Double Duty: Eminence Radiant Protection SPF Fluid & the Updated Sun Defense Minerals
Hi Beauties!
It’s been a minute — and I’m so glad you’re here again! Whether you’ve followed along with Kalli’s Kritiques from the beginning, or just stumbled upon this post while SPF shopping, welcome! Today’s review is not about choosing between two great products, because when it comes to sun protection, these two Eminence favourites are better together.
You may remember that I reviewed the Sun Defense Minerals a couple of years ago, but Eminence has heard our recommendations for a couple upgrades, and delivered! The updated packaging for the Mineral Powder is sleeker, more user-friendly, and the powder itself has improved in both application and staying power. If you struggled with the older version feeling a little fussy (clogging, spilling, etc… due to pump issues) you’re in for a treat! More on that in a moment…
So, let’s dive into how this duo (the Radiant Protection SPF Fluid and the Sun Defense Minerals) work individually, and how they can shine (or matte - haha) together.
The Radiant Base: Protection Meets Skincare
In the past, Eminence has released some stellar choices for liquid/creamy SPF (I’ll forever be upset about the discontinuation of the Vanilla Latte Tinted Moisturizer.) They’ve also launched moisturizers with added SPF, but I’ll be honest, I haven’t found one I truly love... sorry!
However, they’ve finally nailed it (and maybe even found a replacement for my Vanilla Latte obsession) with the Radiant Protection SPF Fluid. I’ve personally been testing the non-tinted version for this particular review, but they also have a tinted option for those of you who prefer some coverage with your SPF. For this post, my coverage comes from the SPF Mineral Powder — but hey, you’ve got options, babe.
If you’re looking for a sunscreen that is skincare, the Radiant Protection SPF Fluid is it. It’s a broad spectrum (both UV-A and UV-B protection) SPF 30 fluid that is sheer, silky, and loaded with ingredients your skin will thank you for — bakuchiol (a natural retinol alternative), niacinamide, and satsuma mandarin peel. It hydrates & brightens, all while protecting your skin from UV damage.
Click here to read more about the ingredients, and their benefits on Eminence’s site.
You may find upon initial application that there’s a slight white cast, but this disappears quickly as you rub it in. Although it’s not greasy, it does leave a soft dewy look, leaving my skin feeling and looking super healthy. It’s a perfect base under makeup, leaving my skin feeling light, calm, and glowy — not coated, greasy, or chalky.
I like to apply this after my morning cleanse & tone, and prior to my moisturizer. Although, on a really hot day, I find I don’t need much on top as it’s hydrating on its own.
This is the kind of product I want to wear daily, and if you’re someone who skips SPF because it feels like a chore, this might be your turning point. Keep it with your skincare at home, and get one for your purse. A little bit goes a long way (as with all Eminence products.) Easy!
The Updated MVP: Sun Defense Minerals
Now, back to the Sun Defense Minerals. As I mentioned earlier, Eminence gave this one a welcomed update. As you can see in the photo, they’ve removed the cumbersome pump for easier application. No more clogged powder! The new packaging is more intuitive and cleaner (finally!) and the formula clings better to the skin while still feeling weightless. It’s still a beautiful powder we all know and love, just better!
What I love most? Honestly, everything. I can quickly apply it to a speedy child who’s trying to run away from me to play, swipe it on the back of my husband’s neck when he’s forgotten that delicate area, and use it as my daily coverage with bonus SPF. It’s a fuss-free way to apply and reapply at any given time.
I keep one at my front door for the kids (and the husband,) usually in the translucent shade, and one in my bag in my shade (fair) so I always have sun protection, no matter where I am.
Unlike the SPF fluid above, these minerals leave a soft-matte finish (but never flat,) and as I’m aging, I’m surprised to find they’re more forgiving than I’d expected on maturing skin.
*Side note: The brush comes with a stopper to prevent powder spillage in transit. Pull out to remove. Don’t be like me and try to apply with it still in, simply give it a good pull to remove.
Eminence added some handy photos to help you choose a shade, but when in doubt, head into Pure Skin to try them out, and find which one works best for your skin. Because I keep a couple of shades on hand, I’ll use shade Sheer or Fair as a base, and I keep Medium on hand to add a sun-kissed look. There are so many ways to play around with the shades!
✨ Want in on a little secret? Here’s a pro tip for my readers: Spritz your favourite toner over your Minerals to make them water resistant! 💧
“But Kalli, do I really need both?”
The answer is no, but they really do work best together. Budget-wise, it comes down to personal preference if you want to choose just one.
Do you prefer a dewy, glowy look, and find it easier to slather on post cleanse? Or, do you prefer a soft matte finish, being able to reapply whenever/wherever, even on top of makeup?
I’ve usually chosen just one in the past, but since testing using them as besties these last few months, here’s the truth I’ve discovered: one product alone rarely covers everything. That’s why I’ve found this duo works so well:
The Radiant Protection SPF Fluid gives you your morning base — think skincare, moisturizer, and sun protection in one.
The Sun Defense Minerals keep you covered throughout the day, adding SPF while controlling shine and setting makeup.
Together, they’re effortless, effective, and easy, which is basically the dream when it comes to SPF. I feel put together without putting on a full face of makeup. (Okay, I throw a little mascara on, and THEN I feel completely put together!)
My Final Thoughts…
Radiant Protection SPF Fluid. Best buddies with Mineral SPF Powder
This isn’t a face-off, it’s a partnership. A dynamic duo, if you will.
The Radiant Protection SPF Fluid and the Sun Defense Minerals don’t compete, they complement.
They fit into my routine, my bag, and my life! And, most importantly, they help protect my skin without sacrificing feel or finish.
So if you’ve been on the fence, wondering which one to try, I say go for both. Your skin will thank you, and so will future you.
The bestie to Eminence’s SPF Fluid. Take it anywhere!
Psst… I’ve embedded a couple of videos from Eminence (below) on how to use & maintain your Sun Defense Minerals.
TL;DR?
The Sun Care Dream Team ☀️
Radiant Protection SPF Fluid: Lightweight, silky SPF 30 (or SPF 50 in tinted fluid) with skincare benefits like bakuchiol + niacinamide. Perfect as your daily base under makeup or on bare skin. No white cast, no greasy feel.
Sun Defense Minerals: Updated packaging & better staying power! From barely there, to rich, medium coverage colour, talc-free mineral SPF 30 powder for reapplying sun protection throughout the day, without ruining your makeup! (Or better yet, acting as makeup!)
Why I use both: Use the Fluid in the morning for full coverage & skincare perks, and the Minerals for top-ups during the day. Together, they make SPF easy, wearable, and enjoyable.
Kalli’s Kritique Promo Pricing: Just for reading, receive 15% off your SPF Minerals for Fluid for the entire month of July 2025! My review is your savings!
Until next time, beauties!
*Quick note/disclaimer✨: My reviews are not sponsored and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
