Sunscreen is arguably the most important step in your skincare routine. If you’re not wearing SPF every single day (rain or shine), this is your sign to keep scrolling to learn why you should prioritize this step in your routine.
What Does SPF Stand For?
We’re keeping it simple. SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor,” which is a measure of how well it protects your skin from UVB rays, and eventually, getting sunburnt.
You’ll want your SPF to be “broad spectrum,” meaning it protects from both longwave UVA (aging) and shorter wave UVB (burning) rays. What’s the difference? UVA rays penetrate deeper into skin, causing damage that leads to the development of fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration. UVB rays affect the top layers of the skin resulting in sunburns that can lead to melanomas and other skin cancers.
Why Are the Numbers in SPF Important?
When strolling through the sunscreen aisle, products promising SPF 50+ can be misleading and cause a false sense of “complete” sun protection. Expert dermatologist studies have found that SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97% and SPF 50 blocks 98%. With that being said, dermatologists recommend staying between 30 and 50 SPF protection. For us, SPF 40 is our sweet spot - anything below 30 won’t protect you enough from the sun’s burning rays, and those above 50 can mislead people to believe it offers all-day protection with no need to reapply. Sunscreen naturally breaks down over time which is why dermatologists recommend for it to be reapplied (ideally), every two hours daily.
Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen
There are two main types of sunscreen: mineral and chemical. Mineral sunscreen, often referred to as “physical sunscreen,” sits on top of the skin, offering immediate protection by creating a longer-lasting shield that reflects UV light. Considered the “safer option” for sensitive skin, children, and pregnant women, mineral SPF is composed of active ingredients like non-nano zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, octisalate, and homosalate. On the other hand, chemical sunscreen works by absorbing UV rays and altering their chemical structure to reduce sun damage. Typically, they contain active ingredients like avobenzone, octinoxate, cinoxate, and dioxybenzone, which may cause irritation and potential clogging of pores, can sink deeper into the skin and potentially cross the blood-brain barrier.
Meet Our Blendrops™ Formula
Now that you’re in the know, let us introduce you to our Blendrops™ formula. This weightless, oil-free silky-smooth formula delivers broad spectrum SPF 40 protection, and color-correcting Tranexamic and skin-plumping Polyglutamic acids to help blur, perfect and color-correct with zero white cast. Think of it as your new go-to multitasking skincare essential for a glowy, protected complexion. Designed for all skin types, Blendrops™ can be used alone or blended with your favorite moisturizer or foundation to instantly upgrade your favorite formulas and add SPF protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Available in three different finishes, choose your glow or use all three Blendrops™ finishes together for a full-face glow up.
- Bronzing Blendrops™ For Instantly Sun-Kissed, Make-Up Optional Skin
- Perfecting Blendrops™ For a Glowing, Filtered Finish Look with Invisible SPF Protection
- Illuminizing Blendrops™ For a More-Radiant, Champagne Shimmer Glow
Key Ingredients That Make Blendrops™ The Perfect Mineral SPF Formula
- Zinc Oxide: Physical barrier SPF 40 creates a non-greasy, lightweight and oil-free shield against skin-aging UVA/UVB rays with zero white cast.
- Tranexamic Acid: Helps correct redness and hyperpigmentation to even skin tone.
- Polyglutamic Acid: Helps skin retain moisture, plumps and promotes hydration for a silky-smooth complexion.
- Antioxidants (rosemary leaf, sunflower): Helps protect skin from environmental stressors and promotes a healthy complexion.
How To Use
- Use alone
- Blend with foundation to enhance your makeup look and add SPF protection
- Blend with your favorite moisturizer to add SPF protection
- Perfect, contour and highlight using all three Blendrops™ finishes
Pro Tips:
- Contour by applying Bronzing Blendrops™ along the forehead, sides of the nose, cheekbones and jawline
- Mix Bronzing Blendrops™ with body lotion or sunscreen for a head-to-toe, sun-kissed glow
- Apply Bronzing Blendrops™ on decollete for an extra bronzed finish
- Highlight the high points of your face with llluminizing Blendrops™ (cheekbones, brow bones, nose and cupid’s bow)
- Use Bronzing Blendrops™ or Illuminizing Blendrops™ as eyeshadow or as an inner corner pop
- If exposed to sun, reapply over your makeup or skincare (it won’t ruin your look)
- Use all 3 Blendrops™ finishes for a full face glow
- Apply Perfecting Blendrops™ all over the face
- Use Bronzing Blendrops™ to enhance contour
- Use Illuminizing Blendrops™ to highlight the high points
Show us how you blend on social, we would love to see all the ways you glow! #blendmyway