Your skin will thank you later! (Clinique Super City Block SPF 40)

Member Name: mu_reviews4u

Product:	Clinique Super City Block SPF 40
Date:	10/01/09 (162 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to use, Lightweight, Great value.

Disadvantages: None that I can think of right now.

Until a year or so ago I was under the impression that I only needed sun protection on days when I was planning to spend a lot of time in the sun, and in the Summer months only. Then, on a trip to the Clinique counter to repurchase my favourite eyeliner (Brown Sugar Creamshaper, incase you are wondering!), the Sales Assistant handed me a small sample of one of their sunblocks. I kindly refused, informing her I didn't spend much time, at all, in the sun. Shocked, she told me I should be wearing sun protection daily, even in the Winter, to protect my skin from UVA and UVB rays which are present and harmful all year round - even on cloudy days. I took the sample (sceptically, I might add!) and headed home. After a little internet research that night, I realised that she had been - of course - correct, and decided to try out the sample the next day.

Clinique's 'Super City Block' is a daily face protector with an SPF of 40. Allergy tested and 100% oil free it is suitable for all skin types. It is marketed as being 'remarkably sheer' and 'lightweight'. Containing such a high level of sun protection and a boosted amount of antioxidents it provides hours and hours of protection - not only from the sun, but from smoke, smog and pollution too - Perfect!
It claims to slip on easily and comfortably and to absorb quickly. It is safe to use around the immediate eye area (often the first place to show aging). It can be worn alone on bare skin or underneath makeup where it acts as an invisible primer.
It retails at £12.50 for 40ml. I usually only have to repurchase this every six to eight months so it's great value in my opinion. It is packaged in Cliniques signature green, easy to use squeeze tube with a silver screw on lid. No fuss, just professional looking and functional :-)

Working in the Makeup field, it's virtually impossible for me to go barefaced throughout the day, therefore when I use 'Super City Block' I have to wear it under makeup. I apply it after toning and moisturising, leaving ten minutes or so beforehand for the moisturiser to fully absorb into my skin. I squeeze a five pence piece size of product onto clean fingertips and apply liberally onto my face, concentrating mainly under the eyes and on the forehead. 'Super City Block' has a thick, lotion like texture that feels sticky for a while and takes around five-ten minutes to absorb 100%. It is tinted slightly - a pale nude shade - that soon dissapears but is there to stop you looking 'pasty' and white as you apply. After the five-ten minutes, I apply my foundation and powder as normal - I no longer need to use a Primer either, since this product creates a smooth, even base and keeps my makeup fresh and fade-resistent all day. Both money, time and skin saving - what could be better?!

After using this religiously for about a year, I can't say I've noticed any huge differences in the appearance of my skin, but I'm only twenty so I hope I won't be seeing any fine lines or wrinkles *just* yet!
However, I havn't had any problems or breakouts either, so that's always a bonus for my sensitive skin :-)
I like the lightweight texture and it's ability to hold onto makeup all day. It gives powder foundations a slightly dewy finish so bare that in mind if you like a super matte look.

Although, as I mentioned before, I have not been able to see any real visible results yet, I feel much better knowing that I am wearing it. I trust Clinique as a brand and I trust that one day I will be able to see the results. Until then I will continue to repurchase this product everytime I run out and would recommend others to do so too.

Summary: Overall - A cheap, easy to use and pleasant feeling sunscreen.