This is a review for the SPF20 version of the Solar Expertise Matte Fluid.
Contains Mexoryl SX only. UVA protection is rated 4 star and conforms to EU regs regarding UVA/UVB protection. PPD is therefore at least 7.
Unlike the SPF50+ Matte Fluid, this product doesn't come in a Tinted version (at the moment anyway). It's a very light textured fluid that spreads easily and does not leave a white cast. It dries to an absolutely transparent finish. The texture is much smoother and lighter than the SPF50+ version and I've experienced even fewer problems with the product balling up. It needs less time to set (I give it 10 mins) and is more "cosmetically elegant" in application than the SPF50+.
However - it is nowhere near as matte/natural in finish as the higher SPF version. My skin feels and looks greasier, and although makeup actually applies more easily over it, there is significant slip. Using the same moisturiser underneath, same foundation, same application method and amount of fdtn as with the SPF50+, I've noticed it very quickly settles into lines that never normally collect makeup, both undereye and the lines between my nose and mouth. A quick touch of fingertip blending sorted it out, but this did not happen with the SPF50+. This does not conceal my pores as well as the SPF50+ does either. I do not think that this sunscreen works equally well as a primer, as I feel the SPF50+ does.
This product is fragranced, which although not a problem for me, may be for some. The fragrance does dissipate completely after around 30-45 minutes.
Unlike the SPF50+, the box does not claim this product to be water resistant or non comedogenic.
I purchased 2 of these for £11 (Boots buy one get one free). Unit size is 50ml. The unit price is £1 cheaper than the SPF50+ version, however I prefer the SPF50+ and don't think the saving should be any sort of consideration. In terms of finish and UVA/UVB protection, this product is vastly inferior.
Ingreds:
Aqua, Cyclopentasiloxane, Octocrylene, Alcohol Denat, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Butyl Methoxydimenzoylmethane, Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Titanium Dioxide, Phenoxyethanol, Terephthalyidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone, Silica, Triethanolamine, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Methylparaben, Diphenyl Dimethicone, Glycine Soja/Soybean Oil, Tocopherol, Pentasodium Ethylenediamine Tetramethylene Phosphonate, Vitreoscilla Ferment, Poloxamer 407, Ethylparaben, Dodecene, Propylparaben, Limonene, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben, Calcium Pantetheine Sulfonate, Linalool, Parfum.
Me: fair, cool toned, normal-dry skin, occasional (hormonal) breakouts, not particularly sensitive.