I live in a country that’s practically summer all year round so it’s extremely unlikely that I suffer from vitamin D deficiency. While getting some vitamin D is good, spending too much time in the sun can actually cause premature ageing! 🙁 Urban dwellers, such as myself, are exposed to heavier concentrations of pollutants. All the free radicals, secondhand smoke, staring at screens all day and exposure to UV rays play a huge role in damaging your skin.
Meet The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF 50 PA ++++ ($34.90 SGD). It’s an all new sunscreen from The Body Shop which just launched in April.
“When our skin is exposed to environmental aggressors it can become dehydrated, sensitive, prone to breakouts and over time show accelerated signs of ageing!”
– Vanda Serrador, Facialist and Body Care Expert for The Body Shop
I’m a big believer of sunscreen and every morning I literally bathe in it. Just kidding! 😛 But on a serious note, I slather on sunscreen religiously every morning.
Now, the two main ingredients to protect against the sun would be Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (aka Octinoxate) and Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (aka Avobenzone). This is an example of a chemical sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens use chemical UV filters and work by absorbing the sun’s rays while physical sunscreens use physical UV filters and protect your skin from the sun by deflecting or blocking the sun’s rays. Hence, I prefer physical sunscreens. Nevertheless the debate between physical vs chemical sunscreen has been around for ages, and you can Google about it at your leisure.
Here are the ingredients:
The Body Shop’s Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF 50 is completely vegetarian and formulated without parabens, mineral oils and paraffins. There’s a slight mild fragrance but it did not bother me as the fragrance doesn’t linger throughout the day.
It contains red algae extract and Vitamin C to brighten the skin. My dull skin definitely looked more radiant after applying this!
I love the formula of this sunscreen. Before I use it, I give it a good shake to ensure it’s well-mixed. It’s a lightweight milk-to-water formula that is thin, glides on easily over moisturizer, leaves a nice dewy finish! It sat beautifully under makeup, without balling up or causing the foundation to look cakey. The formula is not as runny as Japanese sunscreens, but still one of the least thick sunscreens I’ve encountered. Some sunscreens I’ve used previously required me to massage for at least 5 minutes to avoid any white casts or streaks.
One thing to note is that if you are going to be out in the sun for prolonged periods of time, remember to reapply your sunscreen frequently to ensure that your skin is being protected. 🙂
Final Thoughts
Overall, this is a great sunscreen that is a good alternative to pricier formulas and perfect for daily wear under makeup. I really liked the formula and gentleness of the product but I would have preferred if it contained physical UV filters (such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide instead). If I wanted something quick to use, non-sticky and non-greasy, I would definitely reach for this! 🙂
The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF 50 PA ++++ is now available at The Body Shop.
Product provided for consideration. This review contains the author’s honest and true opinions.
Find me on Instagram @mybeautymusings! 🙂
I never tried this cream but looks really nice! Thanks for the review!
http://violettedaily.com
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Thank you so much for such an informative post about this sunscreen! I always try to use paraben free and vegan products, so this one might work for me! Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful day!
xo, Esther
http://bubblesther.com
Hope you like it! 🙂
That sounds like an amazing product! Lovely review!
XOXO
Jeanne
http://fashionmusingsdiary.com
It’s my go-to sunscreen lately! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Jeanne!
Such an informative review. With summer coming I need to invest in some good SPF and this sounds great! xx
http://www.thatnewdress.com
Love how the ingredients are mostly natural! 🙂 This will definitely keep your skin protected!
xx
Love that it’s a quick and easy type of formula that can live under makeup. Definitely would give this a try!
xx,
Chels
Travels | Personal Style
http://www.chelseaasoflate.com
It’s a great sunsreen! 🙂
Oh I have this! I need to dig it out and give it a good try! Thanks for your love, Regina! :** Hope to see you again soon! Btw, did you change the format of your blog? I LOVE IT!
You’ll love it! 🙂 Nope I didn’t change the layout. Thanks for stopping by, Linda! 🙂
Need to try this one, it sounds so good! And love the stylish packaging! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Seems like a great spf! Love the packaging
Take Care Doll! Kisses,
BLOG | Taislany
I’ve never tried this product before, but I was on the hunt for an SPF that didn’t break the bank – this one looks great! Thanks for sharing the review – your pictures are stunning! xx
Frances xx
http://www.royallyrouge.com
Thanks Frances! I personally think my photos can be improved but thank you! Your compliment means so much to me. 🙂
Is this Asia exclusive? I haven’t seen this in Canada.
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
Nope, I don’t believe so. Perhaps it’ll be releasing in Canada closer to the summertime! 🙂
Great review dear and this sunscreen sounds pretty cool! Will defo check it out, the heat wave in SG is too much & I’ve been searching everywhere for a good sunscreen to layer under my make up. Have you tried reapplying it on top of make up?
xx
Winter
winterchee.com
Hi Winter! Nope, I have not tried reapplying it on top of make up. I’m guilty of not reapplying my sunscreen. Whoops! I think it should be able to layer well, as it is very thin and watery.
Great review. I always use good ole soltan from Boots for my skin protection
Amy | http://www.yankified.com
Stay away. Second ingredient is alcohol denat, very bad for the skin and epidermal cells and disrupt skin’s protective barrier.
This sounds good ..have been eyeing this for a longoing time.spf 50 PA+++ without the cakes..white cast is super good@
This sounds good ..have been eyeing this for a long time.spf 50 PA+++ without the cakes..white cast is super good. Big time bodyshop fan