Face Sunscreen Guide 2021 European Australian Sunscreens

Face Sunscreen Guide 2021, Part 1: European sunscreens

(and Australian!)

17 '
Intro
At a glance

My Face Sunscreen Guide 2021, Part 1: I introduce you to all the European and Australian sunscreens I tried this year!

I must warn you. This year, I tried so many new sunscreens that it was impossible to feature them all in one article, it would have been way too long! I decided to write three separate articles, and I’m going to start today with the European sunscreens. So let’s do this!

Two things to know before we begin this first part of our 2021 Sunscreen Face Guide series:

– an Australian sunscreen is hidden in this article. Because if Australia can compete in the Eurovision Song Contest, I don’t see why I can’t include an Australian sunscreen in my European sun guide 😝
Plus, this Australian sunscreen is now distributed by an online store that ships to Europe, so it kind of makes sense to me 😉

– I’ll kill the suspense right now, the products in this guide are not my favorites. I’ve been saying it for years, Asian sunscreens are my go-to sunscreen products. But I have a strong base of readers in France who demand that I review European sunscreens every year (I’m barely exaggerating, I swear 😆). And I understand that, as far as accessibility is concerned, it’s easier to go to the ‘pharmacie’ to buy your sunscreens than to place an order on YesStyle…
As for me, I am dedicated to my readers but, let’s be honest, my dedication has its limits… I live in Dubai, so in my case, I have to order online for everything, both Asian and European sunscreen! And I insist, for everyday use, there is no comparison, Asian sunscreens are better, that’s just the truth! Their textures are incomparable.

So, if you’re a fan of Asian sunscreens too, don’t worry, my second part will be dedicated to Japanese sunscreens, and my third and last one to Korean ones! (the best for last 😉 )

And I apologize, I won’t mention American sunscreens. None of the recent launches caught my attention this year….

Now to slightly moderate what I said above, if you’re a regular BTY ALY reader, you know how picky I am, especially with sunscreens. I have very high standards.

So the sunscreens I’m going to introduce to you today are not bad at all, far from it! And if you have a different skin type and/or needs than I do, they may very well be great for you 🙂

Note:
A tip for the impatient, you can go directly to the product you are interested in from the “Jump To” menu at the top of the page (the red ‘Jump to’ box on desktop, and in the top menu bar, the three dots on mobile) 😉

So today, I’m sharing 6 Euro-Australian face sunscreens 🤪 with you that I tried in 2021!

Edit: here’s my 2022 version if you’re curious:
Face Sunscreen Guide 2022, Part 1: European sunscreens

Face Sunscreen Guide 2020 Skincare Face Sunscreen Guide 2020 I know that some of you are just as obsessed with sunscreens as I am, and that you’ve been waiting impatiently for this article! So without further ado, here’s an overview of my sunscreen face trials for this year 2020! Read more

How I choose my sunscreens (in 2021):

If you already read my guide from last year, my criteria didn’t really change but I prefer to repeat them, a reminder never hurts 😉

I won’t go into details about how I use my sunscreens (how much I apply, when I apply them, how I remove them etc) as I have already covered this in detail in many of my previous articles!

If you haven’t seen them already, I would encourage you to read my other articles on the topic, as they are very comprehensive (if I can say so myself 😅) and should help you get a clearer understanding of sun protection:

Sun protection: Q&A and common myths: everything you always wanted to know about sun protection! Really, if you only have to read one, this is the one!

Face sunscreen guide 2018: my 2018 face sunscreen selection.

Buying guide: reef-safe sunscreens: a body sunscreen guide.
My opinion on the issues raised in this article has changed a lot, by the way. I refer you to Dominique’s excellent post because I agree with him completely, especially on the green-washing approach of the brands regarding the pollution of the ocean (it’s in French, but you can use Google Translate to read it, it definitely worth it!).

Face sunscreen guide 2019: my selection of face sunscreen products for 2019.

Guide: how to choose the best sunscreen? How to understand the protection in your sunscreens and how to choose it according to your needs.

Face Sunscreen Guide 2020: my selection of face sunscreen products for 2020.

Guide: how to reapply your sun protection during the day: how to stay effectively protected throughout the day, even if you wear makeup.

For this year’s face sunscreen guide, I have chosen products solely for a daily use. This means that not all of them are suitable to be used on the beach or at the pool (= meaning most of them aren’t water-resistant).

If you wish to find products suitable for the beach or for sports, I would refer you to my last article on the matter: Guide: how to choose the best sunscreen? where I give you some suggestions about more resistant sunscreen products for outdoor activities.

So here is the list of important criteria for me when I choose a sunscreen product.

First of all, the UV protection! I prefer a product that filters both UVA and UVB filters. In general, my sunscreen products have a SPF50+ and a PA ++++ (more explanations on these two values in this article about choosing sunscreen).

Chemical or mineral filters? Both!

And I also like it when the two are combined. To know the difference between mineral and chemical filters, their pros and cons, I invite you to read my article Sun protection: Q&A and common myths, where I explain the differences in more detail.

I’m a fan of mineral filter products in the summer because they have a mattifying effect that I appreciate when it’s hot and humid, as it is in Dubai right now. They are also known to be less irritating for everyday use. But it’s true that depending on the formula, they can leave a fairly visible white cast that isn’t the most attractive! For me and my fair skin, it looks acceptable, but if you have darker skin than me (not that difficult), it might be more noticeable!

However, European mineral sunscreens are just not great. Every time I tried one, it was a disaster (super thick, white, greasy, just terrible). The only mineral sunscreen in my selection today is the Australian one, you’ll see 😉

I really like chemical filter based sunscreens if I want a more glowy effect and a completely transparent texture. In the past, I found them more irritating than mineral sunscreens. But the formulas I tried this year use newer chemical filters, and I didn’t really experience any irritation. Some of them are even very soothing!

In general, I prefer to use them during the winter because they make me look a bit too shiny in the summer, but there is one notable exception that I’ll mention below 😉

Newsletter

Don't miss out on new content we publish.
Hey, it could be what helps you find the exact skincare product you were looking for.
We wouldn't want you missing out on that now, would we 🙂

As for the rest of my ingredients I look for in sunscreen formulas, I appreciate when it contains antioxidant ingredients because they enhance the anti-ageing prevention effect of the product.

Formulas which contain too much fragrance are not my favourites (I don’t mind a bit of fragrance but not when it lingers all day) and if my skin is sensitized, I set aside formulas that contain too much alcohol. Alcohol can be a little irritating in the long run, although it’s true that it can considerably lighten the texture of the sunscreen formulas.

Now, regarding the finish of my sunscreen products, I prefer when the product doesn’t leave a white cast. But if it’s just slightly white, and makeup can cover it, it’s fine.

And finally, I prefer when my sunscreen is compatible with makeup. I prefer to avoid those that make my foundation pill and/or make it look super greasy after only a few hours.

Generally speaking, I’m not a fan of tinted sunscreens.
In general, the color never looks good on me, because I apply a good amount of product so that it’s really protective and I always end up straight orange! It’s also something I really dislike about them: especially with tinted sunscreens, I feel like you tend to apply less product, as you would do with a foundation. However, with sunscreens, a generous application is crucial if you want to be well protected!

By the way, if you want to see a picture of the quantity of sunscreen needed to be well protected, please check my first article about sun protection. You’ll see, the quantity you need to use is definitely not a pea size of product!

Here is a selection of the different European (and Australian!) sunscreen products I tried this year!
I’ve organized them according to the type of UV filters they contain, and the links to order them online are at the end of each paragraph, underlined in red 😉

100% Mineral Sunscreens:

My favourites at the moment (for summer) because they usually leave a matter finish than chemical filter-based sunscreens, and they’re very comfortable to wear every day in my experience!

Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying SPF 50+:

∎ Price:
$48 for 50ml.

∎ Protection:
SPF 50+

∎ Made in:
Australia

∎ Texture:
A rather thick cream, not particularly greasy, but you really have to warm it up between your hands so that it is easier to apply on the skin.

∎ UV filters:
– Zinc Oxide: filters UVA and UVB rays.

∎ Complete list of ingredients:
Purified Water, Zinc Oxide, Coco Caprylate Caprate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Isostearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Pentavitin, Kakadu Plum Extract, Xanthan Gum, Gluconolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Glycerol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/​VP Copolymer, Octyldodecanol, Caprylic/​Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Chloride, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Disodium EDTA, Iron Oxides

∎ Alcohol?
No.

∎ Fragrance?
No, but the formula does smell a bit like the ingredients (and it smells like oil, a bit) (though, it’s not really greasy 🤷).

∎ Antioxidants?
Yes, Kakadu plum.

∎ Other skincare ingredients in the formula:
Pentavitin and glycerin for hydration, and Gluconolactone for brightening.

∎ White cast?
Not on me. The cream is slightly tinted (but not so much that it can replace a makeup product in my opinion), so I guess it can be suitable for more skin tones.

∎ Irritating? Comedogenic?
No.

∎ Mattifying?
The brand claims it’s a mattifying product, but on me, not really. It doesn’t make me look shiny more than usual but it doesn’t especially mattify my skin either.

∎ Drying?
No.

∎ How does it look with makeup?
It’s a pretty good makeup base, foundation applies easily on top. And I don’t look shiny more than usual, so my makeup lasts well as usual.

∎ Would I repurchase?
(Let’s agree from the beginning that I answer this question theoretically and as if I didn’t have a closet full of sunscreen products at my disposal 😅)
Yes, without a doubt. It’s a pleasant product to wear, it’s comfortable, not irritating. On my fair skin, I don’t see a white cast. As it’s slightly tinted, I like to wear it alone without makeup, it evens out the complexion a bit. It provides a good protection, can be used with makeup without problems. It doesn’t contain silicones and for my 3 readers who are still interested in this trend (lol, just kidding)(but you know how I feel about it, by now! 😝), and it can be considered a “clean” product (yes, I’m putting “clean” in quotes, as it doesn’t mean anything). I heard a lot about the Australian brand Ultra Violette on Instagram and I’m pretty hooked with the first try! 10 more Eurovision points from France to Australia for the super cute and practical packaging (a pump is hidden in the cap). I know, it’s not cheap but it’s definitely a great product overall IMO.

∎ Shop for this product:

Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying SPF 50+

100% Chemical Sunscreens:

The textures of chemical sunscreens are generally very pleasant, lightweight, and imperceptible on the skin. Most of them are completely transparent, which is very nice! Some of them have a glowy finish, so be careful if your skin tends to look shiny during the day. If you have a dry skin though, you’ll probably really love them! 🙂

La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Aquagel SPF30:

∎ Price:
$43 for 50ml.

∎ Protection:
SPF 50+

∎ Made in:
France

∎ Texture:
A super fresh gel, very pleasant and comfortable for dehydrated skin.

∎ UV filters:
– Octocrylene: filters UVA and UVB rays.
– Mexoryl XL (exclusive filter by L’Oréal): filters UVA and UVB rays.
– Avobenzone: filters UVA rays.
– Homosalate: filters UVB rays.
– Octisalate: filters UVB rays.
– Uvinul T150: filters UVB rays.

∎ Complete list of ingredients:
Aqua/​Water/​Eau, Glycerin, Octocrylene, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Alcohol Denat, Dimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/​VP Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Ci 42090/​Blue 1, Dextrin Palmitate, Dimethicone/​Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, T-Butyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Parfum/​Fragrance

∎ Alcohol?
Yes.

∎ Fragrance?
Yes. And it’s quite strong and it lingers! It’s a floral aquatic fragrance, I’m not a fan…

∎ Antioxidants?
Yes, the brand talks about an anti-oxidant complex with Vitamin E + La Roche-Posay Thermal Water.

∎ Other skincare ingredients in the formula:
Hyaluronic acid for hydration and soothing vitamin B5 (panthenol).

∎ White cast?
Nope, it’s completely sheer!

∎ Irritating? Comedogenic?
Not on me.

∎ Mattifying?
Quite the contrary. I look very glowy, so if you like the “glass-skin” effect, you’ll love it!

∎ Drying?
No, it’s very hydrating!

∎ How does it look with makeup?
With my combination skin, it’s a bit complicated, I must admit. It makes me look shiny more than usual so it affects the staying power of my makeup, unfortunately. But I guess that with a drier skin than mine, there will be no worries with this product!

∎ Would I repurchase?
No, I don’t think so. I had originally bought it for my husband because it’s a 2-in-1 moisturizer/sunscreen and I was hoping he would finally accept to wear a SPF every day (but to be honest, he just doesn’t want to use one because the idea of double cleansing at night is too much for him 🙄) so I chose an “easy” product. But he couldn’t stand the fragrance of this product, and I have to admit I can relate. For me too, it’s way too strong! Too bad because the texture is really nice, rather fresh and very moisturizing, it’s very pleasant to use. But on my combination skin, the glowy effect is too much for me anyway. It’s a shame, because I loved the idea of the gel texture but it’s definitely not a product for me… Plus, it’s not super affordable.

∎ Shop for this product:

La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Aquagel SPF30

La Roche Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF50

∎ Price:
$27 to $31 for 50ml.

∎ Protection:
SPF 50+

∎ Made in:
France

∎ Texture:
A rather lightweight cream, not greasy, which leaves the skin comfortable.

∎ UV filters:
– Octocrylene: filters UVA and UVB rays.
– Mexoryl XL (exclusive filter by L’Oréal): filters UVA and UVB rays.
– Mexoryl SX (exclusive filter by L’Oréal): filters UVA rays.
– Avobenzone: filters UVA rays.
– Uvinul T150: filters UVB rays.

∎ Complete list of ingredients:
Aqua/​Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Octocrylene, Niacinamide, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Silica, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Vinyl Dimethicone/​Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, PEG-100 Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Poloxamer 338, Tocopherol, Triethanolamine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Xanthan Gum, Parfum/​Fragrance

∎ Alcohol?
No.

∎ Fragrance?
Yes.

∎ Antioxidants?
Yes, niacinamide (which is also anti-aging and brightening) and vitamin E.

∎ Other skincare ingredients in the formula:
Moisturizing hyaluronic acid and Phe-Resorcinol which is an anti-pigmentation ingredient.

∎ White cast?
No, it’s transparent.

∎ Irritating? Comedogenic?
It can tend to sting if my skin is already a bit sensitized. It’s not always, and I don’t have especially sensitive skin to begin with, but it seems like there’s something in the formula that my skin doesn’t love 🙁

∎ Mattifying?
Not really, but my skin doesn’t look super shiny with it.

∎ Drying?
No, it’s hydrating.

∎ How does it look with makeup?
In general, it’s a pretty good makeup base, but I noticed that it could have a little tendency to look patchy with some of my foundations (the matter ones). With more fluid and satin formulas, no worries!

∎ Would I repurchase?
No, probably not. I like the idea of a formula enriched with anti-aging and anti-dark spot ingredients, but this formula doesn’t really work for me. It can be irritating sometimes and doesn’t work with all my complexion makeup products, so it’s a bummer. There are better and cheaper products out there, so I don’t find this to be the best option for me.

∎ Shop for this product:

La Roche Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF50

Vichy Capital Soleil UV-Age Daily Water Fluid SPF50+:

∎ Price:
$26 for 40ml.

∎ Protection:
SPF 50+
PPD/ Anti-UVA protection: 46

∎ Made in:
France

∎ Texture:
A very liquid fluid that you have to shake before applying and that absorbs very easily. It dries in just a few seconds without leaving any residue on the skin. It contains a patented innovation specific to L’Oréal, the Netlock technology. This innovation is based on the principle of emulsion: UV filters are trapped in micro-droplets that form a uniform, ultra-thin and resistant film once applied to the skin. It’s not completely new, this technology was already used for the La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluide sunscreen (ex-Shaka Fluid) that I’ve been talking about here for at least two years 😉

∎ UV filters:
– Mexoryl XL (exclusive filter by L’Oréal): filters UVA and UVB rays.
– Tinosorb S: filters UVA and UVB rays.
– Mexoryl SX (exclusive filter by L’Oréal): filters UVA rays.
– Avobenzone: filters UVA rays.
– Octisalate: filters UVB rays.
– Uvinul T150: filters UVB rays.

∎ Complete list of ingredients:
Aqua/​Water, Alcohol Denat, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Silica, Isopropyl Myristate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Glycerin, C12-22 Alkyl Acrylate/​Hydroxyethylacrylate Copolymer, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Perlite, Tocopherol, Caprylic/​Capric Triglyceride, Acrylates/​C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Pentylene Glycol, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Triethanolamine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Vitreoscilla Ferment, Parfum/​Fragrance

∎ Alcohol?
Yes.

∎ Fragrance?
Yes, a floral scent, which I personally don’t love. Fortunately, it doesn’t stay on too long.

∎ Antioxidants?
Yes, niacinamide (which is also anti-aging and brightening) and vitamin E.

∎ Other skincare ingredients in the formula:
Hydrating glycerin and anti-ageing peptides.

∎ White cast?
No, it’s transparent on me.

∎ Irritating? Comedogenic?
Not on me.

∎ Mattifying?
Not really, but my skin doesn’t look super shiny with it.

∎ Drying?
No, it’s confortable and hydrating.

∎ How does it look with makeup?
It’s a good makeup primer.

∎ Would I repurchase?
I have mixed feelings… I really like the communication that places it as an everyday sunscreen; in France, this is rare enough to be noticed, so kudos to Vichy! To tell you the truth, it’s probably my favorite new French sunscreen I tried this year but it’s not perfect. And most importantly, I think it’s a bit of a lazy innovation from L’Oreal 😅
Let me explain! The brand emphasizes its Netlock technology, which is great. But it’s already this technology that was used with the La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid sunscreen (ex-Shaka Fluid) that I’ve been talking about for at least two years. So, when it comes to innovation, Vichy is not really at the top of its game! On the other hand, the brand highlights its anti-aging formula with niacinamide and peptides, which is very good but the rest of the formula is still very similar to La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid sunscreen except that Vichy is twice as expensive for 10 ml less. It’s a bit pricey for niacinamide and peptides, isn’t it?
The finish of these two products is really similar, to me. I can’t tell them apart. So even though I think the Vichy is a good sunscreen and I enjoy using it, it mostly made me want to repurchase the La Roche Posay Anthelios Fluide Invisible to be honest 😅

∎ Shop for this product:

Vichy Capital Soleil UV-Age Daily Water Fluid SPF50+

Eucerin Sun Oil Control Gel-Cream SPF50+:

∎ Price:
$15 to $17 for 50ml.

∎ Protection:
SPF 50+

∎ Made in:
Europe (Poland or Germany depending on the country where you purchase).

∎ Texture:
A cream gel with a light, non-greasy texture that absorbs very quickly and leaves a matte finish.

∎ UV filters:
– Octocrylene: filters UVA and UVB rays.
– Avobenzone: filters UVA rays.
– Homosalate: filters UVB rays.
– Octisalate: filters UVB rays.
– Ensulizole: filters UVB rays.

∎ Complete list of ingredients:
Aqua, Homosalate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Octocrylene, Alcohol Denat, Tapioca Starch, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Cyclomethicone, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Methylpropanediol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Glycerin, Carnitine, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Acrylates-C10-30-Alkyl-Acrylate-Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Trisodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol

∎ Alcohol?
Yes, and you can’t miss it!

∎ Fragrance?
No (but it definitely smells like alcohol!).

∎ Antioxidants?
Yes, Licochalcone A, that comes from licorice.

∎ Other skincare ingredients in the formula:
Hydrating glycerin, and some carnitine and tapioca starch which have an absorbing and matifying effect.

∎ White cast?
Not on me.

∎ Irritating? Comedogenic?
Not on me.

∎ Mattifying?
So, I was hoping for a fairly matte effect and I wasn’t super convinced… It’s matte at first but after a couple of hours, my skin still looks shiny as usual.

∎ Drying?
Yes, it’s quite drying on me after a few hours.

∎ How does it look with makeup?
It’s a pretty good makeup base, but sometimes it tends to pill a bit (not with all my foundations but it happens with some of them).

∎ Would I repurchase?
No, probably not. I was expecting a lot from it given the success it’s having right now on Instagram but I’m not convinced. It doesn’t mattify as much as I would have liked and I find it a bit drying for my dehydrated mature skin. It has the advantage of being very easily available (even here in Dubai) and not very expensive, but for me, it’s just meh.

∎ Shop for this product:

Eucerin Sun Oil Control Gel-Cream SPF50+

Combo Sunscreens (with both Mineral & Chemical filters):

The “heavy-duty” formulas. I use them when I want to be sure I’m very well protected, and if I know I’m going to be out in the sun for a bit.

Eucerin Sun Sensitive Protect Face Sun Fluid SPF50+

∎ Price:
$15 to $17 for 50ml.

∎ Protection:
SPF 50+

∎ Made in:
Europe (Poland or Germany depending on the country of purchase).

∎ Texture:
A lightweight, non-greasy fluid that leaves a rather matte finish on application.

∎ UV filters:
– Titane Dioxide: filters UVA and UVB rays.
– Tinosorb S: filters UVA and UVB rays.
– Avobenzone: filters UVA rays.
– Octisalate: filters UVB rays.
– Unvinul T150: filters UVB rays.
– Ensulizole: filters UVB rays.

∎ Complete list of ingredients:
Aqua, Isopropyl Palmitate, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate-Dicaprate, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Alcohol Denat, Silica, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Octyldodecanol, Glycine, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Arginine Hcl, Distarch Phosphate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate-Polyhydroxystearate-Sebacate, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract, Vp-Hexadecene Copolymer, Dimethicone, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Tapioca Starch, Sodium Hydroxide, Trisodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin

∎ Alcohol?
Yes.

∎ Fragrance?
No.

∎ Antioxidants?
Yes, Licochalcone A, that comes from licorice.

∎ Other skincare ingredients in the formula:
Repairing glycyrrhetinic acid, tapioca starch which has an absorbing and matifying effect.

∎ White cast?
A light one, but on my fair skin, it’s barely noticeable.

∎ Irritating? Comedogenic?
Not for my skin, but it stings my eyes quite badly.

∎ Mattifying?
The brand claims it’s mattifying, but after a couple of hours, my skin still looks shiny as usual.

∎ Drying?
Not on me.

∎ How does it look with makeup?
It pills quite badly with all the foundations I tried on top. Not great :/

∎ Would I repurchase?
No. In fact, I bought it by mistake at first 😅 I thought it was the Eucerin Sun Protection Oil Control Gel-Cream SPF50+ sunscreen (yes, I know, the packaging doesn’t even look similar, I don’t know what the hell I did!). But I thought it might be a good surprise?
Wrong! It stings my eyes, it makes my makeup pill, it doesn’t mattify… it’s a fail! So yes, it’s not expensive, but that’s the only advantage!

∎ Shop for this product:

Eucerin Sun Sensitive Protect Face Sun Fluid SPF50+

In conclusion:

See, I warned you, European sunscreens are not something I’m wildly excited about this year. In the end, fortunately, there was at least one good Australian sunscreen in the bunch 😂😂😂

So clearly, out of this selection, it’s mostly this one I’m holding on to, the Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying SPF 50+ which is a great option if like me, you like mineral sunscreens.

That being said, the Vichy Capital Soleil UV-Age Daily Water Fluid SPF50+ is not bad.

But, if I have to choose, I still prefer my good old La Roche Posay Anthelios Fluide Invisible which is still in my bathroom since I discovered it (two years ago).

In my second part of my 2021 sunscreen guide, I’ll focus on Japanese products and I can already promise you that it will be much more exciting! So, stay tuned 😉

Edit: my two other posts are now available 🙂

Face Sunscreen Guide 2021, Part 2: Japanese sunscreens

Face Sunscreen Guide 2021, Part 3: Korean sunscreens

Comments (10)

  1. Excellent round up – thank you!

    I was interested in the Vichy but won’t bother hearing as it’s so similar to LRP’s Invisible Fluid – which I really like and can purchase locally, unlike Vichy.

    0
  2. Interesting read, thanks for sharing Bonnie! European sunscreens are a bit harder to find here in Australia, we get LRP at the pharmacies but not that vast of a collection. I’m currently using an Australian brand called Azclear (2 fingers length worth) and top it off with Ultra Violette Lean Screen or Dewy Tree Urban Shade Anti-Pollution (your recommendation and I’m still LOVING it, 3 tubes emptied so far). Looking forward to read the Japanese & Korean sunscreen versions soon!

    0
    • Thank you so much KT! 🙂
      Yeah same for me for Australian sunscreens! I would love to try more and I was so glad to be able to finally try Ultra Violette!
      Ah the Dewytree is so good! They reformulated it this year, I bought the new formula, I’m still testing it for now but it’ll be in my Korean sunscreens guide 😉

      0
  3. Hi Bonnie, thank you só much for this first part of your new sunscreen guide!!
    It’s such a pitty to read that most of the Eucerin, Vichy and LRP sunscreens contain fragrance and/or alcohol. I have a sensitive skin and I am allergic to most of the fragrances, so I am not taking any more risks and avoid all of them. Also alcohol irritates to much, like in the Shaka Fluid you love so much. It is realy a shame, for these brands are all pharmacy brands (at least in the Netherlands) and shouldn’t pharmacies want the best for your skin?
    Besides, I have became a little bit scared of filters like octocrylene, avobenzone and homosalate after articles from for example Lab Muffin. Also because my face can’t tolerate most chemical sunscreens in combination with warmth. In the past I always thought I suffered from heat rash on vacation, but in fact it was an allergic reaction on the sunscreen.

    I want to be in love with Japanese or Korean sunscreens, but last year I bought Puritans Centella Green SPF50 unscented (your recommendation if I remember well), but as you will know this ended in tears after the scandal of the SPF50 only being maximum SPF19.
    Now I don’t trust any SPF-claim anymore. So what to do??

    The best choice are mineral sunscreens, however they often make my face greyish white. I have a few mineral sunscreens from Paula’s Choice which I like. I wondered why you don’t mention PC sunscreens, but I think it is because thet are only SPF30. That’s a pity indeed.

    I have one BIG question concerning mineral sunscreens and I hope you have an answer.
    Mineral sunscreens work by reflecting the UV-rays, like a mirror. But what happens when you use makeup over your mineral sunscreen, like powder, blush, shaping, conceiler? The sunscreen is no longer on top of your skin and their is no reflection anymore.
    And second question: if you use shaping/shadow and want to blend it with a brush, I am afraid to remove the sunscreen from my skin.
    I so much hope you can reassure me, or if necessary, confirm my fears.
    Thanks a lot Bonnie!
    Regards from the Netherlands, Jooke.

    0
    • Hi Jooke!
      I’ll talk about the Purito situation in my part 3 of my sunscreen guide, and hopefully I’ll be able to reassure you! This was an unfortunate situation, but it was because of a few dishonest people. The vast majority of cosmetic brands work according to the regulations of their countries and their products are safe and protective. My friend Odile Monod did recently a fantastic video where she explained everything that happened: Odile Monod video
      About fragrance in products, it’s only a problem if you’re allergic to fragrance (and most people aren’t, even if they have sensitive skin). And alcohol in sunscreen allows textures to be more fluid and lightweight. I’m personally not against it. I just tried to use these kind of sunscreens when my skin is not sensitized and it’s fine!
      Actually mineral sunscreens also absorb UV rays, like chemical filters. You can read this post by Michelle Lab Muffin where she explains it better than I can: labmuffin post
      I usually wait at least 10 minutes after I applied my sunscreen before applying makeup; I do that in order to allow my sunscreen to “set” and form an even layer. I can’t guarantee this layer is indestructible but to be honest, I still want to apply my makeup, so for me, this is the best I can do! And because I don’t really go to the sun anyway, I guess I’m safe! If I know I’m going to be very exposed to the sun, I usually skip makeup to be able to reapply sunscreen easily 🙂
      I hope it answers your questions! 🙂

      0
  4. Hello there. Thanks for the wonderful reviews and thoughts on varieties of sunscreens. Have you tried Heliocare 360 gel oil free sunscreen before?

    0
  5. Hello Bonnie!
    Thank you for testing out these sunscreens!What are your thoughts on the organic oil
    sunscreen such as Kari Gran, Plumscreen Broad spectrum SPF31, and Honua Hawaiian
    skincare to name a few.
    Do you think they just as effective as the Asian ones?
    Thanks on advance!

    0

Leave a comment

An authentic beauty magazine with personality and looks: reviews, articles, focus & memos

BTY ALY Newsletter

Don't miss out on new content we publish.
Hey, it could be the review, or article that helps you find the exact skincare product you were looking for.
We wouldn't want you missing out on that now, would we :)