I’ve been trying all kinds of sunscreens. I am looking for that perfect combination of reliably blocking the sun’s UVA/UVB rays and being comfortable to wear. I usually prefer physical block sunscreen.
Recently, I was sent a new kind of sunscreen for me: Brush On Block Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30.
It comes in an attractive black tube applicator with a retractable brush at one end and a clear area at the bottom where you can see the powder sunscreen. The sunscreen is self-dispensing: I turned it upside down and the powder goes through the inner tube and comes out on the brush a small amount at a time. The dispenser actually reminds me of Bare Minerals travel brush that works exactly the same way.
Perhaps because I associate the mineral sunscreen powder with Bare Minerals, I only use Brush On Block on my face, and I love it for my face!! Because of the brush and the powder form, it’s easy to apply at home as well as when I’m sweating at the beach. Unlike regular cream sunscreen that I hate reapplying over what I had on before, I actually like to reapply the powder to my face because it makes me feel cooler and more put together. Like any sunscreen, it should be reapplied every 2 hours and after 80 minutes of swimming or serious sweating.
Most of the time, I use Brush On Block as powder over my foundation or BB/CC cream for extra protection from the sun. You can also wear it under makeup, if you prefer.
The box doesn’t say that Brush On Block is limited to use on the face. I believe you could apply Brush On Block to your body, but it seems like too big an area, too difficult to cover, and maybe too difficult to see where you’ve applied it. For me, using it only on my face isn’t a negative. I’d rather “save it” for my face!
The powder is described as “translucent”, and it appears to be a beige shade that reads as translucent on my light skin. It doesn’t add any color on my skin. The product website says that it is invisible on all skin tones.
The mineral sunscreen has a very faint, very pleasant fresh scent that I really like. But it is very faint.
I love the self-dispensing brush tube. A bit odd, Brush On Block doesn’t come with instructions on how to use the tube. However, the Brush On Block website (here) explains how to operate the self-dispenser and also how to clean it. But it’s not that hard to figure out what to do. What you do is turn the bottom piece of the tube to the left to open the flow of powder to the brush.
When you invert the tube with the brush pointing down, the powder begins to be seen on the brush. After you’ve finished applying, turn the bottom piece to the right to close it. There’s a plastic sleeve around the brush that you can push down into the barrel to reveal the brush or pull up to protect the brush before putting the top back on the tube.
The benefits of Brush On Block are many:
- it provides UVA/UVB protection
- it provides translucent protection
- there’s no greasy mess, thank goodness
- it doesn’t sting the eyes
- it’s water resistant to 80 minutes
- it’s hypoallergenic (a mineral powder sits on top of the skin, isn’t absorbed, and is much less likely to irritate skin, cause breakouts or clog pores)
- it’s portable and convenient
- it’s easy to clean and refill.
The active ingredients are the ones I look for:
- Titanium Dioxide (15%)
- Zinc Oxide (12%).
Brush On Block also provides skincare benefits. It contains botanicals that enrich, soothe and replenish skin. Nice!
- Green Tea Leaf Extract: a natural antioxidant
- Safflower Seed Oil: an emollient that moisturizes and protects the skin
- Chamomile Extract and Honeysuckle: help prevent skin inflammation and irritation
Brush On Block contains 3.4 g/.12 oz., and it is supposed to last about 2-3 months. It’s made in the U.S. It’s sold on the Brush On Block website, on The Grommet, on Amazon, at Anthropologie/anthropologie.com. It’s priced at $30. A refill is sold for $16. Or you can buy a duo of two brush/tubes for $50.
Brush On Block is cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. The brush is made of synthetic hairs and the mineral powder contains no animal by-products.
BTW, thegrommet.com is a very cool retail shopping site that features new better-for-you or handmade or unique products from small start-ups. A friend of mine did most of her holiday shopping last year on thegrommet.com, and she introduced me to the site. Definitely visit and take a look at all the wonderful and usually innovative products!
My Thoughts
I like Brush On Block. As I mentioned before, it seems very familiar to me because it’s so similar to Bare Minerals translucent setting powder. I really prefer using Brush On Block mineral sunscreen for my face than any of the other sunscreens that I’ve tried this season because it’s greaseless, lightweight, doesn’t interfere with my makeup, and is much easier to reapply than a cream sunscreen.
I’ve added Brush On Block to my sunscreen arsenal for a specific use, but it does not replace other sunscreens for my body. Still I’m really glad I have it!
Have you heard about Brush On Block? What do you think? Would you use a mineral sunscreen powder on your face instead of creams?
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 15%, Zinc Oxide 12% Inactive Ingredients: Alumina, Boron Nitride, Chamomile Flower Extract, Green Tea Extract, Honeysuckle Flower Extract, Iron Oxides, Jojoba Oil, Mica, Rice Lipids, Rice Starch, Safflower Oil, Silica, Stearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylsilane
I have some Peter Thomas Roth tubes like this but the powder is white. I think they just expired a few months ago. I am horrible about using sunscreen. First off I am rarely outside enough during the day and second it breaks me out even in powder form. I guess those are fair reasons for forgetting. At least to me they are. lol I know I am bad.
I didn’t know that PTR did mineral sunscreen too! I’m sorry to hear that even the mineral powder irritates your skin. If you can’t wear sunscreen without negative skin effects, it’s better to skip it and stay indoors during the peak hours like you’re doing. But boo, not fair!
I have never tried this type of sunscreen, but this is something I should try.
Leelo R recently posted…Be good to your skin with AHAVA Dead Sea Mineral Face Masks
I love the fact that it’s a mineral powder so it’s greaseless, so much easier to apply and re-apply!
Excellent review as always Allison! I was just about to begin testing this, and after reading your favorable review I am really excited to start using it! This is such a different concept in sunscreen for me, but I agree with you– it reminds me of Bare Minerals as well.
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog recently posted…Artis Elite Mirror 3 Piece Set | QVC Special for Only $89.00
Thank you, Helen! I hope you enjoy it. For me, it has become my preferred facial sunscreen. So much easier to apply and reapply throughout the day!
This is such a great product and I hate reapplying sunscreen. This can be so handy when you are out and about.
The Beauty Highlights recently posted…NYX Slim Lip Pencil in 836 Bloom Review & Swatches
Absolutely great for on the go use! I love that I can reapply this to my face, neck and it isn’t messy or greasy and doesn’t ruin my makeup. Love love love it!
I used to have some foundations that had that kind of dispenser. Hard to keep them clean, but it’s not like you’re going to keep a sunscreen around for more than a season, anyway. I like that you can reapply this over makeup – I think that’s why I rarely reapply if I’m wearing makeup – I don’t want to mess it up!
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…How Do I Celebrate My 20th Wedding Anniversary?
I need this for my car, just in case I forget. It won’t melt or get too hot and runny! Perfect!
Brooke @ Blushing Noir recently posted…Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Blur Primer & Blur Perfector Swatches + Review
I’ve never seen this before! Seems like a great idea! I’m not sure if it helps me, but I like to double-up on my sunscreen by using a moisturizer with SPF then a BB cream with SPF – so I like the idea of finishing with an SPF powder.
Megan recently posted…Stitch Fix Review: Fix #2
Megan, I do the same thing. Some folks says that you need a regular sunscreen in addition to the moisturizer and BB Cream with SPF, but I just can’t stand putting on that many layers, lol. So yes, I agree, adding the mineral powder with SPF is just so easy and provides more protection so why not?!
I have a tube of this and it lives in my handbag. I love having another me-safe sunscreen to add to my rotation. 😀
Erika recently posted…butter London Patent Shine 10X | Her Majesty’s Red
That’s great, Erika, that you and love it as well! Even tho I can use the regular sunscreens, I just prefer this one for my face and neck. So much easier and more pleasant
What a brilliant idea! Bourjois used to have liquid foundation and setting powder that applied like this with a built-in brush, but brush-on sunscreen is perfect; you can apply without getting it on the palms at all. I love the idea of powder sunscreen; you can touch up easily above makeup.
Renu recently posted…Wimbledon Essentials skincare by Arran Aromatics
Exactly! I hate applying layer after layer of cream sunscreen on my face so this is the perfect solution!
My skin is so oily, this sounds perfect! I didn’t know brush on sunscreen like this existed. Very cool 😉
Mandy Chameleon Stampede recently posted…Smashbox Try It Kit Best Sellers!
It was a new idea for me, too, though it reminded me of the Bare Minerals setting powder but that, I believe, had an SPF 15 so this is better!
I have never tried this type of sunscreen, but you’re making me curious to!
gio recently posted…It’s The Little Things: 27 Simple Pleasures That Brighten Life
I really like using it on my face, Gio. I dislike applying coat after coat of cream sunscreen to my face, and truth be told, I don’t do it. With the powder sunscreen, I actually enjoy applying more powder to my face throughout the day. I love it.
Brush-on sunscreens are perfect for midday touchups, since they don’t disrups the makeup 🙂 Love them!
Absolutely! I can’t stand reapplying cream sunscreen over my makeup! This is perfect for me for the beach to easily reapply
I love mineral sunscreen, because having to reapply to your face always ruins your makeup with other sunscreens hehe.
Heather recently posted…Soap & Glory Smoothie Star Product Review
Agree completely!!
I have a similar item from Colorscience and I’m pretty darn forgetful about putting it on. It is really a good idea though, especially over makeup 🙂
Monica.
MonicaP recently posted…Christie Brinkley Complete Clarity Daily Facial Exfoliating Polish
I’ve seen ads for the Colorscience and I had wanted to try it. So I was very happy to get to try out this one. I keep it in my purse or put it in my beach bag so I can reapply during the day. I really like it. The concept is great
Since I don’t want to mess up decent makeup by reapplying SPF this would be handy to have for those days. The brush doesn’t look scratchy, do you find it to be soft?
MarciaF recently posted…Wantable July 2015 Accessories Collection is here!
Yes, very soft, Marcia. I really like it. If I’m not outside a lot, reapplying isn’t an issue. But now that it’s summer and I am outside for hours at a time, I love having this on hand to reapply sunscreen plus it’s great to get rid of that shiny, sweaty look.
I’m too paranoid to try this type of SPF.
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I’m not sure if you can get the complete coverage that you can with cream spf (it can be hard to see if you’ve covered every millimeter of skin), but I found myself not reapplying cream sunblock as the day goes on so Brush On Block solves that for me. It seems to be working.
I have never used this type of sunscreen before and actually I have never heard of it. This is so neat and I wish I knew about it before because it would have just completed my beauty life!! I mean how great is it that you can just brush on your sunscreen like powder and keep it in a side pocket in your purse?!?
Color Me So Crazy recently posted…Alpha Mani presents the Letter X, Y AND Z… It’s a WRAP!
Exactly! I don’t know think I could use this on my whole body but for my face and neck, it’s great.
I love brush on SPF for touchups throughout the day so that I dont ruin my makeup with wet sunscreen!
Miranda Mendoza recently posted…Review & Swatches: New e.l.f. Studio Face Palettes
Yes! And for me, using moisturizer with SPF, foundation/BB/CC cream with spf, followed by the BrushOnBlock mineral sunscreen as setting powder is enough to protect my face/neck till I need to touch up with BOB later on
This looks great for touch-ups.
Yes, for sure. I reapply it every couple of hours if I’m outside a lot
This is such a great idea!
Destany recently posted…Inspired by a Book Mani – Leave It To Claire by Tracey Bateman
It is very useful!
This is such a brilliant idea! Perfect for on the go!
Fits easily in my purse!
I liked this product because its easy to use and the sunscreen is grease free.
Exactly!
I hate applying regular sunscreens to my face because they usually make me break out, but I feel like this would work better for someone like me! Very interested to try this!
Kristina Vieweg recently posted…Target “Head of the Class” Beauty Box
It is supposed to be good for skin that breaks out with creamy sunscreens, Kristina!
This is such a great idea. Easy to use, not messy, time saving. Love it.
Aleya Bamdad recently posted…IT Cosmetics Naturally Pretty Palette Review
Agree completely!
I love the idea of this! It would make re-applying over makeup so much easier too.
Bailey recently posted…Yves Rocher White Botanical Exceptional Hydrating Cream
Absolutely! I cleaned up my bathroom and put it away somewhere and now I can’t find it – freaking out! It is such a handy little devil 🙂
Great idea for on the go, but I think I still prefer liquid/lotion style over powder
Lisa Heath recently posted…DIFFERENT dimension Cosmologically Speaking Part 2 Collection Swatches & Review
If liquid/lotion works for you, you definitely should stick with it! I know that I never reapply liquid sunscreen throughout the day on my face so this is giving me added protection that I wouldn’t get.
This is such a unique concept for sunscreen. I’m with you – hate reapplying traditional sunscreen … especially once I’ve been on the beach and am covered in sand. I’d love to give this a try.
Kristin Bassett recently posted…7 Tips for Perfect Summer Hair
It’s definitely great for touchups throughout the day and perfect for the beach!
Wow this is such a unique product! I think I would try it out purely to see what the brush format is like! xxx
WhatLauraLoves recently posted…RED SHOE EVENTS | An Audience With Faye Tozer
Bare Minerals mineral veil has a travel brush that is just like this, Laura. Have you seen that? The powder travels down the inner tube and comes out on the brush tip. It’s a great invention!!
My concern is the ingredient Alumina….any thoughts?
Great question, Andy. Alumina is aluminum oxide, an anti-caking ingredient. Here’s the link to the page about it on the Environmental Working Group site: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700309/ALUMINA/ where it is rated 2 Good and gets a low hazard rating. I reviewed a different brush on from Mineral Fusion here:https://www.neversaydiebeauty.com/brand-spotlight/fall-makeup-from-mineral-fusion/ and it doesn’t have alumina in it:
Mineral Fusion Brush on Sun Defense Active Ingredients
Titanium Dioxide 17.3%…………..Sunscreen
Zinc Oxide 20.0% ……………….. Sunscreen
Inactive ingredients:
Mica, Silica, Nylon-12, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Capryloyl Glycine, Undecylenoyl Glycine, Alaria Asculenta (Sea Kelp), Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Iron Oxides.