Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion SPF 15 Sensitive Skin VS. Aveda All Sensitive Moisturizer

Dry, flaky skin on our face can leave us feeling itchy and looking blotchy and white. Face lotions come in a variety of scents and consistencies. If you have sensitive skin, you are more likely to choose fragrance-free lotions or lotions designed for sensitive skin. Since I fall under this category, I opt for these versions.

I want to age gracefully so I do the most important thing I can do every morning and that's putting on sun screen. My face is exposed to the sun's rays 365 days a year and needs protection not only because of the dangers of UV rays, but because I want to keep wrinkles at bay for as long as possible. I use Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion SPF 15 Sensitive Skin every morning. It contains the antioxidant vitamin E, SPF 15, and is 100% color and fragrance- free. It contains aloe and is 100% PABA -free.

Manufacturers say that Vitamin E encourages skin healing and reduces scarring after injuries. This is fine but not a major selling point for me when I consider buying face lotion. I believe the aloe creates a soothing effect on my skin.

PABA, or para-amino benzoic acid, is a commonly used UVB absorber in sun screen. Since many people are sensitive to PABA, this is an additive that is best left out. This was a big plus for me when I bought Olay Complete.

This lotion will not clog your pores. It goes on light, spreads easily, and absorbs quickly. It's never greasy and leaves skin feeling clean so it's perfect for under your foundation and other makeup.

Olay used to be labeled Oil of Olay. I got a kick out of someone who asked what is an olay exactly, and do they really extract oil from an olay? Originally, in Europe, these products were called Oil of Ulay. As far as I've looked into it, whether it's Olay or Ulay, it is not something you can get oil out of. It's just a name that home laboratory chemist, Graham Wulff came up with when he created this beauty fluid. He wanted this fluid to be as close as possible to skin sebum. I'm speculating this is where the "oil" came in. I have no idea where Olay came from, and it makes no difference to me what they want to call it as long as the formula stays as wonderful as it is now. Since women today generally do not want oily skin, they dropped 'Oil' from the product name to make it more appealing.

Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion SPF 15 Sensitive Skin keeps me protected from harmful UV rays, keeps my face hydrated without turning it greasy and shiny, and is the best daytime face lotion I've ever used. It costs between $7 and $10 for 4 fl oz.

I went into a day spa/salon one day for a haircut. It was the dead of winter, and the dry air had left my face dehydrated. It didn't help I had a little cold and had been wiping my drippy nose with a tissue every five minutes leaving the tip of my nose with dried out, peeling skin. The cosmetologist not only talked me into an eyebrow wax, stating that my brows were bushy and out of control, she also talked me into the All Sensitive Moisturizer by Aveda. She basically made me feel as though my dry nose skin was horribly unsightly. Because she gave me a great haircut, I wasn't offended and applauded her honesty.

I also applaud Aveda for their mission. They state, "Our mission at Aveda is to care for the world we live in, from the products we make to the ways in which we give back to society. At Aveda, we strive to set an example for environmental leadership and responsibility-not just in the world of beauty, but around the world." -Horst M. Rechelbacher, Founder, Aveda. They conduct business in a way that protects the earth, and this is an honorable mission.

Aveda All Sensitive Moisturizer is a gentle moisturizer with soothing botanicals. For me, whatever ingredient gives it the light fragrance it has, it was slightly irritating. The bottle says it's aroma-neutral, but my face said no thanks. This lotion can be used AM and PM. As a day lotion, it has no SPF. Daytime moisturizer is useless without that unless you plan on using something else for sun protection.

It left a greasier feel than Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer Lotion SPF 15 Sensitive Skin. Because of this, it is no good to wear under makeup. Aveda All Sensitive Moisturizer costs about $32 for 5 fl oz.

I have decided to stick with my tried and true Olay Complete. Not only does it work better and give my delicate skin the defense it needs for daytime, it is more cost effective for me. Since I paid so much for the Aveda moisturizer, I'll use it up as a hand cream.