Clinique City Block Sheer SPF25 and SPF40 Face Cream

It’s all about the C word today. Those of you who know me of old will remember that is what I used to call Clinique – the ‘C’ word. Well, *deep breath* I apologise. 

On some counts. I still think Clarifying Lotion (except the mild one) is akin to nail varnish remover but THAT ASIDE – I’ve been more impressed with recent offerings. These are two of them.

City Block Sheer 25SPF is an oil-free tinted broad spectrum sunscreen designed for use alone or under makeup. Don’t be put off by the tinted part – I’ve tried both of these on four of us in the office – the tint only highlights your skin with a glow – it’s not foundation.

Available in two strengths:

SPF25

SPF40

One size:

40ml

‘UVA’ symbol on pack:

No


Water resistant?:

No

Perspiration resistant?:

Yes


Rub resistant?:

Not stated.

Texture:

Goes on and feels like a tinted moisturiser

Fragrance:

Smells lovely – has the SPF smell but it is not overpowering

Suitability for darker skins:

I tested the SPF25 – that was fine on very pale to darker olive skins. Not tested on black skin but there is no white residue that I think would be problematic.

What else?:

City Block is designed to do just that. Protect from grime, smog, smoke, pollution in general. 

Oil-free.

This is a mineral sunscreen – not chemical – so those of you allergic to traditional SPF should be fine.

Acts as a primer – use this instead of a BB/CC/TT (total timewaster) cream. 

Verdict:

Pretty much the perfect SPF for those of you that need/want protection on a daily basis. Not just on a beach. I like this. I will use this myself. Now someone go pick London Makeup Girl up off the floor and give her a gin.

Right. When you leave the city behind and head for the beach – you need the real deal. Clinique Sun has lots of variations and comes in a 35 stick, 30 and 40 for the face.

Available in three strengths:

SPF35 STICK

SPF30 cream

SPF40 cream

One size:

The creams are 50ml

‘UVA’ symbol on pack:

No – however, the leaflet states ‘Formulas comply with EU recommendations for UVA/UVB protection’. I an guessing it doesn’t contain the UVA ‘circle’ symbol to save Clinique having different packaging for different countries?


Water resistant?:

Yes.

Perspiration resistant?:

Yes – sweat resistant. Score for The Hirons. Does anyone actually ‘perspire’? Like a Lady would in Downton Abbey? My entire side of the family sweat like rugby players wearing thermals and uggs near the equator. I digress.


Rub resistant?

Says ‘reapply after rubbing’. 

Texture:

Really nice. Predictably thicker than the City Block but one comment from a tester was ‘WOW. That is REALLY good for a 40.’

Fragrance:

Fresh SPF. 

Suitability for darker skins:

Black skins would get a glow. Healthy glow. Not Frankenstein glow.

What else?:

Fragrance free. Allergy tested. Suitable for sensitive skins. Has Clinique patented ‘SolarSmart’ antioxidant protection that is triggered by sun exposure for extra help. Stick with the SPF info – the jury is very much out on whether antioxidants in creams do anything to protect the skin. Internally, yes. Externally, derms will argue about it for days.

Verdict:

Another one that is coming home with me. Good, solid, SPF – the UVA symbol is missing but it does say ‘UVA/UVB high protection’. And yes, I love the yellow packaging.

Clinique suncare is available at all Clinique stockists and on www.Clinique.co.uk. Prices start at £17.00.

*PR samples. But I would buy.