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Showing posts with label mineral sunscreen. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

The Best, Most Attractive Sunscreen Makeup for Mature Skin

If you have followed my posts here on Review This Reviews or on social media, you know that I am a 70-year-old woman who became a serious skincare enthusiast at age 65. Using a great anti-aging skincare routine consistently has helped me turn back the clock and look much younger than my chronological age. It has also helped me combat those pesky age spots AKA sun spots AKA hyperpigmentation that are the late-blooming results of having spent too many years unprotected by sunscreen.

Today, I know that daily sunscreen application, regardless of the weather, is the most important step in my skincare routine. As a result, I have a few favorite sunscreens to choose from, depending on my mood and my activities for the day. In general, I prefer tinted mineral sunscreens and rarely feel the need to wear foundation.

For everyday wear, I tend to gravitate toward Undefined Beauty's R&R Sun Serum, which is a sheer, liquid, broad-spectrum sunscreen with a lovely serum texture and SPF 50 PA++++ sun protection, as well as skincare ingredients like Niacinamide. I use the Light/Neutral shade, which is nearly invisible on my skin after I rub it in and has zero white cast. Alternatively, I use DRMTLGY Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46, a moisturizing tinted sunscreen with a mix of both chemical and physical sun filters and a choice of a dewy or matte finish (I prefer the dewy version), among a few other favorite sunscreens.

However, if I want to look a bit more polished and plan to wear a bit of makeup, I most often reach for my Toty Illumina CC Creamy Compact SPF 50+, which is a tinted mineral sunscreen and foundation hybrid that provides lightweight complexion coverage and a natural-looking satin finish. It costs a bit more than drugstore foundations with SPF, but provides much better sun protection and has additional anti-aging skincare benefits while giving a beautiful skin-like finish that is especially flattering to mature complexions.

IMPORTANT! When using most foundations with SPF, the amount of product you would need to apply to get the stated SPF protection would result in a very thick, cakey application, which is why most sunscreen foundations actually don't provide enough sun protection. They are also difficult to reapply during the day, which is important if you are going to be outdoors or by a sunny window.

FUN FACT: Toty is actress Sofia Vergara's skincare and sunscreen brand. The products are manufactured in Spain in a lab that is known for its extremely high quality skincare and sunscreen products.

The Best, Most Attractive Sunscreen Makeup for Mature Skin

Toty Ilumina CC Creamy Compact SPF 50+ Review

The Toty Ilumina CC Creamy Compact SPF 50+ is a next-generation complexion perfecter that combines makeup, skincare, and sun protection in one sleek compact. Designed for mature and sensitive skin, this luxurious CC compact delivers soft-focus, skin-blurring coverage with hydrating, anti-aging ingredients and powerful SPF 50+ defense.

Next-Generation Makeup: A Flawless, Second-Skin Finish

Unlike traditional CC creams or powder foundations, the Toty Ilumina CC Creamy Compact features tone-adapting pigments for a natural, velvety-satin finish that blends seamlessly into the skin.

Soft-focus, skin-blurring coverage minimizes pores and imperfections
Lightweight yet buildable for a fresh, natural look
Tone-adapting pigments ensure a seamless shade match
Available in 15 shades to suit a wide range of skin tones
Long-lasting wear that holds up throughout the day

Author wearing Toty Illumina CC Creamy Compact SPF 50+ sunscreen makeup

When I want to look a bit more polished and put on a little makeup, I use Toty Illumina CC Creamy Compact SPF 50+ to even out my complexion a bit while providing mineral sunscreen coverage

Find Your Perfect Shade Easily

With 15 tone-adapting shades, this CC compact makes it effortless to find your match. Note: Not all the shades are available on Amazon, so you may prefer to purchase your Toty Illumina CC Creamy Compact SPF 50+ on the Toty website (affiliate link). Use Toty’s Shade Finder tool or upload a selfie on the Toty website to receive a personalized shade recommendation for the most natural, flawless finish.

Note: I find that this sunscreen is slightly darker and warmer than my complexion in the shade that was recommended for me, so although my complexion is light to light-medium and neutral, the shade 1C works best for me. Fortunately, since the compact is refillable, I was able to swap out my original shade for my newer shade just by purchasing a new refill.

Advanced SPF 50+ Protection: More Than Just Sunscreen

This 100% mineral SPF 50+ compact offers four levels of sun-aging defense:

Broad-Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection to prevent premature aging
Iron Oxides protect against Visible/Blue Light (from screens and indoor lighting)
Antioxidants (PLE FERNBOOST) defend against oxidative stress and free radical damage
Water & Sweat Resistant for 80 minutes, making it perfect for daily wear and reapplication

Unlike traditional sunscreens, this lightweight, non-greasy formula in a convenient compact allows for effortless on-the-go SPF re-application, helping you maintain youthful, healthy skin without disrupting your makeup.

Sun-Aging Defense Skincare: Nourish & Protect

This CC compact doesn’t just enhance your skin instantly—it actively improves skin health over time with powerful skincare ingredients:

PLE FERNBOOST (a proprietary antioxidant blend) fights sun-induced aging
Vitamin E provides deep hydration and shields against environmental damage
Squalane replenishes moisture, keeping skin soft, supple, and youthful

Bonus Benefits: Clean, Clinically Tested, and Skin-Friendly

Vegan & Cruelty-Free—no animal testing
Dermatologist-Tested & Clinically Proven
Non-Comedogenic—won’t clog pores or cause breakouts
Suitable for Sensitive Skin—free of common irritants like gluten, nickel, parabens, lanolin, talc, and preservatives

Open Toty Illumina CC Creamy Compact SPF 50+ showing applicator sponge in lower compartment

Under the magnetic upper compartment that holds the mineral sunscreen foundation, there's a lower compartment with an applicator sponge, although I much prefer using the brush for a sheer application

Pro Application Tips & Recommended Add-Ons

Use as the last step of your skincare routine and the first step of your makeup routine. This compact keeps your makeup flawless and your SPF protection in action all day.

How to Apply for a Flawless, Protected Look:

Warm up the product by swirling the applicator sponge or, preferably, the Toty Illumina Brush into the sunscreen foundation in the Illumina CC Creamy Compact.
Apply evenly across the face using smooth strokes, blending into the skin for a seamless finish.
Reapply every two hours if you're outdoors or exposed to the sun. The sleek compact design makes it convenient to carry in your purse, backpack, or car for touch-ups throughout the day.

Recommended Add-Ons for a Perfect Finish:

Toty Illumina Brush (affiliate link)

The compact comes with a sponge applicator, but I find that the sunscreen makeup applies heavier than I would like with the sponge. For a more natural finish, I highly recommend getting the optional Toty Illumina Brush!

Designed for precision application, angled for easy blending
Soft, dense bristles ensure a streak-free, airbrushed finish
Works perfectly with the Illumina CC Creamy Compact SPF 50+ to create a flawless yet natural, skin-like texture

Toty Rosita Storage Pouch (affiliate link)

Chic, very lightweight, and functional for carrying your essentials
The perfect size for carrying the CC Compact and Illumina Brush for touch-ups on the go
Stylish storage in a light peach fabric with rose gold-tone metallic accents makes it a luxe addition to your beauty arsenal

Always Divina Set (affiliate link)

Get everything you need to stay sun protected on the go with the Toty Always Divina Set, which includes:

The Toty Ilumina CC Creamy Compact in your choice of 15 tone-adapting shades
The Toty Illumina Brush for a seamless, airbrushed application
The Toty Rosita Zippered Storage Pouch to keep everything organized and ready for touch-ups on the go

This set is perfect for anyone who wants all three products in one convenient bundle.

Toty Always Divina Set - Illumina CC Creamy Compact SPF 50+ with brush and storage pouch

My Toty Always Divina Set with the sunscreen makeup compact, brush, and pouch

Toty Illumina CC Creamy Compact SPF 50+ Refill (affiliate link)

Once you buy the compact, you never need to buy another. Just buy a refill when you are running low. The refillable compact also gives you the option of buying refills in two shades, one for the winter and a slightly darker or warmer shade for the summer.

Toty Illumina CC Creamy Compact SPF 50+ with unopened refill

I love that the compact is refillable!

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely! The Toty Ilumina CC Creamy Compact SPF 50+ is the ultimate hybrid of skincare, sun protection, and complexion perfection. If you want flawless, radiant skin with anti-aging benefits, this is one of the best sunscreen makeup compacts on the market.

In an independent 28-day consumer study of 87 women aged 18-65 (phototype I to VI):

98% said they were satisfied with how long it lasted on their skin
95% were satisfied with the product overall
92% agreed that pores, imperfections, and dark spots were visibly diminished

Pros:

Soft-focus, blurring effect for a youthful look
Long-lasting, lightweight coverage (98% of users agreed!)
High SPF 50+ protection with iron oxides for blue light defense
Water & sweat resistant (80 min)—great for all-day wear
Infused with antioxidants & skincare ingredients
Available in 15 adaptable shades for a natural, seamless match
Easy shade matching with the Toty Shade Finder tool
The Always Divina Set provides a complete, effortless beauty routine

Cons:

Best applied with the Illumina Brush, which is sold separately unless purchased in the Always Divina Set.
Might need to try more than one shade to find your perfect match.
Natural Satin Finish may not appeal to women who prefer a glowy complexion product. For them, Toty Illumina Mineral Glow SPF 50+.

Who Should Try It?

Women over 40 looking for a hydrating, natural-finish foundation with SPF
Anyone with sensitive skin, rosacea, or mature skin concerns
Those who want a long-wearing, breathable formula with anti-aging benefits

For the best experience, grab the Always Divina Set to get everything you need for a flawless, protected complexion in one go!

The Best, Most Attractive Sunscreen Makeup for Mature Skin by Margaret Schindel

Saturday, May 18, 2019

Review of EltaMD® and Colorescience® Mineral-Based Physical Sunscreens

EltaMD® and Colorescience® High-SPF Chemical-Free Physical Sunscreens You'll Actually Enjoy Using

Photo of my favorite EltaMD and Colorescience mineral physical sunscreen products

I’ve known for many years that it’s important to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection whenever you go outdoors, rain or shine. (I didn't learn about the importance of applying SPF indoors as well until this year.)

When I was 20, I found out the hard way that you can get burned even on a gray, cloudy day. A friend and I had planned a day at the beach to do a little tanning. (In our defense, that was in the 1970s, when people were much less aware of sun damage than they are today. That, and we were young and foolish and more focused on our looks than on our health.) The day of our beach outing turned out to be cool and heavily overcast, but we were determined to get some color. So, we put on our bikinis anyway and lay on our towels, shivering, for several hours. We were both fair-skinned and soon discovered the error of our ways. By the next morning we were as red as lobsters! That full-body sunburn was so painful that I had to go to my summer job bra-less all that week (ah, the good old ‘70s!), wearing only the loosest dresses I could find so the least material possible would touch my roasted skin.

Four decades later my dad developed skin cancer late in life, thanks to his years in the Navy during World War II. So, I’ve become pretty obsessive about wearing SPF 30 or higher every day.

I apply a physical sunscreen from EltaMD® to my face, neck and hands every morning a few minutes after finish applying my skin care. Then I use a Colorescience® brush-on powdered mineral sunscreen every two hours to make sure I'm protected throughout the day from damaging UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) ultraviolet rays, as well as from the HEV ("blue light") emitted by screens from mobile phones and other digital devices, including TVs.

Sunscreen With Broad-Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection Is Your Best Anti-Aging Product

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in human beings. But Wearing sunscreen protects not only against skin cancer but also against wrinkles. People often mistake my age as being 20 years younger than my actual 65 years, and I attribute my youthful looks to a combination of luck (good genes) and faithful use of sunscreen. Using a well-formulated, safe, high SPF mineral sunscreen daily will do more to prevent wrinkles than any other beauty product.

The American Cancer Society advises using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection. Sunburn is mostly caused by UVB rays, which can damage skin cells' DNA directly and are thought to cause most skin cancers. If you have fine lines, wrinkles or hyperpigmentation (brown spots or patches), blame them on UVA rays. They also cause damage to skin cells' DNA, cause them to age prematurely and are thought to play a role in certain skin cancers.

Tip: Focus on the last letter to help you remember which ultraviolet rays cause burning vs. aging: UVA rays will Age your skin, while UVB rays will Burn your skin.

Moisturizers with SPF Don't Protect Nearly as Well as Physical Sunscreens

Many people look for moisturizers and makeup with SPF to avoid applying both a moisturizer and a sunscreen. But leading dermatologists say that's not a good idea.

Moisturizers are designed to soak into the skin to restore moisture balance and, depending on the product, to deliver ingredients deeper into the skin. But the purpose of sunscreen is to form a protective shield on top of the skin. The safest and most effective sunscreens use minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that form a physical barrier against damaging UVA/UVB ultraviolet rays.
The FDA regulates sunscreen as a drug. Since they require a certain amount of SPF in a formula to and in order to meet the agency's requirements for effectiveness, there isn't much room for other active ingredients. With a moisturizer, between using such a small amount (compared to sunscreen) and the dilution of the SPF by the moisturizer, you're effectively getting less significantly lower SPF protection than the number on the packaging.

The Dangers of Using Chemical Sunscreens

Dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen on your face, neck, hands and any other exposed skin all day, every day, except when you’re sleeping. They also recommend physical mineral-based sunscreens that rely on zinc oxide and/or titanium oxide for sun protection, sit on the surface of the skin and reflect UV light instead of chemical sunscreens that penetrate the skin and absorb UV light. Another advantage of physical sunscreens is that, unlike chemical sunscreens, they provide protection immediately.

In 2019, a preliminary study by the FDA found that the active ingredients (avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and ecamsule) in four popular chemical sunscreens were absorbed into the test subjects’ bloodstreams in higher concentrations than the agency’s threshold of toxicological concern. And the EWG (the Environmental Working Group), which publishes a highly respected annual sunscreen guide that grades products on safety, declared both oxybenzone and octinoxate to be chemical UV filters with "high toxicity concerns."

2020 Update: The FDA's Second Sunscreen Absorption Study Concludes That Even More Studies of Chemical Active Ingredients in Sunscreens Are Needed

The FDA's second sunscreen absorption study, "Effect of Sunscreen Application on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients: A Randomized Clinical Trial" was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on January 21, 2020. Its purpose was to determine the maximum blood plasma concentration of six sunscreen active ingredients—avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate and octinoxate—from four different sunscreen formulations (lotion, aerosol spray, non-aerosol spray and pump spray). This follow-up study concluded that all six of the active ingredients tested were systemically absorbed in concentrations high enough to support the need for additional studies to determine these findings' clinical significance.

It's Hard to Find Physical Sunscreens That Look and Feel Great

Since that time, I've tried many physical sunscreen products over the years, from drugstore brands to fancy Sephora buys, in my quest for one that:

Provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection
Doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin
Doesn’t cause breakouts
Doesn’t feel or look heavy or chalky
Contains zinc oxide and/or titanium oxide
Doesn’t leave that ghoulish, slightly iridescent white cast typical of high-SPF mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide.

Until a few months ago, none of the ones I tried met all my requirements. Then, finally, I found my "holy grail" facial sunscreen!

EltaMD® UV Physical Tinted Facial Sunscreen

EltaMD® UV Physical Tinted Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 is water-resistant for 80 minutes, oil-free (so it doesn’t break me out) and, because it’s tinted and uses transparent zinc oxide (along with titanium dioxide), it doesn’t leave that awful purplish-white cast on my skin. After putting moisturizer on my dry skin, I let it soak in for a couple of minutes before applying the sunscreen to my face. This tinted version evens out my complexion like a sheer BB cream for a my-skin-but-better look on days when I go without makeup. It also works perfectly as a primer under my sheer foundation. In fact, I first learned about this product from a well-known makeup artist on YouTube who says it's her favorite primer!

The beautiful formulation make it feel more like skincare than a mineral sunscreen, so I actually enjoy using it every day. It costs more than a drugstore sunscreen, but after trying more than a dozen physical sunscreens that failed to meet my requirements, I’m happy to pay the price for one that does everything I need it to and also doubles (triples?) as a BB cream and a makeup primer.

I wear light-medium foundation colors. If you are Asian or African-American, you might prefer EltaMD® UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44, which has a darker, warmer tint as well as hyaluronic acid for hydration. If your skin is fair, you might want to try EltaMD® UV Replenish Broad-Spectrum SPF 44. Although the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in this untinted formula make it white when applied, some reviewers claim the whitish cast goes away after a few minutes. I have found that the best way to apply untinted mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is to apply them in two thin layers, rubbing each layer in very well.

Note: EltaMD® has many other facial sunscreen products, including two clear, untinted sunscreen formulas. I was sent a sample of UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 (untinted version) and it's quite lovely. (The company's product names can be confusing. For example, how can there be a tinted version of a "clear" sunscreen?) Unfortunately, only the three products I mentioned above are 100% physical, chemical-free facial sunscreen formulas. The active ingredients in all the others, including the two clear, untinted facial sunscreen formulas and the SPF 31 lip balm, contain chemical (octinoxate) as well as mineral (titanium dioxide) UV filters.

A Less Expensive Option for Medium Skin Tones

Before I discovered EltaMD® UV Physical Tinted Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 earlier this year, my everyday sunscreen was Australian Gold® Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Mineral Lotion. It's a very good sunscreen that meets most of my criteria. The finish is a bit too matte for my dry skin and the tint is a bit darker than my skin tone, so it's not ideal for year-round wear. But I still wear it sometimes in the summer to give my complexion a bit of that healthy, warm glow, especially if I'm going to the beach. And it's inexpensive enough for me to apply to the exposed skin on body as well as my face, neck and hands.

HEV (Blue Light) From Digital Devices Can Damage Skin As Much As – Or More Than – UVA and UVB Combined

High-energy visible (HEV) light (AKA “blue light”) is emitted by our mobile phones, computers, TVs and other digital devices. Many of us are in front of some type of digital screen for much of our day (and evening). A recent study found that HEV light can cause as much skin damage as UVA and UVB light combined (eek!). Fortunately, a few sunscreens block HEV as well as UVA/UVB light.

SPF Needs to Be Reapplied Every 90 Minutes, All Day Long

Sunscreen becomes ineffective within 90 minutes of being exposed to air and light, so it needs to be reapplied frequently throughout the day. But very few people actually do that unless they're sunbathing, since carrying around a bottle of sunscreen everywhere you go and reapplying it every couple of hours isn’t really practical for most of us – especially if we’re wearing makeup.

Colorescience® Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50 Makes It Easy To Keep Your Skin Protected All Day

I was delighted to discover Colorescience® Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50. It’s a powdered mineral sunscreen that comes in a convenient, portable tube of powder with a built-in brush. Thanks to the company’s proprietary EnviroScreen™ Technology, this do-it-all powder protects against UVA, UVB, HEV and IR (infrared) rays and also environmental pollution! It's available in four shades to suit a range of skin tones.

How to "Prime" the Built-In Brush With Powder and Apply Colorescience® Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield SPF 50

The first time you open it, remove the cap, push down the sleeve that protects the bristles, remove and discard the rubber band, slide the sleeve back up over the bristles and re-cap the tube. To use the product, first hold the tube with the cap facing down and the clear end with the powder facing up. Tap the cap end of the tube forcefully against a hard surface a few times (tap it 5-10 times the first time you use it) to move some powder into the brush. Remove the cap, push down the sleeve to expose the brush and flick your finger across the bristles to make sure the powder is flowing. (If not, re-cap the tube and tap the cap a few more times.) Then, swirling the bristles across your skin in circular motions, apply the powder to your face and neck in multiple passes for at least 60 seconds. Done! Then I apply the powder to my hands and any other exposed skin.

Note: This brush-on sunscreen powder gets rave reviews on the Colorescience website. On Amazon there are quite a few critical reviews complaining about the dispensing mechanism, but I follow these directions and have never found it to be a problem.

The Delicate Skin Around Your Eyes Needs Protection, Too!

Chemical sunscreens shouldn’t be used near your eyes, so for many years, sunglasses were my only sun protection for the delicate skin around my eyes. That’s why, even though I have no wrinkles on the rest of my face, I do have crow’s feet.

Fortunately, it’s fine to apply physical mineral sunscreen around your peepers. Most days, I just apply my EltaMD® UV Physical Tinted Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 around my eyes as well as the rest of my face, neck and hands. When I’m wearing makeup, however, I prefer to use Colorescience® Total Eye™ 3-in-1 Anti-Aging Renewal Therapy SPF 35. This mineral-based sunscreen and eye treatment, a favorite among beauty influencers, provides skincare benefits as well as sun protection. It reduces puffiness, hydrates, tightens, serves as a peach-toned color corrector when worn under concealer and adds a nice brow bone highlight. (One well-known Youtube beauty influencer mixes it with her concealer.)

As a bonus, Colorescience® Total Eye™ 3-in-1 is also an eye shadow primer. (After applying any eye shadow primer, I always dust my lids and brow bone with translucent powder before applying my eye shadow to minimize creasing and make blending easier.) And it can also be used at night as an eye treatment, although I don’t use it for that.

Even though it's spendy, you only need a very small amount for both eyes. And, since I only use it when I'm wearing makeup, a tube lasts me for quite a while.

Wear Sunscreen Indoors as Well as Outdoors, in Rain, Shine or Snow

It’s important to wear SPF 365 days a year, both indoors and outdoors. While UVB rays are strongest midday (noon to 2 pm) and can be blocked by glass windows, the UVA rays that cause our skin to age prematurely emit at the same strength 24/7 and penetrate glass. So, you are exposed to damaging ultraviolet rays even if you’re inside a building or car.