Sunscreen for Dark Skin + a GORGEOUS Satin Matte Finish for Makeup

Disclosure: This post is created in sponsorship with Neutrogena. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

Listen, I have been saying this on my Youtube channel every chance I get: there is a sunscreen out there for EVERYBODY. Whether you’re looking for mineral sunscreens, ones that are oxybenzone-free, ones that work well with makeup, etc—it’s out there and it has your name written ALL over it! I’ve been a longtime fan of Neutrogena’s family of sunscreens because they have a ton of options that are tried and true and are easy on the budget.

If you’re new here you might be like, “but why do I need sunscreen? Isn’t my melanin enough protection?” To which my reply is “Have a seat, get comfy, and bingewatch my sunscreen for dark skin series on YouTube as well as my series here on the blog.” Even the deepest melanin only has an SPF of about 13 and *picks up bullhorn and turns to highest volume* THAT IS NOT ENOUGH!!!

Here’s an easy bulleted list to summarize why we need sunscreen:

• We may not get skin cancer as often as our white counterparts, but when we do, it often goes undetected and behaves more aggressively
• You don’t want to play yourself by doing the most to fade dark spots only to go outside and have the sun re-darken them :/
• Skincare products we love to use like acids and retinol make our skin look FABULOUS, but they also make our skin more sensitive to the sun
• The sun’s harmful UV rays are the BIGGEST enemy in the fight to have skin remain as SNATCHED as possible for as long as possible
• Sun exposure breaks down collagen, the protein in the skin responsible for keeping it looking taut

And now for some science-y stuff…

You want a sunscreen that protects you against both UVA (the rays that age the skin) and UVB (the rays that burn the skin) as both can cause skin cancers. Neutrogena sunscreens are powered by Helioplex technology. What this is and why it’s important to know is because when the active ingredients in some sunscreens are exposed to the sun’s UV rays, they can break down and lose effectiveness, which can mean you may not be getting the amount of sun protection you think you’re getting. Neutrogena Helioplex technology keeps sunscreens stable in the sun, guaranteeing effective optimal sun protection while you wear them.

But don’t forget this…

• You have to make sure you wear sunscreen properly. Making sure you have every inch covered from the part in your hair to behind your ears, all over the body and in between your fingers and toes.
• Reapply every two hours when you’re outside! Reapplication is just as important as that first application as things like sweat, oil, and water can break down sunscreen.
• Apply immediately after toweling off from being in the water or if you’re like me in a pool of sweat (haha).
• Sunscreen is a NO DAYS OFF type of product. Wear it year-round even if it’s cloudy and even if it’s raining. UV rays are everywhere and this exposure adds up over time!

Apply immediately after toweling off from being in the water or if you’re like me in a pool of sweat (haha). Sunscreen is a NO DAYS OFF type of product. Wear it year-round even if it’s cloudy and even if it’s raining.

I know I’m saying A LOT here, but I’ve been saying all of this for YEARS and have recently gotten a ton of new followers so it’s worth repeating. Now let’s get into this recent addition to the Neutrogena family of sunscreens.

My summer so far has been going out to safely socialize while social distancing and following all the guidelines for a single day, but then retreating back in the house for the next few days. Rinse and repeat…lol. Whether I’m outside in Manhattan dining al fresco, chilling on my balcony, or working by the window in my home office, you KNOW I have my sunscreen on.

I’ve been testing TONS of sunscreens lately and am happy to report back about Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Face Mist Sunscreen SPF 55.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Mist Sunscreen SPF 55

• SUPER lightweight
• Invisible with an oil-free finish
• Non-comedogenic (means it won’t break you out)
• UVA and UVB protection

The spray bottle design makes it super easy to carry around and apply. I could drop this in my summer straw bag and not worry about it spilling. But I want to make sure we’re all on the same page about how this product works.

It’s important to NOT think of it as a makeup setting spray—I repeat—it is NOT a makeup setting spray. I know it looks cool and like it could be, but it’s not. (And many of you have already asked me so consider
this your final answer!) To make sure you are properly protected, you want to spray the product in your hand and then apply it to your face. I know that sounds like a lot, but it’s not…lol. The mist makes it much easier to spread the invisible, weightless product for even, allover application.. And if you have ever been personally disappointed by heavy, greasy sunscreens, you’ll realize how bomb that is.

Other things to know: this sunscreen is perfect if your current moisturizer doesn’t offer sun protection. It uses Neutrogena’s Dry Touch Technology which allows it to be fast-absorbing great, because we all have things to do instead of waiting for sunscreen to dry! It gives an ultra-light, invisible finish that works great layered over any moisturizer whether it’s a thick cream or a light gel.

My favorite thing about it is the gorgeous satin matte finish it gives the skin. I have oily skin and adore anything that can give me the perfect balance of a healthy natural matte look. I’m not trying to look like I fried bacon on my face nor do I want to look casket sharp matte. Sis needs balance.

I love this under my makeup as well. Again, it’s oil-free and invisible so it can work with whatever beat you throw at it be it a severe beat or a light one.

For days when I was chilling without makeup on, this was great for reapplying on the go. I didn’t need to pull out my mirror to see what I was doing because application is so easy (again, spray in your hands and then apply liberally to your face) and reapplying every two hours while out and about didn’t leave me looking a greasy mess which made my oily skin very happy. You can easily snag this sunscreen at Amazon.

But like I said, there is a sunscreen out there for everybody and Neutrogena has a quick quiz you can take to determine which of their many sunscreens is the one for you. I just want you to find a sunscreen you love because that means you’ll wear it and THAT is the most important part. So take Neutrogena’s quiz, check out all my sunscreen resources, and find the one for you!

Photos: Dadouchic

Dress is old from ASOS, bag is from Ghana