Shopping·7 min read

We Tested Colorscience’s Color-Changing Sunscreen. It’s Magic.

Colorescience
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Colorescience
June 10, 2024

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Welcome to Skimm Tested, a series where we put viral products to the test and give you our honest, unfiltered reviews.

What We Tested…

Colorescience’s Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50, ($54)

Why Margo Tested…

Colorescience Sunscreen
Colorescience Sunscreen

Test Results…

  • No irritation. Sometimes when I try out new sunscreens, they clog my pores and cause little bumps. I didn’t have any of that, or any redness or itchiness when wearing this. 

  • Blendability and luminous finish. This is a color-changing sunscreen and I was impressed by how well this blended into my skin, without creating a demarcation line that sometimes happens with colored sunscreens. It also provided that extra tint and glow I look for in a daily sunscreen. I wore the shade Fair.

Why Morgan Tested…

Colorescience sunscreen
Colorescience sunscreen
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Morgan Ballard

Test Results…

  • Notable coverage. This applies more like a foundation than a sunscreen. It's a great step in a makeup routine for warmer weather because it gives coverage like a light foundation, but doesn't feel heavy or oily like other sunscreens.

  • Buttery texture. This product feels really good on my skin and pairs well with my makeup routine. It gives a natural glow and pairs well with a hint of concealer and brow gel for a no-makeup makeup look. I wasn't ever dying to take it off and it was easy to work into my routine.

  • Complexion match. I wore the shade Deep. It also matched my skin really well, giving it a sunkissed glow without looking orange or fake. I will note I was surprised to fit the darkest tone, Deep. Among my melanated or BIPOC peers, I'm not the darkest. In fact, I'm commonly called light-skinned. The complexion range and white cast on more melanated skin is a negative standout trait for me. This shade is a match for me right now. I'm not sure if it will work for my peak summer glow, and I've seen it not work well for those more melanated than me.

Why Rachel Tested…

Colorescience sunscreen
Colorescience sunscreen
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Rachel Klein

Test Results…

  • Blendability. This SPF felt super lightweight and blended in seamlessly. Many days, I wore it as my only base layer with light makeup on top and felt totally ready for the day. My skin can sometimes get shiny with other tinted sunscreens and I did not find that was the case with this product.

  • No irritation. I have fairly sensitive skin and did not find this reacted negatively in any way.

  • Complexion match. I selected shade Medium, which I do think was a touch too dark for me. That being said, I think it will be great for the summer when I am a little tanner.

  • Product amount. The standard size for this product is 55 mL. I do feel like I have to use a decent amount and have to reapply throughout the day, so I worry it will run out quickly.

Sidenotes…

  • This is a mineral-rich sunscreen with iron oxide pigments that bloom upon contact with your skin to create a shade that matches your skin tone. It might seem harsh upon contact with your skin, but the product will blend out.

  • It has UVA/UVB, blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation protection.

  • If you are between two shades, the brand recommends going with the lighter shade of the two.

The Fine Details…

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