Avene • Ultra high protection cream SPF50 • Sunscreen
(19 reviews)
| Average Rating. | 3.3 |
| Would buy this product again. | 52% |
| Package Quality | 3.8 |
| Price | 3.5 |
| Ingredients | |
*TOP REVIEWER* mcalcia on 8/1/2011 11:58:00 AM more reviews by mcalcia
Age: 25-29 Skin: Dry, Fair Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine Eyes: Brown
Guys, this is bad stuff. It's the worst sunscreen I've ever used. I bought this in kind of an " emergency", since I needed a high PPD sunscreen for an outdoor activity that same day, and I only had one with SPF30/PPD10. So, although Avene sunscreens never really appealed to me (one of the reasons is that I don't get why they don't rate the PPD in the package, like most european brands do), I got it anyway. It was extremely overpriced at 19 euros (you can find it in France for 10-12 euros). Anyway, I tried to use it for both outdoor activities under the sun and for daily incidental sun exposure, and it failed at both.
If you apply a ver small amount (2 pumps for your entire face) and spread quickly, the finish will actually be decent - a little oily, but perfectly tolerable for a high SPF/PPD sunscreen. BUT, actually, 2 pumps for your entire face will do NOTHING in terms of sun protection, as you need 1.25g (1/4 teaspoon) for your face, and aproximately the same amount to your neck, otherwise the protection will be minimal, if any (**** by the way, this is not sun-paranoia: this information is confirmed by Avene, which says in the box that you should use 7 pumps of this sunscreen for your face + neck to get the labeled protection ****).
There comes the problem - it's completely impossible to apply any amount over 2 pumps on your face and keep looking like a normal human being. Even if you apply half the recommended amount, you'll end up with your face painted white, and worse, with horrible patches and flaking all over. If you rub the patchy areas, trying to make your skin absorb the product, it will ball up awfully. Don't even bother applying some powder over it to counteract the white cast - it will look cakey, dry, patchy and it will still look super white.
I tried really hard to use up this sunscreen as I paid a lot for it, but I just couldn't. It doesn't even work as a body sunscreen - the white and patchy look isn't very attractive on your hands and arms too. Also, it's marketed as sweat-resistant, but it just isn't - it balls up terribly once anything wets your face.
I really can't say anything about the actual protection it provides because I used it under harsh sun only a few times. For daily use, it's definetely not worth it, no matter how high the PPD - I had to remove it from my face in the streets twice because I saw my reflection in a mirror and noticed the awful appearance. And of course it can't be remover with regular soap and water - you'll need a micellair cleanser or an oil cleanser for that.
I bought it in June 2011, so I don't know about the previous formulations. This review is for the non-tinted version, with fragrance (horrible, by the way. Gave me nausea and I'm not usually sensitive to fragrances). I've seen reviews on the web stating that the PPD is 20, but this information is not available on the box or on Avene website, so we can't be sure. According to european laws, it should be at least 1/3 of the SPF, so around 16.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
*TOP REVIEWER* treecatd on 11/16/2008 8:30:00 AM more reviews by treecatd
Age: 30-35 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium Hair: Blond Eyes: Blue
Worst product ever! I mistakenly swapped for it with a lovely lady just to find out that this is a pink thick creme. So i admit that is my fault ...However there are sunscreens with more active ingredients than this with much better texture. And the Zinc Oxide is pretty low here (2.4%) ...i don't mind applying a thick layer of anything as long as i get the protection, but this product is just a very bad joke! Seriously it has a thicker texture than tooth paste and when one applies this to neck & face it just looks so horrible. So, no big deal since i just use any ss that doesn't work with my face on my arms/hands/... BAD IDEA...this stuff not only rubbed of on my clothing (yes, i did let it 'sink' in) but it gave one of my beloved coach purses a couple of greyish streaks (black leather) - that just won't come of. BAD AVENE!!! * Off to cry about my purse*...lol
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
clare1976 on 10/31/2008 4:06:00 PM more reviews by clare1976
Age: 30-35 Skin: Oily, Fair Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown
I didn't realise you can buy this in 3 shades. I bought the clear one ages ago and wore it every day under my face powder. It seemed to act as a good primer and made my skin appear smoother. Probably because face powder sticks to it and becomes more like a foundation. They seemed to stop selling the clear version for awhile in the UK, as I couldn't get hold of it for love nor money. Ended up buying the next colour up which has a pale pink tint. I don't notice the colour when I apply it (rub it in well), but it seemed to make my face powder darker. Have just found out they're selling the clear version again, so I'm snapping it up like a shot!
It doesn't clog my pores (Avene products are great for this!), which is a miracle since I usually get blackheads. Protected me really well from sunburn too!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
*TOP REVIEWER* musicalhouses on 12/24/2007 3:04:00 AM more reviews by musicalhouses
Age: 19-24 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool Hair: Black, Straight, Fine Eyes: Brown
It's such a pity everyone hates this. Yes, it's true that it looks oily and that you have to put powder over it to make it look matte (that's my only gripe with it, although its a major one!), but otherwise I have no compliants whatsoever with this. I love it in summer, when I need a bit more moisture. I even use this around my eye area too, and it doesn't have any ill effects, and it doesn't break me out on my face either, which I like. Oily skins might not like this though, because it really is a cream, they might want to use a lotion instead.
Some people have complained about the pinkish tint, and that's because they bought the tinted version! I didn't know either, but I later found out that Avene actually makes 3 versions - a tinted one in a dark shade, a tinted one in a light shade, and a colourless one (although it does whiten you out a bit when you actually wear it). I can't stand the dark tinted one, adn the light tinted one is okay, but I like the colourless one alot. However, I do agree that the tints interfere a lot with the colour of your foundation or powder, if you wear any over your sunscreen, so I'd recommend the colourless one, and skip the tints unless you find they're close to your skin colour. But I doubt it - that kind of pink shade isn't anyone's skin colour I think!
So beware of the tints, and don't use this in summer, but otherwise, I really love this, and would recommend this for people with dry skins.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
beautyqueen777 on 11/19/2007 10:18:00 PM more reviews by beautyqueen777
Age: 25-29 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium Hair: Brunette Eyes: Brown
Ok, summer is over, but the nightmare of this sunscreen lingers...
So, you are looking for a WATER-PROOFsunscreen? You got it!
I went to Niagara falls in July with this SS, after 2 hrs totally soaked in water/mist/sun/whatever, I was shocked that this SS was firmly clayed to my face, giving me that horrifying geisha + ghost look. But I have to admit that it was the most seriously water-proof ss I've ever had! (vs. Vichy, LRP)
But, imagine afterwards you have to take it off! Believe me, you really, really need an oil-based make-up removal + 1/2 hr labour for that.
And, for someone with combo skin, it will unfailingly break you out: you don't really believe that your skin can breathe thru a white clay, do you?
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
damnyoureprettygorgeous on 8/11/2007 5:50:00 PM more reviews by damnyoureprettygorgeous
Age: 19-24 Skin: Oily Hair: Black Eyes: Brown
This is the BEST sunblock in the market so far along with Heliocare based on my personal experience. I frequent the beach and there are times when I really don't feel like getting a tan at all but still can't resist the sea, sand, sun then I use this. The first time I used this, I only applied sunblock on my face/neck (Yeah, what a stupid move) and applied coconut oil on my body instead during one of my beach trips. At the end of the day my colleagues were wondering howcome my face didn't burn when my whole body was sooo tanned already. I knew right then and there I should thank my dermatologist for recommending me an effective sunblock =)
And girls, don't complain about the sunblock giving a whitish cast on your face. This sunblock is made for extreme sports so it IS very waterproof, sweatproof and almost rub-proof. An indication of a very good and effective sunblock is it has a whitish cast when applied.
If you need a sunblock underneath your makeup for everyday use, opt for a gel type sunblock instead like Heliocare. Save this for outdoors.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
xMorningRosex on 5/20/2007 8:50:00 PM more reviews by xMorningRosex
Age: 19-24 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair Hair: Blond Eyes: Blue
Me = Irish/English descent, cool-toned v pale sensitive combination skin - freckles in the summer, family history of skin cancer so try to be as careful as poss in the sun.
2 days in, I really thought I was going to like this compared to the horrendous (shiny, salty) loreal, ego pharmaceuticals and boots soltan SPF50+s i'd tried...then it started breaking me out in lots of tiny bumps all over my face.
Shame as it isn't that easy to buy sunscreen made for the face in the UK (most Brits still unfortunately prefer to bake themselves!) - this was reasonably priced, seemed well thought-out for sensitive skin, and had a nice texture; goes on thick but feels comfortable and doesn't make you too shiny. Seemed to keep freckles at bay and it has a pleasant, fresh, lemony scent.
The search goes on for me (i'm thinking of trying Sofina next due to its excellent review rating here) but to summarise, this is a nice product but isn't suitable for sensitive skin - I think Avene do a white-tubed (rather than orange) version which is supposed to be more hypoallergenic, this may be a better bet!
Ooh P.S. the product i've just reviewed ISN'T a purely physical sunscreen (and is full of lots of lovely parabens, xanthan gum, etc) and does have a scent (as I mentioned). It's a small, rectangular orange box with an orange tube inside that says 'Ultra High Protection Cream', first in French with the English underneath. Just thought i'd clear that up as it seems there are a lot of different products reviewed here under the one title.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
*TOP REVIEWER* Crescent_Shadow on 5/20/2007 6:36:00 AM more reviews by Crescent_Shadow
Age: 19-24 Skin: Dry, Fair, Cool Hair: Black, Straight, Fine Eyes: Black
I was on the market for a high level sunblock, and Avene is one of the brand of Euro sunscreen that is available in Jakarta. Since I'm looking for protection, I bought the one in the orange tube, with Tinosorb. It's tinted and thick, leaves white cast on my fair, NC15-20 asian skin (which I don't care), and is sticky, but honestly, with all the PPD and SPF rating of this cream, that's to be expected, so I'm going to put up with that. I have dry skin, and every morning I put serum, moisturizer, and then this sunblock, generously. I wait for about 15min before I powder, and the stickiness of this sunblock makes smoothing powder or foundation/TM a bit troublesome. Again, since I always think high PPD equals stickiness, there's nothing I can do with it. After powdering, there's no shine, and my face is not oilier either throughout the day. When I first used this, it started to give me bumps within 2 days. It continues to get worse following daily application, and break me out. I stopped using this, treat my acne, back to this sunblock, this time I use proper makeup remover, and it's fine until now. Previously, my cleanser has been able to remove even waterproof mascara and foundation, so I thought it was fine to use on this highly-waterproof sunblock, but it wasn't. I've experimented with Shu Uemura cleansing oil and Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Milk, both work great to remove this sunblock. So if you experience clogged pores, I suggest you can try a different makeup remover and give this sunblock another run, before you're sure this sunblock is really breaking you out.
Price: IDR225,000 for 50ml
EDIT: Can't take it anymore, it's uber-greasy. Putting powder on top of this is a pain, and it makes my face a cakey mess since powder can't glide evenly. Won't buy again.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
SARAH_S12 on 4/6/2007 3:39:00 PM more reviews by SARAH_S12
Age: 25-29 Skin: Sensitive, Medium Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown
i love it when i wear it i feel that it's non greasy i could say it's the best sunblock ever
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
*TOP REVIEWER* secondadonna on 3/17/2007 10:46:00 AM more reviews by secondadonna
Age: 30-35 Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool Hair: Brunette Eyes: Blue
Okay, it's hard to find reviews for the physical version of this sunscreen, so my detailed review is under the physical SPF 30. The physical-filters SPF 50 is pretty much unwearable! Too thick and too white.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
*TOP REVIEWER* AnnaMaria on 2/18/2007 8:46:00 PM more reviews by AnnaMaria
Age: 36-43 Skin: Dry, Fair, Cool Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine Eyes: Grey
NOTE: This review is for the Ultra high protection Fragrance-free cream SPF 50+ in the orange tube.
I LOVE LOVE this sunscreen. It uses Tinsorbs to provide excellent UVA and UVB coverage, and I like that this version of it is fragrance free. I had been using Meroxyl-based sunscreens, but they all had avobenzone in them. And makeup can make avobenzone less effective, so I wanted to find a sunscreen without avobenzone. I also LOVE my Sofina sunscreen, which contrains physical blockers (and also can make avobenzone less effective if worn in tandem). But it's PPD protection isn't anywhere near as high as this Avene sunscreen. I actually like to use the two together as I am very very pale. I use Avene first and then let it set for fiften minutes or so. Then apply Sofina and wait and then apply makeup. The PPD of this particular Avenue sunscreen is 15 to 20 according to the sunscreens notepad. http://www.makeupalley.com/user/notepad/sunscreens/ I wore this sunscreen all over the sunniest parts of India on a recent trip, and I got ZERO sun. This works perfectly under makeup for me even though I was skeptical of it at first. It quickly won me over, however. I feel like I am getting great protection, and my skin looks the best it ever has. I get this at www.beautyplatinium.com, and I have been very happy with their customer service. This sunscreen and Sofina's are my two holy grails. I will be ordering this again and again and again. NOTE: Unlike some reviewers below, the version of this I'm using is white and not tinted at all, FYI.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
anandakatze on 2/11/2007 10:52:00 PM more reviews by anandakatze
Age: 25-29 Skin: Sensitive, Medium, Warm Hair: Black, Straight, Coarse Eyes: Brown
Note: This review is for the SPF50 all-physical sunscreen *lotion* in the larger white tube.
I'm sensitive to some chemical sunscreens and oily/acne-prone, so I'm desperately trying to find a sunscreen that doesn't make me sting or break me out. This one fits the bill on that score. However, it is pretty thick and leaves a film on my skin, and gives my medium-toned Asian skin a ghostly white cast, despite the tint. I find it very difficult to use the full 1/4 tsp to get the labelled sunscreen protection. The PPD (UVA protection) of this sunscreen is probably about 6-8. Still, until I find something better, I'll probably repurchase.
Updated to add: this clogs my pores and breaks me out. Will not repurchase. It gets two lippies only for not giving me a rash.
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (16.11%), Zinc Oxide (5.88%)
Inactive Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cyclomethicone, Glycerin, Pentaerythrityl Tetracaprylate/Tetracaprate, Polydecene,
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Alumina, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Sodium Chloride, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, C30-45
Alkyl Methicone, PEG-45/Dodecyl Glycol Polymer, Butylparaben, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Disodium EDTA, Ethylparaben,
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Glycerides, Iron Oxides (CI 77492/CI 77491), Isobutylparaben,
Methylparaben, Octyldodecanol, o-Cymen-5-ol, Phenoxyethanol, Propylparaben, Simethicone, Sodium Myristyl Glutamate,
Tocopheryl Glucoside, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Xanthan Gum
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Jaqueta on 2/11/2007 5:51:00 PM more reviews by Jaqueta
Age: 25-29 Skin: Sensitive, Fair Hair: Blond Eyes: Hazel
This is without a doubt my HG winter s/s. I have extremely dry, sensitive skin that gets irritated by everything. It had gotten to the point where I was actually skipping sunscreen (very bad, I know) because the one I use in the summer, Bioderma, stung too much. At that point EVERYTHING stung. I finally decided maybe I would try an all-physical s/s and Avene is where I turned. I bought it at CVS for about $16.00 and was VERY pleasantly surprised! It has a peachy beige tint that I think is probably to offset the white cast typically left behind by physical s/s. Since I'm usually trying to get my skin as pale as can be I didn't mind anyway. This cream goes on very smoothly and is totally nonreactive with my skin. No stinging, redness, peeling...it was as though I had just applied a moisturing cream to my skin. It has a "creamy", dewy finish. I actually find it a bit soothing (maybe because of the thermal water?). The PPD of course isn't as high as with a chemical s/s but for incidental exposure I think it's adequate- and at least I can wear it every day. This is definitely not something I would use in the summer...and it's definitely not for oily-skinned people. But if you have very sensitive skin that's on the dry side, it's worth giving a try.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
maddogp on 11/17/2006 11:42:00 AM more reviews by maddogp
Age: 30-35 Skin: Combination Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown
Although it does protect your skin agianst the sun is TOO oily.
If you have normal or dry skin it might be a good option but if your skin is oily kind forget about it.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
somebeach on 10/12/2006 12:56:00 AM more reviews by somebeach
Age: 30-35 Skin: Combination Hair: Black Eyes: Brown
I bought this at my local CVS and it was $16 for 50ml or 1.69 oz.
I was expecting to pay mroe for some and was surprised to find it there, so I was happy enough to test it at the store.
The peach color of the creme might not be the best US selling point because I immediately thought this must be tinted and a cover as well, and may not even try to put it on.
I was very happy to see it disappear completely and it didn't leave any visible residue on my skin.
The smell was not string and faded quickly, so that was fine, and then over a month or so, I'm surprised that I still havea lot left even though I thought my application was generous. And I am noticing less problems with my skin when I use my Retin-A micro.
So I'm giving this a high rtating because I think it works and it hasn't irritated my sensitive skin! :D
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
sn0wing on 9/19/2006 6:29:00 AM more reviews by sn0wing
Age: 18 & Under Skin: Normal Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown
This is a very good sunscreen which doesn't react with my skin but I shouldn't have bought the one with the SPF50 because it does feel a little heavy on my face sometimes. It's absorbs easily into the skin and is not greasy, but please only apply a little at a time, not more than you need.
This comes with a peachy tint like the rest of the reviewers said and does not leave a whitish cast for people with medium skin tones.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
*TOP REVIEWER* TinaGreece on 8/23/2006 9:48:00 AM more reviews by TinaGreece
Age: 30-35 Skin: Dry, Medium Hair: Blond Eyes: Blue
Ok, this is my FOURTH sunscreen in little over a month! And I'm happy to say I really like this one alot. It hasn't caused me any breakouts or clogged pores, it absorbs really evenly and nicely, does not leave a white cast or any other coloured cast, and does not leave me greasy, abit of a sheen yes, but nothing tragic. I tan super duper easily and do not burn when in the sun, but when it comes to my face i want to really protect it from the sun as much as i can, i prefer to eat raisins and sultanas rather than look like one 10 yrs or so down the line!
I find it does protect my skin, which is easy to tell (i think) seeing my body is so incredibly dark, but my face is white (hooray for bronzers!) I'm happy so far. This also comes in a lotion form. (If i make my way to a FIFTH sunscreen, then i will update)
You can't also beat the price, (well here where i am) 13 euros and is 50mls.)
EDIT: uh oh, i think this product is giving me a couple of clogged pores near my jaw line :( i also tried the lotion in this, it does seem lighter in texture and as efficient, but i will not purchase again...and the search continues.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
shanghai_cowgirl on 5/15/2006 3:05:00 PM more reviews by shanghai_cowgirl
Age: 25-29 Skin: Other Hair: Other Eyes: Other
I've been looking forever for a high-protection sunscreen that does not look greasy and that my face doesn't react to. You name it, I've tried it (everything that's avail in Canada anyway). I have fair, very sensitive skin that reacts badly and freckles when the summer comes around. This is the BEST sunscreen I have ever tried - hands down! It doesn't clog my pores, contain chemical suncreens (which I'm allergic to) or look greasy on my skin. It has a slight peach tinge to it, prob to counter the white cast that the high% of physical sunblocks would leave. I had previously tried Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Spf 55, but that stung when I put it on my face and left me with hives for the next few days (yuck!). I'm surprised more people haven't tried this stuff. It also comes in a Lotion form. IT's pretty expensive, but worth it
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
madelinekay on 3/27/2006 3:17:00 PM more reviews by madelinekay
Age: 19-24 Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Warm Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine Eyes: Green
I purchased this as I have broken veins and redness on my cheeks which I need to protect from further sun damage. I have to apply a green concealer daily to make my skin appear a normal colour!
I spotted this item on special offer and expected it to be just like the other creams on the market. When I tried it I was pleasantly suprised to find it was tinted a pale peach colour, which helps to neutralise my discoloured cheeks.
The fragrance is quite strong - it's kind of floral like it and it doesnt irritate my skin.
It is also thick enough to provide a barrier aginst these British wind and also a base for foundation.
I would definately repurchase this item.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No