Brush On Block Vs. Colorescience: Which Mineral Sunscreen Is Right For You?

Sunscreen is an essential part of any skincare routine. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays can help prevent premature aging and skin cancer. With so many sunscreen options on the market, it can be tricky to decide which one is right for your needs.

Two popular mineral sunscreen brands are Brush On Block and Colorescience. But what exactly sets these mineral sunscreens apart?

Here is an in-depth comparison of Brush On Block and Colorescience sunscreens including their key features, pros, cons, and effectiveness to help you choose the best sun protection.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Brush On Block	Colorescience
Texture	Lightweight lotion	Powder
Active Ingredients	Zinc oxide	Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
SPF Level	SPF 30 or SPF 50	SPF 30, SPF 50, SPF 50+
Application	Brush-on lotion	Brush-on powder
Tinted Options	Yes, tinted options available	Yes, multiple tinted shades
Water Resistance	80 minutes water resistant	80 minutes water and transfer resistant
Coverage	Even coverage with brush-on lotion	Can look chalky if applied heavily
Moisturizing Properties	Contains moisturizing ingredients	Not moisturizing
Portability	Portable brush pen	Portable brush pen
Antioxidant Benefits	Contains antioxidants	No antioxidant benefits
Reef-Safe	Yes, reef-safe	Reef-safe and non-comedogenic
Ideal for Full Body Use	Yes, suitable for face and body	Primarily for face and décolletage
Price	Varies by product and size	Relatively expensive compared to lotions

Overview of Brush On Block

Brush On Block offers a range of mineral sunscreen products that provide broad spectrum SPF 30 or SPF 50 protection. Their sunscreens contain non-nano zinc oxide as the active ingredient along with other skincare ingredients like antioxidants and moisturizers. Key features of Brush On Block sunscreens include:

• Brush-on application – The sunscreens come in a brush pen form for easy, mess-free application. You simply twist the bottom to push product into the brush and smooth it onto skin.
• Lightweight formulas – The Brush On Block sunscreens have lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas designed for use on face and body without leaving a thick white cast.
• Tinted options – Some Brush On Block sunscreens come in tinted shades to help offset the white cast of zinc oxide and double as a primer/foundation.
• Water resistant – Brush On Block claims their sunscreens are 80 minutes water resistant.
• Cruelty-free and reef-safe – The products are cruelty-free, oxybenzone/octinoxate-free, and contain eco-conscious ingredients.

Overview of Colorescience

Colorescience offers powder mineral sunscreens that provide broad spectrum SPF 30, SPF 50, and SPF 50+ protection. Their sunscreens contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Key features of Colorescience sunscreens include:

• Powder texture – The sunscreens go on as a brush-on color powder with a matte finish. This allows you to layer it over or under makeup.
• Range of tinted options – Colorescience sunscreens come in several tinted shades from fair to deep to suit different skin tones.
• Portable brush pen – The powder sunscreen is dispensed in a portable brush pen for easy application throughout the day.
• Water resistant – Colorescience claims their sunscreens are 80 minutes water and transfer resistant.
• Reef and skin-friendly – The sunscreens are mineral-based, oxybenzone/octinoxate-free, and non-comedogenic.

Also Read: Comparison Between Clinique And Rodan + Fields

Pros and Cons of Brush On Block

Pros

• Smooth, easy to blend brush-on formula
• Works well under makeup
• Lightweight and fast-absorbing
• Offers good protection from UVA/UVB rays
• Available untinted and tinted
• Contains antioxidants
• Cruelty-free and reef-safe

Cons

• Can leave a white cast on deeper skin tones
• Needs reapplication every 2 hours
• Not fully waterproof, some formulas rub off with water/sweat
• Limited shade range of tinted options
• Can have a sticky finish as it dries

Pros and Cons of Colorescience

Pros

• Provides broad spectrum sun protection
• Available in multiple tinted shade options
• Applies smoothly over or under makeup
• Portable and easy to reapply brush pen
• Doubles as a skin-perfecting powder
• Water and transfer resistant
• Reef-safe and non-comedogenic

Cons

• Can look chalky or cakey if applied too heavily
• Doesn’t provide an even canvas like liquid foundations
• Powder formula isn’t moisturizing
• Limited to face and décolletage, not for full body
• Expensive compared to lotion sunscreens
• No antioxidant benefits

Brush On Block Vs. Colorescience: Effectiveness

When it comes to UV protection, both Brush On Block and Colorescience offer effective broad spectrum mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. However, no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays.

Some key differences that may impact their effectiveness:

• Ingredients – Brush On Block relies solely on zinc oxide while Colorescience contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide provides slightly broader UVA protection.
• Coverage – The powder formula of Colorescience makes it harder to achieve full, even coverage compared to the brush-on lotion of Brush On Block.
• Application – Applying the adequate amount (1/4 tsp for face) may be easier with the liquid Brush On Block than the Colorescience powder.
• Water resistance – Both claim to be 80 minutes water/sweat resistant. But Colorescience users report their powder holds up better than Brush On Block creams when wet.

Overall, both deliver good sun protection when used thoroughly and as directed. Brush On Block may achieve more even coverage while Colorescience offers better water resistance.

Also Read: Differences Between Thinkbaby And Thinksport Sunscreen.

Is Brush On Block Effective?

Yes, Brush On Block provides effective broad spectrum sun protection when used properly. Here’s a look at its effectiveness:

• SPF level – Brush On Block sunscreens are SPF 30 or SPF 50, providing 97%+ UVB ray protection.
• Broad spectrum – They offer broad UVA/UVB protection with the zinc oxide active ingredient.
• Water resistance – Brush On Block sunscreens can maintain SPF protection for 80 minutes in water or sweat.
• Real world testing – In independent lab tests, Brush On Block performed well and met its labeled SPF protection level.
• Zinc oxide – This mineral active is photostable and protects against UVA/UVB without breaking down like chemical sunscreen filters.

For best results, apply liberally and reapply Brush On Block after 80 minutes of sun exposure or swimming. Using with other sun protective measures like hats and shade will boost effectiveness. Overall, Brush On Block provides very good sun protection when used as directed.

How Long Does Brush On Block Last?

Brush On Block sunscreen lasts for 80 minutes of water or sweat exposure before needing to be reapplied. Here is how long it provides sun protection:

• On face: Expect 2-3 hours of SPF protection on the face before fading when exposed to sun, sweat, heat, etc. Reapply after 80 minutes if swimming or sweating heavily.
• On body: SPF protection will last approximately 1.5-2 hours on the body when exposed to sun. Reapply liberally every 2 hours.
• If sitting indoors: Brush On Block can last 4-6 hours on the skin before losing effectiveness if you are sitting indoors away from sun exposure or water.
• Over makeup: Applying Brush On Block over facial makeup tends to reduce its staying power to closer to 1-2 hours before fading.
• In water: Brush On Block maintains its SPF for 80 minutes while swimming or engaging in water sports. Reapply after 80 minutes of water exposure.

The longevity of Brush On Block’s sun protection depends on variables like sun intensity, sweating, and water exposure. Reapply liberally every 2 hours to maintain protection.

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Is Brush On Block Safe?

Brush On Block sunscreens are considered safe and effective when used as directed. Here’s a look at their safety:

• Active ingredients – Brush On Block contains non-nano zinc oxide as the mineral active, which is a safe physical UV filter.
• FDA approved – The ingredients and formulations meet FDA requirements for over-the-counter sunscreens.
• Non-irritating – Brush On Block is free of common irritants like fragrances. The formulas are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.
• Sensitive skin – The sunscreens are safe for sensitive skin types, including those prone to conditions like rosacea or eczema.
• Reef safe – Brush On Block is oxybenzone and octinoxate free, making it a reef-safe choice.
• No chemicals – Unlike chemical sunscreens, mineral formulas like Brush On Block don’t absorb into the bloodstream.
• Use as directed – To avoid eye irritation, care should be taken not to apply Brush On Block sunscreen too close to the eyes. Discontinue use if any irritation occurs.

When used as directed, Brush On Block mineral sunscreens can be safely used on all skin types and provide reliable sun protection. Those with very sensitive skin should test first.

Do Brush On Sunscreens Work?

Yes, brush-on sunscreens like Brush On Block provide effective broad spectrum sun protection when used properly. The key factors that make brush-on formulas work well include:

• Convenient application – The brush applicator allows you to smoothly and evenly distribute the sunscreen onto skin, making proper coverage easier.
• Precise placement – The brush tip lets you precisely apply sunscreen just where you want it such as around the eyes, nose and hairline.
• Controlled dosage – The brush only dispenses a small amount of product with each twist, so you avoid using too little or too much.
• Portability – Brush sunscreens are lightweight, portable and easy to reapply on the go for maintained protection.
• Formula efficacy – Leading brush-on brands like Brush On Block use effective mineral actives like zinc oxide to properly protect from UVA/UVB rays when applied correctly.
• SPF testing – Reputable brush-on sunscreens undergo independent broad spectrum SPF testing to verify their UV protection abilities.

As with any sunscreen, following usage directions is key with brush-on formulas. But the brush application method doesn’t hinder protective abilities when used thoroughly and as needed for reapplication.

Also Read: Comparison Between Primally Pure And Beautycounter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Also Read: Comparison Between EltaMD and CeraVe

The Bottom Line

When comparing Brush On Block Vs. Colorescience, both offer quality mineral sun protection in easy-to-use formulas. Brush On Block excels at providing smooth lotion application and antioxidants, while Colorescience offers more shades and water resistance.

The ideal mineral sunscreen for you depends on your skin type, sun exposure habits, and sensory preferences.

Those with oily/acne-prone skin or who prefer powder textures may favor Colorescience. If you want an accessible broad spectrum sunscreen with a dewy finish, Brush On Block is a great choice.

Whichever you choose, be sure to apply the recommended 1/4 teaspoon for the face and regularly reapply for comprehensive UV protection. With smart sunscreen habits, you can defend your skin from sun damage and signs of aging.