Review: The Garnier – Ambre Solaire – Super UV Daily Invisible Face Serum with SPF 50+

Where to purchase: Asos: LINK / Boots: LINK / Amazon: LINK

Price: £9.33

Volume: 30ml

Made in: Germany

What is it?:A daily-use Sun Serum (Fluid) that is comfortable to wear and provides high SPF50 UVA and UVB Sun protection.

What makes this different?: It’s made for the sensitive face area and contains Ceramides to reinforce the skin’s barrier and moisturise it.

Aims to: Be ”Invisible” on the skin and also be good under makeup with no stickiness.

Supposedly Good for: All Skin types.

What I think: I agree, especially for Oily-Combination Skins.

If you are sensitive to alcohol or denatured alcohol however, then this might not be for you.

Vegan?: Yes.

Cruelty Free?: Yes.

How long does it last after opening?: 12 Months.

Packaging: Glass bottle (that is recyclable and is made with 40% recycled glass) with a pump-dispenser lid. Product does collect and ball-up at the tip (Like the Vichy Sun Fluid).

Directions: Shake before use. Apply just before sun exposure and re-apply frequently and generously (especially after sweating). (More Information HERE).

How I use it: I apply this in the AM, usually before my workouts and I am comfortable doing-so because this does not irritate my eyes (even when I sweat) and doesn’t give my Warm Golden Tone Skin a white cast and also doesn’t make me look sweaty/too shiny.

Sunscreen Filters (These are Organic / Chemical Filters): Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate – UVB), Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S – UVA + UVB), Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinul T 150 – UVB) , Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone – UVA1 and UVA2), Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid (Ensulizole – UVB), Drometrizole Trisiloxane (Mexoryl XL – UVA + UVB).

Key Ingredients: Glycerin + Ceramide NP (Skin-barrier reinforcing and moisturising). Aloe Leaf Juice (Moisturising and Soothing).

Full Ingredients: WATER, ALCOHOL DENAT., DIISOPROPYL SEBACATE, SILICA, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE, BIS-ETHYLHEXYLOXYPHENOL METHOXYPHENYL TRIAZINE, ETHYLHEXYL TRIAZONE, BUTYL M E T H O X Y D I B E N Z O Y L M E T H A N E , G LY C E R I N , PHENYLBENZIMIDAZOLE SULFONIC ACID, PROPANEDIOL, C12-22 ALKYL ACRYLATE/HYDROXYETHYLACRYLATE COPOLYMER, TRIETHANOLAMINE, DROMETRIZOLE TRISILOXANE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, TOCOPHEROL, HYDROXYACETOPHENONE, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, SODIUM BENZOATE, TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINAT E, S I L ICA S I LY L AT E, C E L LULOSE, A LOE B A R B A D E N S I S L E A F J U I C E , C A P R Y L Y L G L Y C O L , ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, CERAMIDE NP, CITRIC ACID, Potassium SORBATE.

NOTE: The Incidecoder have a full ingredient breakdown HERE

Texture: This is a fluid sunblock, so it will slowly slide down the hand (a creamy fluid). This forms a barrier once fully dried down and absorbed. It actually starts absorbing, forming a barrier as soon as you start rubbing this along the skin, as if layers are being formed to ”lock down” the product. This feels lightweight and comfortable to wear once it has absorbed.

Sticky?: No.

Greasy?: Initially, when I first am rubbing this, just slightly, and then it disappears. The finish is not greasy.

Balls up?: No.

• As you can see, this is an opaque cream but the more you spread it out, the more transparent it becomes.

Swatch Comparison: No Product (Left) VS Product (Right)

• This doesn’t provide a white cast. It simply forms a light layer on top of the skin that doesn’t budge.

Does this Sting if the Skin has been Irritated / Sensitised by Shaving/Heavy Retinol Use?: Yes (as this is an Organic / Chemical SPF).

Summer or Winter?: Oily-Combination Skins could use this in the Summer. Oily Skins could use this in the Winter. Dry Skins could use this in the Summer but not find it that moisturising in the Winter (due to the inclusion of Alcohol).

Layerable?: Yes.

Stings the eyes?: This did not for me.

Matte or Dewy Finish?: In-between. My Oily-Combination did NOT look greasy or too shiny (even when sweating).

Video Swatch:

• As you can see, this is a fluid SPF and there is no white cast! You can also see this isn’t sticky.

Fragrance?: No added Fragrance or Essential Oils. This doesn’t have a strong smell and it dissipates after rubbing in (just smells like spf filters).

Good Under Makeup?: Yes.

How long have I been using this?: 1-2 Months.

Will I use until Completion?: Yes.

How Long will that take?: 1 or 2 more uses! (Fluids run out quicker than creams).

The Effect?: Initially: Moisturised skin (possibly not enough for Dry Skins). Also I can feel the barrier form on my skin (very quickly) without it being uncomfortable or balling up. No white cast.

What I like:

• No White Cast
• Not Sticky
• Not Oily-feeling
• Has a ”locked onto the skin” sensation (i.e. quite secure on the skin)
• Lightweight (although thick for a sun fluid)
• No strong smell
• Doesn’t ball up
• Fine under makeup
• Didn’t irritate my eyes
• Cruelty-Free

What I don’t like:

• Because this locks onto the skin so quickly, it’s slightly more difficult to massage this around the face/skin etc
• Inclusion of Denatured Alcohol (I understand it helps keep this texture fluid and lightweight), it does mean this isn’t as hydrating / moisturising as a sun fluid without this.

Overall Rating and Conclusion: 4.2 /5 – A lightweight, non-balling and non-sticky or greasy spf. I have almost finished using it, so I enjoyed it! It’s a little tricky spreading this as this starts setting as soon as you apply it onto the skin, I don’t appreciate how the product balls up at the dispenser tip every time (so when I use it the next time, I get that ”gunk” I accidentally swipe onto my face as well), however other than that, it’s been pleasant to use!

Would I repurchase?: Yes as I don’t look really oily and it’s lightweight.

Dupe?: The Vichy Sun Fluid is slightly thinner in texture but also has a lovely finish (Swatches + Review HERE)

• Available at Sephora: LINK

• The Garnier Ambre Solaire Sun Fluid (Swatches + Review HERE).

Available at Target: LINK

The Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced Face UV Face Fluid (Swatches + Review).

Available at Lookfantastic: LINK

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.

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