I thought I'd keep the reviews of the SPF's as user-friendly as possible - i.e. not let the brands overwhelm with the science and marketing blurb and just give the details (I think) you need.
First up is Shiseido's Expert Sun Aging Protection Cream.
Available in two strengths:
SPF30
SPF50
Two sizes:
50ml
100ml
'UVA' symbol on pack:
Yes!
Water resistant?:
'Very'
Perspiration resistant?:
Yes
Rub resistant?:
Not stated.
Texture:
Lovely - absorbs easily leaving no 'white'residue
Fragrance:
Subtle SPF smell, smells like a hybrid of a Shiseido moisturiser and SPF - pleasant
Suitability for darker skins:
I tested the SPF30 - I think it would be fine for dark skins.
What else?:
Sand proof. (!?)
Has patented SuperVeil UV-360 technology that ensures the coverage over every area of the skin - basically claims to reach the parts other sun creams don't reach! :)
ProfenseCEL defends against UV exposure by limiting enzyme activity.
Verdict:
A lovely cream that absorbs very quickly, leaves no 'white' residue and is EU approved ensuring at least 30% of the protection is towards UVA damage. (See SPF Cheat Sheet)
Shiseido Expert Sun Aging Protection starts from £27.50 and is available next week from House of Fraser.

What about the Clarins UV PLUS SPF 40 Day screen High protection?? What is your opinion about this one, compare to the above Sisheido one?? Thanks so much!!!
ReplyDeleteSame question!? Also it has alchol in the first few ingredients do you think that affects it too much??
DeleteOh my god!!! Totally not related to the topic but so many exclamations marks!!! I think one also suffices!!
DeleteSorry ladies but when reading texts with so many question and exclamation marks it comes across as very erratic and very pushy to the reader. Perhaps you could consider using just one next time (:
Hi Ladies,
DeleteI personally don't worry about alcohol in SPF products - its a surface product and SPF is a beast of an ingredient to keep stable and safe. better the alcohol than dodgy sunscreen. And sugarcoated - I have to admit I do !!!! all the time! eek. :)
Thanks! What about the Clarins one? Do you have a preference? I am debating between the 2!!
DeleteThanks again!
So many exclamations mark I know, I guess they are there just for that!!!
Sounds interesting - at what stage would you suggest applying it? After serum and moisturiser?? Is it ok to use all summer (every day) or just when serious sunbathing?!
ReplyDeleteAfter moisturiser and all summer for you Gill. I've seen you in the flesh - makes commenting so much easier! :)
DeleteThanks Caroline. Do you rate Ultrasun at all? Just thought that it would get around the problem of reapplication?? (I think it gives all day protection)
DeleteThanks Caroline. Do you rate Ultrasun at all? Just thought that it would get around the problem of reapplication?? (I think it gives all day protection)
DeleteI think I tried one of Shiseido's sunscreens before, maybe even this one and didn't like it because it was quite heavy.. I prefer lightweight textures and usually run to La Roche-Posay for sunscreen, can't help it :)
ReplyDeleteingredients would also be interesting!
this is really light - maybe they reformulated?
DeleteThank you for this! No one really does straight to the point SPF reviews. Also fantastic news that it's going to be available on HoF soon as it's been difficult to track this down in the UK. Looking forward to the other SPF reviews :)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Thank you for reading. :)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI love Shiseido!
ReplyDeletehttp://talisatalksbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/origins-face.html
I use invisible zinc. Physical sunscreen, no white cast and no shiny face, gotta love it! Oh, and make up on top is no problemo :-)
ReplyDeleteSorry Caroline - don't know how I replied twice! Just seen yesterday's cheat sheet so my first question has been answered. Would still like to know if I should be wearing spf every day though. My skin is not really fair but definitely not olive either. It takes alot of direct sun for me to burn though.
ReplyDeleteIs this one oil free? Or know of any good oil free lightweight ones? As spf seem to break me out if they are too heavy/oily. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi Anon,
DeleteMost people break out when using SPF because they don't wash it off properly (at least double cleanse) and break out subsequently.
Just a thought.
Cx
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Caroline, What do you think of la Roche posay nutritive oil SPF50+? Thanks
ReplyDeletehaven't tried it - but I'm seeing them tomorrow :)
DeleteThank you for sharing your knowledge, Caroline! The SPF cheat sheet is ace!
ReplyDeleteI wonder whether you could also list in your future reviewss the sunscreen ingredients present in the products you’re reviewing? It would be massively helpful! Thanks!
Btw, what are the sunscreen ingredients in this Shiseido cream?
Titanium dioxide and one i can't see properly - will try and post a pic on instagram.
Deletethanks!
DeleteThanks for the "simple" informative review. I like the packaging too. As soon as it comes available I'll order some.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the review. How long should we leave between serums & moisturisers to sink into skin before applying a sun protection and also how long should we wait till applying foundation? I worry am slapping them all on too quick. Hope this makes sense.
ReplyDeleteI was in the store with this in my hands ready to purchase and the sales lady talked me out of it and into buying Lancome sunscreen. Any reviews for lancome and I wonder why this one wasn't recommended? I requested something under foundation.. is that wrong to do!
ReplyDeleteI know we need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day and that's why u don't recommend getting our suncreen from out moisturizer but rather get something separate. however once you put makeup on top ... whats the best option to reapply our sunscreen or at that point do we have enough layers on our skin that we don't need to?
ReplyDeleteI would love your opinion on my SPF protection cream. I am using the Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream with SPF 50. I use it as a sun screen and:
ReplyDeleteI would love to know if this is suitable as a sun screen or if this is just a moisturiser with SPF not good for the spring & Summer heat?
Recently started to dabble into these waters and I do not have the hugest clue. You would be a big help!
Thankyou