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Friday, July 17, 2009

Review: B. Kamins Chemist Sunbar Sunscreen SPF 30

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Review: B.  Kamins Chemist Sunbar Sunscreen SPF 30

I think 80% of my blog thus far has been based around the importance of sunscreen. I went to Sephora in hopes of grabbing an oil-free sunscreen. One of the beauticians at Sephora recommended B. Kamins Chemist: Bio-Maple Sunbar Sunscreen SPF 30. It's "fragrance-and-oil-free" for the face and body. He told me it dries up like a powder so I wouldn't have to worry about having an oily complexion.

And well, was he correct?

Kind-of.

It makes my face appear shiny but it doesn't actually feel oily (it feels matte). However, after my daily dose of powder and foundation, the shiny look disappears.

There are days when parts of my face feel a slight burning sensation. It is probably because I recently exfoliated but there is an ingredient(s) that irritates my skin, and I have yet to pinpoint the exact culprit.

Luckily, this product did not give me pimples. Don't we just love products that don't make us break out? + Bonus point.

It claims it can be reapplied over makeup and I guess technically all sunscreens and moisturizers can be reapplied over makeup, but that doesn't mean it won't ruin your makeup. I tested this claim out and the sunscreen pushed my makeup around and pretty much ruined my lovely powdered face.

It's $41 CDN for a 120ml tube from Sephora (also available on the official B. Kamins site) and can be used on the face and body but for that price, I'll just stick to the face.

The Good News
- contains protection for UVA & UVB rays with a SPF of 30
- leaves a matte finish

The Bad News
- the price isn't exactly student-friendly ($41 CDN)
- I hate the packaging; more than enough sunscreen pours out of the tube

Overview of the Ingredients Listed on the Package

Avobenzone (also known as Parsol 1789) - 2.5%
An effective ingredient to neutralize the effects of the sun's UV rays.

Octinoxate (also known as octyl methoxycinnamate) - 7.5%
Sunscreen agent used to protect skin primarily from the sun’s UVB rays.

Oxybenzone - 6.0%
Sunscreen agent that protects primarily from the sun’s UVB rays, and some, but not all, UVA rays.

Titanium Dioxide - 2.04%
An inert earth mineral used as a thickening, whitening, lubricating, and sunscreen ingredient in cosmetics. It protects skin from UVA and UVB radiation and is considered to have no risk of skin irritation.


Overall

I'm sure there are other sunscreens out there that are just as good as this sunscreen for a fraction of the price. It does have a matte quality to it but my face appeared to be somewhat shiny after an application. I don't want to have a shiny face on my makeup-free days! It does, however, contain all the necessary protection (parsol is key) to block the sun away from your face and body. But in all seriousness, I would not purchase this again because of it's price ($41 CDN) and the fact that an ingredient in this product irritates my skin (leave the burning sensations for the sun burns!).

6.5/10

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About Paparazzi Skin

A blog that explores skincare and the truth behind product claims.

I am not a dermatologist nor do I claim to be. I extract information from books and the internet that I believe will help educate readers and myself about skincare.


From time to time I will do makeup-related posts.

Email
paparazziskin [@] gmail . com

Toronto, Ont., Canada

Skincare Books

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Beautiful Skin
by Marsha Gorden and Alice E. Fugate



Future: Product Reviews