First Impression: Nature Republic Provence Calendula Daily Sun Block

This will be the second-to-the-last first impression review of the contents of my first Althea beauty box. So far, I've done reviews on the W-Lab Black Kill Pore Cleaner, the Chica-Y-Chico Matt "Mat Fix" Cushion, and the Piolang Raspberry Hair Treatment Vinegar.

Today's post is all about the Nature Republic Provence Calendula Daily Sun Block. It retails for Php954.00 (roughly $20), but it was on sale on Althea for only Php460.00 (almost $10).

It has SPF 50 PA+++, so that's a heap of sun protection. According to the product description, "calendula and chamomile extracts sooth the skin well, and its pink base makes the skin tone naturally bright and glowing."

It is free of parabens, mineral oils, and artificial colors, so this is definitely a good bet for sensitive skin. It has a creamy texture, is light-wearing, and non-sticky. It also claims "wrinkle care," and can actually be used for both the face and body.

Notice that this is not a waterproof sunblock.

I have "no makeup" makeup days when I basically just use sunblock and face powder as my base along with a nude lipstick (the one thing I really don't like to skip is doing my brows!).

I usually use my Biore UV Aqua Rich Whitening Cream SPF 50+ PA+++, which is a truly superb Japanese product but a bit pricey considering its size (Php420.00 in Robinsons Department Store). Considering the actual product, though, it is a facial sunblock well worth its price and I highly recommend that everyone try it!

Moving on..

Below is my bare face alongside how it looked after I applied the sunblock:

I don't know what was up with the lighting, but I guarantee that in person, my skin tone did not appear to change at all. All I noticed is that my face was a bit shinier or oilier in the mirror. With the Biore sunblock, there is no oily feeling at all and it literally feels like a facial cream upon application.

I noticed the absence of its claimed "pink base," though. I think it's actually a transluscent sunscreen.

This is exactly how much product I applied.. I may have applied too much, as a little does go a long way. It has more of a liquid than a cream texture. I simply spread it over my palms and applied it directly to my face.

As I applied it, I noticed that is has a very sunblock-y scent. It's really just there, which I guess isn't too much of a surprise as it's also meant as a body sunblock as well as a facial sunblock. While it felt oily initially (typical sunblock texture, but less thick/sticky), it wasn't overwhelming.

I topped it with one of my new face powders which I found to perform well above its value (only Php116.00 or $2.47): San San Pressed Powder in Shade No. 03.

Below is me wearing the pressed powder over the sunblock, as well as with my eyebrows and lips done. If you read my previous post, you will know that for my brows I use the Fashion Brow 3D Brow & Nose Palette:

On my lips is another high-quality-but-budget-friendly find, also from San San:

Below are photos of the pencil (blunt from use, but it is sharpenable), a hand swatch, and my lip swatch:

This lip crayon is only Php165.00 (around $4), and I highly recommend it. It's long-wearing enough and easy to reapply, and it has a beautiful matte finish without any drying at all. It applies creamily and precisely.

Now, back to the sunblock in question!

It's not incredibly oil-controlling, so for "no makeup" makeup days, I would still go for Biorè (or perhaps an organic sunscreen I'll be getting my hands on soon━stay tuned for that.

I did have to blot my face throughout the day as well as reapply powder, as the sunscreen itself offers no coverage whatsoever. While acceptable for "lazy days" when literally all I want to do is protect my skin, dab on some powder, and then forget about how I look for the rest of the day, I believe I will be using this as a body sunblock most often. 

Overall, it's a very good sunscreen━my expectations were simply affected due to 1) comparing it with another sunblock truly meant for the face and 2) trying to use it as something it never claimed to be good for (a light base for powder). The only cons I'm seeing is its very sunscreen-y scent (rather a minor con), and the fact that it isn't waterproof. So it's a good daily sunblock, but nothing for sporting events or days when you are literally going to have to stand out in the sun and sweat all day.

Thanks for reading!

<3 Mizsheee