L'Oreal • UV Perfect Ultimate Protection Fluid with Mexoryl XL SPF 50/PA+++ • Sunscreen

Where To Buy?

smurfect on 11/8/2007 2:50:00 AM more reviews by smurfect

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Pros:
1. Easy to dispense packaging.
2. Skintone got a shade whiter after 2 weeks usage every morning daily.

Cons:
1. Tends to ger sticky especially on T-zone after a while.

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rosary on 9/28/2007 3:40:00 PM more reviews by rosary

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

Bought this overseas. I have the transparent skin version from asia. It seems like some good stuff. I didn't have any problems with it till it started in on my chin. I got a baby zit. I attributed it to travel, will try again at home when it gets a little colder. I have combo skin with some freckles.

Update 10/2008-

I have had some better luck with this product in cooler and colder weather. It did crazy stuff to my t-zone in the summer. Its a nice cooler sunscreen for me.
I could not judge the effectiveness of the sunscreen because I didn't use it every day die hard faithfully.

It does smell okay, and applies with a nice consistency. It appears to be a well made quality product. I like the package. The tube gets every last drop out.

I don't want to travel again to pick it up though. I wish I knew someway to get this in the states.

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*TOP REVIEWER* dreamingangel on 9/16/2007 11:31:00 PM more reviews by dreamingangel

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Tan   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

UPDATE 04/01/2008:

I've just gotten hold of 2 other mexoryl sunscreens rated SPF 50 PA +++ from companies managed by L'oreal:


(1) VIchy UV.Active Daily Protective Anti-Pigmentation Fluid SPF 50 PA+++,
(2) La Roche Posay Uvidea XL SPF 50 PPD 10.


Having compared the ingredients, finish, and price of these 2 sunscreens with the L'oreal UV Perfect that I reviewd below, here's my verdict:

1. What's the same: All 3 sunscreens have virtually identical ingredients, (The 1st 20 ingredients are completely identical, and listed in the same order in all 3 sunscreens).


2. What differs: Both the vichy and la roche posay sunscreens are fragrance-free, while the l'oreal one contains fragrance. Also, the LRP sunscreen contains myrstic acid and palmitic acid, listed just before the parabens. The L'oreal sunscreen has a list of fragrance ingredients that come just after the preservatives. The vichy sunscreen has none of those.


3. How they feel:
If you are going to buy the vichy uv active, I'd say forget it. It feels exactly the same - identical to the l'oreal uv perfect, in terms of its finish which is somewhat tacky. (see review below)

The LRP sunscreen has the best finish: it goes on sticky, but dries to a clean, smooth feel in about 5-10 minutes. If you have oily skin, I'd say splurge on this. The other two would make anyone with even slightly oily skin shine like a greased frying pan.


How they smell (or don't smell):
Although both the LRP and Vichy sunscreens are fragrance-free, they do nonetheless have a detectable scent.

Vichy - faint, neutral lotion smell, identical to what I get from Olay total effects fragrance-free. The most pleasant smell of all 3 sunscreens.

LRP - very unfortunate, but this has that unmistakable sunscreen smell. It fades a little, but the smell is still there if you sniff closely.

L'oreal - the typical l'oreal fragrance you get from their skincare line. Fairly strong, as evinced by the long list of fragrance ingredients that come after the parabens.



Final comments:
If you're considering any of these 3 sunscreens, definitely go for the L'oreal UV perfect if you are not allergic to fragrance in your skincare, and has is on a budget. This is by far the cheapest - less than half the price of the vichy or lrp. So do pick this up if you're ever in Asia.

Get the LRP if you're even a tad oily - the vichy and l'oreal can be very unforgiving on skin that has a tendency to shine.

Forget about the vichy because it seriously isn't worth the money, imo. It doesn't have a better finish than l'oreal, (LRP wins there), it costs far more, and its only grace is that there is no obvious sunscreen smell.

For myself, I will definitely repurchase the L'oreal, and get the LRP one if I have cash to spare, or if my skin suddenly becomes oily for some reason or other. TOtherwise, the L'oreal one works very well for me right now. I'm also assuming that both the L'oreal and Vichy sunscreens share the same PPD as the La Roche Posay one, in light of the identical ingredients list.





UPDATE 20/11/2007: This sunscreen is truly protective - after using up half a tube my face is now several shades lighter than my neck! And that's despite the fact that I'm not using any whitening/brightening products at all. I'm actually on the lookout for a new foundation since this has thrown my foundation colour off. I know I should use sunscreen on my neck too but its too sticky. Will experiment around and update here. ***
As the previous posters have mentioned, this sunscreen is definitely not suitable if you have oily skin. The packaging states that this is designed and intended to be used as a 3-in-1 product: moisturizer, sunscreen and makeup base. I bought this in the tinted version, which claims to even out skin-tone. This product works well as a tinted moisturizer with SPF50 and mexoryl UVA protection . I find that this really works even better when used alone (following package instructions), after cleansing and toning. The look and finish of this is indeed dewy - even though finish isn't sticky or tacky and it absorbs well on my skin, there is a very slight shine, but no white cast. Thus this will definitely be very shiny on oily skins, which I used to have years ago when I first tried this sunscreen. Now my skin tends more toward being combination-dry, and very acne-prone on the t-zone. So far, the sunscreen hasn't broken me out and there are times when it will look oily especially if I layer an additional creamy moisturizer underneath, since my skin tends to be tight due to the acne-medication i'm using. However a little powder solves everything, and I like the convenience of the product - I can skip moisturizer and makeup base since this performs all 3 functions. So my routine in the mornings is just cleanse, tone, and patting on this and a little powder, and i'm done. Even after my face oils up hours later, the sunscreen still looks good - it melds with the powder so that my skin looks glowy, not oily or greasy. I think I will buy this again, since its a fairly cheap (SGD$16.90) drugstore sunscreen with similar ingredients to other sunscreens under the L'oreal group. I'm already thinking of getting the purple tinted version next, which is supposed to make your complexion more radiant.

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youngforever on 9/8/2007 6:23:00 AM more reviews by youngforever

Age: 30-35   Skin: Other   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

If your skin is dry and like your face to be dewy or shining then you will like this stuff. I am on my 5th tube now. I have dry skin especially in winter and used to put moisturizer before foundation, sometimes i can't put any foundation unless doing many steps to make the foundation going smoothly on my face. When i tried this, i quit putting both moisturizer and foundation. It just gives me the natural dewy look that i was looking for. Just putting some of this and alittle of concealer under my eyes and under my nose and that's it.
Defintely would buy again and again. I don't recommend it for those who have oily skin or don't like the shiny look.

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juancrazy on 8/25/2007 6:28:00 AM more reviews by juancrazy

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

It is very light but after a few hours it makes my skin looking oily.
I don't know why, it comes across as such a light product but after a few hours is a total disgrace, avoid it if you have an oily skin, I think it is a very good option for normal skin.

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ikea_y on 6/7/2007 10:20:00 PM more reviews by ikea_y

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I found this when I was in HK on vacation last winter. Compare to all the other products containing Mexory that are available in the US, this one is much lighter. It is easy to be absorbed into the skin and adds little shine to the face. I usually dust a bit of loose powder afterward and my face will look quite natural and dewy instead of shiny. The only thing is I can only get it in Asia right now, so I get them through ebay. I really hope L'oreal releases them in the states soon because it is so much better than Anthelios and that Lancome UV Expert. It is also one of a few photostable chemical sun screen available in the US.

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*TOP REVIEWER* orisha_girl on 4/22/2007 12:45:00 PM more reviews by orisha_girl

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Red, Curly   Eyes: Green    

I have ultra fair skin that is badly reactive to sunlight - literally five minutes in the sun is enough for sunburn to appear. I've tried dozens of sunscreens and this is the only one I've ever used that doesn't turn my face into an oilslick or give me spots. My skin tends to be oily, and I don't like overloading on products, so this doubles as my day moisturiser too. I find that this is a nourishing enough formulation to not only protect my skin, but also to feed it, and keep it looking soft and dewy. In other words, it's not just a functional anti-sun product, it's actually also an excellent moisturiser, and it makes my skin look fantastic.

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shemainrainman on 3/16/2007 12:39:00 AM more reviews by shemainrainman

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I'm on my 4th tube of this now,I have only used the tinted version. I love it!
the texture is easy to apply, not thick nor running, as we should use sunscreen before moisturizer, I find it that i don't really need to use a moisturizer after this sunscreen, and it has never created any breakouts on my skin. I have NC20 skin, the color is a good match.

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Queen_Saffy on 3/12/2007 9:00:00 AM more reviews by Queen_Saffy

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I bought the tube with the "anti-dullness" option (purple hue). Didn't break me out but boy did it leave a greasy film on my face! It was "anti-dullness" alright!

Not for oily skin.

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*TOP REVIEWER* CountessDementia on 2/2/2007 3:55:00 AM more reviews by CountessDementia

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Olive, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Do I ever love this stuff! I'm always on the lookout for a good high-SPF sunscreen-moisturizer that's affordably priced to use on my neck. My HG face sun protection is provided by L'Occitane's Very Precious Fluid SPF 40/ PA+++ but because it costs RM 185 per 30 ml I simply can't justify using it on my neck and decolletage. Which is why I was thrilled to find the UV Perfect Protection Fluid by L'Oreal retailing for approximately 35 ringgit. I actually bought it for 10 ringgit cheaper because it was on offer but under normal circumstances, I woudn't mind shelling out RM 35 on such a reasonably-priced and effective sunscreen. The UV Protection Fluid comes in 3 variants: 'transparent skin' (smooth colourless finish sans the much dreaded whitish cast), 'procelain skin' (lightly tinted to even out skintone for a clear, uniformed finish) and 'anti-dullness' (with added antioxidants for enhancing radiance). Since I'm using this solely on my neck, I didn't much care which variant I got it in and grabbed the one closest to me, which turned out to be 'transparent skin'. I hope to stock up on a few bottles of this stuff before returning to the hot sweltering heat of Australian summer as I think this product is only available within the Asian region. I think this is due to the product containing Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL (UVA and UVB protectants) which have yet to be approved by the American FDA. Overall, an excellent sunscreen providing light moisture and superb protection at an unbeatable price. Most definite repurchase.

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sflim on 11/13/2006 3:25:00 PM more reviews by sflim

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

I like the concept of the different color tints in the product and bought the lavendar tinted one. I've tried it both in Singapore and also in the US (east coast) fall weather. Both times, I get a most unnatural shininess and whitish cast to my place. The texture is just too thick for application, that's why I always end up with too much product. If I were to use this product, applying makeup afterwards, following by lots of blotting is a must. Since I usually prefer to go barefaced, I would much rather stick to Japanese sunscreens, like Shiseido and Kanebo. I've found another product called Sunkiller, available from some Watsons stores in Singapore that works pretty well too.
By the way, I do not really spend a lot of time in the sun. Mostly, I wear sunscreen as an antiaging measure against typical sun exposure for short durations. I have also asian, slightly oily, fair skin.
By the way, it also broke me out big time.

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*TOP REVIEWER* elusivelotus on 11/2/2006 11:46:00 PM more reviews by elusivelotus

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I love this product. I could only get it in Asia (Taiwan to be exact, I've yet to see it elsewhere). Since I live in Australia I am always looking for something with high SPF AND protects againts UVA. This is the highest facial sunscreen I could find. Shiseido sells a similiar one but that is too expensive. This set me back AUD20 and each tube lasts me at least 6 months with daily usage. The lotion is thick and apply it to my face and neck after my daily moisturiser (biotherm thermal something for normal/combination skin) every morning unless I stay at home the whole day. The finish is quite sticky and leaves a white cast but I only use this for days when I'm wearing powder foundation because I find it helps catch my foundation a lot better, therefore giving me more coverage. For days I don't wear foundation but go into the sun I like to use Tiffa (by kanebo) SPF 50+ PA+++ which leaves a very comfortable matte/silky finish, this stuff is unbelievable too and only cost AUD20 for 50mls. Again I could only find these in asia. I have not broken out or become irritated by these lotions. I will definitely repurchase.

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diddyscafe on 10/3/2006 12:17:00 PM more reviews by diddyscafe

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Black    

This sunscreen is only available in Asia. It comes in 3 shades, mine was the radiance enhancing one, with slight lavender tint in it. It's only great if your skin is NOT acne prone, sensitive amd oily. I had breakouts on my forehead shortly after using this and in humid southeast Asian weather, this just feels too greasy. Otherwise the packaging, the price and the photostability of this product are just great.

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aliceq on 9/26/2006 8:58:00 PM more reviews by aliceq

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Visibly strengthens skin, prevents skin darkening and ageing. UV perfect contains a powerful combiination of UV filters, Mexoryl SX + Mexoryl XL and an active anti oxidant complex. It also contain activa-cell,known for its proven action on the skin's natural repairing system.

I love this sun screen. I work under the hot sun everyday and this is my skin protector. No sun burn or tanning at all. I gotta re-purchase this after i finish but i already restock 5 bottles from their warehse sales.

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fierydakini on 7/26/2006 6:09:00 PM more reviews by fierydakini

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy   Eyes: Black    

Best sunscreen for the price. Nothing beats Mexoryl right now, and this is pretty much the Lancome product (which is great but costs more) at a discount price. Yes it makes your face a little tacky and shiny but which spf50 lotion doesn't? THIS WORKS. I have fair skin that burns and this has held up in Los Angeles and Las Vegas summer sun. We are talking intense UV. I have been a high spf junkie for years, and this stuff works better than PTR, Skinceuticals, Total Block... you name it. La Roche Posay works as great but it's much, much, MUCH greasier and stickier. It's not perfect but 5 lippies for being the current best sunscreen.

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*TOP REVIEWER* renemy on 6/26/2006 1:18:00 PM more reviews by renemy

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I'm torn on this. It is very nice and lightweight. However, it makes me look very shiny. I bought the tined version and it didn't really have any coverage at all on me (C3), but that's not a big deal to me. I'm impressed that it has SPF 50, but I think I'll stick with the Olay Complete for sensitive skin even though it's only SPF 30, because I just can't deal with how oily it makes me look.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Crescent_Shadow on 6/13/2006 8:24:00 AM more reviews by Crescent_Shadow

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair, Cool   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Black    

High protection (SPF50/PA+++), cheap, not too tacky, but alas, it broke me out. I've thrown this away

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*TOP REVIEWER* Gaijin on 4/8/2006 8:48:00 PM more reviews by Gaijin

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Edit:3/6/07
Although this feels very comfortable on my skin, the shiny sheen is just too much for me to continue using it on my face, even with frequent blotting and powdering. I've moved to a very dry climate and it still makes me oily looking in a short time. I'm going to use the rest of it around my eyes and back of hands only.


Original Review:
I prefer the untinted version of this to the Porcelain, which I found too reddish in color for my pale yellow-toned skin. Love the low price for the high amount of protection it provides. It's easily available here in Thailand. I don't find it to be moisturizing, but it's not drying either. Some cons are that it gets shiny very easily, though that might be partly due to the high humidity here. It also stays tacky feeling for quite a while, so I have to wait before I can put my powder on. I like to alternate days using this with days I use Shiseido's Ultimate SP lotion, which tends to dry me out.

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katem on 1/10/2006 7:41:00 PM more reviews by katem

Age: Unknown   Skin: Normal   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

Love this stuff! I discovered it on a recent trip to Malaysia and wish I had bought more while I was there. Moisturising enough to wear on its own but not thick or sticky - if I wear it alone it has a dewy look, but for work I just dust a bit of Studio Fix over it with a brush and it's perfect. I have fair skin (NW20) that freckles easily, and not only is the Porcelain colour great for me, the sun protection seems to be working well too.

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LiNgCiOuS on 11/18/2005 11:13:00 PM more reviews by LiNgCiOuS

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Great texture, a tiny bit thick, but i've N/D skin so it is okay, though in our hot n humid weather i much prefer sunkiller or sunplay's ss. Great packaging though. nice and flat.

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