Summer Roundup #2: The Perfect Facial Sunscreen, Coola Cucumber

Hi, everyone! Time for the second installment of my Summer Roundup series. Today's post features a facial sunscreen that my oily skin has been totally loving during this warm weather, Coola Mineral Cucumber Matte Finish Sunscreen SPF30. This was another amazing find from Jacob & Sebastian here in Toronto and has really been indispensable during the hot, humid summer we've been having.

Before I get into what I love about this one, let me explain why it's been such a thrill to find a facial sunscreen that suits my skin. Having a combination/oily, sensitive, acne-prone complexion, most sunscreens have been quick to irritate and break me out and many leave my skin a greasy, shiny mess. Truly, finding a facial SPF that doesn't turn my face into a disaster has been quite the task. And Coola ended my quest!

In case you haven't heard of the brand (which I hadn't, until I saw it in Jacob & Sebastian and read about it on Into the Gloss), let me tell you a bit about it. Coola offers a wide range of facial and body sunscreens that are organic certified, cruelty-free, recyclable, vegan and free of preservatives. They work to use sustainable, locally-sourced, vitamin-rich ingredients that will nourish and protect even the most finicky of skin. They aim to incorporate a luxurious experience in their eco-friendly products, an aesthetic that is definitely felt with their Cucumber Matte Finish Mineral Sunscreen!

Here's the brand's description of what the formula has to offer:

Essentially, it promises to be an antioxidant-rich mineral sunscreen offering UVA/UVB protection and a matte, line-smoothing finish. It's also packed with beneficial oils, organic shea butter, and vitamin C to help moisturize, brighten, and nourish. It's also 70% certified organic, which is pretty impressive!

The active sunscreen ingredients in this formula are Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, which act as a physical form of sunblock. Many posit that these are much healthier for the skin than chemical sunscreens such as avobenzone.

And a shot of the directions and full ingredient list (click on image to see in full size):

As you saw in the first shot, the product comes in a cheery blue opaque tube with a built-in pump dispenser:

Unlike other light-weight, matte sunscreens, Coola Cucumber is a medium-to-thick cream (rather than a runny watery consistency). When turned sideways on my hand it does not drip or run:

When massaged in it thins out significantly, melting easily into the skin. It leaves a definite white cast at first...

... but when fully blended it becomes totally invisible. It leaves a subtle, lovely glow to the skin, while feeling incredibly light. The texture is smooth and velvety, with no trace of oiliness, despite the rich ingredients. It feels slightly powdery, but does not leave the skin dry or patchy, like some other matte-finish products might.

Overall, I'm smitten with this product because:

• It provides broad spectrum, high SPF sun protection with safe mineral ingredients and physical sunblock
• The texture is smooth and velvety, making it an ideal makeup base. I don't need to use primer afterwards!
• Really keeps my skin matte throughout the day (which is huge for a sunscreen!) without drying or irritating the skin
• Hasn't caused nasty cystic breakouts like other facial sunscreens have
• Aside from the sunscreen, it's also full of skin-friendly ingredients working their nourishing, anti-aging wonders!
• It's organic, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free, which are all huge pluses in my books!

Overall, I'm so happy to have found this little gem of a sunscreen this summer! It's kept my oily complexion in check and shielded my sensitive skin for the scorching sun. Can't ask for much more! I've definitely been tempted to try some of the ever-popular matte-finish sunscreens from brands like Clarins and Kiehl's, but I'm much happier to support a smaller, more environmentally conscious, animal-friendly brand instead :)

Have you ever heard of Coola? What are some of your favourite facial sunscreens for summertime?

Have a fantastic weekend! :)