Sunscreen series: Invisible Zinc UV Silk Shield SPF 30+
Invisible Zinc UV Silk Shield SPF 30+
Taking up where I left off with my sunscreen review series last summer, I want to share with you a product that I have been using almost daily since I first tried it. The Invisible Zinc UV Silk Shield is a stick foundation with physical (not chemical) blockers, from a company that is dedicated to producing safe and effective UV protection.
Interestingly I’ve recently found out that through some phone calls to Invisible Zinc that this product isn’t marketed as a ‘sunscreen’ product, it’s a cosmetic product with added SPF, which is why the percentage of Zinc Oxide is not listed anywhere on the packaging or marketing (took me dozens of phone calls and emails to get the exact percentage from the manufacturer). More on that further in the post.
Invisible Zinc says…
This natural finish foundation-meets-sunscreen is the new one-step, day-to-night make-up with award winning Invisible Zinc® SPF30+ environmental protection built in. Preventing photo-aging has never looked so good. Glides on in seconds (no liquids, powders or concealers) for all day, gym-proof, swim-proof perfect looking skin. Apply buildable coverage for a flawless complete crème to powder finish- your beauty routine just got very simple. Available in Light/ Highlighter, Medium and Tan.
Price: $42.00
Availability: Selected pharmacies, department stores, and www.invisiblezinc.com
Invisible Zinc UV Silk Shield SPF 30+
UVA/UVB protection, photostability, and safety:
The Invisible Zinc UV Silk Shield has approximately 13% micronised Zinc Oxide. Zinc Oxide gives broad spectrum protection and has excellent photostability (doesn’t easily break down in presence of UV light), but due to the lower concentration of Zinc Oxide in this product compared with what I would recommend for daily use, it needs to be used together with another dedicated sunscreen for optimal UVA protection.
Like all Invisible Zinc products, the UV Silk Shield uses only physical blockers (staying clear of chemical filters) and does not contain petrochemicals, parabens, or photosensitizing agents (like Vitamin A derivatives and citrus family essential oils).
note: not sure about the difference between chemical and physical, UVA and UVB, and what SPF really means? go to my Sunscreen Lowdown Part 2.
Here is the excerpt from an email sent to me from the people behind Invisible Zinc products, which I thought I would pass on to you guys…
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Product Texture:
The UV Silk Shield feels like a matte- satin finish foundation. Unlike other stick foundations that I’ve tried, this one goes on easily and blends quite well into my skin without feeling dry or heavy. Impressive. To be completely honest, I never expected this product to work well on my dry skin- given that stick foundations generally make me look cakey, so I’m happy that this works so well on me.
This product works well over the top of other sunscreens, and will actually reduce some of the greasiness associated with certain sunscreen products.
swatches: Invisible Zinc UV Silk Shield SPF 30+ light, Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear light
White cast:
The UV Silk Shield has virtually no white cast, however the colours matches are limited to 3 colours so that can be a potential problem for some.
Invisible Zinc UV Silk Shield SPF 30+ vs Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear
On my skin, the Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear doesn’t sit nearly as nicely as the UV Silk Shield. It looks and feels quite greasy, even when I don’t moisturise first. It comes as quite a surprise that for someone with dry skin- I much prefer the skin feel of the UV Silk Shield over the Tinted Daywear.
I know a number of people who love the Tinted Daywear, and I think it’s probably all down to how the product interacts with each individual person.
note: these products were provided by PR for consideration.
Posted by myfunnyvalentine on Nov 22nd, 2012 in Sunscreen | 0 comments.Tags: Foundation, Invisible Zinc
Pratima Neem Rose Face Sunscreen SPF 30 reviewed
Pratima Rose Neem Face Sunscreen SPF 30
Pratima is a New York based skin care company with roots in Ayuverdic medicine, and their Neem Rose sunscreen is a popular product among sunscreen fanatics. Pratima only ships within the U.S. , but I really wanted to try it for my sunscreen review series-so I ended up getting it parcel forwarded along with a Sephora purchase. I’m glad I tried this because it’s one of the most elegantly formulated Zinc Oxide sunscreens I’ve used.
price: $18.00 2fl oz/60ml
availability: www.pratimaskincare.com
Review:
UVA/UVB protection, photostability, and safety:
The Pratima Neem Rose Sunscreen has 18.6% micronised Zinc Oxide which gives good UVA and UVB protection and excellent photostability (doesn’t easily break down in presence of UV light). Not the highest % of Zinc Oxide out there (Marie Veronique Moisturising Face Screen, Soleo Organic and Invisible Zinc have 20- 22.4% ) , but 18.6% is still reasonable.
The Pratima only use physical blockers (staying clear of chemical filters) and does not contain petrochemicals, parabens, or photosensitizing agents (like Vitamin A derivatives and citrus family essential oils).
note: not sure about the difference between chemical and physical, UVA and UVB, and what SPF really means? go to my Sunscreen Lowdown Part 1.
Pratima Rose Neem Face Sunscreen SPF 30
Product Texture:
The majority of physical sunblocks available are either greasy and heavy, or heavy and drying; Pratima is none of those things. The Pratima Rose Sunscreen is lightly moisturising with a creamy, lotiony texture and probably the most elegant formulation I’ve come across. It goes on silky and after application there is no greasiness on the skin, no shine, and no tackiness (which is BurnOut Physical Ocean Tested Sunscreen‘s achilles heel).
White cast:
The Pratima Neem Rose sunscreen has virtually no white cast, much like the BurnOut sunscreens.
Sweat Test:
This sunscreen doesn’t seem last long on the face when you’re exercising, so it’s more of an everyday sunscreen rather than a sports sunscreen.
Pratima Rose Neem Face Sunscreen SPF 30
Ingredients list:
| IONIZED WATER, NON-NANO MICRONIZED ZINC OXIDE 18.6%, ORGANIC EXTRACTS OF NEEM, BRAHMI, SHATAVARI, LICORICE, VITAMIN E, LECITHIN, ORGANIC ESSENTIAL OIL OF ROSE, XANTHAN GUM. |
A vain person’s guide to water sports: how to waterproof your makeup and deal with chlorine
In the last few months I’ve been hitting the pool more regularly thanks to Healthy Summer 2011/2012 goals.
Here are a few things that I’ve learnt along the way about a) protecting my hair and skin from sun/chlorine b) waterproofing my makeup so even if I tend to look like a drowned rat in the water, at least I’ll be a well groomed rat. This is especially crucial if I am at the beach and there are good looking lifeguards around 
Waterproof Makeup:
Makeup Forever Waterproof Eyebrow Corrector #4 (dark brown black)
price: RPP US $19.00 or, approx $39.00 from Australian stockists
Although not as exciting as the Chanel Illusion D’Ombres, or NARS lipglosses, this modest product is probably THE standout cosmetic item of 2011 for me. I have very light and sparse brows so I was thrilled to finally find a product that stays on my brows through intense cardio as well as long swims.
Makeup Forever Waterproof Eyebrow Corrector #4 (dark brown black)
Makeup Forever Waterproof Eyebrow Corrector #4 swatch
Becca Beach Tints:
price: RRP AUS $42.00, or US $24 at Apothica.com
Becca is an Australian brand with strong roots in beach culture, so it’s not a surprise that they have some fantastic products to keep you looking cute in the water. I wouldn’t necessarily bother with these for laps at the local pool, but I’d have a tube in my handbag (for those lifeguards we discussed).
The Beach Tints take 5 seconds to apply, and clings on to cheeks and lips through hours of swimming and frolicking.
keep reading after the jump!
Posted by myfunnyvalentine on Jan 24th, 2012 in Hair, lifestyle and health, Sunscreen | 1 commentTags: Makeup Forever, Summer Series
Summer Series: Wotnot Natural Sunscreen SPF 30+
Wotnot Natural Sunscreen SPF 30+
WOTNOT says…
- Our all new 30+ SPF sunscreen contains 100% natural and organic ingredients
- Free from titanium dioxide
- Provides broad spectrum protection against UV-A and UV-B
- Self preserving - no artificial preservative
- Beautiful texture, no separation formula and easy to apply
The most natural sunscreen available in Australia
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price: $25.95
Availability: www.ecodirect.com.au http://www.echolife.com.au/
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Review
UVA/UVB protection, photostability, and safety:
Wotnot Natural Sunscreen has a whopping 25% micronised Zinc Oxide which gives outstanding UVA and UVB protection and excellent photostability (doesn’t easily break down in presence of UV light). The majority of physical sunscreens intended for everyday use normally have less than 20% Zinc Oxide so 25% gives the sunscreen nerd in me a little shiver up the spine.
Like my other choices for the sunscreen Summer Series, Wotnot Natural sunscreen only uses physical blockers (no chemical filters that can absorb into the bloodstream or generate free radicals like Oxybenzone) and does not contain petrochemicals, parabens, or photosensitizing agents (like Vitamin A derivatives and citrus family essential oils).
note: not sure about the difference between chemical and physical, UVA and UVB, and what SPF really means? go to my Sunscreen Lowdown Part 1.
WOTNOT natural sunscreen SPF 30+ swatch
Product texture:
The weak point in the formulation of this sunscreen is that it is very greasy (greasier than Soleo Organics All Natural Sunscreen), and feels heavy on the skin. It doesn’t really ‘dry down’ and continues to slide around on my skin which makes makeup application tricky. Probably not an issue if you’re using this as a sports sunscreen, but I wouldn’t personally use this as an every day sunscreen.
Wotnot Natural Sunscreen has a tendancy to separate a little so I find that I have to knead the tube really well before each use.
keep reading after the jump!
Posted by myfunnyvalentine on Jan 3rd, 2012 in Sunscreen | 0 comments.Tags: Summer Series
Summer Series: Invisible Zinc ESP Moisturiser, Invisible Zinc 4Hr Water Resistant Sunscreen
Invisible Zinc ESP (left), Invisible Zinc 4hrs Water Resistant (right)
The Invisible Zinc range of sunscreens is arguably one of the most popular physical sunscreens on Australian shelves.
When I bought my first tube of Invisible Zinc years ago, the pharmacy assistant told me that where she was from (Queensland- where you have the highest risk of getting skin cancer in the world) all the Surf Life Savers would only ever use Invisible Zinc. And although I take everything that sales staff tell me with a grain of salt- I really wouldn’t be surprised if that was true. In my opinion, Invisible Zinc range of sunscreens have the most solid broad spectrum UV protection capabilities out of all the sunscreens easily accessible to the average Australian.
Although I have other favourite sunscreens for everyday wear (Marie Veronique, BurnOut), Invisible Zinc has been my sports sunscreen of choice for years.
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Invisible Zinc Environmental Skin Protector
Invisible Zinc says…
Flaunting the protection of INVISIBLE ZINC with a hydrating, antioxidant-filled moisturiser, INVISIBLE ZINC ENVIRONMENTAL SKIN PROTECTOR will change the way you protect your skin. INVISIBLE ZINC ESP delivers everything you need in your daily skin care regime: powerful antioxidants, environmental defence and full SPF 30+ UVA and UVB protection. Best of all, it feels nothing like a sunscreen: It’s light, silky and very comfortable on the skin. Just like TINTED DAYWEAR, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.
Environmental Skin Protector: RRP $35.00 50mL
Invisible Zinc 4hr Water Resistant Sunscreen SPF 30+
Invisible Zinc says..
Fact: The sun doesn’t stop attacking you simply because you’re in the water. In reality, water intensifies and reflects the sun’s rays, making the chance of your skin burning even higher. Cue INVISIBLE ZINC® 4 HR WATER RESISTANT SUNSCREEN SPF 30+ offering the same high performance sun protection as the original award-winning INVISIBLE ZINC®, but with 4 hours water resistance. With a non-greasy formula and transparent finish, it’s perfect for outdoor training, the beach or a day out on the boat.
4 hrs Water Resistant Sunscreen RRP: $29.00 (100ml lotion); $19.95 (50ml lotion)
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UVA/UVB protection, photostability, and safety:
Both the Invisible Zinc ESP Moisturiser, and the Invisible Zinc 4hr Waterproof Sunscreen use a high percentage of micronised Zinc Oxide which lends them excellent broad spectrum protection, photostability and safety.
The 4hr Waterproof sunscreen does have a slightly higher concentration of Zinc Oxide (it uses 22% whereas the ESP moisturiser uses 20%) than the ESP moisturiser so it is heavier duty for those times when you need a little extra extra.
Product texture:
The Invisible Zinc Environmental Skin Protector Moisturiser has an easy to spread, lotion-like consistency. As a couple of other bloggers have noticed, this product can be a little drying (due to the astringent properties of zinc oxide) so if you’re using it on your face on a daily basis I would apply a decent moisturiser underneath this.
The Invisible Zinc 4hrs Water Resistant SPF 30+, in contrast, has an incredibly thick texture which takes a bit of work to spread on the skin. Although this would be way too heavy for everyday wear, it is the best hard working sunscreen for sports and swimming because it will not budge for anything and you will not sweat this one off.
Swatched: Invisible Zinc ESP (left), Invisible Zinc 4hrs Water Resistant (right)
White Cast:
On my light-medium skin there is a slight white cast with the Invisible Zinc ESP moisturiser (hardly noticable underneath foundation), and a more prominant white cast with the Invisible Zinc 4hrs Waterproof Sunscreen.
Sweat test:
Both the Invisible Zinc ESP and the Invisible Zinc 4hr Water Resistant Sunscreens have great sweat and water resistance, especially the the IZ 4hr Water Resistant Sunscreen, which clings on to your skin with such tenacity that you’ll still have most of the sunscreen on after a shower unless you double cleanse really well. This is why the 4hr Water Resistant Sunscreen is my go to sports sunscreen.
Ingredients:
Invisible Zinc Environmental Skin Protector Moisturiser
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 20%
Preservatives: Phenoxyethanol, Diazolidinylurea
Invisible Zinc 4hrs Water Resistant Sunscreen
Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide 22%
Preservatives: Benzyl Alcohol, Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol
Posted by myfunnyvalentine on Dec 11th, 2011 in Reviews, Sunscreen | 1 commentTags: Summer Series
Optometrist/beauty blogger/crazy cat lady. It's Jenny, NOT Jennifer. jenny@myfunnyvalentineblog.com
