It have been really lucking out lately discovering products to add to my “holy grail” list. One of the most exciting additions has been finding the perfect facial sunscreen for use under makeup. The new Algenist Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50 ($38 for 1oz/30ml) has performed beautifully for me. It is indeed lightweight. It has a sort of runny consistency reminiscent of the the Shiseido SPF 60 I used to use but it hasn’t given me the issues with dryness I used to experience with it. It absorbs well and sets to a sort of demi matte finish. There is no greasy sunscreen feel or look. It performs wonderfully under makeup and even on days when I accidentally forgot to apply primer between this and my foundation my makeup still applied, lasted, and looked great on top. I can see this working as well on oily skin as it does on my dry skin.
Actives:
- Alguronic Acid – increases cell regeneration and elastin synthesis.
- Vitamin E, Green Tea & Echinacea — antioxidants, protect the skin against signs of aging, help minimize fine lines & wrinkles
- Bearberry & Licorice Root Extracts — antioxidants, help protect the skin against sun damage, boost skin radiance & luminosity
The UV Defense Fluid is:
- Oil-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Dermatologist tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- Not tested on animals
All Algenist products are formulated without:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic dyes
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan
Active Ingredients:
Octinoxate, 7.5%
Titanium Dioxide, 2.0%
Zinc Oxide, 17.1%
Inactive Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Water/Aqua/Eau, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Algae Exopolysaccharides, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Hexylene Glycol, Fragrance (Parfum).
Unfortunately this product only appears on the US Sephora website and not the Canadian one. It must not have been approved yet for use in Canada but I am looking into whether this is in the works or not. The products can also be purchased from the Algenist website but they only ship within the US at this time. I am going to have to figure out some way to get the Algenist UV Defense Fluid because I don’t think I can live without it now! I have been searching for the perfect under makeup sunscreen for too long to let this hold me back. My only wish is that it was an all natural sunscreen. I have yet to find one that doesn’t feel greasy though. While I always avoid oxybenzone in sunscreens I had thought octinoxate wasn’t “too bad” but maybe I should reconsider after doing a bit more research. Why does finding the right sunscreen for under makeup have to be so hard?
Product sent by the company’s PR for my consideration. All reviews are always my own honest and unbiased opinion.
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