Elta MD UV Clear Sunscreen

I finally found an oil-free sunscreen that's specific to my skin type!!  This is again a recommendation from my dermatologist and I love it!  Elta MD has a variety of sunscreen and this one is specific to skin type prone to acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation.  

I'm not sure why SPF is only 46 because it feels stronger and last longer than other sunscreen.  It's extremely lightweight and one pump of the sunscreen goes a long way.  Since its oil free, it's helping to maintain clean and clear skin.  So happy I found this product!

Directions: after lotion, apply sunscreen on face and neck.

Where to Buy: purchased at my dermatologist office

Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-free Sunscreen

One of the benefits of traveling for work is that I get to explore the pharmacies of new location.  I traveled to Venice in early June and had some down time to explore the city (and get some good eats).  The pharmacies in Venice were small and boutique like.  I was able to find a few products I haven't seen before.  The selection was less than expected though, probably because I was in the tourisy part of town.

Although I've been happy with my sunscreens, I am always in need for better ones, especially ones that are oil-free.  This Heliocare 360 brand is one I haven't seen before or am familiar with.  Since it's gel like and oil-free, I decided to give it a try.  I've been using this product for approximately 2 weeks and really like it!  It smells faintly of orange and has a yellowish/orange tint.  The sunscreen applies smoothly with no residue.  It's very matte like and indeed was oil-free.  I like the fact that it's not thick so I barely feel the product.  So much so that I thin I can go without the Skin Food Silky Finishing Powder.  Now I need another trip to Italy to get more sunscreen!

Directions:  apply sunscreen as last step of beauty routine.

Where to Buy:  purchased in pharmacy in Venice, Italy

Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen

I purchased my first Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen product 10 years ago when I lived in Tokyo.  You can find them in every drugstore in Japan.  Over the years, the brand has different version - whitening, brightening, etc.   My favorite has been the brightening one as it leaves a thin film of shimmer on the face.  On last year's trip to Tokyo, I stocked up on the Anessa sunscreen.

One of the reason why I always go back to this sunscreen is because it's light, non-oily, yet have great coverage.  The lotion is white but spread clear.  A little goes a long way.  It's not as thick as the Bioderma but I like the fact that my face stays matte throughout the day.  I will use the Anessa sunscreen during the winter when it tends to be more cloudy (those rainy days) while I use the Bioderma for the super sunny days during the summer and for the beach as well.

Directions: lather on after morning routine - make sure to cover neck and chest area.  

Where to Buy: any drugstore in Japan, Amazon, and eBay

Bioderma Photoderm Spot Sunscreen

On the same Europe trip, I purchased this Bioderma Photoderm Spot Sunscreen with 50+ SPF.   This product I love!!  I loved it so much, last year when I was in the UK, I made sure to stock up.  This product goes on matte and have very high protection.  Over the past two years since I've been using this on a regular basis, I have not seen any new sun spots on my face.  I like the fact that it doesn't leave a shiny sheen like most other sunscreen.  It's great for combination/oily skin types and probably all other skin types.  Highly highly recommended!!  

Directions:  after morning routine, lather on face, neck and chest.

Where to Buy:  available in European pharmacies, Boots, and Amazon

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen

One of the most important part of a beauty regime is the sunscreen.  Living in sunny California, you can get sunspots very easily, by just driving to work/school daily.  Thus, I lather on sunscreen on my face, even if it's cloudy/rainy outside.  I've tried all sorts of sunscreen and over the next few posts, will comment on the ones I like and dislike.

When I went on a Europe trip 3 years ago, one of my must do was to visit a pharmacy and purchase European branded sunscreen.  The La Roche-Posay brand was not available in the US yet and I read through blogs that it was a good sunscreen to try.  Thus, my haul included the La Roche-Posay Anthelios sunscreen for both myself and my kids (they have a kid spray version).

I have to say, I was a bit disappointed with the La Roche-Posay sunscreen.  It's quite heavy and leaves a shiny sheen.  Since I have combination skin, it's not for me.  It also made me break out after a week.  For normal or dry skin skin type, this may work.

Directions: after morning routine, lather on sunscreen all over face, neck, and chest area.

Where to Buy: available from all US drugstores, in Europe - Boots and other local pharmacies, Amazon, etc.