Hey Guys!
I uploaded a Youtube Video Reviewing + Swatching SPFs (UK/EU Regulated). These are all at SPF50+ and all except 1 are Chemical (Organic) SPFs with no White cast.
I discuss the pros and cons, list the filters and do face swatches to show you the texture of each product.
I also conclude with what was my favourite and what was my least favourite.
I hope you find the watch useful!
Below is the Video Transcript if you would prefer to read! And also Product Links are Below 🙂
I have also linked previous SPF videos in case you want to see what else I’ve Swatched + Reviewed
Youtube Video:
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Video Transcript:
In this video, I’ll be Swatching + Reviewing SPFs! These SPFs are all EU/UK approved Sunblocks and are SPF50+ (UVA and UVB Protection).
To clarify – UVA protects you from the Sun’s ageing rays and UVB protects you from the Sun’s burning rays, so you want a good protection from both.
Also, all these SPFs are Organic or Chemical SPFs EXCEPT for the Skinceuticals SPF – so none of these should give darker skin types a white cast 😊
First up is the Skinceuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF 50+
This sunblock is aimed mostly towards lighter skin tones and Dry Skins as this is moisturising.
This is a lightweight sunblock that works to not only protect the skin from the sun BUT even out and brighten the skin tone.
That’s due to both physical and active ingredients.
For instance, this contains Tranexamic Acid and Niacinamide which both help to even and brighten the skin’s tone as well as reduce pigmentation caused from sun damage.
This also contains Mica which is usually paired with Titanium Dioxide (Titanium Dioxide is also an SPF Filter which is Inorganic/Physical as it’s chalky/powdery and gives the skin a white cast), and gives a reflective, brightening glow to the skin. The Filter: Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M) Also gives a white cast to the skin. So these ingredients help physically (like makeup) brighten and tone up the skin, so I would not recommend this SPF to darker skin tones (it even looks white on my skin tone).
This is fragrance and essential oil free. This does contain Denatured Alcohol. My Full Review of this is on the Blog.
In terms of the texture: This is creamy and moisturising. It’s fine spreading along the skin and doesn’t feel sticky or tacky. This isn’t oily-controlling so I wouldn’t recommend to oily skin types.
In terms of the finish, this doesn’t feel uncomfortable or sticky, but it of course has that moisturising finish and does have a brightening or toning up effect to the skin.
I look a little dead when wearing this however my sister who is lighter than me, has been using this has consistently been complimented when wearing this because it brightens her skin in a good way. That’s why I think those with a lighter skin tone may enjoy the brightening effects of this SPF.
For me personally, it’s a pass because of the white cast which is a shame because I like that this contains both Niacinamide and Tranexamic acid – two ingredients which are known to brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation.
Next up is the Eucerin Sun Oil Control Face Protection Sun Cream for Oily & Blemish Prone Skin SPF50+
This is a sunblock that has a mattifying effect and aims to absorb excess oil with the use of starch (powder to absorb excess oil).
This contains Licochalcone A which acts to help improve the photoprotective qualities of this SPF, as well as Glycyrrhetinic Acid which helps in cell repair caused from Sunlight damage. L-Carnitine is also included to help with Sebum control.
(The filters are listed on the screen)
This is supposed to provide a long-lasting anti-shine effect on the skin for up to eight hours – It’s hard to tell in one application because of course you need to re-apply SPFs every 2 hours. However, I will say upon initial application, this does give the skin a matte finish – I have worked out in this SPF and it didn’t make me look overly greasy or shiny.
This contains no fragrance and is meant to be tolerated by not only sensitive skins, but acne-prone skins (‘’Suitable for patients on topical acne medication’’).
I really like the packaging as it’s travel friendly and the pump dispenses a good amount of product.
In terms of the Texture: The brand state that this has an ultra-light and non-greasy texture. I would agree that this doesn’t feel heavy, but this product does not disappear into the skin like other liquid SPFs. This does sit on top of the skin – but it doesn’t feel greasy and also doesn’t feel sticky or tacky.
Initially this is creamy and moisturising, it makes this easy to spread along the skin and disappears once dried down.
I will say that due to the starch and the silicone base, this does ball up if I itch or scratch my face. Also this balls up under my mask of course where the mask rubs against my skin.
In terms of the scent I get no fragrance from this.
Due to the balling up nature of this product – I did end having to use this as a hand SPF where it sat more comfortably on the skin. So therefore this SPF ended up being a miss for me.
Next up is another Silicone-based SPF. It’s the SVR Sun Secure Blur SPF50+. This is a mousse-like, gel textured Sun block that helps blur the skin and put it into soft focus, which SVR states, makes it a great makeup base.
The blurring effect is due to the heavy silicone texture and formula as silicone helps cosmetically fill in fine lines and pores for an even look and makeup application, which is what blurring primers do.
I will say if one is using this as a makeup primer, then make sure to use a silicone-based foundation to prevent balling up underneath.
(The SPF filters are listed on the screen now)
As this is a silicone-heavy formula, it’s great for oily skins as it provides a mattifying effect.
This contains Niacinamide which is skin-brightening and anti acne, as well as Carrot Root Extract wich is an antixoidant. This does contain fragrance which supposedly smells like apricot, but to me this smells like a mild cream.
Detoxophane and Carrot Extract form an antioxidant pairing to help improve the protection of this SPF.
The texture of this is like a mousse. It leaves no white cast and feels very fluffy, smooth and light. It’s not sticky however the airy mousse-like texture takes some getting used to as it’s almost greasy and oily, yet isn’t? There isn’t much oil control to this however this does have a matte finish.
This sits on the skin lightly and spreads easily. When working out, this didn’t make me look extra oily or greasy HOWEVER as you can see from the pictures I took after taking my mask off – this DOES ball up. My sister was the one who noticed how weird my face looked – my mask rubbed this SPF into little balls. So be careful if you’re wearing this thinking itll look fine once you take your mask off.
It also feels a bit slidy on the skin? Which I guess is good because it forces me to not touch my face in case I move the sPF.
So this SPF is a bit of a miss for me, I don’t think I can use it as a hand SPF either because I’m worried it’ll ball up and shift around the skin.
Next up is the Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Face Sun Cream Mist Spf50+
This is a mist that I use to apply over-makeup when re-applying SPF.
(The Filters are listed on the screen now)
This is described as an ultra-light mist that is non-greasy and hydrating. I would agree with both those statements.
In terms of the texture: This is lightweight! Hopefully you can see the way this mist is dispensed, it’s quite potent but doesn’t attack the skin. It spreads lightly across the skin.
It leaves no white cast to the skin which is great.
i absolutely would not use a mist as my sole, base SPF, but a mist is great when it’s difficult to re-apply SPF throughout the day, especially over makeup. And I do believe that if you are going to use a mist, then it should be at SPF50+ to ensure a high protection even if the layer is thinner than a cream or liquid SPF.
This does contain fragrance and smells like a light cream to me.
In terms of the finish, this doesn’t feel too oily or greasy, it actually feels quite lightweight! But this definitely doesn’t have a matte finish on the skin, but more of a hydrating one.
So I think Dehydrated and Dry skins as well as normal skin types may prefer this over severely oily skins, but my combo skin can tolerate this finish.
Next up is the La Roche-Posay Invisible Fluid SPF50+
This contains Glycerin and a few emollients which are moisturising and make the skin feel smooth.
(Contains Denatured Alcohol and Fragrance).
This is formulated to limit eye stinging – And I would agree as this doesn’t sting the eyes for me.
This does contain fragrance and has that signature la roche posay scent.
In terms of the texture: This is liquid and lightweight. It doesn’t feel grainy or gritty but feels smooth on the skin. It’s layerable, doesn’t ball up or pill and I think it provides some moisture to the skin without feeling drying and/or too shiny or greasy.
Next up is the Garnier Ambre Solaire Anti-Dark Spots + Anti-Pollution Super UV Protection Fluid SPF50+
This is an SPF aimed towards All Skin types – I think all skin types can use this but in particularly normal to dry and normal to combo skins as this doesn’t have a mattifying finish for oily skins or intensely moisturising or thick finish for severely dry skins.
This is a Lightweight SPF Fluid containing Hyaluronic Acid to help hydrate the Skin and Vitamin E (However I think the vitamin E is included as a preservative i.e. to reduce oxidation).
The finish isn’t oily or greasy but I also wouldn’t call it a fully dry matte finish, it’s somewhere in between.
This certainly doesn’t feel thick or heavy on the skin and the skin can definitely breathe.
Garnier = Cruelty Free.
This doesn’t sting the eyes and is fragrance and essential oil free which is great.
This does stay in place and I don’t find the spf slides along the skin like the SVR Sunblock kind of does.
This contains Glycerin for hydration and Thermus Thermophillus Ferment which is the product of the fermentation of thermus thermophilus which is skin conditioning. This is also in the Mist!
Emollient Ingredients: Diisopropyl Sebacate, Isopropyl Myristate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol
People ask: What is the difference between the Garnier and the La Roche Posay Sun Fluids?
The Garnier does not contain Fragrance and the La Rohce Posay Does.
The Garnier also contains Hyaluronic Acid for extra hydration and the La Roche posay doesn’t BUT I will say that both feel hydrating and moisturising equally as the both contain humectants and moisturisers.
Neither product stings my eyes and of course provide no white cast.
And in terms of the packaging, both have the same, similar nuzzle and screw top lid.
The main but slight difference between them are the textures.
Personally I find that the La Roche Posay Fluid feels smoother and more comfortable to apply and rub into the skin whereas the garnier is a bit more scratchy or gritty on the skin – it’s less smooth and elegant to apply and rub in.
I think this might be due to the small ball that is inside the La Roche Posay bottle which when you shake the bottle, probably breaks down any potential grittiniess in the product, whereas the Garnier bottle does not. And I’m wondering if the difference in price could also be due to this slight yet important difference in packaging.
However the Garnier is cheaper than the La Roche Posay so of course you can buy 2 bottles for the price of 1 la roche posay SPF – so ultimately it’s up to you which one to purchase and try, but overall it’s up to you which you prefer to go for.
So there you have it, those are the products!
Overall: My two favourite SPFs are the La Roche Posay Invisible Fluid and the Garnier Fluid SPF – Both are lightweight and non-greasy. I think I prefer the La Roche Posay Invisible Fluid slightly more due to the texture being smoother, however the Garnier Fluid is so so close as it’s fragrance free and is very affordable! I definitely recommend both and the Mist as a top-up!
Products Filmed:
Skinceuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 Moisturiser 40ml: LINK
Garnier (Personal Favourite): Ambre Solaire Ultra-Light Sensitive Sun Protection Face Fluid SPF 50+: LINK
Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super UV Protection Mist SPF 50: LINK
La Roche Posay (Personal Favourite): Anthelios Sun Fluid SPF 50+: LINK
La Roche Posay Age Correct SPF50+: LINK
SVR Sun Secure SPF 50+ Blur Soft-Focus & Anti-Shine Sunscreen: LINK
Sebiaclear Daily Sunscreen SPF 50: LINK
Sensifine Anti-Redness + Rosacea Cream SPF50+ – 50ml: LINK
Eucerin Sun Protection Sun Fluid Face SPF 50 50ml: LINK
Products Mentioned:
Missha Aqua Sun Gel SPF50+ : (Stylevana): LINK (Yesstyle): LINK
Other SPF Videos: K-Beauty SPFs (Where I mention the Missha Aqua Sun Gel):
Nivea SPF Review!:
Shiseido, Anessa SPF:
Isntree SPFs Swatches + Review!:
My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.
Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.
Note: I earn a small commission when you purchase through (*) links, which helps me purchase products for review + also help improve my channel! If you would like to support me, thank you ever so much! and if not, that’s fine – I hope you enjoy my videos! 🙂
My Skincare Regime 
2 thoughts on “[Video] Sunblocks! Swatches + Review SPF50+ – e.g. Garnier, La Roche-posay + SVR”