Ask any beauty editor or celebrity, and they'll be quick to tell you that sunscreen is arguably the most important beauty product in their arsenal, and yet, it's often overlooked by a majority of Americans. Glossier founder Emily Weiss set out to help solve this problem by creating a sunscreen that she believes we'll actually enjoy using: Glossier's Invisible Shield Sunscreen. According to a study conducted by the CDC, only 29.9 percent of women reported regular use of sunscreen on their face and body, even though the American Academy of Dermatology estimates one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Despite those risks, it's sort of easy to understand why people skip SPF.
More often than not, sunscreen can be an annoying product to slather on, especially when it comes to your face. Sunscreens can be sticky, greasy, chalky, drying, and can leave a scent that seems only suited for being by the beach or the pool — not the subway or the office. When you throw makeup into the equation, things can get even messier and more confusing. Should you put your sunscreen on before your foundation or after? Is there a formula that won't leave a white cast or a powdery texture? Or maybe you forgot to put sunscreen on altogether and you didn't realize it until after you've already finished getting glam — is it too late to throw in some SPF?!
Glossier's Invisible Shield, $34, Glossier
If you've ever been troubled with any of these questions, Weiss and Co. totally get you. The Glossier founder even penned an article on Into The Gloss confessing that "historically, I haven't worn sunscreen." Gasp, right? After a reported two years of research and development, Weiss believes Glossier has finally gotten it right, making a "sunscreen for people who hate wearing sunscreen."
I had the chance to test Invisible Shield out before it hit Glossier's digital shelves. Here's what I think about the so-called "groundbreaking" sunscreen product.
What Does It Feel Like?
Here it is straight out of the bottle.
Here's what it looks like after I rub it into my skin.
Here's what it looks like fully absorbed.
Glossier's Invisible Shield sunscreen is a water-gel formula, which reminds me a lot of water-based Korean sunscreens or serums. It feels super hydrating upon application, and absorbs almost immediately into your skin after a few seconds.
What's In It?
It's made with a bunch of active ingredients that promise to protect your face from UVA/UVB rays and pollution, and offers SPF 35.
Here's exactly what's in it, according to the press release: Active microcapsules, which are tiny spheres packed with UVA and UVB filters; water — there's no alcohol or greasy ingredients in this formula; an antioxidant complex made with a mix of Vitamin E, Vitamin P, Broccoli, and Aloe Leaf extracts that "helps neutralize free radicals inside skin;" fermented yeast and vegetal extract, which create an invisible barrier that prevents pollution from getting in; and sweet orange essential oil, for a citrusy scent.
What's The Dispenser Like?
It comes in a cute little bottle (1 fl. oz. to be exact) with a dispenser that doesn't pour out too much product — a few pumps and I've got enough to cover my entire face and neck. Another perk? It's travel-friendly.
Is It Scented?
It smells sweet and citrusy, thanks to an orange essential oil. I'm huge on scent, as far as beauty products go, and I'm in love with how bright and light this sunscreen smells.
How Are You Supposed To Use It?
The directions suggest using it after your moisturizer and before your foundation. However, it's not made to be used if you're going to be swimming or sweating a bunch. Glossier intended this product to be used as a daily sunscreen — not a waterproof formula you would take to the pool or one you would wear while running a 5K.
The Final Verdict
So, bottom line: Is it worth it? If you don't regularly wear sunscreen and are in the market for one that's easy to put on, smells good, will protect you from pollution and UVA/UVB rays, and will coexist with your makeup beautifully, you should definitely add Invisible Shield to your skin care line-up.
Glossier's Invisible Shield goes on like a serum, but has all the benefits of a trusty sunscreen. I love the way it feels on my face, especially because my skin tends to be on the drier side. It's basically invisible by the time I start putting on my makeup, so it definitely doesn't get in the way of my foundation or blush. All that said, I wish it was water-resistant — I really wanted to wear this product all summer long and I tend to sweat a lot. However, I'm definitely going to be switching between this and my favorite Supergoop! Sunscreen Serum for day to day.
Glossier's Invisible Shield is available to shop on Glossier's website now for $34.
