elf Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen SPF 35 Review

beauty, e.l.f.

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I look for facial sunscreens that layer well with skincare and makeup, without clogging pores or seeping into your eyes and mouth. Basically, the sunscreen needs to be no fuss and goof-proof. I am testing out the elf Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen SPF 35 to see if this budget friendly drugstore option can meet my high standards.

Details & Claims

I will start with where to buy the sunscreen. Most retailers that carry the brand will have it, including elf’s website, Amazon, Ulta, and Target. I got mine at Walmart in-store. You get 1.7 fl oz or 50 mL for $14 in a squeeze tube. It also comes in a mini travel size for $5. elf also offers a spray-on and a glowing version.

This should be an invisible face sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 35. It is a velvety smooth gel with no white cast or greasy feeling. It doubles as a blurring face primer that grips makeup for long-lasting wear. The formula should be lightweight and water resistant, featuring the key ingredients of meadowfoam seed and aloe. It is for all skin types, including oily, normal, dry, and combination.

All elf products are free from phthalates, parabens, nonylphenol ethoxylates, triclosan, triclocarban, and hydroquinone, as well as being cruelty free and vegan. More specifically, their skincare does not contain sulfates.

To use, this product should be last step in your skincare routine, right before applying makeup. You are to spread an even, generous layer over your skin 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. Allow it to set for 30 seconds before applying makeup. Re-apply every two hours as you would with all sunscreens.

Review

The product has a clear gel formula that is lightweight. It does not clog pores or cause breakouts on my skin. There is no white cast because this is mineral sunscreen, not physical. You can read about my favorite physical sunscreen in my AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen review.

The formula does feel greasy when you apply it, to an off-putting degree. It makes me want to apply less than normal, but you need a generous layer to get proper sun protection. Once it dries down and sets, it is no longer greasy and feels and looks like your real skin with a matte effect.

In terms of being makeup primer, I see no blurring effects and it feels smooth, as in not having makeup grip. I find that it does not like to layer well with makeup AT ALL, which results in awful pilling. This happens even when you are trying to pair silicone with silicone. I ONLY wear this on no makeup days as it layers fine with other skincare.

It does not seep into my eyes during the day. I have combination skin and this make my skin slightly more oily in the T-zone but not enough to complain about. I still stay pretty matte regardless. I would be more frustrated about the oil if I wore this with makeup, but I never do.

This gets my seal of approval only as a basic, clear mattifying sunscreen for no makeup days. It does not meet its blurring or gripping claims at all.

Shop The Sunscreen

I do not believe that it blurs and grips makeup, but it does its one sole job right of providing UV protection daily. This will feel greasy on initial application, but it dries down fast to a natural, smooth matte finish devoid of shine. It will not clog your pores. Have you tried any of the elf sunscreen lineup? Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.