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| Above: Physical sunscreen from Omorovicza, Goldfaden MD and Radical Skincare that provide effective, natural protection without the dreaded white cast. |
As much of the world thaws from winter’s harsh embrace, those of us in warmer climates are already feeling the need to ramp up our sunscreen routine. Living near the beach in Southern California, sunscreen has been a part of my beauty process for years on end. That being said, I much prefer the calming and classic effect of physical suncreen, rather than its ubiquitous chemical counterparts. Finding excellent physical options, however, can be challenging as many traditional formulas can be overly thick and chalky, in turn, rendering an ultra-unflattering white cast that looks even worse in photographs!
In today’s post, I am excited to share three marvelous physical sunscreens that not only valiantly protect the skin with gentle yet potent ingredients…they also leave the face looking smooth, primed and radiant, thereby radically defying the unsavory reputation of the physical sunscreens of yesteryear.
Kindly scroll on for more details, images and the Bottom Line…
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| Above: Having only one face in this UV-harsh world justifies the need for at least three sunscreen formulas, no? |
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| Above: The Omorovicza Mineral UV Shield SPF 30. |
Up first, the newly released *Omorovicza Mineral UV Shield (currently available at Nordstorm and Omorovicza.com). This silky formula has an intoxicating natural scent (as to be expected with the venerable Omorovicza line…also reviewed HERE and HERE) and its creamy texture is instantly absorbed into the skin, acting like a luxurious moisturizer as well as an impressive SPF.
I love how light this is, texturally speaking; it provides an excellent base for makeup and my skin feels balanced and comfortable over the course of wear. Additionally, the SPF 30 powerfully shields my skin from the sun without creating the slightest hint of white cast…marvelous!
Excellent for:
- Those seeking hydration and protection
- Those with sensitive skin
- Those who love a soft matte finish
Official details, courtesy of Omorovicza:
The Mineral UV Shield SPF 30 uses a highly effective combination of mineral sunscreens zinc and titanium dioxide to provide SPF30 UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection, without blocking pores or causing irritation.
Mineral sunscreens work to physically block the sun’s rays from reaching skin’s surface, while chemical sunscreens absorb and eventually dissipate the sun’s harmful rays. As a result, chemical sunscreens can clog pores, trigger allergic reactions, and irritate skin, making mineral-based formulas the choice for those with sensitive, or acne-prone skin.
While some mineral sunscreens have a reputation for being thick or chalky, Omorovicza’s Mineral UV Shield SPF 30 is a revelation. Silica spheres encapsulate titanium dioxide to smooth over the surface of the skin, blur lines and imperfections, and leave a smooth, matte finish. Acting as a make-up primer, or your go-to sunscreen for any holiday, the Mineral UV Shield offers full SPF protection while feeling feather-light on the skin.
Mineral sunscreens work to physically block the sun’s rays from reaching skin’s surface, while chemical sunscreens absorb and eventually dissipate the sun’s harmful rays. As a result, chemical sunscreens can clog pores, trigger allergic reactions, and irritate skin, making mineral-based formulas the choice for those with sensitive, or acne-prone skin.
While some mineral sunscreens have a reputation for being thick or chalky, Omorovicza’s Mineral UV Shield SPF 30 is a revelation. Silica spheres encapsulate titanium dioxide to smooth over the surface of the skin, blur lines and imperfections, and leave a smooth, matte finish. Acting as a make-up primer, or your go-to sunscreen for any holiday, the Mineral UV Shield offers full SPF protection while feeling feather-light on the skin.
Ingredients: Aqua (Hungarian Thermal Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Zinc Oxide, Silica, Squalane, Glycerin, Ethylhexyldodecanol, Stearyl Heptanoate, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Titanium Dioxide, Sorbitan Olivate, Phenoxyethanol, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Saccharomyces (Hungarian Thermal Water) Ferment Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Alumina, Sodium Hyaluronate, Parfum (Fragrance), Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Isostearic Acid, Lactic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Phospholipids, Linalool, Limonene, Citral.
Usage: Apply the Mineral UV Shield SPF 30 before exposure to the sun. Must be re-applied every 2 hours and after going in water. It can be worn alone or under foundation.
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| Above: The Goldfaden MD Sun Visor SPF 30. |
The *Goldfaden MD Sun Visor SPF 30 (previously reviewed HERE and HERE) features a fine mist that can be sprayed under or over makeup for formidable sun protection. In the sake of full disclosure, although the majority of the sunscreen power comes from physical ingredients, there is a small concentration of chemical suncreen agent (octinoxate) that adds to its strength.
I am in awe by how effortlessly a few spritzes of this formula on the face effectively keeps the dangers of the sun at bay and appreciate the portability of the spray bottle. This allows for me to use it for face and body without covering my fingers and fingernails in sunscreen!
Excellent for:
- Those who prefer the lightest sunscreen texture possible
- Those who want to touch up (face and body) throughout the day without disturbing makeup
- Those who don’t mind a marginal inclusion of chemical sunscreen ingredients
Official details, courtesy of Space.NK:
Dr. Goldfaden’s fast absorbing, ultra-light oil-free, PABA-free and fragrance-free SPF 30 sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays. This unique sun protection product provides an ultra fine mist that can be applied directly to your skin and even over your make up. There are no excuses not to wear a sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure.
Shields skin against harmful UVA/UVB rays, protects skin from premature aging & is Oil-free, PABA-free, fragrance-free.
Key Ingredients:
OCTINOXATE: ABSORBS HARMFUL ULTRA VIOLET RAYS, WHICH LEAD TO PREMATURE AGING.
TITANIUM DIOXIDE: NATURAL PHYSICAL SUN PROTECTANT THAT HELPS SHIELD SKIN FROM HARMFUL UVA AND UVB RAYS.
ORGANIC RED TEA EXTRACT: 50X MORE POWERFUL AS AN ANTIOXIDANT THAN GREEN TEA AND CONTAINS VITAMINS A, C & E TO RESURFACE, PROTECT AND BRIGHTEN SKIN.
TITANIUM DIOXIDE MICRONIZED, OCTINOXATE, BENZOPHENONE-3, PURIFIED WATER, ORGANIC RED TEA, POLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE, DIMETHYLSILOXANE, PHENOXYETHANOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN
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| Above: The Radical Skincare Skin Perfecting Screen SPF 30. |
The *Radical Skincare Skin Perfecting Screen SPF 30 (available at Sephora, Barney’s NY and Space.NK) is a gorgeous, scent-free option for those who desire an ultra-light yet fluid texture that yeilds a luminous and radiant finish. Previously reviewed HERE and HERE, the pearly, slightly-pink tinged formula glides over skin, leaving it perfectly prepared for any makeup to come.
I adore the sensible packaging (apropos for one’s handbag) and the light-reflecting ingredients leave one’s complexion looking instantly rested and glowing…physical suncreen never looked so good!
Excellent for:
- Those seeking a skin smoothing primer + SPF effect
- Those who love a radiant, glowing finish
- Those who prefer the inclusion of antioxidants in the ingredients list
Official details, courtesy of Sephora:
What it is:
A potent non-chemical sunscreen and skin perfector in one.
What it is formulated to do:
This powerful formula—enriched with a combination of light-reflecting pigments, mineral sunscreens, and an antioxidant complex—provides daily, essential protection from harmful UV rays. The reflective quality improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and imperfections, leaving skin protected and luminous with a matte finish.
Ingredients: Water, Caprylyl Methicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Isododecane, Titanium Dioxide, Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Sea Salt, Alumina, Methicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Disodium EDTA, PEG-10, Glycerin, Isostearic Acid, Iron Oxides, Adenosine, Lecithin, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Niacinamide, Tocopherol, Diamond Powder, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Superoxide Dismutase, Tromethamine.
-Zinc Oxide 7.75% and Titanium Dioxide (.87%: Absorb, reflect, or scatter light (including ultraviolet radiation in light) to protect skin.
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| Above: “Swatches” of the sunscreen formulas in direct sunlight…the Goldfaden MD Sun Visor mist is so whisper light, it cannot be captured on film. |
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| Above: Soaking in a bit of Vitamin D while being fully protected…wrap around bikini top by Free People. |
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| Above: Harmful sun rays have nothing on these sunscreens but I’ll still wear a hat for prolonged exposure on my face ; ) |
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| Above: Last look. |
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: I hope you found this sunscreen-inspired post helpful! We all know that avoiding sun damage is the single best thing one can do for their skin both presently and in the future; this reality makes sunscreen one of the most valuable skincare products ever. Consequently, now that we are fully-entrenched in spring and summer is but around the corner, you won’t catch my face without one of these marvelous formulas from Omorovicza, Radical Skincare and Goldfaden MD. For those of you still in the midst of snow and gloom, there is no better way to prepare for sunnier days than by procuring a fresh sunscreen formula. Perhaps said action will beckon the warmth to your locale ; )
What are some of YOUR favorite physical sunscreens?
Good things ahead…I am currently drowning in Burberry Beauty and By Terry (is that ever a bad thing?) and also have a fresh round of foundation swatches in the editing phase. So much to share!
xx and have a brilliant start to the week,
–The Beauty Professor
** PR samples provided for review denoted by an asterik (the rest purchased by me), however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own.
** PR samples provided for review denoted by an asterik (the rest purchased by me), however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own.
© 2012-15 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.
Comments (18)
Radical and Omorovicza definitely seem to worth a try but Goldfaden MD Sun Visor I would ditch with no second thoughts as it is not a pure physical sunscreen and it contains oxybenzone.
Hi Gabi,
Thanks for your thoughts…everyone is different so I am glad to offer what I think are some of the best options out there!
Kind regards,
–The Beauty Professor
Thanks so much for this review! I've been waiting for some commentary on the Omorovicza before ordering xoxox
Hi Sonia
My pleasure…I am so happy you found this review helpful!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Have recently fallen in love with Pai, natural skincare wise, and was looking for an equally natural sunscreen to complement my regime, now that the sun is getting stronger. Your post was pure "gold" in that respect! Thank you…
Hi Christiana,
Thanks for sharing your skincare finds! So glad you enjoyed the post…XO,
–The Beauty Professor
Very helpfull Rachel!
I am a bit enviouse about that you are able to wear a bikini outside…I really want to visit California at this time, the last tme we went was 7 years ago.
My skin is prone to actinic dermatitis, so a fancy suncream is always a problem but for normal sun situation I will try the Omorovisza one, my hubby told me, O`s illuminating cream is great.
Greetings from Germany
Susanne
Hi Susanne,
Thank you! I know, we are completely blessed with our current weather in Southern CA this spring and I hope the sunshine and warmth make their way to Germany zoo.
I hope the Omorovicza is the right fit for you…such a beautiful formula!
XOXO,
–The Beauty Professor
How does re-application of these sunscreens affect one's make-up?
With the Goldfaden spray, there is no interference; with the creams (as with any cream), reapplication would potentially disrupt the makeup…definitely a worthwhile risk in terms of the benefits!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
I love the idea of the Goldfadden!
Thanks, Clever Girl!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Thanks for this review! I'm always on the hunt for good physical ss. These are next on my list. I have been using Image Skincare MD Reconstructive Moisturizer SPF 50- REALLY nice stuff, too. Can't wait for the sun!!
Hi Lucky Red Lisa!
My pleasure and thanks for your recommendation!
Summer cannot get here soon enough ; )
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
On a completely unrelated note from this post I just wanted to say,aside from your taste in makeup you truly have an exquisite jewelry collection! I would love to see a post on your favourites. You seem to have some very beautiful and unique pieces!
Hi Simmi,
Thank you ever so much! I so appreciate your interest and will work on a post…I have a massive love for estate and antique pieces ; )
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
I have been looking for an SPF that can work for my extra sensitive skin for years and years! My skin doesn't like mineral oil, chemical spfs and silicones. The Omorovicza Mineral UV Shield is perfect. None of the things that irritate or severely break me out repeatedly. Silicone-free products are impossible find! Thanks for your research and thoroughness in all your blog posts. It has been a life-saver!
Hi Anon,
I am so very glad to read your comment…it makes me thrilled to hear that you have found your way to a befitting sunscreen.
Thanks for your loyal support…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor