The ghostly protection factor

  I believe sunscreen is just as important as clothes. Although the latter provides the best possible protection, sunscreens are a close second when used effectively. While choosing sunscreens many factors need to be considered namely;

• Protection factor and type When you start
• Cost
• Availability
• Compatibility with skin type

    And the most dreaded, THE WHITE CAST.

While everybody speaks about the sunscreens that they love, I want to talk about the ones I am never buying again. Yes, these are the negative reviews you can no longer find on most online beauty shopping websites. And the best part? They're all massively popular and let me tell you, they are not worth the hype (with the exception of one but more on that later).

As a medium complexioned individual, most sunscreens struggle to fool me with their bold NO WHITE CAST claims. So here are all the tubes that I finished by using them on my hands;

Super UV Invisible Air Mist Spray Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++, Garnier, 75ml, Rs.599

I'm starting with my most recent tragedy, Garnier's latest offering that is on every influencer's page, that claims to give no white cast but hilariously gave me the worst white cast I've ever seen and trust me, I've seen some horrors (read:white foundations). Yes this guy is up there competing with the big boys. Makes me wonder if it was even supposed to be a sunscreen in the first place and not white spray paint. The white cast though is not even the worst part. If you have facial hair (read:you do not shave your face) this sunscreen is going to be a different type of nightmare for you. The entire point of a spray sunscreen is that it lets you reapply your sunscreen but this guy's extra big fine mist forms big droplets that just hitch a ride on your vellus hair and make an already bad situation worse. It needs be patted in with your hands and don't even get me started on its oiliness but that's just all Garnier sunscreens in general but the worst is yet to come. Yes this sunscreen is the gift that never stops giving. When you start sweating God forbid you get the sunscreen in your eyes. I had a straight up allergy like reaction to it. My eyes wouldn't stop stinging and I was crying all over the place. It does a better job than glycerine. Even after washing my face and eyes, it took a eye cooling ice gel pack and a good 3+ hours of sleep for the burning to go away. Post this I woke up with badly swollen eyes. This is one product you couldn't pay me to use.

2% Niacinamide  Sunscreen with Rice Water SPF 50 PA+++, Plum, 50g, Rs.399

I really tried to like this one, I really did. It has niacinamide which actually worked wonders on my acne scars. I also stopped breaking out significantly after using this sunscreen. the only downfall, you guessed it right, a white cast and an oily finish. For someone with dry and fair skin this might be workable option but despite its benefits, I'll give it a pass.

Hydrate+ Dewy Sunscreen with Coconut Water & Hyaluronic Acid, Aqualogica, 50g, Rs.449

One of the most popular sunscreens in India and one of my favourites too. No white cast, glowing, hydrated dewy skin, you name it, this sunscreen does it. The only thing it doesn't? Not break me out. The sunflower seed oil in this sunscreen breaks me out so bad it takes weeks for my skin to recover. But if you're some who doesn't have the same problem, this sunscreen can be your holy grail.

Ultra sheer SPF 50 PA +++ Ultra Light Moisturising Face Sunscreen, Neutrogena, 80g, Rs.649

Another cult classic, another failure that is not worth the hype at all. This sunscreen is everything a sunscreen should not be. It gives a horrendous white cast, is drying while simultaneously being greasy, causes breakouts,and contains Benzophenone-3, a known skin irritant. the list could not get worse.

My piece of advice, save your money and spend it some thing more worthwhile.