Image Skincare Daily Defense Universal Moisturizer SPF 30

I've got a confession to make.  I hate wearing sunscreen.  And I live in a sub-tropical climate with lots of sun exposure.  Sunscreens make my already oily skin even more shiny and add a slickness that I just do not want.  So, I've deluded myself that the SPF present in my makeup or other skincare products was sufficient.  I know they are not though, so I've been testing out some products with high SPF's and forcing myself to wear them.  It's the equivalent of eating beets for me.

I got the Image Skincare Daily Defense Universal Moisturizer SPF 30 as part of a holiday gift set that included a cleanser and exfoliating masque, but the regular retail for just the sunscreen is around $30.  On the Image web site, Daily Defense is described as lightweight,  ultra-sheer, and providing ultimate protection against the aging effects of the sun and environmental exposures.  In addition to being a broad spectrum sunscreen that is paraben free, it also contains the potent anti-oxidant thiothaine as well as other essential vitamins to prevent free radical damage.  Sounding good!

The smell is wonderful, a light tropical scent that makes me go "yummmm" every time I put it on.  Image also describes this sunscreen as non-greasy and an excellent makeup base.  Sounding even better!  Could this be the one that changes my mind about sunscreens?

Notice the sheen?

Sadly, no.  Daily Defense leaves a marked sheen on my face that does not dissipate, and that worse, I can feel.  Definitely not light weight in my mind.  It also is not an excellent makeup base, as it pills if rubbed.  Sheen and pilling - a double negative whammy in my book.

So, I find myself wearing this on weekend days when I'm going without makeup and taking the dogs for long walks.  I don't want to waste it, especially at that price, but it's usage is limited to only the above for me.  Sad, really.  Image does make a matte sunscreen which might be a good alternative, but I did not know about it at the time I bought the set. 

Image Skincare sells it's products through spas, estheticians, and dermatologists, but I have seen them available on Amazon as well.

Disclosure:  I bought this.