Battle of my two favourite sunscreens

I like layering skincare but not with anything heavy that would sit on my skin, whether it is a leave on mask, a night cream or a heavy sunscreen, even when it can promise not to clog my pores. This is especially important when it comes to sunscreen because we need to apply 2 mg of sunscreen per cm square, which is a lot of product. For more details, visit what we need to know about sunscreen.

So, I use any cosmetically elegant sunscreen that is not going to break my bank or break me out. These two sunscreens are perfect examples, so let’s compare them.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra Light Fluid SPF 50+

• non-greasy, lightweight, runny fluid (shake well before applying)
• water resistant
• broad spectrum (UVA and UVB)
• not tinted and works well under makeup 
• price: £16.50 but you can always find it on offer somewhere
• formulated for normal to combination sensitive skin but I apply on my dry sensitive skin with no problem
• paraben and fragrance-free
• alcohol denat is the third ingredient in the list, which might irritate some skin
• lovely packaging 
• chemical sunscreen
• Infrared protection
• hypoallergenic
• Overall score based on my experience and preference: 4.5 out of 5

Eucerin Sun Face Mattifying Fluid SPF50+

• non-greasy, lightweight, runny fluid (shake well before applying)
• water resistant
• broad spectrum (UVA and UVB)
• formulated for combination to oily skin but I apply on my dry sensitive skin with no problem
• The cellular protection formula, with Licorice Extract and Glycyrrhetinic Acid, supports the skin’s own protection system and helps protect skin cells against sun-induced damage caused by free radicals. (copied from product details)
• not tinted and works well under makeup 
• price: £16.00 but you can always find it on offer somewhere
• fragrance-free; they do not market as paraben free but I did not notice any paraben in the ingredient list either
• Alcohol denat is the fifth ingredient but I can smell and feel alcohol more than La Roche Posay Anthelios, although it did not noticeably irritate my skin 
• contains Titanium Dioxide (nano). Although this sunscreen is EU and Cosmetics Europe – The Personal Care Association (formerly called Colipa)-compliant, nanoparticles are still hugely debatable. 
• packaging is fine 
• chemical sunscreen with mineral in it (Titanium Dioxide)
• Overall score based on my experience and preference: 4 out of 5

I would happily use both of them and I am not paid by either to say this. I love both La Roche Posay and Eucerin as both these brands make highly effective products within a relatively low price range. Last but not the least, let me know your favourite sunscreen in the comments.