bronzed and confused

Without productaddict's advice, it could be a perpetual state... perpetually bronzed is one thing, but perpetually confused is another. out in the field (a sandy beach) this independence day weekend, we have slathered and sunned our way to suncare sanity. after some wise and not so wise investments, we have decided to break it down; the pure product facts. bear with us, it involves looking at something that somewhat resembles a chart (we apologize), and science project (we aplogize even more).

all sunscreens tested are 'broad spectrum' sunscreens containing 'avobenzone' (also called 'parsol 1789'), very effective in screening out UVA rays which cause long term aging effects. additional 'active' ingredients are listed accordingly. (octislalate and octocrylene both shield from harmful UVB rays, the latter being extra water resistant). here goes...


sisley sunleya protection solaire anti-age spf 15
1.7oz $190 ($111.74oz)
avobenzone 2%
octisalate 5%
octinoxate 5%
oxybenzone 0%
octocrylene 0%
homosalate 0%

an ultra deluxe formulation based on the superluxury moisturizer concept. we totally fell for it (as have many others... this product is sold out at bergdorf's online. a field trip to fifth and fifty seventh had to be made) until we delved further into ingredient analysis.... other products below win the 'most active ingredient' contest. the product was luxurious and rich as promised, but to it's detriment on a very hot beach day which had productaddict fearing unnecessary breakouts.
sound investment: 1
does it turn back time?: 6
sensory satisfaction: 6
cool factor: 7
rate of addiction: 5


neutrogena ultra soft hydrating sunblock spf 45
6oz $20 ($3.33oz)
avobenzone 2%
octisalate 5%
octinoxate 7.5%
oxybenzone 3%
octocrylene 0%
homosalate 7%

this product is advertised as behaving as a 'body lotion'. partially true, it goes on an opaque bright white which takes a few minutes to blend in, and is slightly heavier than we would like. all good though, as it is packed full of active ingredients. one of the most sound suncare investments we have made, and will most likely make again.
sound investment: 10
does it turn back time?: 9
sensory satisfaction: 7
cool factor: 5
rate of addiction: 8.75


l'oreal ombrelle sport spray spf15
4oz approx $15 on ebay ($3.75oz)
(reviewed purely indulging in a south of france beach fantasy... this product is sold only in europe. one of the first broad spectrum products available.)
avobenzone 3%
octisalate 5%
octinoxate 0%
oxybenzone 0%
octocrylene 10%
homosalate 0%

if we could choose a sunscreen consistency, this would be it. ombrelle sprays on light and clear, is water resistant, and gives the skin a smooth, pretty shimmer. definitely the easiest to apply of all the products we tested. however, striving for full sun safety, we wish that a few more active ingredients were part of the cocktail.
sound investment: 10
does it turn back time?: 7
sensory satisfaction: 10
cool factor: 10
rate of addiction: 9.25


kiehls vital sun protection lotion spf 40
5oz $18.50 ($3.70oz)
avobenzone 3%
octisalate 5%
octinoxate 7.5%
oxybenzone 6%
octocrylene 10%
homosalate 0%

the most ingredient packed sunscreen we tested, which adds up to a sound suncare investment. best applied at home, not on a sandy beach towel, as blending the opaque white concoction is a bit of a project. we have to say, the product is a bit greasier than we prefer but our belief in science will have us reapplying.
sound investment: 10
does it turn back time?: 7
sensory satisfaction: 7
cool factor: 9
rate of addiction: 8.2