Whenever Summer comes round, I'm one of the first to be slathering on SPF. However, finding a good face SPF that doesn't make my skin itch and break out, or cause my makeup to go patchy is a bit of a struggle. So I was really excited when I got the chance to try out the new Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser SPF25*, which claims to be an innovative natural sunscreen as opposed to the traditional chemical SPFs we're used to seeing.
So how is it different to the traditional SPFs?
First of all, it includes some key ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid (I think everyone knows the benefits of hyaluronic acid by now as it's been taking the beauty world by storm this last year, so I did rejoice a bit when I saw it included - if you didn't know, it's great for hydrating the skin and making it appear more plump), titanium dioxide (a physical filter to protect against UVA/UVB rays) and kukui seed oil (a natural silicone replacement that's great for moisturising the skin).
But what is a physical filter?
So for the next part I have done some research, but please don't hold me to it as I'm not a skincare expert by any means...
So when you buy a combined sunscreen in the shop (one that is both a moisturiser and SPF), there is a danger that you will not be getting enough protection. Many suncreams use chemical filters, however you have to wait for these to sink in, and they can sometimes lead to irritation on sensitive skin. Therefore, if you're using a combined suncream it's best to go for one that has physical and natural filters, either titanium/zinc oxide, as they offer immediate protection. Titanium/zinc oxide are minerals which act like reflectors, so they basically block the UV rays in the first place, rather than letting it be absorbed like chemical filters (which absorb the rays but stop it damaging the skin to an extent).
You also need to look for a broad spectrum sunscreen which offers protection against UVB rays, which are associated with sunburn for example (this is what the SPF number relates to! So an SPF of 15 offers 93% protection against these rays, SPF 30 97% protection, and SPF 50 98% protection - not a huge difference like I imagined) and UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin's dermis. The Balance Me SPF covers both of these.
So with that done, I can honestly say I had no idea that there was a choice available between chemical and natural filters. I've also read that chemical filters can also play a part in pigmentation, and you all know how I'm on a journey to get rid of my hyperpigmentation, so I will definitely be making the switch to natural filters, where possible. They are also supposed to be a better option for sensitive skin, rather than chemical filters, hence why I think my skin got on so much better with this SPF.
So onto my thoughts now!
The Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser SPF 25* is marketed as a super light daily moisturiser, and due to the emphasis on natural ingredients it should protect you from the sun and environmental damage, all without leaving you with a white cast. When I first tried it out, it was actually thicker than I expected it to be. Not as thick as say the Nivea SPFs, but thicker than your average moisturiser, so it did need to be massaged in. I didn't get a white cast per say, but it did leave my face looking a tiny bit more pale. However, after massaging it in and waiting a minute, it had fully absorbed like any other moisturiser. The thick feeling was also gone and my skin was back to it's normal shade. It did leave a bit of shine, again not as bad as other SPFs I've used, but noticeable around my cheekbones. Here's where I made a discovery though! Pairing it with the Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Reviver (a serum/primer in one) instantly mattifies it, and together they give a great base for makeup application. I use the SPF over my serum, and substitute it for my moisturiser.
As for how it fared during the day, honestly for these past few weeks I couldn't even tell I had SPF on! My skin doesn't feel hot or itchy, like I have something sitting on it. My makeup hasn't gone patchy, my concealer hasn't broken up, there isn't much shine popping up through the day either (apart from the normal amount when it's a hot day). There's also no greasy residue at all, I wash it off with a hot cloth cleanser in the evening, and my skin's been absolutely fine! No breakouts (in the past I would get white pimples from certain face SPFs) or dry patches either.
You get 40ml of product for £26, find it here on the Balance Me website, or at M&S/John Lewis. I will admit that it is on the pricey side, so it depends on what you want in an SPF. All of Balance Me's products are free from parabens, mineral oils, sulphates etc (including this), and they are cruelty free, so for a lot of people I think it will be worth the premium price for more natural skincare. You might also be happy paying more than drugstore prices for a natural, rather than chemical filter. The SPF is also an update on a previous version so I would just double check the packaging, to ensure you pick up the right one.
The packaging is a squeezy tube that comes presented in a box (as per the first image). It has a screw lid which is quite sturdy, and the small nib means that it remains relatively air tight (there's always that worry that SPFs can lose their power - so that's an added bonus).
As for flashback, I did read that physical filters are more likely to cause flashback in photography as they reflect the sun's ray, but I did take some pictures with flash on and I didn't notice any flashback personally.
I hope you enjoyed this post!
What do you think about natural versus chemical filters in SPFs? Would you make the switch?
I like a higher SPF, but this sunscreen sounds really good! xx
ReplyDeleteIndie// In Search of the Holy Grail
I was the same! But I think if you reapply frequently then it's not too much of a difference :) xx
DeleteWow, such a wonderfully informative and thorough review! Balance Me is one of those brands that I've always been meaning to check out a little more. I have a couple of their lip balms and they're pretty lovely. Thank you for sharing, hun! xoxo
ReplyDeleteKay
http://www.shoesandglitter.com/
Aww thank you so much for dropping by xx
DeleteI never realised that you dont get enough protection from using the combined one.
ReplyDeletewww.theglossychic.com
I think it's because if it's mixed with a moisturiser then it'll be somewhat diluted, but a physical sunscreen overcomes that xx
DeleteGood thing I saw this blog post. I've been looking for new sunscreen lately. I'll check this brand :)
ReplyDeletexx Alyssa // STYLE VANITY
Aww thank you xx
DeleteI love how informative and detailed this post it. I never tried anything from this brand but I read many reviews about it. I usually go for spf 30 or 50 and reapply during the day to be safe xx
ReplyDeleteYiota
PinkDaisyLoves
Thank you so much! I think re-application is definitely the way to go, although I'll admit that I never used to follow through with it much before xx
Deleteoh wow such an informative review! I'm trying to get rid of hyper pigmentation too so think I need to switch to natural filters too.. The Balance Me Moisturiser actually sounds amazing.. i hate that white cast that normal SPF's give and how greasy they can be.. I defo need to go out and buy this
ReplyDeleteRonnie
www.veronicabizzarri.com
xx
I hate that greasy feeling, it makes it feel like my face is melting!
DeleteThis looks like a great product, I'm all about trying to protect my skin at the moment (having not really done it properly). Currently using ultrasun face which is lovely, but will definitely give this a try - fab review!
ReplyDelete//teandtwosugars.blogspot.com xx
Aww thank you so much for your comment and popping by :) Same here, the more I read about sun damage, the more it encourages me to be pro active xx
DeleteI've been on the hunt for a good daily spf so I really enjoyed this post as I would want to find one that's good for sensitive skin. I didn't know there was a difference between chemical and natural filter so this post was so helpful as I definitely need one with a natural filter. Lovely post!! xx Brynn
ReplyDeletehttps://www.brynnieblogs.com
I was just as surprised when I started researching into it! I've gotten on so well with this SPF though, which is rare for me! xx
DeleteThanks for this post lovely! Such a thorough review. I've not tried Balance Me products before, but I use an spf 30 in the summer.
ReplyDeletewww.rougenapples.com
Aww thank you so much xx
DeleteI learned so much from this post, I'm so glad you enjoyed this product too, I'm definitely going to look it up :)
ReplyDeleteRosy xx
I meant to say also that I don't think I've tried anything from the Balance Me range before either.
DeleteRosy | Sparkles of Light Blog
My Instagram | Instagram
Aww thank you so much for your kind feedback xx
DeleteGreat post i will be definitely trying this!
ReplyDeletewww.kateejessicay.blogspot.com
Thank you xx
DeleteThat's really good that it worked so well for you! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteRaindrops of Sapphire
Thank you xx
DeleteI love how this was such a detailed post, I haven't heard of this yet, but is sure does sound great x
ReplyDeletetipscapsule.blogspot.com
Aww thank you so much xx
DeleteWow this post is so informative - I didn't know the difference between chemical and natural filters, but now I will definitely try and buy suncreams with natural filters :)
ReplyDelete- www.roisinslatest.com
Aww I'm glad you found it useful xx
DeleteSuch a great review, you've explained everything so thoroughly and it's so informative! I've not heard of this before, but it sounds lovely!xx
ReplyDeleteHannah | luxuryblush
Aww thank you for the feedback xx
DeleteSounds like a great product! I always use SPF all year round!
ReplyDeleteXoXo,
Tamara - LoveofMode.com
Thank you xx
DeleteThis as such a good read! i'm terrible for not wearing SPF on my face! I'm in need of a good face one for my holiday coming up so I may give this one a go!
ReplyDeletehttps://simplybeki.wordpress.com
Ooh hope you enjoy your holiday xx
Deletethank you for sharing love!
ReplyDeleteXx, Tiffany Lea
https://zimmylifestyle.com
Thank you xx
DeleteVery detail review Hun! I've never heard of the brand before but the moisturizer sounds very lovely especially when you're getting sun protection from it. x
ReplyDeleteAnn-Marie | http://facetocurls.com
Aww thank you xx
DeleteKukui seed oil, it's my first time seeing this ingredient, hmm. It's really hard to find a physical sunscreen without leaving me looking pale. I'd be putting this onto my wishlist right away if not for the price!
ReplyDeleteyanrula x
Let's connect: Bloglovin'
I found it really good for not making me skin go pale! Aww you should check out their website, they do offers quite a lot where they throw in free gifts if you make a purchase xx
DeleteThis sounds like a really nice product! The ingredients list is pretty impressive.
ReplyDeleteI've always been so lazy about applying sunscreen everyday, but I'm now religiously including it in my skincare routine. I'm using the Vichy capital soleil dry touch 50 SPF currently and its agreeing with my skin so far :)
http://beautyandthebeing.com/
That's really good! I can still become a bit complacent when it's not as Sunny so I need to change that too! xx
DeleteThanks for the detailed review! I've only used the balance me lip balms before so it's nice to hear about the skincare range as well!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend :)
Rosanna x
Rose's Rooftop
Thank you, you too xx
DeleteGreat review.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
Thank you xx
DeleteI use an SPF on my face everyday but I had no idea about the difference between chemical and physical filters - will be looking into that!
ReplyDeleteAmy xx
www.callmeamy.co.uk
Me neither, thanks for popping by!
DeleteI love how you've explained the importance of applying SPF and what the difference between UVA & UVB rays are informing your readers before hand on the importance of protecting the skin and why. That said, this seems like such a great product! I'm glad that it's free of all the harmful ingredients found in most SPFs, I tend to use vegan products more because of this, though sometimes you don't get the best results, glad that's not the case with this one! Thanks for sharing, beauty, and I hope you have a great weekend ahead!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jalisa
www.thestylecontour.com
Thank you so much for your lovely weekend. It was nice and relaxing, hope you had a good one too xx
DeleteThis seems so lovely! I will defiantly consider this one when mine runs out.
ReplyDeleteGemma x
www.jacquardflower.uk
Thank you xx
DeleteSuch well written and beautifully explained....great post dear...xx, Neha http://www.theinstylejournal.com/
ReplyDeleteThank you xx
DeleteReally informative and interesting! I am glad that this moisturizer worked well for you :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.clairetalksbeauty.com/
Thank you xx
DeleteI have never heard of this line! I am all for SPF so I would be willing to do natural if it worked just as good. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks for dropping by xx
DeleteI am not too fuss between mineral and chemical sunscreens but I know some are very sensitive to chemical ones. This is a brand that I have seen and read about but never tried anything.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think it's one that people who have given up on other sunscreens will prefer xx
DeleteSPF is something that I never really thought about until recently. I've been using the SunBum Face Stick and love it! It smells like coconut and bananas. This product sounds really great too so I may have to give it a try!
ReplyDelete-Sophie xx
Cherries & Perfume ♡
Wow that's an interesting name haha! xx
DeleteOh! My friend recommended this to me (along with a lot more, haha) before, I might check it out soon :) Thanks for the detailed explanation, it really helps.
ReplyDeleteyuki, solivagantic
Aww I'm glad you found it useful, your friend sounds awesome! x
DeleteI have to try out this product!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day!
Kris | https://dreamingofpink.wordpress.com
Thank you xx
DeleteI've been on the hunt for a good sun cream as I have just gotten laser done and I am sensitive to UV rays! I need this! It sounds amazing ♥
ReplyDeleteKhadija x
http://www.khadijaxmua.co.uk
I didn't even realise it would be useful for laser treatment, I'm glad you found it useful xx
DeleteI have always stayed away from SPFs like this as I have oily skin and always thought that they would make my makeup patchy and come off even more so it's great to hear that this isn't the case with the products. It was also really helpful to read about the natural and physical filters as I have sensitive skin too so now know which will be better suited to my skin type :) x
ReplyDeleteI think this one would be great for oily skin as once it's on, it doesn't feel thick at all, so it won't overwhelm your skin xx
DeleteWhile I do prefer moisturisers that absorb quickly, I reckon this one would definitely be worth it with the natural ingredients!
ReplyDeleteMusings & More
I agree! xx
DeleteI have to try this out!!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day!
xx, Kris
https://dreamingofpink.wordpress.com
Thank you xx
DeleteWould definitely be interested in trying it out!
ReplyDeleteephemeralfox.blogspot.com
Thank you xx
DeleteAll natural and with hyaluronic acid!
ReplyDeleteI am in! My skin is so dry - I am going to give this one a go!
Kiri
Set to Glow
http://www.settoglow.com.au
Thank you xx
DeleteI love how much information you put into this review! I don't know much about SPF, I only recently started using it regularly. Such a great post!
ReplyDeletewww.themakeupaficionado.com
Aww thank you for the feedback xx
DeleteOh my gosh-- sunscreen is the one thing I really should be using more-- and I'm not. I'm so funny too because I hate getting tan! I'm also not such a fan of a low spf-- although it is true that after a certain amount of spf, it doesn't protect your skin more, the sf just stays on longer-- which can be a good thing too. Oh gosh-- I really need to put sunscreen on everyday. Thank you for guilting me. I needed that.
ReplyDeletehttp://cynicalduchess.com
Don't worry, I need guilting myself sometimes, I get complacent too when it's not a sunnday day. That is true, I think we should also be reapplying it quite often too, I often think once is fine but I guess it's not xx
DeleteLooks like an interesting product, love that its 99% natural!
ReplyDeleteVanessa x | www.springlilies.com
Thank you xx
DeleteThanks for this helpful review! I like it especially that this product has that high SPF - what personally is important for me.
ReplyDeletexx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
www.dressedwithsoul.com
Thank you xx
DeleteI really like the sound of this. Good facial suncreams that don't affect makeup are always something I'm on the lookout for! Great tip about combining it with the Body Shop primer too. x
ReplyDeleteKate Louise Blogs
I'm glad you liked my tip xx
DeleteSeems like a lovely moisturiser! Definitely want to try it xx
ReplyDeleteThank you xx
DeleteThe hyaluronic acid sold me on this product! However I do wish the SPF was higher, but either than that it sounds great! I've been using a natural sunscreen recently and I don't think I'd switch back to chemical again <3
ReplyDeletethebambieyes.com
I'm really glad to know you prefer the transition to natural too! x
DeleteI definitely need to check out this sunscreen. I love products that focus on using natural ingredients, it's so much better for the skin. It's great that it doesn't leave your makeup oily or patchy at the end of the day, I have both those issues since I have combination skin!
ReplyDeleteAhh that must be frustrating, but I would really recommend it! Primer waters have also helped me with any patchy issues xx
DeleteIf you get enough protection from your spf is not dependend on physical or chemical sunscreen, but on the amount of product applied. Most people apply less moisturizer than they would (should?) sunscreen.
ReplyDeleteLinda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
I did hear that you should be applying 1-2 tablespoons but most people don't x
DeleteI think all moisturisers should have spf in them it's an essential.I love that it isn't greasy feeling on the skin, I hate it when they feel horrid! This is such a brilliant, indepth review
ReplyDeleteCharlotte / Charlotte's Picks
I think it's good for day moisturisers! Thank you xx
DeleteI've tried this brand before and the product I sampled was gorgeous, worked soo well and I wanted a full sized version but never got round to buying it. This product looks fab!
ReplyDeleteLauren x Huggled
Aww thank you xx
DeleteI often prefer higher SPF but this babe really has some great ingredients <3
ReplyDeletexoxo, All about Best Wallets 2017
I like a higher SPF too, I want to try
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