Summer is just around the corner (although judging by the past week’s rainy weather, I wouldn’t have guessed)- so it’s time to start thinking of upping your sun care routine if you plan on spending more time outside!  Vichy has recently launched two new formulations to their (already extensive) Capital Soleil sun care line, including the Sheer Lotion SPF 60 Bare Skin Feel and the High Protection Suncare Oil SPF 30. All of Vichy’s sun care products are appropriate for sensitive skin, are fragrance-free (so happy to see that) and are water resistant. They are also quick-drying, great for all skin-types and are photostable; this means that they don’t deteriorate at first contact to light (photons)- they stay efficient for 2 hours of continuous broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

Vichy Capital Soleil High Protection Suncare Oil SPF 30 (left) and Sheer Lotion SPF 60 Bare Skin Feel (right)

Sheer Lotion SPF 60 Bare Skin Feel

One of the biggest complaints that I see about sunscreen, is that it feels gross.  I can totally relate… slathering on greasy, thick sunscreen that leaves me looking oily and shiny is never pretty- so I can understand why its a bittersweet battle!  We know more than ever how important it is to protect our skin against sun exposure to reduce the risks of skin cancer and pre-mature aging.

The Vichy Capital Soleil Sheer Lotion SPF 60 Bare Skin Feel ($28.59 USD / $29.95 CAD) is exactly what we all need.  Not only does it feel just like a regular part of your skincare routine, but it has a dry-touch finish, it’s not greasy and it’s great for face and body. The sunscreen itself looks a lot like the traditional stuff I remember slathering on as a kid… opaque white with the consistency of a regular body lotion.  The real difference is how it looks and feels after it has been absorbed.  After I rub it into my skin, it disappears completely leaving no white cast, shine or residue.  It really does feel like bare skin (I even asked my boyfriend to feel which hand had sunscreen on it, and he couldn’t tell).  Good job, Vichy!

The smell isn’t exactly pleasant, but it’s better than a lot of sunscreens I’ve tried.  It does have a ‘sunscreen’ scent, but it is much softer (almost more powdery of a scent, if that makes sense).

RATING: A

Vichy Capital Soleil Sheer Lotion SPF 60 Bare Skin Feel

Vichy Capital Soleil Sheer Lotion SPF 60 Bare Skin Feel

Vichy Capital Soleil Sheer Lotion SPF 60 Bare Skin Feel

Vichy Capital Soleil Sheer Lotion SPF 60 Bare Skin Feel

Vichy Capital Soleil Sheer Lotion SPF 60 Bare Skin Feel

Vichy Capital Soleil Sheer Lotion SPF 60 Bare Skin Feel

High Protection Suncare Oil SPF 30

When I first saw the Vichy High Protection Suncare Oil SPF 30 ($28.59 USD / $29.95 CAD) I was a bit confused… I usually associate “oils” with tanning, baking, frying.. you know those ‘dark tan oils’ you see beach bums slathering on?  Well, this one is different. This oil is hydrating and soothing like many others, but this one offers a high SPF (much better than those SPF 4 bottles I’ve seen… like, really?) as well as broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.  It has a fresh floral scent, although it’s not too noticeable over the sunscreen smell, and it leaves your skin looking absolutely incredible (think the “J.Lo Glow”).

It feels a lot like a body oil, but it doesn’t feel greasy at all. It makes your legs and arms look radiant and feel so soft.  It’s quite interesting! My only gripe is that it can get a bit messy. It has a spritz-nozzle so oil can really get everywhere.  Honestly though, apply this over some faux tanned skin and you’ll look like you just spent a week on the beach.

RATING: A-

Vichy Capital Soleil High Protection Suncare Oil SPF 30

Vichy Capital Soleil High Protection Suncare Oil SPF 30

Vichy Capital Soleil High Protection Suncare Oil SPF 30

A Note On Sunscreen Application

Did you know that 7 out of 10 women are not well protected when wearing sunscreen? This is because half of the battle of protecting your skin is in the application of it.  Not only do many not apply it properly, but so many people don’t realize how much sunscreen you need.  The sunscreen in your foundation is NOT ENOUGH to protect your face. Plain and simple (that’s why finding makeup or skincare with sunscreen in it is not a priority of mine). If you really want to protect your skin, you need to be using a proper sunscreen, and using enough of it.

Click here to learn about how to properly (and sufficiently) apply your screen.

Summary

• Price: $28.59 USD / $29.95 CAD CAD for 150mL (Sheer Lotion) and $28.59 USD / $29.95 CAD for 177mL (Oil)
• Availability: Available now in various drugstores (visit Vichy to find a retailer near you)
• Selection: View the entire Capital Soleil line here
• Overall: I’m impressed with how sun care is advancing and these products are a great example. The Sheer Lotion SPF 60 Bare Skin Feel really does feel like bare skin; dry-touch, no residue, no oily shine.  The High Protection Suncare Oil SPF 30 leaves an incredibly gorgeous glow to the skin, leaving it hydrated and protected (although it can be a bit messy). Both of them also do have a ‘sunscreen’ smell, although it’s not as bothersome as other sunscreens I’ve tried.
• Rating: A for the collection as a whole, individual products rated above.