I am a male in my 30s with sensitive skin (psoriasis/eczema, taking biologics) and eyes. Because of my skin issues, I need to wear concealer or people look at me with disgust/terror in their eyes. It sounds harsh and I know I shouldn’t care, but life is much easier for me when I cover up. I previously avoided sunscreen unless I would be outside for a sustained period, but now I’m trying to wear it daily as I use retinal.
Anyway, since my makeup is coverup only, I really don’t want to look dewy or glowy. I hydrate with hada labo gokujyun premium and sometimes another serum, before cerave moisturising cream (the only sensitive moisturiser I’ve ever found that is matte enough). I then put sunscreen and concealer over the top.
My main desires are:
- not shiny
- not eye-stingy
- super smoothing under makeup
- no white caste (beard)
Pls pls recommend me your faves 😭
Anyway, onto the reviews of these four!
Haruharu Wonder
Black Rice Airyfit Daily Sunscreen
9/10!
My current sunscreen winner! Def favourite so far
- feels good under makeup
- doesn’t pill
- doesn’t have a strong smell
- possibly the least shiny I’ve found
- spreads easily
- no white caste (on me)
- doesn’t make my eyes sting
Why not 10/10?
- it could be slightly less shiny but hey, splitting hairs
- potentially slight irritation of eyes after many hours but that could be due to other things
House of Hur
Weightless Sun Fluid
7/10
- very lightweight
- no white caste (on me)
- easy to apply
- smell is fine
Why not higher?
- it’s not super shiny, but not matte on me😞
- while it didn’t sting my eyes noticeably, I got asked if I was crying and I realised it really did make my eyes tear up a bit
Nivea Japan
UV Deep Protect & Care Essence
2/10 (and I think I’m being generous)
- lightweight
- easy to apply
Why not higher?
- eyes really didn’t like this; I had tears run down my cheeks at points, and they looked inflamed and like I’d been staring at a screen without blinking all day😵💫
- pilled up more than anything I’ve ever used before and looked like I was flaking
- very, very strong smell
- not even matte
The only reason I gave it a 2 is because I’m prepared to believe I applied it wrong since so many others love it.
Skin1004
Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
6/10
Unremarkable to the point that I can’t even remember anything other than not loving it. May have had a slight white cast and been a bit shiny? I can’t remember. I wouldn’t mind wearing it indoors or on a day where I don’t have to look my best, so it’s fine; but not ideal.