Dec 26, 2014

elta MD UV Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45

I can wear those Japanese waterproof sunscreens pretty much all year round, or so I thought.
It suddenly felt different this winter. I used my trustee Sofina Perfect UV daily when I was in San Francisco, but I had to stop after I came home because the combination of the Sofina and New York winter literally hurt my face.
I have been curious about elta MD sunscreens for some time, and it seemed a high time to try this sunscreen with cream formulation.

elta MD UV Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45
elta MD UV Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 45


elta MD UV Shield SPF 45 has the ideal combination of active ingredients for me (Zinc Oxide 9% + Octinoxate 7.5% - simple yet reliable), and I like the fact that it contains no Titanium Dioxide which is not always cosmetically elegant (I've found an exception recently, though. Clarins UV Plus HP Ecran Multi-Protection is an all-physical sunscreen yet wonderfully elegant).
Other aspects of this sunscreen sound very promising as well - oil-free light weight formula, transparent zinc oxide, broad spectrum with high SPF protection, fragrance-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free, and noncomedogenic.





elta MD UV Shield SPT 45 is also an affordable choice. I paid less than $20 for 3 oz tube. Price point is quite important to choose a sunscreen because we all should be "slathering" our sunscreens on, no?


It comes in a light cream formulation.

At this point, I was almost sure that elta MD UV Shield would leave a strong white cast.

But no, it disappeared beautifully only leaving a slight sheen.


For a sunscreen with cream formula, it wears impressively well. 
I do not think people with drier skin types would find it particularly moisturizing, but then it is meant for oily to normal skin. I personally find it works perfectly for my skin at this time of the year. 
I can definitely feel that this cream sets immediately, which kind of resembles the "shrink-wrap-sensation" ever so slightly. My skin still is hydrated and comfortable, if that makes any sense.
Foundation goes on easily once I leave it on for 1 minute to set (which I do with any other sunscreen anyway - it is quite important to set your sunscreen so it forms a proper barrier on skin), and it lasts all day with no issue.

I would highly recommend elta MD UV Shiled Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 as a winter sunscreen for anyone with normal to combination skin (or a summertime sunscreen for dry skin types!). 
Currently I am happy to slather on elta MD UV Shield everyday, although I will probably go back to Sofina Perfect UV in summer.  Some flexibility is required to keep my skin happy, I am afraid.


Have you tried elta MD sunscreens?
What are you using to protect your winter skin from the sun?





Join the conversation!

  1. This sounds really great! I'll have to look for it here!

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    Replies
    1. I bought it off amazon.com since it is not easy to spot them in stores.
      It is not greasy yet comfortable. I can imagine you would like this one. :)

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  2. I have nt tried elta MD sunscreens, but this seems very promising! Currently, I'm using the Shiseido Urban Environment UV Cream.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Shiseido Urban is an excellent choice! I'm a big fan of Shiseido sunscreens myself.
      It seems harder to find a stable sunscreen with fewer active ingredients these days. This one is a definitely a good option. :)

      Delete
  3. Ahhh so this is the sunscreen you were talking about! Sounds great, I'm all about sunscreens that don't leave a white case. And looks like you get quite a bit of product for the price, too!

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    1. For a cream type sunscreen with a cholk-full of zinc oxide, the finish is impressive!
      Spending more on sunscreen should make more sense to me than on lipsticks, but I'm not quite there yet (LOL), so yeah, it is good to have an affordable and reliable sunscreen in hand. :)

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  4. Sounds good! I think maybe I'd want something a little more moisturizing though for right now. I use the Neutrogena Pure & Free all year round, though it can leave a white cast when I'm more tan..

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I remember you said the Neutrogena is a good alternative to the Clarins, so I'd love to try Pure & Free sometime soon. I wear makeup daily so a bit of white cast should be okay, I hope.
      This one definitely works naturally without makeup, and I find it quite mild. Give it a try when you get a chance. :)

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  5. I've been super curious about this one- sounds great! Not always easy to find sunscreens that work on oilier skin, so I appreciate the review :)

    -Jen

    www.vibrantbeautyblog.com

    ReplyDelete
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    1. My pleasure, Jen!
      I was the same way since all the sunscreen fanatics talk about this brand. I'm glad I finally got to try this.
      It seems hydrating, too. :)

      Delete
  6. I use Avon CC cream - it's really a glorified tinted moisturizer, but I really like it.
    I really appreciate your sunscreen reviews!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you, Wendy! :)
      I think CC cream for sunscreen is actually quite a practical idea. You can put on a lot for protection yet look natural thanks to the sheer coverage. Glad to hear you have one you like - it is rare to come by, really! :)

      Delete
  7. I'm still using my L'Oreal and Neutrogena sunscreens (with some VICHY) but you always remind me to look for the Asian sunscreens! I haven't heard of this brand and probably can't get it here, but the next time I swing by our Asian mall, I'll grab one of your recommended sunscreens. I did however just pick up Bobbi Brown's new primer with SPF50.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love things that multi-task like primer and sunscreen in one!
      Asian sunscreens usually contain a good amount of silicones, so they do make a good makeup base while keeping oil in check. You might want to try them in summer, though.
      I find elta MD very "American", actually. It just started feeling seriously cold here, so I am sticking with this one for now. :)

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