Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55 PA+++

Shiseido has been my holy grail for sun protection and this sunscreen lotion delivers. The Shiseido website recommends this lotion to be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure and gives othergreat sun safety tips.

This sunscreen has a very high SPF of 55 but also has PA +++ which protects against premature wrinkling and fine lines. Although the high SPF is great and the sun protection is a great plus, what I love most about this product is it's non-greasy feeling. I love that it is non-sticky, non-greasy, and not thick. A little bit goes a long way and although the product comes in a small bottle, I've had mine all summer and I'm still using it with a lot more to go. It applies so smoothly and soaks in right away. It does not leave a shiny finish and rather leaves your face feeling matte and the texture, more even.

I use this sunscreen as a primer for my foundation because it keeps my oil at bay and keeps my foundation in place. After I've washed and moisturized my face I will apply this sunscreen lotion and then put on all my makeup. It doesn't cake up at all and feels very light weight on my face. I have really sensitive skin and have tried multiple sunscreens that broke me out, however this sunscreen is not only effective, but also gentle on the skin. It is formulated with Rose Apple Leaf Extract which prevents in vitro and creates a antioxidant effect. The fragrance from the sunscreen could also be from the Rose Apple Leaf Extract, however it quite nice. The fragrance is slight and very elegant. I like it smells more mature rather than sweet and fruity.

Overall, this product leaves an amazing finish, delivers well and I will be repurchasing this product again.

For those who dont like the feel and texture of sunscreen on their skin I have a review on a powder foundation that has SPF in it.

-Lina

Shiseido Sun Protection Compact Foundation SPF 34 PA+++ Review

I have been really into sunscreen lately and taking preventative measures against the harmful rays of the sun. UVB and UVA rays are very harmful to the skin and not only burn the skin but also cause premature wrinkling and fine lines. To read more about sunscreen and the effects of UVA/UVB rays visit:
http://www.skinacea.com/sunscreen/how_choose.htm

http://www.aad.org/media/background/factsheets/fact_sunscreen.htm

I used to always wach my mother apply powder foundation and swore I would never take that route however, to my surprise the Shiseido Compact Foundation looked really really nice on my skin. I have become a believer and I never feel like it looks caky or flaky. The plus side that really gets me is the fact that this compact foundation seems to keep my oil at bay. I have combination to oily skin and am always looking for good matte foundations, and not only does the result of this foundation look matte, but it also keeps it matte for a while. I normally don't have to touch up for a couple hours before I see any shine or oil build up on my face.

Another plus for this foundation is that the coverage level is good with a natural finish. It evens out the skintone and does a good job of covering redness and slight dark spots. Concealer is still needed for severe discoloration, however the foundation does a good job of muting out some of the color. The way I apply is usually with the sponge that it comes with and I just pat it on rather than swiping it across my face. Sometimes I use a big kabuki brush for better coverage. And the foundatoin is buildable all the while still looking very natural.

Last, but certainly not least, the SPF in the foundation is the best part of all. I'm normally rushing out the door to get to class and I don't have time to put on sunscreen and foundation separately, which makes this all-in-one foundation handy. I can just pat on this foundation and go right out the door and know that I'm still protected from the harmful rays of the sun. This is also nice to carry around and touch up with instead of lathering on sunscreen lotion over your makeup throughout the day. Sunscreen should be reapplied throughtout the day for best protection and I found this powder foundation works best. This is definitely going to be a repurchase for me.

-Lina

A Youtube makeup guru talks a little about this compact foundation.

Sephora Brand "Tricks of the Trade" Anti-Shine Primer Review

For all my oily-skinned ladies out there, our prayers have been answered.
I am all for things that make my face appear matte, so when I came across Sephora's Anti-Shine Primer I was thrilled at the results.

Normally I start with my face lotion after I've washed it and then I go over it with sunscreen. On a normal day, I would just put on foundation and run out of the door however, I found myself constantly wiping off excess sebum from my face throughout the day. That is why I now apply Sephora's Anti-Shine Primer over my sunscreen before my foundation. Not only does this primer keep your face matte for hours, it also hold your foundation in place so it doesn't melt off or rub off on clothes easily. I found this primer dries rather quickly so you have to be quick when applying it. This is my holy grail for primers and I will be repurchasing this product once I'm through with it. I also have very sensitive skin. This makes me very hesitant when purchasing new face products, however, I am happy to report that this primer does not break me out.

The downside to this product is that it doesn't last all day. It will last for a good couple hours depending on the level of your facial sebum production, however I found that at the end of the day I will see some shininess. It also has a strong fragrance that some people may not like. This product does contain alcohol as one of its ingredients and can be very drying for combination skin.

Overall, I like this product enough to repurchase and it will be a part of my daily skin regimen! :)

-Lina

A Youtube makeup guru compares this anti-shine primer with another sephora oil-controlling product and gives a detailed review of the product.