Product Review: EltaMD and Tizo Sunscreens

Elta MD: UV Lip Balm

Credit: eltamd.com

 

Color/Scent/Texture: The lip balm has a creamy white consistency with little granules.

Options: This is the only lip balm in the Elta MD skin care collection.

Purpose: The function of this product is to provide hydration to your lips as well as sun protection with SPF 31. The product is water-resistant so it's great for a day of swimming.

Size: 0.28 oz

Where to Buy: The lip balm can be purchased here.

Standards: This product is fragrance-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free, and noncomedogenic.

Review Process: I generally used this lip balm after exfoliating my lips and walking out into the sun. I wear matte lipstick, and I would then reapply as needed throughout the day since those lipsticks can be drying on the lips.

My Experience: The chapstick has a light fresh scent. The texture is smooth and easy to blend.

Perceived Effectiveness: Although it contains olive oil for extra hydration, I felt my lips began to get dry after the first use. It wasn't as hydrating as it claims to be.

Product Comparison: Based on the price, if you're looking for sun protection and moisture, I'd go with Blistex or Pacifica products. This one had excellent protection but the moisture just wasn't there.

Recommendation: I recommend exfoliating your lips before applying to get even coverage. Keep this with you throughout the day in case you are in need of touch ups.

Overall Take: Overall, I liked the scent-free protection from this product, however, the moisture just wasn't enough. I would repurchase only if I am heading on vacation where I'll be in the sun for long periods of time and bring an extra lip balm for the moisture or wear moisturizing lipsticks.

 

TIZO Photoceuticals: AM Replenish SPF 40 Sunscreen Primer

Credit: tizofusion.com

 

Color/Scent/Texture: The color of the product is light tan with no fragrance whatsoever. The formula is super creamy and silky.

Options:  This is the only product of its kind in the TIZO skin care collection.

Purpose: This is a tinted sunscreen which is primarily meant to protect your skin from sun damage.

Price Point: $49.99

Size: 1 FL oz.

Where to Buy: Amazon.com

Standards: This product is non-comedogenic.

Review Process: I used this product for a few days in the morning before applying my makeup, as this is a primer sunscreen. 

My Experience: I liked the consistency of the product. It felt like a tinted primer but it did so much more than just prime and protect my skin. After I applied it, I used a little concealer under my eyes and face wherever I needed additional coverage.

Perceived Effectiveness: I found this sunscreen primer to be quite effective. I liked that my skin was protected all while receiving the skin care benefits of one single product. For me at my age, I am big on multi-faceted products.

Product Comparison: Compared to many tinted sunscreens on the market, I mainly liked the consistency of this one. When it comes to the price point, I do not think I’d pay almost $50 for 1 FL oz. for this product.

Recommendation: When using this product, apply it to clean skin. This can be used alone or underneath your make-up. Since it also acts as a primer, you will less likely oil up throughout the day.

Overall Take: In conclusion, I enjoyed using this product. It has a silky consistency that made the application smooth to the touch. It definitely lasted more than 4 hours for me and provided oil control to my t-zone as I have oily-combo skin. When it comes to the price, I would hope to at least receive more product if I am going to pay $50 for it.

 

Elta MD: UV Sport Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

Credit: eltamd.com

Color/Scent/Texture:  The product is white in color with a creamy consistency.

Options: This would be the only sunscreen that is full-body in the Elta MD line. You can purchase it in a squeeze tube or bottle with a convenient pump.

Purpose: The function of this product is to provide UVA/UVB sunscreen protection.

Price Point: $23.50

Size: 3 FL oz.

Where to Buy: Amazon.com

Standards: This product is fragrance-free, oil-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free, and noncomedogenic.

Review Process:  This full-body sunscreen is great during the summer, as it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. I reapplied as needed.

My Experience: The product, being fragrance-free, did not have a strong scent at all. The formula is lightweight and easy to blend on wet or dry skin. As I got out of the pool, I noticed the water just roll off my skin without making my skin feel sticky.

Perceived Effectiveness: I felt that the sunscreen was quite effective for a full-body sunscreen.

Product Comparison: Compared to many sunscreens on the market, I like that this product is paraben-free and safe for all skin types on adults and children.

Recommendation: I would recommend using this product before exposing yourself to the sun and before getting wet.

Overall Take: Overall, this is an excellent product. I liked that it easily absorbed into my skin and lasted long without leaving my skin sticky. It did not have the traditional sunscreen scent which usually turns me off about sunscreens. You cannot even feel that you have it on and that is a plus for me.

 

Elta MD: UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 Facial Sunscreen

 

Credit: eltamd.com

 

Color/Scent/Texture: The sunscreen is tan in color without any strong fragrance scent.

Options: There are 4 different facial sunscreens by Elta MD.

Purpose: The product has a dual function where it protects your skin from UVA/UVB sunrays as well as provides some natural coverage.

Price Point: $23.80

Size: 2 FL oz.

Where to Buy: Walmart.com

Standards: This product is dye-free, fragrance-free, gluten-free, oil-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free, and noncomedogenic.

Review Process: I tried this product during the day after my daily moisturizer.  

My Experience: The product felt like sunscreen, however, it looked like a tinted moisturizer. There was no obnoxious smell which most sunscreens have. I used it alone during the pool and on beach days, and underneath my powder when I would go out.

Perceived Effectiveness: I felt that it was quite effective when I would head to the beach or to the pool. My skin had this subtle glow to it and felt more even. I noticed when I wore it under my makeup, I had an oily t-zone (my skin is oily as it is). I tried it once again but this time powdered my t-zone well and it did not oil up my face as it had done previously.

Product Comparison: Compared to the other tinted sunscreens out there, this product is safe, contains ingredients that actually help the skin improve, and is light.

Recommendation: I recommend using this product anytime you are going out or exposing yourself to the sun. Sunscreen is very important!

Overall Take: Overall, excellent product. I liked how lightweight it is and how effective it is. I noticed a significant reduction in the redness of my skin which was a plus. I’d definitely purchase this product in the future!