Review of Brush On Block Factor 30 Mineral Sunscreen Powder.

We all know we must wear sunscreen, it needs to be high spf, broad spectrum and reapplied every two hours or after sweating profusely/swimming. The Environmental Working Group issues some pretty sobering advice about the importance of sun protection. Such as “based on available data, there is no evidence that sunscreen alone can prevent cancer“. Simply applying some sun cream in the morning is not good enough. Stick to shady areas and cover up as much as possible.

And of course top up spf regularly. The problem is how the heck do you do that? This question comes up on a nearly daily basis on the skincare forums where I spend my life. Many of us wear makeup over our sunscreen, you can’t then go and apply another layer of cream on top of that. It would look weird and most likely bring about a face of blocked pores.

There are a few possible solutions to the reapplication conundrum- an spf setting spray could work or a powder. I haven’t come across a top up spray that I fancy spraying over my oily acne prone face that is already covered in makeup. A powder seems like a pretty good solution.

Facts about Brush On Block-

• Portable brush on mineral sunscreen with intregral brush.
• Quick and easy to use with no mess.
• Handy for areas of thinning hair where cream wouldn’t be appropriate.
• Full-spectrum protection from UVA, UVB, and IRA (infrared A) rays.
• Contains 12% Zinc Oxide and 15% Titanium Oxide.
• Paraben, PABA and phthalate free
• Cruelty free and vegan.
• Available for from Dermacaredirect

Brush On Block also comes in shade “Tan” and you can get refills for £13, which is rather handy. Brush on Block used to be part of Susan Posnic Cosmetics but now has a brand all of it’s own.

Brush On Block SPF 30 Powder Sunscreen Review

I’ll go through the ingredients list first to check for nasties/goodies-

Ingredients- Alumina, Boron Nitride, Chamomile Flower Extract, Green Tea Extract, Honeysuckle Flower Extract, Iron Oxides, Mica, Rice Lipids, Rice Starch, Safflower Oil, Silica, Stearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylsilane

The Cosdna entry is ok-

Zinc Oxide, Jojoba oil, Chamomile and Stearic Acid May could be comedogenic for some. But I wouldn’t worry too much about theoretical comedogenicity. It very much depends on your skin and in powder form over makeup I’m betting it’s unlikely to make it’s way into pores.

What do the ingredients of Brush On Block do-

• Zinc and Titanium Oxide– Mineral sunscreens. They physically bounce the UV rays away from the skin. Zinc has a broader spectrum of protection than Titanium Oxide, protecting way up into the UVA spectrum. They can’t be absorbed through skin.
• Alumina– Aka Aluminium Oxide, it’s used to keep the powder “powdery” and stops it from caking. Cited as low risk by EWG.
• Boron Nitride– Used for oil absorbing, also low risk.
• Chamomile flower extract– Contains natural compounds that calm skin irritation.
• Green tea extract– Works as an antioxidant, reversing sun damage.
• Honeysuckle flower extract– Soothing and antioxidant.
• Iron Oxide– Gives the powder it’s pinkish colour.
• Jojoba oil– A plant wax that contains vitamins, moisturises and is a natural preservative.
• Mica– Mica is basically ground up rock that gives the powder a translucent shimmer.
• Rice lipids– For moisturising and binding the powder.
• Rice starch– An oil absorbing powder.
• Safflower oil– Rich in Omega 6 fatty acids, moisturising.
• Silica– Oil absorbing mineral derived from sand.
• Stearic acid– A fatty acid, helps with the texture I imagine.
• Triethoxycaprylsilane– A chemical either used as a colour or as a coating for Titanium Oxide. Not thought to be toxic in any way.

There are no ingredients there that I have a problem with in any way.

The packaging is great. Brush on Block come in a matte blue plastic cylinder. One end houses the powder in a screw on container, the other is the brush. The brush is protected with a telescopic plastic sheath and a lid. So the you don’t smoosh the bristles when you put the lid on.

The brush is synthetic and soft with quite dense bristles.

The powder itself is totally colourless. It doesn’t leave any white or tan cast. It doesn’t look cakey or overly matte. It really is subtle. To apply I give the brush a tap on my hand to make sure it’s coming through, then swirl over my makeup. It’s so undetectable that I have a hard time knowing where it’s been applied so I have to go over a few times with the Brush On Block.

Brush On Block Review- Are Powder Sunscreens Any Good?

In some countries the labelling of powder as a sunscreen is not allowed, which is a bit of a concern considering I’m using one. There are a couple of issues with powder spf- one, the chemicals in sunscreen shouldn’t be inhaled and also the quality of the protection they offer.

Zinc and Titanium Oxide are toxic if inhaled in large amounts and possibly cancerous. It’s definitely a risk if you’re working in an environment where there is powdered Zinc and Titanium Oxide. How much of a risk a light dusting of Brush On Block poses, I don’t know. Probably not a huge risk, I would think.

The actual level of sun protection you’re getting is a bit more of a concern for me. I read on The Beauty Brains (one of my favourite podcasts) that it’s likely that you’re only getting anywhere near the promised spf based on typical useage. Also check out this Instagrammer- Amy Van Cheese, she has a UV camera, it really demonstrates the level of protection you’re getting. You can’t apply Brush On Block thickly and it’s hard to see where it’s gone, it’s so surreptitious- this isn’t ideal for sunscreen.

Bottom line is topping up sun protection without spoiling makeup is nearly impossible. There’s not a perfect solution in existence, apart from avoiding the sun and wearing massive hats. I don’t like putting more liquid products on over my makeup because I’m terrified of incurring spots. I would never rely on a powder spf to provide all my sun protection, rather just as a top up on days I’m out and about wearing full makeup.

Brush on Block is definitely easy to use, portable and wearable. I’ve certainly had no issues with burning while trialling it. As an spf top up it’s certainly a decent option and I hope the makers keep coming up with clever ways to solving the tricky spf top-up issue. Also check out my other sunscreen reviews for more tips.

Brush On Block is available in the U.K. from Effortless Skin and costs £25