Clinique City Block Saves My Face

The last couple of hot days here in New York have given me the opportunity to test out Clinique’s Super City Sheer SPF 40 Sunblock ($17.50 / 1.4oz). It is an oil-free tinted sunblock that blocks both UVA and B rays, which means it both stops sunburn and reduces sun damage. The tint is sheer and light, so this product would be suitable for any light to mid-toned girls, but may show up as ashy or ghostly on darker girls. The tint faded, and the tell-tale white tone of SPF came through, although this too blended fairly easily into my skin. The tint was also so sheer that it didn’t really provide me with any discernable coverage, and I definitely  require a touch more base to even out my skin tone. This made my skin feel quite greasy, but I have not yet come across an SPF product that does not have this issue. Instead, I have been applying City Sheer at least 10-15 minutes before your regular base to give your skin time to soak it in. When I wore nothing else, it did sink in nicely and didn’t leave me looking shiny, and the same when I left some time between applying products.  It was also fairly hardwearing – I put it on, went for a bike ride, lay in the sun, and biked home again in 90 on Saturday afternoon, so naturally there was a bit of sweat, but it didn’t wear off or leave me burnt at all. I was certainly pleased with the level of protection I felt. I’ve worn it for about 4 days straight, and haven’t had any issues with breakout out or any other skin issues, so that is a major plus as well. 

 Blob on the left, blended out on the right

I cannot say that I’m super thrilled about this product, or think that it’s amazing. I love the high level of protection and the hard wearing nature, but it doesn’t solve the greasy feeling or poor photos that is associated with SPF protection. I’ll definitely keep using it throughout the summer, but doubt I’ll actually purchase again. Have you come across a really good facial suncream? Or regular suncream? I’d really like to know.