Clinique • City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector Broad Spectrum 25 SPF • Sunscreen

Where To Buy?

*TOP REVIEWER* Safin on 7/19/2009 11:38:00 AM more reviews by Safin

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

Actually this sunscreen is doing a very good job.
It blends in nice, it is not oily and it blocks the sun very good.

Unfortunately it has con's too.
I don't like the brown colour (it stains).
It looks awful when you start to sweat (with sports), it becomes sort of caky/granular.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

ally92 on 7/16/2009 8:45:00 PM more reviews by ally92

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

It is a great makeup primer, it makes my skin nice and smooth and keeps it from getting too oily. It helped my makeup stay on all day. I don't really use it for sun protection so that feels like its just a bonus even though its the main purpose.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

emmaon on 7/16/2009 8:52:00 AM more reviews by emmaon

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

One of the products I use everyday, mild regrets I didn't get the higher SPF- but I did by it in November!

A nice base for make up, doesn't break me out and keeps me pretty oil free (not talking miracles). Maybe a bit thick- definately needs time to soak in before applying foundation etc. A little goes a long way, I use about a (largeish) pea sized amount and buff it in with my 109.

Would probably repurchase, maybe in SPF 40.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Kay789 on 7/11/2009 5:30:00 PM more reviews by Kay789

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

Overall Rating 3.5
Price 4
Packaging Quality 3
Would you buy this product again? Yes

To me, this does the job, it's not bad but not my favourite. It;s not easy for me finding the best face sunblocks that are eco-friendly, doesn't break me out, is not too greasy, that is really effective etc. I use this one exclusively for my face and I like it more than the cityblock 50 which makes my face white and is very greasy. However, 25 is not enough for me since my face is significantly lighter than my body and it is very sensitive to the sun. I use this when lighter protection is appropriate for me.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

milkymoo on 7/11/2009 12:40:00 PM more reviews by milkymoo

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Black    

I love-hate this sunblock. Yes, it's a sunblock, since it only consists of physical blockers. The tint looks really good on my skin; it evens out my ruddy skin pretty well. My super reactive skin doesn't scream at all. The sun protection is very reliable too, since I don't get burn at all when using this. If you look at the ingredients list, it contains a whooping number of antioxidants. HOWEVER, it transfers to things that touch your face. It isn't waterproof; it turns ugly when you're sweating, trust me. Speaking about sweating, while using this my face sometimes itches when I'm perspiring.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

devrim on 6/21/2009 2:13:00 PM more reviews by devrim

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy   Eyes: Hazel    

It's an ok product but broke me out horribly like many other clinique products I've tried so far. It gives some coverage and doesn't feel greasy. But unfortunately I had to return it.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

kperfetto on 6/21/2009 1:17:00 PM more reviews by kperfetto

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Wavy   Eyes: Brown    

I've been using City Block in its various formulas for years. The Sheer SPF 25 is one of the best tinted moisturizer/facial sunscreen/primers out there for those sensitive to chemical sunscreens. It's lightweight, but still creamy enough for drier skins. (Oily skins might find it a bit heavy.) My only beef is the tint: it's supposed to be sheer, but it leaves a vague muddy orange-brown tint on my face. Granted, I am very pale and I doubt it would be a problem for everyone. Still, I wish Clinique made this in a non-tinted version.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* kawaiishinichan on 6/15/2009 11:20:00 PM more reviews by kawaiishinichan

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I have used this product a little over a week. At first it gave me great coverage! Made my skin look so smooth and even. It is a bit greasy looking after I apply, but I put powder over it and then it was perfect! Kept my face looking matte almost all day. But then it was very thick so I mixed it into my moisturizer and it was fine. But I noticed it made my face white compared to the rest of my body. It was very unnatural and it made me look like I was wearing foundation (which I hate). And under direct sunlight it had this whitish cast. No matter how little I used, it made my face lighter than the rest of my body. It worked great as a primer, but could not be worn without matching the rest of your body.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

moonstone2 on 6/9/2009 7:49:00 PM more reviews by moonstone2

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I'm a neutral to cool toned ppp (NW10) with mild Rosacea and dry, very sensitive skin. I've been on a search for the most protective stable sunscreen that my reactive skin can tolerate, and haven't had any luck with the extremely high PPD European brands to date. All of them (Avene, LRP, Bioderma) sting my skin to some degree or another.I was excited to try City Block, which is stable, known to be generally sensitive-skin friendly, and contains a plethora of antioxidants. It also contains a tint, which--although I have no previous experience with tinted sunscreens--I thought might be a nice addition. Because I am naturally amongst the palest of the pale, I don't really need the extra whitening effect created by most physical sunscreens. Alabaster skin is one thing; ghostly pallor is another. :) If I use a dab of Atopalm face cream under City Block, it is reasonably moisturizing; a little on the dry side, but certainly not as drying as Shiseido 55, for example. The finish feels a bit thick, but not excessively so. Better yet, my sensitive skin seems to tolerate City Block without any difficulty. After I put it on, I can go about my day without worry of stinging or redness. However, there is a down-side to this product for me; one that has been mentioned by other reviewers. This drawback is the tint, which is extraordinarily unflattering on me. Oh my, could it be any yellower/muddier/jaundicing? I look like I'm wearing some sort of a silly mask. After testing this sunscreen, I have renewed appreciation for Blue Lizard Sensitive, slight white caste and all. If you have warm-toned skin, City Block could be a great option for you. However, if you are very fair and/or cool-toned, I'd definitely recommend wearing a sample for a few days before purchasing.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* na8i on 6/8/2009 8:14:00 AM more reviews by na8i

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

Since I only use foundation on parts of my face I have been looking for a good base with SPF. So far I have tried out MAC Prep+Prime SPF50 (PP) and Clinique City Block SPF25 (CB).

PP obviously has better protection with the higher SPF, but it contains few other beneficial ingredients and I can not use it on my oily forehead without getting clogged. CB also clogs the forehead, but in a lesser degree since it is lighter in consistency (PP is really creamy). Luckily I have bangs, so it is not an important issue. In my opinion CB looks better under makeup, while PP can make the skin look a little blotchy. Further more I think PP is aggravating my red areas a little.

All in all I have a slight preference for CB. It's less expensive too, nearly half the price. I am not completely ruling out PP, mainly because of the high SPF. For the colder months CB is definitely my first choice, while PP is a valuable asset for me in Summer. What I really need to try, though, is the CB with SPF40 (this supposedly has less antioxidants, but I have to try it before deciding).

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Evets on 6/8/2009 6:03:00 AM more reviews by Evets

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I have been using this for 3 years. I need to use a good sunscreen because of medical conditions. It definitely works for that. It is also an excellent make-up primer.
I can actually get away with using this and either smashbox rainbow powder or a bronzer alone in summer.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

cutebetty on 6/7/2009 8:41:00 PM more reviews by cutebetty

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I have sensitive skin that is easily irritated by chemical sunscreens and fragrance. I turned to Paula B for a sunscreen that would work for me, and, wouldn't you know it, this was the absolute only one that's on her shortlist of SS's suitable for sensitive skin (non-chemical SS, fragrance-free) AND available in Canada! At first, I was disappointed that it was tinted because I was just looking for a gentle SS, not makeup. But I've grown to like the sheer coverage that it provides, and actually think of this more as a tinted moisturizer. It has its drawbacks...you have to dab it on in small sections and blend quickly, or you'll look streaky. And you really need to let it dry/set for a good half hour after application or it will come off in weird little pills... But, given that I have no other alternative for a gentle SS, this is working out well for me. Yes, the tube is on the small side, but I've been using it 5-6 days a week for over 5 weeks, and I'm still on my first tube. I will repurchase.
UPDATE July 30/09: I'm still using this and still really liking it. I've been using a serum underneath (Olay Regenerist FF) and that keeps everything hydrated and looking smooth and dewey all day. I've also been experimenting with using powder on top, and it really grabs the powder and hangs on to it all day. BTW, I've now been using the same tube for over 3 months, so the cost per use is really going down. Like I said, still loving it! Will definitely repurchase when it (eventually) runs out.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

airemay on 6/7/2009 2:58:00 PM more reviews by airemay

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Green    

4 instead of 5 because it's not as matte as I would like it. However, I have a super oily t-zone. On the rest of my face, it looks great. I can apply it under my eyes, which is fantastic. It doesn't sting at all by the end of the day. I have tried a number of other tinted moisturizers, include drugstore ones, and this is my favorite so far.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

j0j0s on 6/5/2009 2:36:00 PM more reviews by j0j0s

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

My skin is dry, reactive/sensitive, and easily burns. Most foundations make me itch; most (chemical) sunscreens give me eczema. I've been alternating this with city block 40 for almost 2 years and have had no bad skin reactions. It has a slight yellowish tint, which on my nw20 skin works perfectly to tone down my natural ruddiness without making me look sick. I apply with fingers, and dust my t-zone with powder. (One negative that another reviewer mentioned is that the color transfers very easily; make sure you apply this after you've dressed.) One tube lasts about a month.

I haven't found another facial sunscreen that works nearly as well as this does. I will happily continue to buy and use this product.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

anonymous88 on 6/4/2009 3:50:00 PM more reviews by anonymous88

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Blond, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I really like this stuff. Its a good, light, non-oily, everyday sunscreen. I don't wear foundation or anything like that, so I'm not sure how good it holds up as a makeup primer. Its great that it is free of chemical sunscreens and Clinique doesn't test on animals.. which is a must have for me. I stopped using it for a while just to try other things but I used it again today and remembered how much I like it! I'm almost out and I think I will buy again.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

summerlady on 6/4/2009 2:31:00 PM more reviews by summerlady

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black, Straight   Eyes: Brown    

I love it. I've been using this product for more than 15 months. I love the fact its oil-free since I have a combination skin. It's also a great primer IMO. I couldnt think of something else.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* dibbun on 6/2/2009 7:59:00 PM more reviews by dibbun

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

I started using Neutrogena retinol, and needed a daily sunscreen. I really like Shiseido, but found myself too lazy to use it everyday as it took a while to dry and apply, as it was so liquid. So after reading the reviews here I settled on this. The price is actually comparable to Shiseido ounce for ounce, but it seems like you're spending less. I was a little leery of the tint not being blonde/blue eyed/fair skinned, as a lot of their colors seem to be geared toward. The sales lady told me that it was created to fit all skin tones and to not look ashy on darker skin; I thought of the review below and laughed a little inside.
However, I was pleasantly surprised that this melted into my NC25 skin. It really didn't show at all, though I don't think it "masked" a whole lot if at all.
Sunscreen wise, I did not freckle though this although I do live in the mideast. The sun is not known for being particularly harsh up here.
Mostly I really like the texture: thick, soaks right in, and doesn't feel gummy. Makeup goes well over this, though I haven't worn a foundation over it yet and do wear a powder.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

nayre on 5/28/2009 1:49:00 AM more reviews by nayre

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I've been using this for a while, but always under make-up as like others have said, it doesn't give the best colour match. (I'm NC42)
I tend to mix a squirt of mine with Aveda Botanics Kinetics Hydrating Lotion as that doesn't have any SPF. That combination feels quite nice under my make-up. It's quite a good price over here in U.K, about £12 for a tube and lasts ages. May try SPF 40 version next though.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

enigmaID on 5/22/2009 7:15:00 AM more reviews by enigmaID

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I have to say, I absolutely adore this product.
I have combination skin- oily t-zone bond dry cheeks. At the end of the day though, this can get a little slick around the t-zone. However, the steps it eliminates in my morning routine, the fact that I can use it as a sheer foundation, antioxidant rich moisturiser and sunscreen in one makes it a definite repurchase for me.

I break out frequently with the the russian roulette that is buying any product from the cosmetic industry- make up or skincare. Only the lips are safe. And eyeliner and mascara. So when I try products, I pray that it's the one HG and no more unexpected breakouts for me (or wasted cash) anymore. This is my HG.

It evens out my complexion- heck, it improved my complexion. I had less acne and skin surface looked alot smoother. Couldn't get rid of old acne scars though. That takes time.

Considering how lazy I am with makeup, I just cleanse and use this and that's it. I look natural and just better.

Beware though- some people may not like the texture of it (it has a creamy consistency) and the colour may be too light for darker skin tones as it is a one tone fits all kinda thing. And you can't really see how much you have left in the tube as it is opaque.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* meriellyn on 5/20/2009 3:59:00 PM more reviews by meriellyn

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I *want* to love this product, really I do! I just can't seem to make it work for me. It's terribly frustrating.


First, the positives:
It doesn't irritate my skin. Big plus, obviously. And the color is fabulous. It acts like a great tinted moisturizer and evens out my skin wonderfully without looking "made-up" or over done. I don't normally wear foundation during the day because I haven't found one that is comfortable and looks good in the daylight. This is what I'd like a daytime foundation to be... just the right color, just the right coverage, and not obvious. But that's if I'm not too heavy-handed with it. And you have to be careful to blend, blend, blend to avoid streaks. But if you blend too much, it starts to flake or ball up a bit.


Which brings us to the negatives:
First and foremost - It comes off on EVERYTHING! Every-freakin-where! My shirt, my phone, my glasses, anyone I hug's shirt... God forbid I put it on my neck. Then I can't even get a shirt on at all. I've literally had to put a cloth over my head to get my shirt on without it touching my face.
I've tried "setting" it with powder but that hasn't helped at all, and if anything just makes matters worse. Particularly because this stuff accentuates the tiniest flakes you didn't even know you had so that plus powder is a disaster. That and it feels kinda heavy. I'm definitely aware of it when I have it on. It makes me want to wipe my face. Adding layer on top only adds to the "there's something on my face" feeling that I hate. I feel kinda greasy, like my face is shiny, but it doesn't actually look shiny. The finish looks pretty nice, really. Except where it "settles" or flakes/cakes. Particularly between my eyebrows and just above (where it does tend to look a litle shiny but nothing too bad if it weren't also cakey), and around my mouth sometimes. Can settle into the pores on my nose and cheeks but doesn't always do that.
The other place it looks "off" is around the hairline and eyebrows. Do not get this stuff in your eyebrows. It flakes somethin' fierce and looks really weird and grey. Same goes for the hairline, which sucks for me because I have a lot of baby hairs above my temples, but I still need sun protection there too. And if you get it on hair, there's no wiping this stuff off. It's there to stay.

The best way I've found to apply it and make it as wearable as possible is to blot with a sponge. but I have no idea if that makes for an ample application for full protection. I guess it's better than nothing.

Right now, it's the only SS I have that doesn't irritate my face if it's acting up at all, and I do really like the color so I'm going to keep it and keep experimenting until I can get something better. If I could figure out how to keep it from smudging off on every-darn-thing, I would repurchase just to use as a light foundation because it does even me out wonderfully.


The jury is still out on whether or not it clogs my pores. I haven't used it enough days in a row at a time to tell for sure. It doesn't seem to break me out, but it has made a couple existing blemishes unhappy (or unhappier). And lord does it flake/cake on healing ones. Not as bad as a lot of foundations I've used but still... I don't want to look like I'm wearing makeup.
The first couple times I used it, it did seem to get stuck in the pores on my nose (what doesn't? :P) but I was not using an oil-cleanser at that time, I don't think. Removing it with MAC Cleanse-off Oil and Neutrogena Fresh Foaming may have done the trick but I'm not sure. My pores were already a bit clogged so it was hard to tell. My pores are pretty clear right now and I'm wearing it today so this will be a better test. I plan to pre-cleanse with grapeseed oil then wash with Garden Botanika Skin Renewing Foaming Cleanser, a combo that has been working very well for me lately, so I will see how that goes and report back. I'm also going to try to wear it for the next few days straight to see how that goes, since I have a few days off from school so I guess it's a good time to experiment. Will report back on that as well.
I want this stuff to work because it does look good for the most part, is easy for me to get (no ordering online and can use a Belk card), and the price is right. I'd at least like to be able to make it work well enough to be a solid back-up for once I find something I like better (which will, with my luck, be one of the expensive online-only European or Asian formulas... lol).


By far, my biggest complaint is the rubbing off everywhere. And it never stops, even after I've had it on for a while. The last thing in the world I want is to look like I have makeup smudges on my clothes, etc. How embarassing.

Haven't tried it on a humid day yet (but those will be here soon) so I don't know if it runs, really, but I strongly suspect it would.

As a side note... it is late afternoon,I just checked the mirror and honestly, it looks great. As long as I don't look too closely, in which case I notice the flakies between and aound my eyebrows.

By all means, please PM me if you have any suggestions to make this more wearable. It has such potential... :(


*Update 26May09*
Ok, so far so good. I've been having to apply it with a sponge but I do think I'm still ending up with at least 1/4 t. on my face so I think it's ok.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No