Tag: dark skin SPF

The BodyShop Skin Defence SPF50 review

I’ve been waiting to do this review forever! The new and improved formula for the BodyShop’s Skin Defence Multi-Protection Lotion SPF50+ with a PA rating of 4. I fell in love with the original version when it was called the Multi-Protection Essence. It was a beautiful lightweight watery texture that sank into the skin with ease and leaves it hydrated and glowing! TBS suddenly stopped producing this last year to reformulate it.

What the brand says

Ready for a new addition to your fave Skin Defence range? Meet our best protection ever. We’ve created a new lotion to combine high SPF 50+ PA++++ with 24hr moisturisation. Lightweight and non-greasy, this new multitasker has an improved matrix of UV filters – that’s a fancy way of saying it helps protect skin against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper and cause discoloration, as well as daily aggressors like pollution. Like all good SPFs, it helps future-proof your skin and prevent pigmentation and premature ageing, and ours also contains red algae extract and vitamin C. It’s going to help your skin look brighter and healthier, but you must wear it every day. Promise?

Brand new formula with our best ever protection

Facial moisturiser with SPF 50+ PA++++ and UVA/UVB protection

Helps protect against the appearance of pigmentation and premature ageing

Helps protect skin against indoor and outdoor pollution

Made with red algae extract and vitamin C to help brighten the appearance of skin for a healthy glow

Suitable for sensitive skin, Dermatologically tested, Non-comedogenic, Vegan

Experience

Type of sunscreen: chemical

I use this as the last step in my AM routine before makeup. On most days I layer this over a serum but I have also used it over my day cream.

What I liked: the new formula is still invisible on the skin without any flashback. It doesn’t feel oily or too heavy on and it has a beautiful glowing finish. It can be used over serums alone or layer over moisturiser if you have dry skin. On most days it layers quite well and doesn’t pill. You are getting maximum UVB and UVA protection and the formula also have antioxidants to help defend against pollution.#

What I didn’t like: The texture of the new formula is a lotion which is thicker and feels heavier than the previous essence texture. This also means it takes a tad bit longer to absorb into the skin.

Verdict : To be totally honest, the only reason why I don’t like the new version is because of the texture change! This is a good sunscreen, maximum protection with some antioxidants and invisible on dark skin. For me the previous essence texture was excellent and perfect: it was extremely hydrating and lightweight and sank into the skin so quickly.

I’m not sure why they would change the formula!  For this reason, alone I won’t repurchase this sunscreen.

I will 100% recommend this because this more of a moisturising sunscreen than a moisturiser with added SPF( if that makes sense). You can use this as your AM moisturiser for most skintypes without the need of an additional moisturiser.

The BodyShop Multi Protection Lotion SPF50+ PA++++ is £18 for 30ml on BodyShop

La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50 review

 

I have heard so much about the La Roche Posay Anthelios Shaka Invisible Fluid so when it was on sale earlier this month I was sure to pick it up!  The Anthelios suncare range from La Roche Posay is quite popular, so I was very excited to try this.

What the brand says:

Ultra-resistant formula specifically developed for sensitive skin. A very high protection, broad spectrum (PPD 46, SPF 50+) comfortable fluid formula that is ultra water, sweat and sand resistant. This non-greasy cream does not leave white marks and does not migrate. Non eye-stinging

Broad, photostable UVA/UVB/Infrared protection (PPD 46, SPF 50+), Ultra water, sweat and sand resistant. Non-sticky, does not leave marks

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS- Very high, broad, photostable UVA/UVB/Infrared protection. Optimal SPF 50+ protection reinforced against UVA rays (PPD 46, stricter than the European recommendation) thanks to patented filtering system Mexoplex® combined with La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water.

DERMATOLOGICALLY TESTED: Anthelios efficacy has been demonstrated via clinical studies carried out in-vivo on subjects suffering from sun intolerances, particularly those caused by UVA rays. Anthelios products all have a high PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening) factor. The efficacy has been proven by a file of 16 clinical studies carried out by world-renowned expert dermatologists.

9/10 of dermatologists would recommend Anthelios*

MINIMALIST HYPOALLERGENIC FORMULA -The minimalist formula contains the best of our creations designed for sensitive skin and all of its needs. Tested and re-tested for its efficacy and mildness on sensitive skin. It is also hypoallergenic.

 Experience

I used this every morning as the last step in my skincare routine before makeup.

What of sunscreen– chemical

What I liked: the very fluid lightweight texture of this sunscreen goes on well on the skin and spreads quite well. It feels very nice on the skin and doesn’t have an oily finish but it’s not extremely matte either, it almost feels like a powdery finish. It sits very well under makeup and doesn’t pill when layered on.

The sunscreen utilises better chemical filters which offer excellent UVA protection (4* PA rating) and UVB protection

Is it invisible on dark skin? – YES, no flashback, no white cast

What I didn’t like: two very minor things: because the texture is very fluid, it’s very easy for the nozzle area to get a bit messy. As I was getting towards the end, the ball in it that helps shake it kept blocking the nozzle area.

Nothing major

Verdict: I think this is an excellent sunscreen that is worth the hype. I LOVE very watery fluid textured sunscreens so it no surprised I really like this one. This 50ml bottle lasted just over two weeks. It has a slight alcohol scent but I don’t find this overpowering nor does I dry out my skin.

I will repurchase and definitely recommend it.

The Shaka fluid now comes in SPF 30 and there is also a tinted version (I doubt that will be suitable for dark skin though)

La Roche Posay Anthelios invisible Fluid SPF50 £17.50 at Boots

Estee Lauder Perfectionist Pro Multi Defense Aqua UV Gel SPF50 Review

Estee Lauder is one of my favourite luxury brands! My favourite products from them are their best seller ANR serum and Ampoules however I think I have found another killer product( the full review on this soon)

Today’s post is a full review of the new Estee Lauder Perfectionist Pro Multi Defense Aqua UV Gel SPF50 with 8 antioxidants. This is part of the Perfectionist range, designed to perfect the skin by reducing sun damage, dark spots and brighten, lift, firm and smooth the skin.

What the brand says:

Our next-generation defense with a next-to-nothing feel. Professionally inspired treatment helps safeguard the healthy, beautiful look of your skin with a holistic 3-in-1 defense, fighting the look of indoor and outdoor environmental assaults: UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum Defense in an invisible veil. This patent-pending formula, also featuring Tiger Lily Extract, helps promote the appearance of naturally firm, bouncy skin

Pollution Defense: It helps fight the appearance of damage from indoor/outdoor pollution, including ozone and micro-dust.The carefully crafted, self-renewing blend includes Tiger Lily Extract, Green Tea, Vitamins C and E, Resveratrol and more. Dehydration Defense: Advanced barrier fortifiers help skin seal in moisture and help strengthen it against other environmental assaults. This can also help prevent dehydration, including from external causes such as heating and air conditioning.

All in an amazing, water-light gel emulsion that applies with a refreshing burst of hydration. Absorbs quickly. Non-greasy, non-sticky. Won’t clog pores.

Experience

This is a chemical-based sunscreen. Chemical filers are:

UVB- Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Octocrylene, Homosalate. UVA- Benzophenone-3, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane

This is a gel formula and comes in an opaque tube packaging. It comes in one size: 30ml.

What I liked about it: the gel formula feels nice and slightly hydrating on the skin and it’s also very lightweight. I can layer this on and won’t experience any pilling. The formula is great because, in addition to sun protection, you are also getting the added 8 antioxidants including powerhouse antioxidants like Vitamin C, E which will further protect the skin from free radical damage. I have been using this religiously and in addition to my hyperpigmentation treatments and they are fading slowly! ( the biggest difference has been reapplication of sunscreen). This is 100% invisible on dark skin, even when reapplied! I look super tired in the pic, its the first time in a while I had to wake up early for work. LOL

What I didn’t like: Alcohol denatured is the 3rd ingredient in the product and you can definitely tell as you apply it. You get a whiff of the alcohol scent. I also suspect it’s the reason why I get a stinging sensation as the product is drying on the skin. It’s not major but I can feel it and if you have sensitive skin you may find it irritating. I also find that it doesn’t pair too well with certain primers. In the last week of using this, I started going back to work hence started doing my makeup. I usually use the Glamglow Nude moisturiser mixed with the Emani Perfect 10 serum primer as my primer. I have been using this combo since last year without any issues. Using this combo on top of this sunscreen amplified the tingling sensation I was talking about earlier. Again it wasn’t major to the point where I had to rub it off but I could definitely feel it. I then switched primers to the revolution blur stick and that has been ok.

Another issue I have with this is the size. It’s £36 for 30ml and this lasted me just under 2 weeks! 13 days to be exact. I mentioned I reapply sunscreen often, so when I started using this I would use it twice a day before I decided to re-apply my SPF with another product because I didn’t want to run out of the Estee lauder quickly. I use a good about of sunscreen, roughly ½ a teaspoon for face and neck which is the recommended amount. So using the recommended amount of SPF will get you 2 weeks use out of this which isn’t good value for money. I wish it was 50ml size instead

Verdict– I really like the texture and formula of this sunscreen. I love the gel texture which is very easy to apply and layer on. I also love the added antioxidants which boost the sunscreen protection. I love its 100% invisible on dark skin. I have used alcohol denatured in sunscreens before but I don’t remember any of them giving me a tingling sensation like this Estee lauder one does. I also wish they would bring this in a bigger size, 30ml won’t last especially if you are reapplying it often.

Would I repurchase this? To be honest I don’t mind repurchasing but it would have to be on offer for me to buy it again. There is another sunscreen in the Perfectionist range I may try.

Estee Lauder Perfectionist Pro Multi Defense Aqua UV Gel SPF50 is £36 on LookFantastic