I’m scheduled to leave for Hawaii in a little over a week, which means now is the perfect time to test and compare some sunscreens! I mentioned before on this blog that I’ve been using the Tula Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen for a while but have recently discovered invisible sunscreen, namely the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen. Well with new packages of both freshly delivered to my mailbox, today was the day for our Wear Test #1.
My Plan for Wear Test #1
So for the trail run, my goal was to compare the overall feel of each sunscreen on my face prior to wearing it out in the sun. The actual sun protection I’m not terribly concerned about; the Tula is SPF 30 and the Supergoop is SPF 40, which means if the Tula works just fine I’m sure Supergoop will, too. My primary concern with finding the right sunscreen is getting that protection without feeling like I’m slathering this disgusting, oily white goop all over my skin.
This is why for our Wear Test #1, I split my face in half right down the middle, applying the Tula to half and the Supergoop to half. How do they match up?
First: The Tula Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen
I have more experience applying Tula daily sunscreen, and I’ve talked about it before, but it’s only natural for me to give another general overview in this comparison. This formula is noticeably, right away, very lightweight and has a beautiful yellow tint when it comes out of the nozzle. Its texture is a bit runny and liquidy, probably closer to a serum, and is very smooth when applied to the skin. It is worth noting, however, that because it is more liquid, you do have to run it in a little bit so it fully absorbs.
As the name suggests, this Protect + Glow formula looks very glowy and almost dewy on the face after application — even after thoroughly rubbing it in — but it never feels oily. You’re meant to apply the sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure and it does dry down after you let it soak in. It smells like sunscreen but it’s not as strong as the signature odor of your standard bottle; it’s more a combination of sunscreen and general skincare products.
Now: The Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
On the other half of my face I twisted open my brand new mini bottle of the Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, called “original 100% invisible, weightless, scentless sunscreen.” Now, the first thing you’ll notice about this formula is its color as soon as it is squeezed out. The sunscreen appears very thick and white, slightly opaque; it immediately made me think of if candle wax had melted down and been turned into sun protection. I know that sounds weird, but that little pea-sized amount really looked like a large drop of dried candle wax.
Despite the odd appearance, the Supergoop is a very blendable candle wax. It has no scent whatsoever and essentially no color (hence the “unseen” part of the name). I noticed it blended in easier than the Tula because it is a little bit thicker and more a solid texture than a serum. But what’s really amazing is the finish; instead of being glowy, there is absolutely zero finish on the face. Or at least none that’s visible. The Supergoop fully blends and disappears into the skin so it looks like you have nothing on your face whatsoever — no grease, no dewiness, nothing. You’d honestly never know I was wearing it. The instructions say you only need to wait 30 seconds for it to absorb and you literally need less than that.
Common Features of Both Formulas
I like both these products and both have several positives no matter which you’d end up picking. Keep in mind, both of these are meant for face application and I have not used them on my neck, arms, or legs as a body sunscreen. You only need one to two pea-sized amounts to comfortably cover your entire face, which means you could purchase the smallest available bottles and they’d last you quite a while. For context, the Tula Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen comes in 1.7 oz for a standard size ($38) and the smallest Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 bottle is .68 oz ($22).
I can see anyone feeling comfortable with both, as both are very non-sticky and don’t leave the skin feeling like there’s an extra layer of grease on top of it. Both formulas contain natural skin-friendly ingredients and have received amazing reviews online. It all really comes down to personal preference!
My Beauty Review Verdict(s)
I think it’s a little premature to give a real verdict since this was only my first Wear Test. But having experienced both these sunscreens on my skin, here’s what I’ve got:
I’d immediately say the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is better as a multi-purpose sunscreen. I’d give it a 9/10 or even 10/10. I have not worn it with makeup, but it’s quick-absorbing nature and ability to leave the skin feeling non-sticky would make it ideal for under-makeup primer or sun protection. This formula I can also see working best for reapplication or touch-ups throughout the day, especially when you don’t have a mirror.
The Tula Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen I can see working best if you are a fan of the glowy finish or if you’re just looking for a step above your typical average sunscreen. It’s a beautiful formula and beautiful to apply, offering the SPF protection you need with the added benefit of skincare ingredients. This I’d give a 8/10 or 9/10 for how well it’s worked for me as a standalone product.
