This summer I decided to splurge on one of Coola’s sunscreens. I have been eyeing this brand for the past couple of years, never wanting to spend the money on such an expensive facial SPF.
I opted for Coola’s Unscented Matte Tint because 1) the Rose Tint was sold out at the Detox Market, and 2) the Cucumber Matte Finish pilled on my hand as I swatched it, and showed a white cast with a thin application.
I’ve used this for about half the summer, so it’s time to tell you what I think of the product! Worth the splurge, or save your money?
About the Product
Give your skin an immediate line-smoothing matte finish and fight signs of aging caused by the sun with this antioxidant-infused Farm to Face® sourced broad spectrum SPF 30 mineral sunscreen. This unscented and lightly tinted formula is made with natural Rose Hip Oil which is rich in free radical fighting Vitamin C. Naturally calming Evening Primrose and Flax Seed Oils deliver abundant Omega-3 and Gamma-Linolenic Acid to improve elasticity and help skin retain moisture. Natural Shea Butter smoothes and hydrates while the phyto-protector Plankton Extract rejuvenates skin. Formulated for all skin types and tones, including those that are especially sensitive or oily.
- Mineral Active Ingredients
- Ideal for Normal or Oily Skin
- Lightly Tinted
- Preservative Free Formula
- Water Resistant (40 minutes)
- No Nano-Sized Particles
Active Ingredients
Titanium Dioxide (Sunscreen) 3.2%
Zinc Oxide (Sunscreen) 1.8%
Inactive Ingredients
Aluminum Hydroxide, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Iron Oxides, Isopropyl Myristate, Isopropyl Titianium Triisostearate, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Mica, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Plankton Extract, Polyamide-5, Polysilicone-11, Propylene Carbonate, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Silica Silylate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Synthetic Wax
Infused With
Cucumber Fruit Extract
Evening Primrose Oil
Linseed Seed Oil
Rose Hip Oil
Shea Butter
Get Physical
If you’ve read my blog post Supplementing Sunshine: Remember to Get Your Vitamin D , I have talked about SPF’s functions and why physical over chemical is the safer choice. Here are the 2 points
- Chemical SPFs with ingredients such as avobenzone, homosalate and such, absorb the rays; These ingredients may absorb into the skin and are potentially carcinogenic.
- Physical SPFs with ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are considered safer because they offer broad spectrum protection without risk.
Screening the Claims
Right out of the tube, I really like the texture; its like a silicone primer. As you can see in the photo, Coola’s sunscreen texture is similar to a mousse cream filling in a pastry. It sits nice and light on my skin, and I’ve never experienced my pores being clogged from this product.
Claims
Immediate line-smoothing matte finish – It does finish as matte. In relation to lines, I don’t have any, so I can’t really say if it does that.
Unscented – No complaints! Even with all their natural ingredients, there is no sign of herbal life anywhere.
Lightly tinted formula – It’s light alright! The front of the product advertises this as a “Natural BB Cream.” It’s a nice concept, but the tint is super duper light. If you’re worried that the only colour is Natural Beige, don’t worry, this didn’t look different from when I was pale to tan.
Calming – I’d say it reduced a tad of discolouration and redness I have on my face, it’s hard to pick up in the photo I took but at the time I took this photo and applied I could see it clearly. It also never irritated any current breakouts I’ve had, or contributed to new ones either.
Improve elasticity and help skin retain moisture – Definitely not a product that will dry out your skin. Sometimes there are mattifying products that will emphasize the dryness of your skin, and this one didn’t.
Smoothes and hydrates – Because of it’s mousse-like texture, your skin definitely feels smooth! I wouldn’t say this adds a huge amount of hydration, but it definitely doesn’t take any away.
Rejuvenates skin – I’d say because of the light tint and quality formula, this sunscreen definitely contributes to making your skin look better!
Overall Rayview
First physical sunscreen I have not returned and continued using. That’s saying something! I’m very particular about sunscreens, and Coola’s Unscented Matte Tint fits the bill – quite a pricey one!
Doesn’t have a crazy white cast thanks to the tint. Although advertising it as a “Natural BB Cream” kinda stretches that point.
Doesn’t feel thick and heavy or break me out – I never noticed any congested pores from using this after a long day outside.
Protects me from the sun (durh)
Have you had good/bad experiences with Coola Sunscreens? Also I noticed they have a small beauty line now! Anything worth looking into?
UPDATE MARCH 31, 2018:
I gave this to my younger sister. If you have read some of my recent posts, I state that my skin is dry. This product does not do well for my now dry skin, it actually pilled when I last applied it to my face. Dry skinned peeps, you have been warned!
xo, M
Other Posts You Might Be Interested In:
Supplementing Sunshine: Remember to Get Your Vitamin D
Pale Face, Tanned Body: My Current Foundation Routine, ft. Sappho Liquid Foundation in Kate (Review)
First Impressions: Kaia Naturals Juicy Bamboo Natural Facial Cleansing Cloths