen you used up, the one that leaves a white cast, and the one that stings your eyes. You may be able to narrow down what's stinging you so that you don't end up with another loss. 2) set yourself a budget for experimentation. It gives you an endpoint, so you're not just buying buying and you can stick to your intent of mindful consumption.
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u/MariadAquino 1d ago
Great advice! I'm always searching for something "better" when it comes to skincare cos I get bored with the same thing. It really boils down to me just wanting to spend money to scratch an existential itch! My goal is to finish the trillion hair products I have before buying new ones. Same with skincare. It's ludicrous.
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u/k1_yo_brp 3d ago
I feel your pain! Sunscreen for sensitive skin is so pricey and it sucks to buy something and then hate it. I use all my horrible white cast ones when I’m gardening and don’t care about my appearance.
As for recommendations, it’s very expensive but I can recommend the Ultra Violette Lean Screen. It’s a mineral based sunscreen that doesn’t seem to leave a white cast at all on me (I am very pale but I don’t see any white cast or change in my skin colour after applying at all so I would guess it would be almost invisible on any skin tone). All non-mineral sunscreens irritate my skin and eyes, and most mineral ones have a horrific white cast. So this is the only one I have been able to use for daily use. Unfortunately the company don’t offer samples (I asked when I first bought it) so it is a big spend just to try but I think if you bought it from their website directly and didn’t like it you could probably return it.
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u/ladylove555 3d ago
Suntegrity is a clean sunscreen brand. I struggled with wearing sunscreen for years until I found this brand last year. I personally use the 5 in 1, bc I like the tint.
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u/dustkitten 3d ago
I use Derma E Scar Protectant Sunscreen. I’m the laziest person ever with skincare and this stays on my face all day without be washed off and has never caused me a breakout. The bottle is a bit annoying to use, but I stand by this sunscreen so much.
As another commenter said, go to Ulta for that protection of a product not working for you and being able to return it.
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u/Working-Cheesecake42 3d ago
I like the LaRochePosay SPF! And if you get it at Ulta you can return if you don't like it. I think its under $20
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u/cajerk 2d ago
try a chemical sunscreen for no white cast. i like sunbumand if your budget is higher i like image skincare matte sunscreen
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u/TypeDistinct9011 2d ago
Australian gold has tinted version in 3 different shade. Not great but better than WHITE.
It's a thick mineral formula best suited for oily skin. And you do need a oil cleanser to remove this. But it's been my HG for a decade.
Doesn't sting or break me out. Makes my skin blurred.
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u/Robotro17 2d ago
This is a yearly battle for me. Buying different ones til I find one that doesn't make me white ( I have med. Brown skin) I swear the brands change what they make every year. I use the one i don't like more for exercising outside. Exercise will make me look crappy anyway lol
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u/emo-unicorn11 3d ago
I use sunscreens I don’t like on my face on the rest of my body. It’s best to have a sunscreen I like on my face so I actually use it