Reapplying sunscreen all day long can be a hassle. As you may know, reapplying is just as important as wearing SPF in the first place. However, most formulas can feel greasy or ruin your makeup. I was looking for something lightweight and easy to use, but before I knew it, my company’s new sunscreen, SunDefense Mineral, landed on my desk, so I was in time to test it.
As a digital project manager Eminence Organic Skin CareI was very excited to try this powder sunscreen. With my dry skin, I was interested – do powder formula feel comfortable? Will it blend in seamlessly or will it settle into thin lines? And most importantly, does it really make reapplying sunscreen easier throughout the day?
I have tested it over the past few weeks on both naked skin and overmake. This is exactly what happened.
Why did you choose mineral powder sunscreen?
Physics vs. Chemical Sunscreen: What’s the difference?
Before diving into my experience, let’s talk about why I’ve been interested in mineral sunscreen from the start. Traditional chemical sunscreens absorb ultraviolet rays, convert them into heat, which is released from the skin. Many experts believe that mineral sunscreen, on the other hand, is a physical reflection of UV rays, sitting on the skin.
The Sun Defense Minerals formula uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. This is two of the most effective physical filters for wide range of UV protection. These ingredients are also leaf-friendly, making them a more environmentally friendly option compared to certain chemical filters. I prefer mineral-based protection. This is one of the reasons why solar defense minerals are so intriguing.
My concern was mainly that I struggled to find shade matches and the matte finish could be too dry on my already dry skin, and the texture would disappoint me. So, did any of these turn out to be a real problem? Let’s get into it.
Results: Have you found a skin tone tint?
Thankfully, the Sun’s defense minerals come in six versatile shades. I’m happy to report that I had nothing to worry about. These six shades are versatile and pure, making it easy to find multiple shades that work with your skin tone. I tested light, medium and tan and found that all three were blended comfortably in my skin. I was surprised that the light complexion and the tan shade gave my complexion a natural swaying glow, not looking excessively warm.
Watch as I apply the sun defense mineral powder here:
The powder is thin and constructable, allowing you to easily customize coverage to suit the look of your day and adjust the amount applied to the changes in seasons. It feels like a soft veil rather than a heavy layer, enhancing the natural tone of the skin without overwhelming.
Whether you need a subtle boost of warmth or a quick touch-up of SPF, the flexibility of this skincare formula has been eased. The versatile shades worked seamlessly, complementing multiple skin tones depending on the day and appearance.
You can see the various shades below:
Does it give you a natural or matte finish?
One of the first things I noticed after applying the solar defense minerals was the beautiful finish it provided. It quickly made my skin look smooth, matte, even and didn’t feel heavy or overly powdery.
My skin is dry so I wanted to know if the formula emphasizes texture or if it would make my face feel more firm as the days went by. Instead, it blended effortlessly, leaving a soft, refined look that felt completely weightless.
It helps to control the extra glow, but it didn’t dull my skin or make it look dry – it’s naturally balanced.
Here’s what I like about the finish:
- It reduced the glow and still made my skin look fresh and natural.
- It blends seamlessly into both naked skin and makeup without looking like a cake.
- The powder evenly made my complexion look and gave my skin a refined, smooth look.
How did that feel on my skin
The moment I applied Sun Defense Minerals I was able to say that this was not like the other formula I tried. It felt zero gravity and silky, as if I was wearing anything. Unlike some powders that can feel heavy sitting on your skin, this had a soft, feathered light texture that was effortlessly fused.
I have dry skin so at first I was worried that the powdered sunscreen would dry out or settle on thin lines, but that wasn’t the case at all. The formula sat delicately on the skin without drying out the patch or feeling the skin firmly. Even after a few hours of wear, my skin still felt comfortable and hydrated. This was a huge plus for me. Especially because you often have trouble finding SPF options that are gentle on makeup that doesn’t feel dry or heavy.
Final verdict on touch: This powder sunscreen is perfect if you are looking for an airborne formula that sits comfortably on your skin and is suitable for wear all day long, even with dry or sensitive skin types.
How to use and how often to reapply
How to apply powder sunscreen
Thanks to the flow-through brush design, it’s easy to apply the Sundefence minerals. Unlike liquid sunscreens that require rubbing, this powder sunscreen allows you to clean SPF protection in seconds. No confusion and no sticky hands.
Step-by-step application:
I’ll use it first
- Before using for the first time, remove the cap and twist and pull to remove the brush blocker in the center of the brush to activate it. Replace the cap.
- With the cap facing down, tap the brush 2-3 times on the hard surface to flow the powder.
- Remove the cap and slide the sleeve down until you hear a click.
- Swipe your finger over the hair to make sure the hair is visible. The brush is ready to use.
If you use it every day
- Shake and activate: Before using, place the container on top and gently shake (1-2 times) to allow hair to flow through the hair.
- Tap to see the flow: Tap the brush on your wrist or swipe your fingers over the hair to make sure the powder is evenly distributed.
- Clean your face: Apply round movements to forehead, cheeks, nose and chin.
- It blends into hard-to-reach areas: Lightly dust the powder along the hairline, jawline, and even scalp part lines to provide additional protection.
- Use alone or on makeup: The pure formula works beautifully on exposed skin or as a finishing step on foundation.
- Reapply for continued protection: For best results, reapply outdoors at least every two hours for continuous protection.
How often do I need to reapply?
Reapplying sunscreen is important to maintain protection, but that’s something that people often forget – especially when putting on makeup. Powder sunscreen makes this process easier, allowing you to leave it protected throughout the day. All you need to do is quickly clean your skin.
General Reapply Guidelines:
The standard recommendation for all sunscreens is to reapply every two hours. If you’re outside, set reminders on your phone to correct them. I will also apply again by sweating and swimming. Although this formula is water resistant, it is still important to reapply after intense activity.
This formula also provides blue light protection, allowing it to dust to improve the visible effects of blue light exposure.
My final verdict
After a few weeks of testing, I can confidently say that this powdered sunscreen has acquired a permanent place in my routine. From feather light textures to simple reapplying, it solved many of the problems I had with traditional sunscreen.
My favorite thing:
- Feeling of zero gravity: No weight or sticky residue – just breathable and comfortable sunscreen.
- Confusion-free application: There are no spills, no greasy hands, or fast sweeps using built-in brushes.
- Easy reapplied: Finally, SPF that can be fixed without ruining your makeup.
- Matte finish: It keeps your skin looking smooth and even while reducing glow.
- Portable & Travel Friendly: Small enough to throw it in your wallet, gym bag, or even a stroller pocket.
Do you want to continue using it?
absolutely. I still use liquid sunscreen as a base layer for all day outdoor activities, but this powder sunscreen has changed the game of daily SPF touch-ups. It has become my go-to for noon protection and I love how lightweight, convenient it is and how much I like it being used.
If you’ve ever had trouble finding SPF that works with greasy sunscreen, messy reapplied, or make-up, I highly recommend giving this a try. Sunscreen is easy and feels natural and completely seamless. This is exactly what a great sunscreen should do.
Have you tried powder sunscreen before? Find out what SunDefense Mineral options are here, let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or share your experiences on social media!
