Hey girl hey!
I’m super excited about this post because we’re talking about a must have skincare product for the melanated girls of the world, Black Girl Sunscreen! If you’re still not wearing sunscreen after 2020, girl..RUN don’t walk to go get you some.
Just a few benefits to name a few:
– The sun increases hyperpigmentation, so sunscreen helps to even out your skin tone .
-Sunscreen protects against UV rays.
-Sunscreen also has anti- aging properties. It protects your skin from the wrinkling, spotting and loss of elasticity caused by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.
I started wearing sunscreen back in 2018 on and off, but been pretty consistent with it starting in the year of 2019. Like many melanated people, I thought that I didn’t need sunscreen due to the pigment in my skin. I was wrong, and set out to find a sunscreen without a white cast. The search was pretty hard, but I then came across Black Girl Sunscreen and I fell in love!
Formulation
Black Girl Sunscreen’s product line of both the original and make it matte formula are both chemical sunscreens instead of mineral sunscreens. You may say, “Emari what is the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens?”. Chemical Sunscreens allow UV light into the skin, but the chemicals within the sunscreen causes a chemical reaction to turn the UV light into heat which in turn the heat disappears from the skin. Mineral sunscreens (usually containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) contain particles that sit on the skins surface that physically prevent UV Rays from penetrating. Thankfully, it does not include oxybenzone, the most damaging chemical filter. It is also formulated without toxic ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and triclosan.
Both sunscreens contains four filters as their active ingredients- Homosalate, Octisalte, Avobenzone, and Octocrylene. All active ingredients work together to provide effective protection during exposure to the sun. Both formulas of the sunscreen have different emollients and a different SPF levels. Depending on your skin type, you may prefer one or the other.
Black Girl Sunscreen Make it Matte SPF 45
So let’s talk about the Black Girl Sunscreen Make it Matte SPF 45.
I have combination skin so I am oily and normal in different parts of my face. In hotter seasons, my skin tends to be more oily. I decided to purchase the make in matte formula for hotter days or days when I am wearing a dewy foundation. Yes, this sunscreen can totally be treated as a primer and layered (with makeup or additional moisturizer). As pictured, this sunscreen has a lightweight gel like texture and it dries matte while still moisturizing the skin.
The sunscreen has some amazing moisturizing ingrediants- aloe, squalene, and shea butter. If you read my previous skincare review, you know my skin has been loving squalene! It’s so lightweight, but it does the job of moisturizing. We all know and love aloe vera, coconut oil and shea butter for the same reasons. I was a but skeptical about the coconut oil, but you truly have to think about these products working together rather than individually.
This formula is amazing and I recommend it if you have oily skin and for my makeup lovers who like to wear dewy foundations. This formula will not create excess oil, so I love that!
Black Girl Sunscreen Make it Matte SPF 45– $21.99
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
As far as the Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30, it has a rich creme like texture which dries completely clear. This sunscreen contains the save active ingredients as far as filters, but different emollients. It contains Carrot Seed Oil, Cocoa Seed Butter, and Avocado Oil. All three ingredients work together as a triple threat to nourish, rejuvenate, protect and also heal (helps reduce inflammation).
This formula isn’t for the oily girls. If you have combo skin or normal skin, this can definitely work for you. I say that because, it is very moisturizing and contains different oils. I enjoy using this as a moisturizer/sunscreen on no makeup days and layer this product with foundations that are matte. It can serve as a moisturizer or even a primer before apply mattifying products.
I use this all season around, but on hotter days I will switch out to the Make It Matte formula to avoid excess oil which can lead to breakouts.
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30– $18.99
Final Thoughts
I definitely recommend both sunscreens, but depending on your skin type you may prefer one or the other. In terms of SPF levels, some may prefer the higher level of SPF. However, after doing research SPF 15-30 is sufficient for melanated skin. Higher level SPF’s are usually recommended for fair skin tones. So, in terms of levels, both sunscreens are sufficient and effective for dark skin. I hope that this review helps you to select the right formula for you!
Until next time y’all <3
Later!
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