Review: SmartShield Sunscreen and Insect Repellant

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Have you ever had a bug problem and a problem with the sun at the same time?  This happens often when you’re on a camping trip or at an amusement park.  In the past, you had to slather on sunscreen and then spray some insect repellent.  It was a messy and goopy process, and sometimes you would still be swarmed by bugs or burnt to a crisp; not any more.

Review: SmartShield Sunscreen and Insect Repellant

SmartShield isn’t the first combination sunscreen and insect repellent, but it’s one of the best smelling ones I have tried.  I have used Sawyer’s SunBlock with insect repellent, and while it does work, it doesn’t really smell all that great.  Smartshield has a light cedar scent that goes away shortly after you spray or wipe it on.  This makes for a much more pleasant application process.  I was sent the SmartShield wipes, spray, and Bug Stick, as well as the SmartShield Lip Balm (Note: it’s ONLY a suncreen).

Review: SmartShield Sunscreen and Insect Repellant

This is the SmartShield wipe.Review: SmartShield Sunscreen and Insect Repellant

Opening up the package…

Review: SmartShield Sunscreen and Insect Repellant

This picture shows the size of the SmartShield Wipes.

The sunscreen is rated at SPF30; here’s a before and after picture of my son when we tried the wipes:

Review: SmartShield Sunscreen and Insect Repellant

Before

Review: SmartShield Sunscreen and Insect Repellant

After

As you can see, after an hour and a half in the sun, my son is still burn free.  At this point, I would probably reapply in another hour, as there is no suncreen that will last all day yet.  Reapplication of sunscreen is the only thing I have found that will protect my son and me from being burnt; we both have very fair skin and we have to be really aware of this, and in this regard SmartShield is no different.

I also tried the spray, but didn’t think to get any before and after pictures.  The spray is just as effective as the wipes were, and I did not get bitten by any mosquitoes or other bugs.  No matter what form you choose, SmartShield should protect you.

SmartShield is also waterproof; you can wear this swimming without fear of it washing off. However, you still should reapply fairly often to avoid getting a burn or being chewed upon by mosquitoes.  How often depends on the person so your mileage may vary.

SmartShield is DEET free, oil-free and eco-friendly; you won’t get messy hands when using it.  Even the wipes will dry off quickly and leave your hands clean.  Your hands will not be greasy or sticky after using SmartShield.

The SmartShield Bug Stick has DEET free insect repellent; you just rub it on your neck and you’ll remain bug free for the evening.  The scent of the Bug Stick is very similar to the spray and wipes, with a little lemongrass scent mixed in as well.  It’s a very pleasant smell, and it also works well.  The Bug Stick is not sticky or goopy, unless you apply too much.  It’s consistency and the way it goes on reminds me of many different stick deodorants I have used in the past; it’s clear and isn’t sticky at all.  Since it’s like a oversize ChapStick, you can stick the Bug Stick in your pocket and not have to worry about it leaking all over the place.  The Bug Stick would be ideal when backpacking as there’s no chance of it getting crushed and messing up your gear.

The lip blam works very well and also moisturizes your lips while protecting them from UVA and UVB rays.  It helps to keep your lips from chapping in the cold or getting burnt in the wind.  The lip balm is the one product in the smart shield line I would probably use all year round.

The SmartShield Line is available at Gander Mountain, Academy Sports+Outdours, Fishing Tackle Unlimited, Whole Earth Provision Co and Lyke’s Locker and many ohter stores nationwide.  You can also buy it at SmartShield.com.

Prices are as follows:

SmartShield Combo Spray 4 oz $12.49

SmartShield Wipes 50 Pack  $49.50

SmartShiled Lip Balm $2.75

SmartShield Bug Stick $4.49

What Liked: Smells good and is not sitcky.  You also only have one product to applyu to get sun protection and bug protection.  One less thing to pack when planning a outdoor adventure.

What need improvement: Wider availability.  Would love to get this stuff at Walmart.

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About the Author

Joel McLaughlin
Joel is a consultant in the IT field and is located in Columbus, OH. While he loves Linux and tends to use it more than anything else, he will stoop to running closed source if it is the best tool for the job. His techno passions are Linux, Android, netbooks, GPS, podcasting and Amateur Radio.