Shiseido • Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 55 PA+++ [DISCONTINUED] • Sunscreen

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*TOP REVIEWER* Hisoneandonly on 12/11/2008 10:30:00 AM more reviews by Hisoneandonly

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

I love Shiseido - unfortunately I don't love this. I have pretty normal skin, this doesn't overly moisturize but after a few days of consecutive use it did make my skin dry and flaky. I also noticed that my pores were more easily clogged while I used it.

I still use this product but only once in a while when I know I will be getting a lot of sun exposure, and then (and only then) it works perfect.

It migrated over to my eyes and really bothered me! FYI - if you are sensitive around this area then be very careful not to get too close cause when it migrates you will want to scratch your eyes out!

I wouldn't buy again - this was not gentle enough for my skin.

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Jackie0219 on 11/26/2008 11:12:00 AM more reviews by Jackie0219

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

This is my *FAVORITE* item, I have yet to find a better sunscreen to use on my face, probably never will..... This lotion is so thin and milky, it disappears into my skin upon contact and leaves a beautiful, matte yet luminous finish... It does lighten my foundation a bit but I usually get a foundation shade slightly warmer than my skin tone anyway so its not noticeable at all... I'm psyched with this sunscreen and can't recommend it enough... I'll be 28 soon and have NO lines whatsoever!! I've worn this for years now and swear by it... The price is not really that outrageous in my opinion, I'm willing to sacrifice a week's worth of lattes!! hee hee j/k :) A+++

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nophie on 11/16/2008 11:00:00 PM more reviews by nophie

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Black    

I really want to love the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF55, but sadly it my face doesn’t like it.
I’ve used this in the summer months when my face was more oily than normal. And I loved the fact that it made my face less oily trough the day. Used under or mix with my foundation, the result were fabulous matte and long lasting. It doesn’t make my face look greasy like sum of the other sunscreen stuff out there,
However after several days of used I noticed that it really dried out my face. My face feel tighter than normal and I got really serious flaking issues. Even worst it clogged my pores, I got those tinny lill’ bumps on my face.
I must admit tho’ that the blame is not entirely on this sunscreen. I have a highly sensitive face and perhaps my cleaning routine wasn’t sufficient enough. An oil-based cleanser is necessarily if you using this sunscreen, otherwise it won’t come off. But honestly I’m far to lazy to double clean everyday..hehehe. And beside its too drying for my face to use on a daily base.
I still think it’s a good product, but just not for me.

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*TOP REVIEWER* treecatd on 11/16/2008 9:06:00 AM more reviews by treecatd

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

This is an old stand by that i will never be without. I have very sensitive skin and the only chemical ss that i can tolerate is Lancome's UV expert spf 20. I do love the light texture and my only issue is the fragrance. Having oily skin & living in FL provides quite the challenge to finding good sunscreens. I must admit the PPD is low, but as long as the FDA has a bunch of crazies working for them, i will just have to settle for this as it's easy to find and quite cost effective.
Lately, i have been using the creme version of this and must say it makes me feel more protected- but that just might be me...;)

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asabo on 11/15/2008 9:50:00 PM more reviews by asabo

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

I'm on my second bottle of this and so far so good. I don't breakout from it and it doesn't leave a white cast. It feels light and absorbs instantly and leaves my face really matte so it's great under makeup. It does feel a little drying, even on my combination skin, but I would much rather this than feeling greasy and looking like an oil slick. I just wish they offered a fragrance free version cos the smell is sometimes overwhelming. Also, I use this as an everyday sunscreen so I don't really need it to be water resistant because it just makes it so difficult to remove. Overall though I'm happy with this sunscreen and will continue to purchase unless I find something better.

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yukichan3488 on 11/4/2008 8:22:00 AM more reviews by yukichan3488

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This product is actually pretty good for minimal to not so intense sun exposure. Unfortunately I gave it three lippies because the ppd rating doesn't work well for me since I live in Hawaii. However it is a great sunscreen for some one who is looking for a cosmetically elegant sunscreen (very matte). It is drying so if you're going to use it on your face I suggest buying the Ultimate Sun Protection Cream version instead.

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TC129 on 11/4/2008 4:23:00 AM more reviews by TC129

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Other    

I love this sunblock! I switch between this one and the SPF 55 for face (a creamier version). Neither formula is greasy so it doesn't change the consistency of my makeup. I don't find it to be drying like some other users, but it does leave a more matte appearance. Stilll.. LOVE it.

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*TOP REVIEWER* redhead2000 on 10/29/2008 9:00:00 PM more reviews by redhead2000

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

I am in love with this product! I am a pale, pale redhead that burns in the sun within 10 minutes. I apply sunscreen religiously. After hearing raves about this product, I had to try it. I'm so thankful I did because this is my HG sunscreen! This lotion goes on sheer, does not leave a white cast or break me out, has a pleasant fragrance, and it a wonderful primer. I have a bottle of MAC Prep and Prime SPF 50, but after I finish that bottle, I'll never buy it again. Shiseido SPF 55 lotion is so much better.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

meela188 on 10/28/2008 11:00:00 PM more reviews by meela188

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Dark, Warm   Hair: Black, Relaxed, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

This sunscreen is so drying, it sucked all of the moisture out of my skin. i stopped using it three days ago and my face is still desert dry. its horrible

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ballmam2000 on 10/27/2008 4:45:00 PM more reviews by ballmam2000

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

Been using this for quite a while and LOVE IT!! I'm quite oily and this mattes my face so well. The low ppd concerns me a bit but having experimented the last few weeks with other higher ppds that left me shiny and sticky, i have concluded that this is the best for me. Have been using this for 6 months + with no break outs and no tan, my freckles fewer, and no shiny mess. It is a bit drying so I wear a moisturizer underneath, my makeup goes on like a dream over top. I will never stray again

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peasloveandhominy on 10/23/2008 4:59:00 AM more reviews by peasloveandhominy

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I usually hate reviewing skincare because my skin is so fickle that at any moment it could change, but I've used this sunscreen since last May (not everyday as most days I'm indoors until sunset and not too close to windows) so I think I can finally review this. *knock on wood*


My skin is the most acne prone skin ever. I've been dealing with severe acne since I was 9 and at 21, though better, I still deal with it. No medication or products seem to work. I look at my skin and it breaks out. I have not had any acne issues or pore clogging issues with this sunscreen! I have super oily skin so it's not drying for me. My mom uses it in the summer (and has VERY dry skin). She hasn't had any drying issues either! It would be too harsh for her to use during our bitter winters, though. It's very white at first, but once it sinks in, I can't tell it's even on. It's very lightweight and feels like nothing! It feels greasy when first applied, but that goes away within minutes. It IS fragranced. The classic Shiseido skincare fragrance. I dislike it, but have not had irritation from it and the fragrance seems to fade fast. Mineral makeup looks great over this sunscreen. I have not tested liquid foundation yet.


BUT... big but ; YOU MUST use a cleansing oil to remove it. Sorry. It's true. If you skip this step, say hello to acne and clogged pores. Is it a pain in the butt? Yes. Is it another expense? Yes. Is it worth it to be able to use this sunscreen? YES. I like Clinique's Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm or MAC's cleansing oil to remove it. I use about a pea size of the balm or 2 pumps of the MAC oil, rub it in my hands, massage it over my face and neck and then let it just sit for about a minute. Then I rinse it off with water and a cotton cleansing pad and wash with my regular cleanser. Sometimes I need to wash twice to remove all of the cleansing balm or oil.


Even though it adds an extra step to my routine, I still say it's worth it. The protection this sunscreen offers is amazing. A few things that may help some of you decide to buy or not to buy this sunscreen.


1) Even excluding the SPF and PPD, the reason this sunscreen is so protective is because it IS so durable. Unless you are dripping buckets of sweat and/or spending time in the water, there really is no need to reapply because it truly stays on all day. It doesn't budge, allowing it to retain it's protective quality.


2) My mom works outside 2 hours a day (about 8-9 am and 1-2 pm in the summer). She's tried a bunch of Euro high PPD (and high SPF waterproof) sunscreens. She used the proper amount and reapplied. Even standing in shade, she got color with all of them and more sunspots. Some people do best with PHYSICAL FILTERS. Shiseido is a physical/chemical combo, but the % of zinc oxide makes it an excellent option for a physical filter sunscreen. It's not 100% physical, but offers the great benefit that physical filters have (literally blocking the UV rays, rather than absorbing the rays like chemical filters). That is why it leaves a white cast. I'm pale so I don't notice and my mom is medium skintone and hardly notices it.


3) PA +++ means the PPD is AT LEAST 8. It could be 9, 10 or higher, but it guarantees a PPD of 8. A PPD of 8 blocks out 87.5% of UVA rays. That seems pretty good to me and not low at all.


4) The price : It's high. It really is. $37 a bottle for 100 ml. 100 ml, if used for the face and neck, will last you 40 applications, assuming you use the 1/4 tsp amount (1/4 for face and another 1/4 for your neck). If you apply it once a day, that's slightly over 9 bottles a year, assuming you wear it every single day. That comes to just a bit over $330, plus tax. That's under $1 a day. I'm sure most of us waste (yes, WASTE) $7 or more a week on garbage. I'd rather spend that money on protecting my skin. It's up to you.


Finally, just a little tip. If you love this sunscreen, buy several bottles during Sephora's annual Friends and Family discount. Unopened, this sunscreen should last 2 years (if stored properly) so I plan to buy a one year supply each December. 20% off of $330 = $66 saved. That's almost two bottles free.


Always remember to apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside! :)


INGREDIENTS : Water, Cyclomethicone, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polybutylene Glycol/PPG-9/1 Copolymer, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dextrin Palmitate, Xylitol, Methyl Gluceth-10, Glutathione, Zinc Myristate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Thiotaurine, Scutellaria Baicalensis Extract, Ectoin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Isostearic Acid, Stearic Acid Disteardimonium Hectorite, Silica, Alcohol, Trisodium EDTA, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Fragrance, Titanium Dioxide.

42 out of 43 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

JessieWW on 10/14/2008 2:03:00 PM more reviews by JessieWW

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

Used this a little while back: I liked the consistency and everything about this product at first but by day 3 the sunscreen ingredients (and perhaps other ingredients?) were breaking me out.

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bibiancheng on 10/9/2008 3:18:00 PM more reviews by bibiancheng

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

its high price, its white residue, and the allergy I have from it (I will have scale on my skin after using it, anyways, I know it's just me) I won't buy it again.

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peachachess on 10/6/2008 6:13:00 PM more reviews by peachachess

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Holy grail of holy grails. I had been long devoted to La Roch Posay's sunscreens, even though I always felt a little bit greasy-I just thought that was the best I could do. Then I tried this, and was surprised at how matte the finish is and how well it protects my skin. I wear this under mineral makeup and even after a busy 13 hour shift at the hospital I am still as matte as when I left the house. I happen to love the "oriental flower" fragrance of this SS and it doesn't irritate my skin. Will repurchase forever!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

jennifermus on 9/28/2008 11:50:00 AM more reviews by jennifermus

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

This is the only sunblock I can use on my face without breaking out, looking greasy, or casting a white ghostlike cast. I now can feel protected from the sun's harmful rays without worrying about acne. Also, I have layered this over my YSL foundation later in the day (yes, over) and it has looked completely natural. Amazing!

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GinSengTea on 9/22/2008 7:02:00 PM more reviews by GinSengTea

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

My first ever Japanese ss was Sofina. But I found it very drying and I hate having to order it online. So, after reading the reviews for this Shiseido ss on MUA. I decided that I'll try it. So I just walked into Nordstrom and pick one up. I have to admit, the texture of Shiseido ss is a little thicker than Sofina Lucent, but it's not as drying. And I still get a matte finish. Compare to the Sofina ss, the Shiseido ss is cheaper when compare per oz. So, a cheaper price, less drying and readily available = my new HG ss.

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Tpot on 9/20/2008 8:31:00 AM more reviews by Tpot

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

The version I have is SPF 50 PA+++, same name.
Good, esp for oily skins as it gives a matte finish. However, it leaves a silicony, powdery texture that takes getting used to. & I don't like the scent. Otherwise, no complaints as it's a rarity to find a sunblock that does not give me a shine. This fits the bill perfectly.

EDIT: The smell & powdery texture got to me. Have stopped using it, which is a shame as it works well for oily skins like mine. No shine, nice matte finish that stays all day. Just can't stand the scent though. I gave 4 lippies as those who have oily skins & don't mind the scent will enjoy using it.

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mdiane on 9/20/2008 12:03:00 AM more reviews by mdiane

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Red   Eyes: Blue    

Oh I had such high hopes that I would finally find a good sunscreen that didn't make me break out! Alas, Shiseido, to me, seems no different than your average sunscreen in both texture and quality. And it definitely made me break out.

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*TOP REVIEWER* ericaberryy on 9/11/2008 12:06:00 AM more reviews by ericaberryy

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Olive   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Im very happy with this product. I have oily skin and ive noticed this helps control the oil... what a great side effect. It helps my foundation cling better, like a primer. I love it!

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blahblahblalskdjf on 9/9/2008 4:16:00 AM more reviews by blahblahblalskdjf

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

This is the only sunscreen I will wear. I am very prone to acne and this stuff has never made me break out, it also goes on pretty matte without the usual grease that most sunscreens over SPF 15 seem to have and it's waterproof so I can sweat in it and not worry about having to immediately reapply. It's also got zinc oxide which I've read is one of the best ingredients (the other being titanium oxide) for sun protection, it seems to be working because I've never gotten so much as a single freckle when I'm wearing this stuff.


I'll be honest though, I don't really like using this product very much. But I hate wearing sunscreen in general so it's really something to be expected. It does give a somewhat unpleasant "dryish" and "grainy" texture to the skin upon application (almost chalky without the whiteness), but I feel like it's something that I just have to put up with for the sun protection (very worth it). I've also heard from other people that it can give you a slight whitecast, though it's worth noting that I've never experienced this granted I'm incredibly pale. And another flaw is ironically one of the things I find so great about it: this stuff really IS waterproof. Most cleansers I've tried will not be enough to remove this sunscreen. You will need a makeup remover that can remove waterproof substances to get this stuff off of your skin.


And yeah, it's also somewhat expensive and the top is kind of flimsy (I freaked out once because I found it open in my bag and was terrified that I'd just wasted like 40 bucks of sunscreen. It was just open but didn't spill thank goodness). But overall, the best sunscreen I've ever tried and the one my skin seems to tolerate/get along with the best.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No