For my skin tone, which is "brown paper bag" color this does not have a cast. For application I do two finger strips then rub on. I find it best to apply a base before this, like a moisturising toner gel. It helps glide the product on. For the size it lasts. I bought this back in March and I'm still using the same bottle. I will say for swimming, it will burn your eyes, bad. However it doesnt burn for normal application, I apply around my eyes all the time, rub my eyes, etc. Doesnt burn