Beauty On Trial:
Sunscreen
Our search for the perfect face protector
Summer’s just around the corner, meaning it’s the perfect time to reassess your SPF game.
Lane Crawford’s editorial team of beauty lovers gives you a jumpstart by editing down our five favourite face protectors, and giving them an honest appraisal.
Clé de Peau BEAUTÉ
SPF50+ PA+++++ UV Protective Tinted Cream
Reviewer Jenny Yang, Senior Content Production Executive
Consistency
“A creamy, thick texture which is me to a tee. If you’re a person that wants something fluid and lightweight, this isn’t the sunscreen for you. Due to it’s semi-thick consistency, I applied this with a sponge.”
Scent
“If you’re picky about scent, you’ll be fine with this one - it’s very lightly scented in a non-offensive way.”
Finish
“Used on its own, this gave me a glowy finish. I’m sure a lot of women would love this, personally, I’m more of a matte girl! I paired it under powder foundation, which worked together perfectly.”
Best For
“A sunscreen that doubles as dewy, light-coverage foundation. Although it’s not enough coverage for me during the weekdays, I’ll be whipping it out weekends for sure.”
Shiseido
Wet Force BB SPF 50+ PA+++ Very Water Resistant
Reviewer Bridget Barnett, Junior Editor
Consistency
“It’s a medium consistency, similar to a liquid foundation. It’s fluid, and glides on easily - I used my fingers and it didn’t take long to blend.”
Scent
“It’s lightly scented, but not with that typical ‘sunscreen scent’.”
Finish
“The finish is simply natural rather than glowy or matte. Coverage-wise, the tint provides a light base, perfect for the weekend or those after the no makeup, makeup look.”
Best For
“It’s water-resistant so it’s perfect for those summer activities where you don’t want to go bare-faced, but you know you’re going to be getting wet.”
Lancôme
UV Expert Youth Shield Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++
Reviewer Rita Wang, Chinese Writer
Consistency
“Amazing! It’s ultra-thin and fluid, which glides on super easily. And importantly passed the zero-whiteness test!”
Scent
“Inoffensive - just a super light fragrance.”
Finish
“It soaked into my skin quickly, you couldn’t notice I had sunscreen on. I paired under my daily liquid foundation and it didn't cake at all.”
Best For
“As it’s high protection, thin and invisible, it’s perfect for wearing under your normal makeup. Bonus, it’s also great for sensitive skin and has anti-pollution protection, making it perfect for city dwellers.”
YSL Beauté
UV Protection SPF50 – PA +++
Reviewer Jennifer Cardenas, Managing Editor
Consistency
“This has an even, medium consistency. It has a slight tackiness to it, so you need to blend it well. I used my normal foundation brush to apply it - super spreadable, even consistency.”
Scent
“I’m usually quite sensitive to the smell of beauty products, but this mild, fruity scent didn’t bother me at all.”
Finish
“The tint is buildable to a medium coverage. If you don’t need a full-coverage, you could wear it with a little mascara and you’re good to go!”
Best For
“This is great for people who can’t be bothered with layers of primer, SPF and foundation, so it feels like it covers all your bases. However, if you are someone who wants a heavy coverage, this will need to be layered with another foundation.”
Sisley
Phyto-Blanc Brightening Daily Defense Fluid SPF 50 – PA++++
Reviewer Cher Kwong, Head of Editorial
Consistency
“It feels thin and runny, with a slightly chalky texture to it. It definitely feels like you’re putting on your SPF, but having said that it does blend and absorb easily.”
Scent
“This scent is the strongest of the bunch. If you like your beauty products unscented, this is not the one for you. It’s quite a strong floral scent.”
Finish
“Worn solo, this has an almost matte finish to it, great for those with oily skin. Paired under makeup, it doesn’t flake and doesn’t feel heavy, meaning it’s perfect for everyday wear.”
Best For
“This is perfect for the woman who wants to feel pampered when putting on her daily sunscreen. A rich scent, and stand-out packaging that feels luxurious.”