Unlike the pros surveyed for old-school chewing gum commercials, five out of five dermatologists recommend sunscreen. In fact, they recommend applying and re-applying it every day, even when indoors. So it’s critical that we find formulas that are comfortable, blend in with our skin tones, and that we love wearing.
Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42: A Closer Look
My skin is very dry, and my biggest skin concerns are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and dullness. I was thrilled when Shiseido launched this SPF back in March 2023 because I am a long-time user of their sun protection, and this product sounded like it was made for me. As the label reads, it contains vitamin C and licorice - perfect for upping my radiance and tackling any dark spots - as well as moisture-attracting hyaluronic acid.
To use it, I made sure to shake the bottle before twisting off the cap. It has a dispensing tip that, when you squeeze the bottle gently, releases the milky gel formula. Board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, told me to apply a nickel-sized amount to my face, neck, and ears, as well as a nickel-sized amount to the back of my hands. “For those of us who drive to work, we need it, as UV light comes right through the windows of a car,” she says.
As I massaged the SPF onto the areas Dr. Gohara mentioned, I noticed that the gel melted down into an extremely slippery liquid. I let it sit for a few minutes, and my skin felt velvety soft with an ever-so-slight slickness. I love wearing this product on my bare face, but also with my daily liquid foundation, the Makeup By Mario Surreal Skin Foundation, and a few dabs of my MERIT The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick. It doesn’t emulsify my makeup, which, according to cosmetic chemist Ginger King, is thanks to its use of silica.
Key Features and Benefits
The Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42 costs $38 for one ounce of product. If you're in the know about skincare, you'll know that wearing an SPF every day is essential not only to protect your skin from dangerous rays and sunburn but also to prevent the signs of ageing. While getting wrinkles and pigmentation is something we embrace as part and parcel of growing older, the sun can really contribute to these.
Dermatologists and skin experts in the beauty industry widely agree that around 80% to 90% of skin ageing is because of UVA rays. That's not just when you're sunbathing on holiday, but even on cloudy days in winter when you're sitting near a window. It doesn't have to be hot and sunny for the sun's rays to reach your skin. This is why it's important to wear SPF every single day. And nope, having an SPF in your moisturiser or foundation just won't cut it, sadly. A dedicated SPF-worn on top of moisturiser and before makeup-is your best bet at getting the most thorough protection.
"When thinking about how much product to apply, most people are not using enough SPF," explains skincare expert Lauren Evans. "A good way of knowing how much SPF to use is by getting a teaspoon from the kitchen. One teaspoon is a good amount for each section of your body. One teaspoon for face and one for chest and neck."
And yet, SPF can be a bit annoying to wear. Even as a beauty editor, I'll admit that. It can be difficult to find one that works well and that you actually want to use. I have very sensitive skin, so if I try out a new product and my skin doesn't like it, it will let me know about it by stinging. The same goes for my eyes. Some SPFs seem to make their way into my eyes, which makes my eyes water and sting even more. And so the vicious cycle begins. Thank goodness for big sunglasses in this case. I also live by the coast and spend a lot of my free time outside, so I'm conscious about protecting my skin at all costs, but I want something that feels lightweight enough, makes my skin look good, and sits well under makeup. And it definitely can't leave a white cast on the skin either. I'm not asking for much, right?
Comparison with Other Shiseido SPFs
So when Shiseido's Urban Environment Age Defense Oil-Free SPF 30 landed on my desk, I was apprehensive. Would this one sting my eyes or break me out in a rash? Well, it didn't. This SPF has a lotion-like consistency (I would compare it to La Roche-Posay's Anthelios SPF), which melts into skin easily without leaving a greasy finish. In fact, this dries down quickly to a velvety touch, making it ideal for my T-zone, which is often more prone to shine in warmer weather. What also makes this SPF unique is that it uses algae technology to help convert damaging UV rays into light that is beneficial for the skin. It also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and defends against particles from pollution with antioxidants. It's basically a triple threat against environmental damage. And even my high-maintenance skin agrees with it. It doesn't sting my skin, run into my eyes, or disrupt my makeup.
This is another of my favourites from Shiseido. This one has a similar consistency to the Urban Environment Age Defense Oil-Free SPF 30, but it's tinted and comes in five shades. My only criticism is that these could be more inclusive. This is highly regarded among beauty insiders as one of the best glow-giving SPFs. It's like Charlotte Tilbury's Flawless Filter but in SPF form.
Other Notable SPF Recommendations
La Roche-Posay is often recommended by dermatologists, and Anthelios is a cult SPF for a reason. It's lightweight and non-irritating and offers SPF50+ protection. Okay, this one is on the pricier side, but if you're looking for an investment, then this is one of the best SPFs that I would recommend. It has a moisturising formula and actually makes my foundation go on even better than primers that I've tried.
It seems like every beauty editor and their mum loves these SPF drops by Dr. If you have oily or combination skin, I'd highly recommend that you try this incredible SPF. I don't say that lightly. It's oil-free and has a gel-like consistency that melts into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. In fact, I've found that this really reduces shine throughout the day. I really love SkinCeutical's products. This SPF is a dependable favourite and is great on all skin types. I'd say that the formula leans more on the moisturising side, but it won't leave a greasy finish. Price shown is member's price. Standard cost is £35.
I've already raved about Beauty Pie's products, and I'm not surprised that this SPF is one of its best sellers. It is feather-light on the skin and doesn't leave a greasy finish. If your skin is parched, this luxuriously moisturising SPF is for you. It envelops skin in a creamy, cushiony formula that's great for dry and sensitive skin types. I actually got my boyfriend using this as he was looking for an affordable option. His skin looked glowing, so he actually influenced me to buy it too. This sensitive skin-friendly formula glides on skin and leaves the most incredible, expensive-looking sheen, I swear. Former Who What Wear beauty editor Mica Ricketts raves about Ultra Violette's SPFs, and she's not alone.
Product Performance and User Experience
- Benefits: 86% said this product controls excess sebum during the day.
- After 2 weeks of regular use, 98% said this product makes their skin feel healthier.
- After 4 weeks of regular use, 99% said this product makes their skin feel more hydrated. (*Tested by 103 women)
Key Ingredients and Technologies
- Sun Dual Care Technology
- Hyaluronic Acid: Delivers, attracts, and retains moisture
- Spirulina Energy Essence: Converts sunlight to target factors that lead to dryness
Features
- Protects against harmful UVA/UVB rays and pollution
- Deeply hydrates
- Controls oil and mattifies skin
- Water-resistant for 40 minutes
- Free of oxybenzone & octinoxate
- Ocean-friendly & Hawaii-compliant
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested and Ophthalmologist-tested
- 90% plant-derived bottle** (**Without cap and plug)
How To Use Urban Environment Oil-Free Sunscreen | Shiseido
Application and Usage
Apply daily, as the last step in your morning skincare routine - before makeup application. Shake the bottle before using, then dispense and smooth evenly and generously over face and neck, at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. I use my Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen at 42 SPF every day mixed with my moisturizer. It keeps my face protected by the sun daily. It has a very light liquid consistency, which blends well with moisturizer. I will continue using this and would recommend it to others.
I had a hard time finding a sunscreen lotion that was actually lightweight that would not affect the look and feel of my makeup. This is my new go-to facial sunscreen.
This product was gifted by Influenster, NOT purchased at Ulta. I truly enjoy Shiseido sunscreens, and I was most excited about this one because it is oil-free, and I have oily, acne-prone, sensitive skin. This goes on really nicely; it is more like a serum than a sunscreen. It layered well on my moisturizer. However, it did not layer well under makeup. I tried using the Fenty Eaze Drops as well as my other liquid foundations, and it did pill. I also found the price to be quite high for only 1 oz of sunscreen. This would easily be gone in a couple of months (that’s being generous). I applied the three-finger method in the AM, and if not wearing makeup, then I do believe it could wear well for a day at the beach with nothing else. I want to find a daily SPF that wears well for my skin type, but this was not it. I am thankful I got the opportunity to try it through Influenster, but I would not purchase myself. I think other sunscreens by Shiseido are a bit better. I did like the texture of this one compared to their others, but it really did not wear well. I liked the packaging; it actually is very similar in size and packaging to the Fenty Eaze Drops. Overall, if you really are looking for a sunscreen that is oil-free, give it a try. It may be the products I used that did not allow it to layer very well. I see others had success, but I didn’t. It definitely gives you the protection, so if you’re interested, maybe it’s worth a try, or if at Sephora, a mini or free sample becomes available by using Beauty Insider points or with a purchase, than definitely!
tags: #shiseido #urban #environment #oil