Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion+ SPF 50+ is locally available and it has proven to be superior in protection. I mean, this stuff had protected me from the Mexican sun before.
This is one of the most cost efficient sunscreens from a high-end brand since you get 3.4 oz for less than $40.
However, Shiseido Ultimate Protection Lotion is not for everybody. It clearly has its shortcomings, too.
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion+
SPF 50+
The biggest merit of this sunscreen is its exceptional protection.
When I was on a vacation in Mexico years ago, I chose this for my face and Neutrogena sunscreen lotion with SPF 75 for my body. My face did not even get darker by a half shade while I developed horrible rash neck down all over my body. I should have just used the Shiseido.
It protects so well because it wears like iron. This strong waterproof formula is virtually bullet proof once set. The sunscreen agent is a good mix of chemical and physical ones, but it has a large amount of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which pretty much keep on protecting as long as they are "on you".
This persistence is a good thing generally speaking, but it is also something to consider depending on your skin types.
The vivid blue bottle is somewhat artistic looking with the slightly asymmetrical design.
I detest that the flip top and the opening never stay clean, though.
This happens every single time.
You must be alarmed to see how white this stuff is.
It does go on white and leaves quite a visible cast due to the high content of titanium dioxide. I usually go for a sunscreen with both chemical and physical blockers, but this is why I prefer sunscreen with zinc oxide only because it goes on much lighter and has a more natural finish.
Pretty ghastly, isn't it?
But don't despair..
Once set, it isn't half bad.
It is, by the way, a good indication to wait before applying foundation, because a sunscreen needs to set to form a barrier for proper protection.
To think about it, this "whitening" finish is both a con and a pro.
It provides a very smooth oil-controlling base and easily works as a makeup base. Since Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion makes my complexion appear brightened up and smoothed out, I can easily get away with pressed powder applied with a kabuki brush. It creates a nice "my skin but better" effects.
However, some of my foundations don't really work with this sunscreen because it does alter the foundation shade noticeably.
It applies very evenly on the face but make sure to blend in well on the hairlines otherwise the white residue will bunch up. Not a pretty sight, I tell you.
As I mentioned earlier, it is really long lasting and mattifying as well.
Great if you have oily skin but I find it a bit drying sometimes for my normal/combination skin.
I don't think it is causing breakouts but it isn't exactly non-comedogenic, either. You need a good cleansing oil to remove it and to be more diligent with exfoliation.
Shiseido also offers a creme formulation, which is my sister's favorite, by the way. It has smoother and moisturizing consistency yet with the same waterproof protection.
There is also the "Urban" line with a little less SPF number but with more natural finish, but they are much more expensive compared to the "Ultimate" varieties.
Despite of all the negative factors, Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion is still a great choice for me.
I just wish it came with a more cosmetically elegant finish minus the green floral fragrance, although it is far better than most options out there.
Shop The Post
Social Icons