There are those among us who absolutely, positively, will NOT use a physical sunblock.  There are so many reasons to make this choice.  Perhaps you hate that it’s a bit more difficult to massage into the skin.  Perhaps you simply don’t need coverage impervious to water-sports, or prefer a sunscreen that allows you to get a little color in the summer.

For my readers in search of a 100% chemical sunscreen, I must recommend Dr. Murad’s Oil-Free Sunblock. 

An SPF 30, this sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes prior to sun exposure.  You’ll be amazed at the lightening speed with which this sunscreen absorbs into the skin.  When it does, it barely feels like you’re even wearing sunscreen.  This sunscreen wears like a light moisturizer, making it an ideal choice to wear when you’re headed to the office instead of the beach.

In true Murad fashion, this sunscreen doesn’t just shield from the damaging UVA/UVB rays of the sun!  Other than providing broad spectrum protection, Murad Oil-Free Sunblock also hydrates dry skin, and is packed with pure pomegranate extract for it’s antioxidant qualities.  Yay, Dr. Murad!

Retail price is $30 for a 1.7 fl. oz. tube.

Click HERE to buy this sunscreen directly from the Murad website.

Click HERE to purchase Murad Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 30 from Sephora.com

Click HERE to purchase Murad Age-Proof Suncare Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 30 from Beauty.com

An ironic side-effect of beauty blogging is that on some days I leave the house with my makeup looking less than perfect.  I review many great products on this blog, but occasionally am let down by some products.  Generally I don’t write about many of them… I’m simply not inspired to spend time writing about sub-standard product.  But this one I felt the need to warn about.

I had such great luck last year with Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Eye Contour Care Ultra Protection SPF 30, I was excited to sample Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream Ultra Protection SPF 30.  I applied this product to clean, dry skin prior to leaving the house for my son’s pre-school.  It seemed to absorb well, leaving an invisible layer of protection.  But when I applied makeup over it, the foundation was left looking patchy and rough.  I looked somewhat like a mummy… and on top of it all, because I was running late, I had no time to start over!  I had to attend my son’s pre-school looking like I had applied my makeup in a dark room.

So my warning to you is this… if you’re looking for a sunscreen to wear under makeup, this formula may not be for you!  Try to score yourself a sample tube before taking the plunge.  Hope you have better luck than I did!

When you’re finished reading this review, you will notice a trend. My favorite sunscreen choices for this season are neither 100% chemical sunscreens or 100% physical sunblocks. The most effective and most usable sunscreen products I’ve sampled are a combination of the two.

Prescriptives All-Weather Friend (as featured in the June issue of Lucky Magazine) is a blend of Octinoxate (chemical sunscreen) and Titanium Dioxide (physical sunblock).  This formula is extremely light and absorbs lightening-fast.  Its lightweight consistency means you need less product for full coverage.  For those normally put-off by using physical sunblocks of any kind, All-Weather Friend is the choice for you!  Its fast absorption makes it the perfect choice to wear under makeup, and broad-spectrum protection will ensure your skin won’t burn.

Retail price is $26.50.  The 1 oz. bottle size makes it ideal for travel, or to stash in your purse!

Click HERE To check out All-Weather Friend Daily UVA/UVB Sun Protection SPF 40

I entered my local Sephora on a mission: procure a high-quality, high SPF, physical sunblock that’s also non-comedogenic. 

When I asked an employee for some help in my search, I expected that she would need to mull it over.  But no, she led me directly over to the Shiseido display without missing a beat.  She raved over this SPF 55 formula for face and body, explaining that its consistency is light, it wears forever and wears beautifully under makeup.  Just what the doctor ordered!

I plunked down $37 for a 3.3 oz. bottle and certainly haven’t regretted it.  This sunscreen contains the active ingredients Octinoxate (a chemical sunscreen) and Zinc Oxide (a physical sunblock).  Despite the high amount of physical sunblock used in the product, Shiseido’s Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion seemed to melt right into my skin.  Makeup is easily applied over this sunblock, and its water-resistant formula ensures that you’re protected at the beach or during a workout.  I have to be honest, there’s no "non-comedogenic" label on this product, but also must testify that I haven’t had any issue with clogged pores while using it!

This sunscreen is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, as it is extremely resistant to water and perspiration.  It’s also great for the sensitive-skinned, as it is PABA-free!   

Click HERE to shop for Shiseido at Sephora.com

Lately, chemical sunscreens have come under fire.  Some are claiming the chemicals that make them effective break down more quickly than originally estimated, leaving your skin unprotected much sooner than you would think.  Therefore, a chemical sunscreen with an SPF 30 is not the same as a physical sunscreen with an SPF 30.

So what’s the difference between physical and chemical sunscreens?  A physical sunscreen contains active ingredients like Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, which actually reflect UVA and UVB rays off of the surface of the skin.  Incredibly effective, physical sunblocks are the preferred choice of those who spend an entire day in the sun.  They also tend to not blend into the skin as easily as a chemical sunscreen, which is why lifeguards are often seen sporting a nose slathered in white cream.

Chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients like Oxybenzone and PABA, which actually absorb into the skin, rendering the lotion invisible.  These ingredients actually absorb UVA and UVB rays, rendering the rays harmless to the skin.  Unfortunately, some of these sunscreens can also irritate sensitive skin.

So if neither is perfect… which sunscreen should you invest in this summer?  The next three weeks of Raging Rouge posts are dedicated to "Summer Must Haves", including the best sunscreens, pedicure polishes, scrubs, and more!  Get out your pencil, because you’ll want to use these next posts as a guide for your summer shopping!