I have used the 'old' European version of this sunblock for about 6 years now. I bought the new one as well and can't tell a difference. The (visible) level of protection seems to be the same, and it looks, feels, wears and smells (fragrance free, yay!) the same to me. While it goes on pretty matte, it does make my combo skin shiny in my T-zone within 2-3 hours. I'm finicky about being matte though, and this sunblock certainly doesn't make me look greasy. If anything, it makes me dewy. I think the titanium dioxide has something to do with it, as these particles are supposed to reflect the sunlight. On me it has the effect of a highlighter with extremely small light reflecting particles: a very subtle radiant (no pun intended) glow.
I find this sunblock doesn't go well with some moisturizers: Garnier Pure and Oil of Olaz (aka as Oil of Olay in the US) Complete Sensitive SPF 15, for instance. As soon as I apply the sunscreen, it starts to ball up and flake off. WTF? I find the product itself pretty moisturizing though, so I just moisturize at night. On top I use Maybelline Superstay Concealer and Foundation, and to my surprise it all glides on like a dream and stays put all day: it seems to act as a primer of some sorts!
My light skin suffers from melasma and this sunblock has helped tremendously with re-occurance of those annoying dark spots. I've never been sunburned while wearing it, and only after about 6 hours of being exposed to full sunlight, did I experience *very* slight tanning.
Nowadays I use way less sunscreen than when I first started wearing this (and than they say you should), and I still experience the same level of protection (I use about 1 teaspoon). Of course I can only speak for myself, and I'm only talking about the visible effects of radiation, as not all harmful signs of sun damage are visible. Anyway, since this stuff is a bit pricey (I'm paying € 17 / $23 for 50 ml / 1.7 fl. oz in Europe), it works fine for me this way: one bottle lasts me more than one summer. I only use it on my face BTW; not on my neck and arms, etc.
It does leave a slight white cast on my light skin, but nothing a bit of powder can't handle. It has never broken me out, and I don't even remove it with anything other than a mild soap or shower gel, lol. I just wash my face twice with shower gel, massaging it in very well. When it lathers up nicely and feels smooth, I know my face is clean.
I love the extremely high broad spectrum protection and the fact that it's photostable: it doesn't degrade under influence of light, meaning that it will protect your face the whole day, even if you only apply it once. Because, seriously: how many women are willing to re-apply sunscreen on top of their makeup?
Be informed though that La Roche advises to re-apply every 2 hours regardless, and you probably should! I won't though, lol.
The small sleek bottle is easy to carry with you and the screw top is very travel friendly. I also love that the packaging is so hygienic and convenient, with the little spout that dispenses the right amount easily.
What I love most about this sunblock though, besides the extremely high protection, is that I don't feel it sitting on my face. I hate that icky sticky feeling that other sunscreens can give you, bleh!
I will continue to use this until they discontinue it. I hope I'll be long gone by then. :-)

I like this sunscreen and am not finding it to be any whiter or shiny than other La Roche Posay SPF 50+ sunblocks I've tried in the past. The 2011 formulation is paraben-free and a bit lighter than the similar versions that I bought in 2010. The weird thing about this sunblock is that it looks good on me for three hours (on a day when I'm in the office at work) but then by the afternoon it seems to be white. So in that sense, it's unlike other sunblocks (that are white the whole time you wear them). I find that rubbing it into my face again usually solves the whiteness issue. If you want a less shiny and white alternative, try the La Roche-Posay Anthelios W SPF 30 gel.

I am so pleased that I tried this sunscreen. As it is heavier than the 30 AC I use it only on the sides of my face, where I suffer from melasma, and around my eyes. It has helped so much with my melasma. In the past I have used physical sunscreens, but having read about high PPD, wanted to experiment - with great success. My melasma has not darkened at all this summer and I can wear it around my eyes with no problems. Yes, it does leave a white, shiny cast, but this is completely solved by Korres Multivitamin Powder. My cheek area is prone to clogs if I use the wrong products, but I have had no clogging with this whatsoever.

I am a user of the old formula, and on day one with the 2010 version. If I had read the review below, I may not have bought this, but I'm glad I did, because my experience is the opposite! As of first use, the formulas seem very similar in texture and finish. (I just used the old fluide extreme yesterday) If anything, the new is slightly more matte, and less tacky/ faster setting. No serious white cast for me, though I'm fair skinned. I haven't worn this while working/sweating yet, so it still has to pass those tests, but as of now, it seems great and the increased uva protection is the icing on the cake.

Well, L'oreal and La Roche Posay have officially ruined "Fluide Extreme SPF 50+." They've increased the protection in this new summer 2010 version to include a PPD of 38 (up from 28 in the previous version) but it's texture is just awful. This new formula makes you look like a Geisha--seriously. Believe me, I wanted to leave a positive review for this product because I was thrilled about its protection, but I just can't. It's shiny and white and just...ugh! Why L'oreal?! Why?! The old formula was great. With this new one it's like they didn't even bother to test it before releasing it to the masses. This would definitely be great for beach wear but I was hoping I could use this as my everyday moisturzer for summer. Wrong. I've just ordered the new Biodermas with PPD 40 online and will see how those textures are when I receive them from Europe next week. Skip this LRP one, it's a dud (unless you're spending the day at the beach in Tahiti.)
UPDATE: This is even worse in daylight--just awful on my face. I had to wash it off before I went outside. Interestingly enough, it seems to be OK on my neck and chest so will use it there.