Ok, I dont know why I stray from Shiseido sun blocks. I was using avene which was very thin and runny and made my skin shiny. But I had committed to an entire bottle so I felt the need to continue to use it. Well, it expired in Dec 2011 and I hadn't even finished using the entire bottle but oh well, i threw it out and bought this one. I had used this sunblock before and i liked it. Well I am back on it and I like it very much!
It works as a primer since it's silicon based. the scent is also quite pleasant and the SPF protection level is pretty high so you don't have to worry about reapplying your sunblock only a few hours later. I think that this is as close to a HG sunscreen gets in my book. I have given it a 4 since it is expensive and since silicon may not work for everyone else.

Everything is great about this sunscreen except for the fact that I can't wash it off with my usual cleansers and make-up removers because it is water-proof. I don't want to use an oil based make-up remover because it would just add oil onto my acne prone skin. I bought this in the first place because I heard it would be easy on oily skin. The fact that I have to use an oil based make-up remover to remove it completely defeats the whole purpose. Other than that, the sunscreen really does feel light and oil-free when applied to the skin. It smells great. It is also expensive which is a negative.

I don't usually buy products from such high-end lines as Shiseido because they are expensive. However, I'm glad I gave this product a go. In my quest to find an spf lotion that wouldn't be too greasy (I've come to realize that it's really hard to come across an spf lotion for face that isn't greasy to some degree), I found this gem which isn't greasy AT ALL. It immediately sinks into my skin, it feels like I have nothing on and with its SPF of 50, this product delivers in terms of sun protection. This is possibly one of the greatest innovation I own, I hope it never gets discontinued. Because of that, I am willing to pay the price.
Note: I have tried the baby/sensitive formula SPF 33 that is similar and comes in the same kind of bottle and I can say that it wasn't as good because it is a little bit greasier. It is ever so slightly heavier in texture and non-fragranced. The SPF 50 formula has a slight fragrance but very pleasant.

love this sunscreen! i have combo skin which can be very dry sometimes but also shiny after a few hours and a little buit of acne sometimes. also pale w/ slightly yellow skintone (half-asian). i highly recommend! & these are the basics:
-great UVA coverage & its a physical sunscreen
-doesnt make you look totally white
-NO SHINE ALL DAY LONG! (i dont wear primer or powder anymore & i used to have to b/c my face would b shiny in a few hours)
-very lightweight feel & perfect finish - matte but not dry
-doesnt rub off like some other suncreens
-doesnt break me out at all
-more expensive but definetely worth it & the tube lasts a long time too continued >>

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Beautiful skin requires more than guarding against UV rays at the skin's surface--it demands inner strength. Shiseido suncare optimizes skin's condition, reinforcing inborn defenses with exceptional treatment technology. The Shiseido Dual Sun Protection System combines sun protection and stabilizing skincare to ensure well-being. As it works, it fights immediate and long-term harm such as cell damage caused by UVA/UVB rays, while key ingredients hydrate and retexturize skin. Now, high-performance suncare boasts ultra-light textures and an aromachology-based fragrance. Whatever sun conditions you face, from beach-strong intensity to ordinary daily exposure, you can be confident skin is empowered to be its best.

A highly nourishing cream-formula sunscreen for the face that defends against powerful UVA/UVB rays that caused sunburn, cell damage, dryness, roughness, and premature signs of aging such as fine lines. Smoothes on with no trace of stickiness. Invisible on skin.
• Gives concentrated protection against harmful conditions of UV exposure including beach, boating, and high altitudes.
• Provides excellent hydrating benefits to fight dryness and maintain skin's optimal moisture.
• Formulated with the retexturizing ingredient Xylitol to counteract roughness and keep skin looking soft and healthy.
• Contains non-medicinal Thiotaurine to help combat environmental factors.
• Applies easily and absorbs quickly, leaving no visible white residue.
• Very water-resistant.
• Perspiration-resistant.
• PABA-free.
• Non-comedogenic.
• Dermatologist and Ophthalmologist-tested. (Formulated to minimize the risk of allergy and eye irritation).

To Use: Apply a generous amount of cream evenly over face and neck.

Note:
• After swimming in salt water, first rinse face with fresh water and towel dry before reapplying sunscreen.
• For complete removal of sunscreen, use of a special Shiseido suncare cleanser is recommended.

Sun Safety Tips:
• Apply evenly 20 minutes before sun exposure.
• Reapply regularly as needed, particularly after swimming or towel-drying skin.
• Sun exposure should be avoided during the hottest hours of the day, especially by children.
• Seek shade and cover up.
• Tee shirts, wide brimmed hats and sunglasses should be worn.

MY THOUGHTS: I purchased a 50 mL tube of Shiseido Ultra Sun Protection Cream SPF 50 for $ 48.00 CAD at the Shiseido counter at The Bay. The cream is advertised for the face, so the thick consistency seems ideal. The cream blends evenly, has a light fragrance, and doesn't leave any shine or white cast on the surface (note my skin type as this may differ for others). I previously returned a can of Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock SPF 30 because I found the consistency too oily on my skin, the fragrance was overwhelming, and the residue stained my clothing after a load of laundry. In comparison, the Shiseido sunscreen meets everything I'm looking for. I did test a small amount on a white sock to determine if this product would stain my clothing or not. To my surprise, it actually made my sock brighter--similar to a bleach stain. So, I assume this product contains some kind of bleaching agent. According to the FDA, this sunscreen should last 40 minutes when submerged in water. Because this sunscreen is oil-based, you will be required to use a cleansing oil to remove the product.
 
I'm not really fond of the packaging. It reminds me of those L'Oreal fish-shaped shampoos they had in the 90's. I did take a point off because it did bleach my sock, which makes me wonder what it will do to my face since I'm already as white as anyone could possibly be. I'd rather add colour to my skin than turn into a ghost.

After performing an oil migration test, I discovered this product had a positive result.

PAULA BEGOUN: Very good (but overpriced). ($33 for 2 ounces) is an in-part zinc oxide sunscreen for normal to slightly dry skin that definitely covers the broad spectrum bases and has a silky texture. It's a shame antioxidants are scarce here, because in a sunscreen that costs this much they should be plentiful.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Zinc Oxide 13.9%, Octinoxate 7.4%.

INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Water, Cyclomethicone, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Dimethicone Copolyol, Polybutylene Glycol/PPG-9/1 Copolymer, Disteardimoniu Hectorite, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dextrin Palmitate, Glycerin, Hydrogenated C6-14 Olefin Polymers, Xylitol, Methyl Gluceth-10, Glutahione, Sodium Glutamate, Zinc Myristate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Thiotaurine, Scutellaria Baicalensis Extract, Onions Spinosa Root Extract, Extoin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Isotearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Trisodium Edta, Silica, Alcohol, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Fragrance, Titanium Dioxide. continued >>

I have been using this sunscreen for the past year- went through about three bottles and about half of my fourth. A tube of this lasts about four months with everyday use and it costs close to $50 CAD. Most sunscreens/sunblocks turn my face into an oil slick but this one seemed not to- in fact it dried to a matte finish on my skin. I'm quite fair so this didn't leave any white cast on my face. For the past year, I thought, "Hey! This is the perfect sunscreen! I've finally found my HG sunscreen!" Then the nightmare began, I am not gorgeous but I do pride myself on having perfect skin. After a year of continual use of this sunscreen my skin turned into a dry, flaky mess. My skin looked deadened to the point where my doctor thought I was anemic and I looked so much older. I definitely didn't have sun damage (this sunscreen protects extremely well) but my skin had so easily absorbed the metals in this sunscreen that it wasn't healthy anyways. I stopped using this for about two weeks and my skin looked plumper and more alive- it went straight back to being happy and healthy.
Medicinal Ingredients:
Zinc Oxide 13.9% W/W
Oxyde de Zinc 13.9% P/P
Octinoxate 7.4% W/W
Octinoxate 7.4% P/P
I now use Coppertone NutraShield SPF 60 as my sunscreen and it is wonderful. It goes on smoothly whereas with the Shiseido one it dried too quickly and was hard to spread. The Nutrashield is definitely not an oily sunscreen and yet it is not drying either (it has moisturizing antioxidants in it). To top it off it is only within the price range of $12-$14 CAD and is 177mL compared to Shiseido's 50mL. It'll last the whole year and is perfect for my skin type! I love it and will continue to purchase. I've given away my Shiseido one since there's no way I can still use it.
For Reference: My skin is normal to dry

*EDIT* This review (below) was for the cream as indicated by the title of the product. However....Although the cream is great.. The LOTION is even better.... so in Canada the product is called..."Ultra Sun Protection Lotion spf 50" ... It is EVEN better as a primer.. the cream is great. . but wow.. try the lotion.... For me.. i found it better than any top brand primer. ive tried them all.. smashbox, mac, etc.. one i havent tried is laura mercier. so i cant comment about that.
* * *

Feels Lightweight...
Feels less 'sticky' then the lotion version. but the lotion version is good too..but not on my face...
SPF 50... with both physical and chemical barrier to UV rays.. I think physical protection is better but it has both which makes it even better IMO!
It is quite expensive... 49 dollars CANADIAN for a 50 mL bottle.. However, I was using the MAC Prep and Prime Face spf 50 and that was like 33 dollars for a 30 mL bottle.. So this isn't bad because Shiseido is known to be a great brand..just as great as MAC (if not better--I still love MAC though..am addicted to them in fact). ;) Shiseido has similar priming capabilities as the MAC prep and Prime.. However, Shiseido is WATERPROOF... which makes it awesome..
I like the package quality too... its a tube.
Overall, great product because great protection/sunscreen and great as a primer.
I will update if anything changes.