Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protection Cream

Disclaimer: The product mentioned in this post is given to me. I am not affiliated with the company nor getting paid to advertise the product. This post is written with my honest opinion.

Several months ago, Sephora had a special Summer Starter Kit for Beauty Insiders.

The kit usually cost 500 Beauty Insider points, but they had it for 250. I had to grab myself one and test these babies out. The first one I tried and still using is the Shiseido sunscreen. Now for my review...

Product Review: Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protection Cream SPF 40

Where to purchase: department stores, Sephora, and online at shiseido.com

Price: $30 for 50 mL/ 1.9 oz (mine is a sample)

Made in USA

Description from the website: A feather-light daily sunscreen with UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum Protection. Provides exceptional hydration while protecting against external aggressors such as UV rays, dryness and air pollution for beautiful, healthy-looking skin.

Exceptionally powerful formula effectively protects skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays that cause photo-aging. Hydro-Restoring Complex contains moisturizing amino acids that naturally exist in skin. Provides long-lasting moisture for skin that is smooth to the touch. Scutellaria Baicalensis helps prevent UV damage to essential fibroblasts which produce collagen and elastin, the key elements to resilient, youthful-looking skin. (in vitro) Rose Apple Leaf Extract counteracts oxidation, the process which accelerates skin aging, and helps prevent DNA damage caused by UV rays. (in vitro) Invisible on skin.

* Can be used as a makeup base for a beautiful foundation finish.

* Easily removes with daily cleanser.

Ingredients:

Thoughts: I've been in search of Asian sunscreens that's easily accessible. My favorite Korean sunscreen, LacVert Everyday Sun Block, is not easy to find here. Okay, let me rephrase that. It's extremely hard finding that sunscreen even in K-town. For that reason, I was excited to try this sample and compare to my favorite. Before I talk more about the Shiseido sunscreen, let me tell you about the packaging of the sample.

Here's a closer look at the tube. From the picture from the website, it looks like the full-size sunscreen also comes in a tube with a hole in the center. I could be wrong since I have never own the full-size sunscreen.

Here's a closer look at the sunscreen.

Now for my overall opinion... First of all, I like that the sunscreen has a light and fresh scent. To be honest, I just smelled it for the first time. All these time applying it onto my face, I hardly noticed any scent. Secondly, the consistency of the sunscreen is on the middle side. Even though it's not thin, it applies a thin layer. That's a big bonus! You don't want to apply a thick layer that it covers the whole skin. You want a natural layer that your skin can breathe. Even though it applies a thin layer, I do notice a slight whiteness. It's noticeable even for my light to medium skin. It'll definitely be more noticeable on darker skin individuals. The best part is that it actually oxidizes to your skin. You need to wear the sunscreen at least 15 minutes to see the oxidation. The bad part is if you're in a hurry and want to apply makeup, you will see the sunscreen moving.

Pros:

* Protects both UVA/UVB; outside and inner layers.

* Does not contain oxybenzone and avobenzone; chemicals I'm allergic to.

* Light and fresh scent; hardly noticeable.

* Applies a thin layer.

* Oxidizes.

* Feels light.

* Non-greasy.

Cons:

* Can be pricey.

* Slight whiteness.

* Takes 15 minutes to oxidize.

Would repurchase: Possibly.

Rating:  4/5 Tobey's Paws

Disclaimer: The product mentioned in this post is given to me. I am not affiliated with the company nor getting paid to advertise the product. This post is written with my honest opinion.