The Vanity Project: sunscreens

Is there such a thing as too many? Probably, yeah.

It’s officially spring and that means at least two things – 1) we need to be nice to people with seasonal allergies, and 2) it’s time to lock in on SPF. And the present state of my “vanity” would tell you I have locked in too close to the sun.
** ‘vanity’ is a loose term here because what you’re about to see doesn’t all fit or reside on my actual bathroom vanity.

We’re doing another round of The Vanity Project and what better time (other than summer, obvs) to focus on sunscreen. The days are longer and slowly warming up, and there isn’t a better dopamine hit than a sunny morning walk for coffee. But allow me to be a wet blanket for a sec … sun exposure is responsible for 80-90% of the visible aging in our skin. In other words: wrinkles, pigmentation, loss of elasticity, uneven tone and texture, redness, that leathery look ??? All abetted by the sun, I fear.

So let’s get in to my current SPF collection. I split this up into a few categories and the first has zero shock factor if you’ve read Esthetically before. But in case you’re new here (welcome!), I live-laugh-love Korean sunscreens.

I’m not playin' !!

Did I place a bulk order on Yes Style for “reasons” before January 20th? Sure did. Korean sunscreens are simply built different. They apply and feel like skincare. There’s never a white cast or tacky feeling, my skin looks moisturized, and all of these wear great under makeup for me. These formulas are also SPF 50+ PA++++, which means they block 98% of UVB rays, and offer the highest UVA protection.

1. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics – my ride or die for 3+ years that is always ordered in packs of 5 (sometimes 10).

2. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-fresh – the acne-safe sister to my ride or die, whom I love just as much.

3. SKIN 1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum – truly leaves a glowing finish on the skin, she’s gorg.

4. Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen – a steady award-winner for a reason, and she’s also acne-safe!

5. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Water Sun Gel – another acne-safe option that’s also a staple in Erika’s medicine cabinet. That’s all the validation we need, folks.

Convenience is a sunscreen stick. I keep one on my person at all times in the summer, and the reapply for my young nieces and nephew has never been easier. This SPF vehicle is my favorite for skiing, too. I keep one (or three) in my coat pocket and do a quick reapply when I’m on the the lift or taking a snack break. I have and like all of these, and no surprise, 3 of the 4 are Korean brands.

1. THANK YOU FARMER Silky Calming Sun Stick

2. Purito SEOUL Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen Stick

3. Haruharu wonder Black Bamboo Daily Soothing Sun Shield (an acne-safe queen)

4. skinbetter science sunbetter Sheer Sunscreen Stick

Onto our tinted babies — it’s just these fraternal twins! Colorescience’s Flex SPF was the social media rage last year and truly deserved that moment. These are great if you want sunscreen that really can double as makeup (which is me 80% of the time). The Glow formula only comes in one shade and really does give a dewy look. Flex is a little more inclusive and has a few shades to pick from. Both formulas generally seem to be acne-safe, but proceed with a little caution if your skin is really going through it.

I’m not even getting into the white IKEA bin I have that is filled beyond the actual brim with body sunscreen. Maybe we can slowly expand this thing into body care and share that SPF treasure chest someday.

That’s a wrap for this week! Let’s do a quick re-apply to celebrate.