Wednesday, September 18, 2013

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...

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.

9 comments:

Sachi said...

man this would totally not work if I had to wait 15 minutes for makeup, I sleep through my alarm too much for that! Thanks for the review!

Karen Law said...

Hi Ahleessa! I found your blog via Galaxia's blog (xLoveHappyx). Great review with pictures. I'm currently using a Shiseido face sunscreen as well - although a different one than the sample you got. Fifteen minutes to oxidize is quite a long time....especially since I don't really have the patience and/or time to wait fifteen minutes before I apply my foundation and rest of my makeup :S Good to know!

Ahleessa said...

I'm the same. I like the quality. It's light, doesn't smell, and feels great. The opposite is that it takes too long to settle into the skin. I feel you!... hehe~ I rather sleep the extra time in the morning before work rather than sit there for it to settle.

Ahleessa said...

I'm glad that you found my blog! :) I think I have the same sunscreen as you. It's the blue container right? That'll be my next sunscreen after this sample. I hope it doesn't take that long to oxidize... hehe~

Popblush said...

I was actually going to get this sunscreen when I was in Japan but chose to get Anessa instead. Reading your review is making me regret not getting it! I would like to try a sample of this too. I just need to get through all my other sunscreens...

Ahleessa said...

Never heard of Anessa. Honestly, I have a lot of sunscreen as well. I read in a magazine today that sunscreens are only good for 3 years from the manufacturing date not the day you open. :/ In all honesty, I think it's better we both finish what we have first... hehe~

Popblush said...

Hahaha, in all honesty, I agree. We should finish all the sunscreens that we have. But I find the ones I have feel very drying on my skin. I am not 100% sure but I am finding the korean and Japanese ones with PA +++ in it, makes my face feel so dry during the day. Maybe because I have been using it in winter. About 4 years back I used the Shiseido Gentle Sun Protection and really liked it. The Cetaphil one kept my skin hydrated but didn't provide enough protection. Dilemma!

Ahleessa said...

I've only used one Korean sunscreen so far, LacVert, and I love it a lot! It doesn't dry out my skin. I love how my skin feels. Maybe you should try that? It's suppose to be water-based... hehe~


It's actually my first time try any of the Shiseido sunscreen. I want to try the blue one but I'm going to compare to see which one will expire first. I'll try that first. :X

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