Now that I’m using AHAs during my night time routine, I’m crazy about daily SPF. This isn’t really new for me. I’ve been crazy about SPF for 15 years. I now realize that I have no choice and can’t live without them. I’ve tried so many and really, I don’t love too many of them. Maybe my expectations are too high? Here’s my skin: My skin is normal and gets more dry in the winter and oilier in the summer. And I’m using stuff that makes me more sensitive to sun exposure. Here are a few mini-reviews of products that I have used in the past year.

A. Avon Anew Solar Advance Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 45 – This lotion has a strong floral scent. The lotion is easy to blend. You won’t have a white or ashy mask. It’s a bit moistruzing so in the summer, I wear this alone. It  honestly makes my skin texture feel smooth and soft. It is supposed to improve the skin by “diminishing discolorations”. I haven’t noticed that but I do really like this as a daily face moisturizer/sunscreen because it makes my skin feel so good. This lotion is waterproof. A 2.6 oz. bottle for $34 and is available at Avon. My non-professional opinion thinks this sunscreen is best for: normal-to-dry skin as a daily protective moisturizer/sunscreen and those with dry skin to wear over their daily moisturizer. And not the best for: oily skin or those sensitive to fragrance.

B. Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Face Protector SPF 25– There’s an SPF 40 too, but I actually prefer the 25. I like the formula better. This is an oil-free lotion. I love this stuff. It creates a nice base. However, it is tinted to offset the whiteness of natural sunscreens. So, I have to blend this one nicely so that it doesn’t make my complexion look strange…read that as clumpy if you apply powder directly over it. I’ve also had it rub off on white/light tops. However, I love the formula and the price. Oh, and there’s no fragrance! A 1.4 oz. bottle retails for $18 at Nordstrom. My non-professional opinion thinks this sunscreen is best for: Most skin types since this product wears very well over daily moisturizer. It’s really good for oily skins too. And sensitive skins since it is a mineral sunscreen with no scent. And not the best for: Very dark or very pale complexions because of the noticeable tint. And I don’t have luck with this under a powder or powder foundation. ***I hear there is a no-color option of this product but it has never been offered to me in my life. I guess I should order on-line?

C. Clarins UV Plus Day Screen SPF 40 – I like this product as a lightweight sunscreen for the face. You shake up the liquid. It is lightweight. However, there is a strong fragrance and it’s expensive for what it is. A 1.7 oz bottle retails for $38 and is available at Sephora. My non-professional opinion thinks this sunscreen is best for: Those that hate the feeling of sunscreen or those that want to layer this over a day cream/lotion. And not the best for: Those with very dry skin unless they use it over a cream. Or those sensitive to fragrance.

D. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Sunscreen SPF 55 – . You shake this liquid and apply. Think of it like a budget of the Clarins talked about above. I do like the feel but it does give me way too much shine without makeup. With makeup, powder and primer, I have no problem. The fragrance is off-putting like flowers and band-aids. Nope, the band-aid isn’t oud! But, the price is really good and I’d rather buy this than the Clarins. If this was unscented, it would be my holy grail facial sunscreen. A 1.4 oz bottle retails for about $12 at drugstore.com. My non-professional opinion thinks this sunscreen is best for: Those that hate heavy sunscreens and for those that like to layer sunscreen over day products. And not the best for: Those that have problems with shine. No joke. This stuff makes me so shiny. Or those that are sensitive to fragrance. I don’t recommend it for dry skins either.

E. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream for Face SPF 55 – This is a fairly creamy sunscreen. I have normal skin and use this alone as my daily moisturizer in the summer. It’s creamy and blends easily. A 1.2 oz bottle retails for $19.50 and is available at Nordstrom. My non-professional thinks this sunscreen is best for: Dry skin or skin that is “thirsty”. It can be worn alone for normal-to-dry skin and layered over products for dry skin. And not the best for: Oily skins unless you are using harsh products at night and need the moisture.

So, what’s your favorite sunscreen for the face?

*All products were purchased by me except for the Avon which was provided by PR. My opinions are my own. Post contains a few affiliate links. Thanks!