Attention sun lovers! As we all know, Summer is in full force, so your sun protection should be as well. On my last trip to the beach, I tested out a pretty cool product by MelanSol.

Instead of sticking with Banana Boat or Hawaiian Tropic, I chose to use the 100% Natural Antioxidant Sunscreen Lotion by MelanSol. This sunscreen was SPF25, so I got a nice tan even while using it. It is for face and body, but I decided to play it safe and only apply to my body to try it. Their website even explains that according to contrary belief, you don't need a super-high SPF to fully protect yourself from the sun. MelanSol uses natural mineral zinc-oxide pigments to shield your skin, similar to the mineral powder sunblock I use on my face by Peter Thomas Roth (see full review here).

As the "Antioxidant" part of the name suggests, this sunscreen is loaded with goodies like Grean Tea, Vitamin E, and Bio-Melanin! I love the fact that it doesn't contain any unknown chemicals. Also, it has a very unique, earthy smell, probably due to ingredients such as "Lemon Oil and Lavender, Oregano, Thyme, and Rosemary Extracts". It absorbed quickly, leaving a nice sheen to my skin, and seemed to moisturize while protecting.

All in all, I will be using this natural product again! If you are looking for an all-natural alternative to beat the sun this summer, check out MelanSol!

Have you tried an all-natural sunscreen before?

What is your favorite sunblock?

Since any sunscreen I use usually leaves my face a broken-out oil slick, I am currently loving this new product by Peter Thomas Roth. It is a bit pricey at $30 for the small filled brush, but I think it's worth it!
This SPF 30 mineral powder is so fine and translucent that it feels and looks as if you have nothing on. I do notice a slight bit of oil absorbancy but aside from that, although the powder is tinted, it offers no coverage. I've been using this for about a week now and have had no allergic reactions or problems so far, which makes me a happy camper! I love the fact that there is only a minimal amount of ingredients listed on this container (so it's not filled with chemicals). I also appreciate that it is totally portable and since it is a powder it won't "melt" in the sun.

Getting down to business, most reviews on MakeupAlley complain that this brush is poor quality. The brush is not the worst, but also it is far from the best. The bristles are not as soft as they could be, and are clearly synthetic. In order to operate this product, you have to twist the bottom to release powder and apply, then slide up the body of the brush to cap it closed.

I have not had issues with the bristles breaking or falling out myself, but also when I apply I am not so much "brushing" it on as I am "dabbing" it on with the brush. I noticed that unless I am "dabbing" (going with an up and down motion horizontally tapping against the skin) I can't really see the powder coming out and so I don't really feel like it is working. But when I use this motion, I see small puffs of the powder so I know it is coming out of the brush.

I usually apply as a final layer over other mineral makeup or just alone when I am feeling lazy but going to be out in the sun. Although I love it, I do find it to be a bit pricey so I'd like to see what other companies come up with along the lines of mineral sunscreen. Most mineral makeup does offer a bit of SPF anyway because of the Zinc Oxide in it, although that isn't necessarily their claim to fame. I purchased mine at Ulta, but you can also find it wherever Peter Thomas Roth products are sold. If you're looking for an easy to use, portable, good-for-your-skin sunscreen, check this out ASAP!

Have you tried this product? Love PTR? Hate it? Let me know!