Review| Cerave Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50

When living in Orange County, I was on a search for a moisturizing sunscreen that I can smear on before rushing out the door. I had been using Smashbox CC cream on a daily basis as my SPF protection, but the high concentration of pigment looked ridiculous under a full coverage foundation and it wasn't *super* moisturizing.

I originally started searching because Cerave's daily lotion with SPF30 was a little too moisturizing and would make me oil up by lunch time. I also wanted a higher SPF because spring had arrived in LA in the course of a week and the heat was brutal. A higher SPF usually means I get to keep my skintone even and not tan up to NC40. Since Cerave's daily moisturizer is a staple for me in the winter, I thought their SPF 50 would be even better! Sadly, there are many things wrong with this sunscreen...as in everything.

See those claims on the tube? LIES.

First of all, while it claims to contain niacinamides and ceramides like most of its products, it isn't as moisturizing as the daily moisturizer version. In fact, it's a very thick consistency upon first inspection. While it spreads out easily on the hand, it seems very hard to blend into the skin when you want it to matter. The product just sort of...sits on top of your face, creating this horrid white cast I was hoping from escape from ever since I purged my Neutrogena sunscreens. 

I used the reccomended 1/4 tsp amount and it was overkill! Perhaps it would dry clear if you used a pinhead amount. 

And while SPF 50 is all well and great, the heavy feeling on my face could've been escape if I had just stuck to my daily moisturizer or Smashbox CC cream. When I went in with my BareMinerals Matte foundation and my brush literally could not be dragged across my face. Hm...what is wrong with that? When I got home from a day of wear my forehead had broken out in little clogged pores. Great. 

And to be really superficial, the packaging attracts dust and fingerprints very easily, even if it's a petite and portable squeeze tube. Don't be fooled by its cuteness!

I'd say skip this if you're looking for a moisturizing and high SPF product. At almost 15 dollars retail, you can definitely find better alternatives at the drugstore. I gave this away to my husband who happens to love it,  but his skin is much thicker and drier than mine.

xo Be

Haul| Collective Drugstore Haul

This collective haul is from January until now, so it's not too bad. I've just been updating my staples to be drugstore-based and streamlining what exactly I need in preparation for the sweltering heat of LA. Also, I finally decided to nut up and get a good nail kit so I can do it at home and not ruin them with acrylic any more. 

Clockwise: Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets, Aveeno Baby Sunscreen, Olay Regenerist Luminous Tone Pefecting Cream Moisturizer, nail buffer, Cerave Sunscreen for Face SPF 50, Essie Ballet Slippers, Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat, Seche Clear, Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, Loreal Extraordinaire Lipstick in Orange Tempo, Salley Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover.

To sum up: I need sun protection, matte and clear skin, new nails, and a spring trend of tomato coral reds. I dread doing my nails at home but the super dry top coat helps and I'm not half bad at painting them. Sun protection is a given; I'm trying to stay at NC30-NC35 this summer. 

Clockwise: Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder, L'oreal Infallible Gel Lacquer Liner in Blackest Black, Red Cherry lashes in #747S and #747XS, Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer in Light, Maybelline Color Tattoo in Beige-ing Beauty. 

To sum up: Staples, staples, staples. Beige-ing Beauty is a weird one, but sticky shimmery bases over NYX Milk is gonna be dope for spring so...angelic eyes here we come! Fluttery lashes+ liner+ matte face= Bardot inspired look for the office ;) All you need now is MAC Snob or Creme Cup to complete the allure.

I'm going to give the Luminous Moisturizer a trial- most likely the whole jar will be used up since my skin never seems to react adversely to anything)- before giving a thorough review. After all, it's 30 bucks at the drugstore which is rather uncommon and disturbing if it turns out to be a dud. 

Also, fingers crossed that the Cerave sunscreen with help me prolong my NC30 skin or only tan up to NC35. I really don't like being tan especially when I know it's coming from the harsh rays of the sun and not fake tan. 

xo Be