La Roche-Posay Effaclar BB Blur Review, Swatches and Photos

La Roche-Posay (LRP) recently launched a new foundation to their Effaclar line which is designed for oily/combination/acne prone skin types. Effaclar BB Blur is a hybrid product that is a cross between a BB cream, foundation and a blurring/mattifying primer.

According to LRP Effaclar BB Blur contains cutting edge technology including:

1. Perlite - a natural substance primarily composed of silica has clinical absorbent powder, allowing it to "soak up" sweat and oil.

2. Airlicium - a new molecule able to absorb 100x its weight in sebum and triggers sweat evaporation.

3. Elastogels - gel polymers that form a supple and breathable film over the skin while blurring imperfections.

4. Mineral SPF of 24.

BB Blur is a moderate coverage BB/foundation which is intended to cover and conceal blemishes, marks, redness and pores while also blurring fine lines, softening/unifying skin tone and mattifying skin all day long.

BB Blur comes in two "universal" shades of Light and Medium. I found both shades to be yellow toned beiges. Photos and swatches in natural light on NC 35 skin.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar BB Blur in Light (heavy/blended) and Medium (heavy/blended)

I tested the BB Blur in Medium for a week on bare skin without any setting powder to test the mattifying properties. I found this product had medium coverage which could be sheered out if needed. Since I don't typically wear foundation and do not feel comfortable with more coverage, I chose to sheer out the BB Blur with a Real Techniques buffing brush after applying with my fingers.

I found the BB Blur wore well throughout the day on my combination skin. It does have a matte finish, but not as matte as a powder finish (ie: MAC Blot Powder.) It feels fairly weightless on the skin, although as a non-regular foundation wearer, I could still detect it slightly on my skin, but it was not an unpleasant feeling. I did find that it kept my oily t-zone at bay for most of the day but I still felt the need to blot - perhaps more out of habit than necessity.

It looked natural on my skin buffed out, though I don't think the finish would be as natural if I had built up the coverage, mainly because I found the Medium shade was not an exact match for my NC 30-35/C3 skin. This product suffers from the same problem most BB creams do which is the idea of "universal" shades. I think any product offering coverage beyond the "sheer" end of the spectrum will be destined to fail on the majority skin tones. As it is the end of the winter season, my skin is as pale as it's going to get, and I found the Medium shade to be just deep enough for my medium, yellow based skin tone. When I eventually get a little sun this spring/summer I suspect I won't be able to wear BB Blur anymore due to the slight white undertone which could be caused by the high SPF factor.

On the positive side, this product does deliver on it's claims of mattifying, blurring and unifying the skin. Like other silicone based BB creams/primers, this product leaves you with a very smooth "airbrushed" type canvas. I think that this product could function both as a BB and as a primer. Another big plus is that BB Blur has a healthy SPF of 24 and a very little amount of this product goes a long way! My one suggestion to improve this product would be that LRP expands the shade range as I suspect anyone with a skin tone deeper than mine, or someone with a very cool (pink) toned skin would be unable to wear this product as a standalone BB or foundation.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar BB Blur* is available at retailers such as Shoppers Drug Mart and London Drugs and retails for approximately $30.00 CA. 

Grade: B/B+

J

*This product was sent to Beauty Squared for consideration.

La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eyes Dark Circle Skin-Evening Corrector Review, Swatches and Photos

La Roche Posay's (LPR) new eye cream, Pigmentclar Eyes is part of their skincare line designed to target uneven pigmentation and dull skin. According to LRP, this product "visibly reduces the look of blue circles due to poor circulation and brown circles caused by melanin overproduction." This product contains concentrated "PhE-Resorcinol + caffeine" as well as light-reflecting pigments.

Although I don't suffer from hyperpigmentation in my eye area, I do naturally (and unnaturally) have dark circles caused genetically by thin under eye skin and bad habits such as staying up way too late, not getting enough sleep, drinking too much coffee and stress.

I tested Pigmentclar Eyes for four weeks, and used it both morning and evening with my regular skincare routine. The cream has a gel cream texture which melts into the skin and comes with a metal angled lipgloss style applicator which provides a cooling massage when you are applying the product.

Though I cannot comment on the pigment evening properties of this product because I don't suffer from hyper pigmentation in my eye area, I can say that the cream left my under eye area looking refreshed, dewy and less tired. The light reflecting pigments gave my dark circles a lift and the light, moisturizing texture proved to be an excellent, smooth base for concealer.

I would recommend this product for anyone looking for an eye cream that helps with tiredness, dullness and pigmentation. As well, I think this product would be great for people with oily eye lids as the texture is moisturizing but not greasy.

Pigmentclar Eyes retails for $49.00 CA and is available from retailers such as London Drugs and Shoppers Drug Mart.

Grade: A

J

*This product was provided to Beauty Squared by La Roche Posay for consideration.

La Roche-Posay Toleraine Ultra Fluide Review

La Roche-Posay (LRP) recently launched a new addition to their Toleriane skincare line which is designed to provide intense soothing care for ultra-sensitive or allergic combination/oily skin types. They sent me the new Toleriane Ultra Fluide for testing and review.

Packaged in a hermetically sealed pump bottle, Toleriane Ultra Fluide is designed to provide combination/oily skin types with 3 main actions: immediate relief of skin irritation, lasting relief of "irritation, reactivity and heated sensations" after 4 weeks of use, and a "high tolerance" for users. The formula contains Neurosensine a "strong soothing agent", LRP's thermal spring water which is included in all their products and is preservative/paraben/fragrance/alcohol/colorant and lanolin free.

I've been using Ultra Fluide for the last 3 weeks in conjunction with my regular skincare which includes Differin gel at night, and moisturizer with SPF 30 during the day. Although I do not have sensitive skin, I do suffer from seasonal allergies which, irritatingly enough, now persist until the snow falls. The skin on my face and around my eyes can frequently get itchy and red and I'm also prone to dryness, peeling and irritation around my mouth and nose due to the dry air the fall brings. I used the Ultra Fluide after I washed my face and after any topical medications (Differin). I did find that having a thin layer of this lotion helped ease the peeling, stinging and redness around my mouth (in part caused by the dryness and the Differin). It provided an extra layer of protection and moisture that that thinner skin needed without feeling heavy or being greasy. 

I also tested it after I used a depilatory cream on my upper lip. Hair removal products such as Neet or Olay irritate my skin leaving it pink and stinging. Using the Ultra Fluid after helped soothe my upper lip skin as well.

Overall I think this is an effective product for irritated skin. It works well layered with other products and is light enough that you won't notice an extra product on your skin. The packaging also ensures it stays free of contamination without adding any extra unwanted preservatives.

La Roche-Posay Toleraine Ultra Fluide retails for approximately $34.00 CA (40 ml) and can be found at retailers such as London Drugs and Shoppers Drug Mart. 

Grade: A

J

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP Review

Although fall has just set in on the prairies, the dry air and my very dry skin have already kicked in. I'm actually surprised by how dry the skin on my body has already become - particularly on my ankles, legs and hands. My skin is so dry already it feels itchy and uncomfortable and the thermometer hasn't even slipped below 0˚C yet!

I first tried La Roche-Posay's Lipikar Baume AP in the spring when my boyfriend gave me a sample he received with the purchase of a Toleraine Ultra set. La Roche describes this product as a "lipid replenishing body balm" that has 24 hour anti-itch and anti-irritation properties and is good fro extremely dry adult or infant skin.This body balm has a very luxurious, thick texture, but it spreads easily and is not greasy or heavy feeling. I like to apply it after the shower, when my skin is still a bit damp. A little goes along way on damp skin, and it leaves my skin moisturized, comfortable and itch free all day. It has a pleasant, subtle and clean scent that won't interfere with other perfumes or scented products.

I liked the sample so much I purchased a full sized tube this summer, and I have actually tried (though in vain, I might add) to refill my little sample tube from my big tube so I can have it on hand in my handbag to use as hand lotion! This product retails for approximately $25.00 CA/200 ml, but can often be found on special at retailers such as London Drugs and Shoppers Drug Mart. Highly recommended.

Grade: A

J

La Roche-Posay Hydreane BB Cream in Light Review, Swatches and Photos

La Roche-Posay recently launched their BB cream and I was sent a tube of this brand new product from LR-P to sample and review. 

Here's some background info on the La Roche-Posay Hydreane BB Cream. From the press material:

Need to camouflage redness, calm skin and restore its comfort, freshness and radiance? 

These are all priorities when skin is naturally sensitive – or sensitized by treatments at your dermatologist’s office!

They are also the vocations of Blemish Balm Creams, originally dermatological creams designed for post- laser use. Hydreane BB Cream fulfills these vocations to perfection; specially created for the most delicate and unpredictable skin thanks to its concentration of La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water...

Hydrates for 12 hours

Hydreane BB Cream embodies all the thermal hydration and comfort of the Hydreane range for all sensitive skin types. The La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water is combined with a hydration complex based on glycerine and sodium hyaluronate, vegetal oils (passion flower, apricot kernel, maize, bran, rice) and Shea butter.

Soothes

When you apply Hydreane BB Cream, skin breathes a sigh of relief, regaining its freshness and “calm” thanks to the naturally soothing effects of La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water. It is a pure, soft water thanks to its near-neutral acidity level (pH) and its ideal balance of mineral salts and trace elements which respects the physiological balance of sensitive skin.

Strengthens

Hydreane BB Cream is not just another “BB”: first and foremost, it is a dermatological skincare product. The naturally high selenium content of La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water aids skin’s defense mechanisms against the free radicals that can cause manifold skin deregulations.

Unifies and illuminates

Hydreane BB Cream contains a unique “BB” pigment dosage. The perfect combination of pigments to suit all skin tones, correct imperfections and instantly unify the complexion. Its rich, almost creamy texture melts into skin without ever caking.

LR-P's BB Creams contain their Thermal Spring Water (found in all of their skin care products) which hydrates and soothes sensitive skin. The LR-P press information wants to make it clear that their BB Cream is not makeup, it's skincare. This is in essence what the very first BB Creams intended (the article here gives one of the best historical backgrounds of the BB Cream that I've yet found) although their arrival to North American brands has touted their makeup properties more than their benefits for their skin. LR-P's BB Cream is "100% skincare and 100% makeup".

The La Roche-Posay BB Cream comes in two shades - Light and Medium - will be released in early March and will retail for approximately $29 CDN for 40 mL. 

Unfortunately, having only two shades is very limiting if you have a skintone that does not fall under the "light" and "medium" categories. Of course, as this doesn't have a lot of pigmentation, it will likely fit more skintones than a foundation or even a tinted moisturizer. It's best, if you're interested in this product, to test it before you buy it. 

The tube I was sent was surprisingly small, definitely smaller than other products (my Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, Vichy BB Cream and Garnier BB Cream) in my makeup kit. But 40 mL is the same volume as all of the others (the Garnier BB Cream has no size on the tube and there's no info on the website) so it's simply the packaging that is the visible difference. 

Here it is in my hand to show the size. With it being this small, it's easy to carry with you during the day or when you travel.

Some packaging photos:

Basic instructions on the back of the tube. The only warning is to avoid the eye area.

I received the Light BB Cream.

And here it is on the back of my hand. To my naked eye, the cream looks quite pink but it didn't come across in these photos. I was a little alarmed to see how pink it was since my skin has a lot of pink undertones and why would I want to add more? I normally wear something that has more yellow to counter the pink of my skin.

The texture is light, cool and refreshing to massage into the skin. The BB Cream is fragranced, which is too bad since it's meant for sensitive skin and fragrance can be irritating to those with allergies. It's not an overpowering fragrance, however, and if you're not bothered by it, you'll be OK.

Here it is partially worked into the skin on the back of my hand. The skin on my hand is more yellow toned and less pink than the skin on my face, so you can see that the BB Cream is slightly darker (on the right side of the photo)

Here it is almost completely worked into the back of my hand. 

And here is it completely worked into the back of my hand. 

To compare, here is the hand with the BB Cream on it and my other hand, which is bare.

Hand with BB Cream applied.

Hand without BB Cream applied.

Clearly, the BB Cream evens out my skintone, fades discolouration (the pink) and adds slight colour. It also gives a healthy, moisturized glow. Quite impressive. 

Here it is applied to my face. I'm not wearing anything else apart from a serum underneath the BB Cream. 

It provides me with some coverage and certainly brightens my skin, making it look smooth and healthy. It feels great on - slightly cool when first applied - and it applies easily. You can use a brush or your fingers to smooth it into the skin.

My skin is oily, so anything with colour that I put on my skin will get sucked up by the oil within a few hours of application. I need to wear a primer to help prevent this but found applying a primer on top of the LR-P BB Cream streaked it a bit. 

I like the way my skin feels with the BB Cream. It definitely makes it feel smooth, soft and hydrated. It keeps my skin feeling great all day and even after I wash my face at night, it feels more hydrated. As an all-day moisturizer, it's very good. I haven't worn it long enough to see a major difference in my skin but in the short time I've worn it, it's been very impressive.

Personally, I need something that has more pigmentation, as I hate layers and layers and layers of product on my face and my skin is quite pink and it's hard to make it match the skin on my neck with is quite fair and yellow-toned. 

If you're looking for a BB Cream that is gentle, soothing, healing and excellent for your skin, this would be a good one to try. If your skin is sensitive and you're OK with fragrance in your skincare, you might want to take a look at this one as well. 

It is on the lower-mid-range price of BB Creams available in Canada and in line with the other LR-P products. It does exactly what it claims to, so there's value in that.

$29 CDN, 40 mL

La Roche-Posay products are available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharma Plus, Pharma Prix and London Drug stores across Canada. You can use the search function on the La Roche-Posay website (bottom left) to find the nearest location to you. 

Grade: A

La Roche Posay Mela-D Pigment Control Giveaway!

In my previous post I reviewed La Roche Posay's Mela-D Pigment Control serum, now La Roche Posay would like 5 lucky Beauty Squared subscribers to try it for themselves free!

To enter the giveaway simply do the following:

1. Subscribe to Beautysquared and leave a comment on this post with your tips on how to deal with skin pigmentation.

2. Get a second entry by tweeting your pigmentation tip to @larocheposayca:

“@larocheposayca I read @BeautySquared and my #pigmentcontrol tip is to make sure you wear sunscreen! #MelaD”  

3. The giveaway is open from November 14 - November 24, 2012. Winners will be selected by random draw and notified via email.

Good luck!

J

La Roche Posay Mela-D Pigment Control Review

New to La Roche Posay's skincare line is Mela-D Pigment Control serum which is intended to correct dark spots, hyper-pigmentation, dullness and unevenness.  Hydroquinone free and formulated with kojic and glycolic acid, after 8 weeks of use this product claims to reduce the look of dark spots by 28% , unevenness  by 24% and increase radiance by 36%.

I was sent a sample by PR for review. I have now been using the serum for 4 weeks, once a day before bed. The serum has a slightly thick gel consistency and spreads evenly and smoothly over the skin.

With my medium (NC 30/35) skin tone, freckles and occasional post acne dark spots, I was interested to see if this product would actually reduce my hyper pigmentation. What I found in my month of use is this product does help to brighten my complexion through gentle exfoliation. My skin has was smoother and better exfoliated during my use. I also like that this product has a light texture and that it was weightless underneath my moisturizer.

Of course the million dollar question is does this product really lighten dark spots? In the time I have used it, I cannot say I have seen a noticeable reduction in the darkness of my hyper pigmented spots. Hyper pigmentation is something that can only be corrected over longer periods of time and to be fair I haven't used the product for 8 weeks yet. So for me, the jury is out on whether this product will significantly lighten dark spots. What it will do is give you a brighter, smoother complexion which might help lessen the conspicuousness of dark spots. Either way your skin will have a better texture and appearance using this product.

As a final note, I would like to point out an aspect of this product I find frustrating. Specifically, I dislike the bottle and applicator, which is eye dropper style. I find using the eye dropper wasteful and messy. In the journey the dropper takes from the bottle to your hand/face, inevitably serum drops out onto the counter/floor and is wasted. As well, if you were to ever drop the applicator or bottle by accident you could potentially contaminate/spill your serum. I wish this product came in a pump bottle!

Come back tomorrow for a giveaway of this product!

Grade: B+

J

La Roche-Posay Ceralip Lip Repair Cream Review

Living in a very dry climate and having full lips means applying loads of lip balm on a continuous basis. La Roche-Posay recently sent their new Ceralip Lip Repair Cream to Beautysquared for review.

Ceralip comes in a 15 ml slanted applicator tube and retails for approximately $15.00 CA . It has a very smooth, silky and non-greasy texture which is reminiscent of Smashbox Photofinish Primer. It is very lightweight and never feels sticky or waxy and has a natural matte finish.

This product is fragrance and paraben free and La Roche-Posay indicates it's suitable for sensitive and skin post-medical treatment. I do not suffer from either conditions, but I do have chronically dry lips. I found the texture of this product nice and lightweight and I appreciate that it is not sickly sweet smelling or tasting like so many other lip balms.

It does a satisfactory job of keeping my lips moist, though I did find it tended to wear off faster than my standby Chapstick. Although it definitely feels more natural and less cloying on my lips than a waxy balm like Chapstick, I found I needed to apply it more frequently than I would a waxier balm. One way in which this product would excel would be to use it as a primer under lipstick, because it's not waxy or greasy, it won't dilute lip colour or alter it's texture.

Overall this lip balm is good. It's definitely on the pricier end for a lip balm, but perhaps for people with sensitive skin who react to cheaper brands, the higher cost would be worth it. I have a small criticism to make of the packaging. The opening that the product comes out of has a slightly rough edge on the tube I received and therefore makes the balm a little scratchy to apply. I could have just received a defective tube but it is a small detail that I noted.

Grade: B

J

La Roche-Posay Physiological Cleansing Gel & Milk Review

La Roche-Posay is an European based brand focused on dermatological skincare using thermal spring water. Originally designed as complementary products intended for use with doctor prescribed treatments for skin disorders such as acne or eczema, La Roche-Posay has in it's 30 years of existence branched out into consumer end skincare, while still focusing on dermatologically developed products.

La Roche-Posay sent me two cleansers for review - the Physiological Cleansing Gel and the Physiological Cleansing Milk. I have been testing both cleansers over the last month. Both cleansers retail for approximately $22.00 CA/200 ml bottle.

 La Roche-Posay Physiological Cleansing Gel

This product is designed to clean normal/combination sensitive skin. The brand claims it can effectively remove waterproof makeup, has a physiological PH (PH equivalent to that of skin), is soap/alcohol/dye/paraben free and non-comedogenic.

This cleanser reminds me of Cetaphil - both are non-foaming gel cleansers for sensitive skin. Where this cleanser differs from Cetaphil is in it's texture and it's ability to remove makeup. La Roche-Posay's Physiological Cleansing Gel has a viscous (slightly sticky) texture which makes it a lot thicker than Cetaphil. Although this stickiness may sound unappealing, the texture helps it cling to the skin and really allows you to massage the product into the skin without the fear of tugging. I find that this product is also strong enough to remove most makeup - although if I wear heavy eye makeup (primer, MAC Paint pots, waterproof liner/mascara etc.) I would still remove those products with a dedicated eye makeup remover like Lancome's Bifacial before cleansing.


While I don't have sensitive skin by definition, my skin is drier and more sensitive to the environment in the winter. Edmonton has a pretty unforgiving climate (dry, dry and drier) and in the winter I like to turn to non-foaming cleansers in an effort to stave off dryness. Having used this at night for the past month, I would definitely recommend it. It manages to leave my skin feeling clean but not stripped of it's moisture. In comparison to Cetaphil, I find this product leaves my skin feeling cleaner especially if I've been wearing makeup. Another aspect of this cleanser I love is the smell, which is clean and not overwhelming.

La Roche-Posay Physiological Cleansing Milk

This product  is designed to clean dry/very dry sensitive skin. Like the gel cleanser, the brand claims it can effectively remove waterproof makeup, has a physiological PH (PH equivalent to that of skin), is soap/alcohol/dye/paraben free and non-comedogenic.

This cleanser is much richer than the gel version, and you can definitely feel a layer of moisturizer left on your skin after cleansing with this product. Just as I don't technically have sensitive skin, I also technically don't have dry skin. However, due to the aforementioned climate of Edmonton in the winter, I will often use cream cleansers in the morning. My rationale for this practice is that in the absence of a day's accumulation of dirt and makeup, my skin only requires the gentlest cleansing. Having that extra layer of moisture on my skin really helps my skin stay supple throughout the day. At first I was worried I might get really greasy in my t-zone or break out because of it's very rich texture. However, I didn't find my t-zone to get any greasier than if I used another cleanser. 

I also encouraged my boyfriend to use this product. In my opinion my boyfriend definitely qualifies as having dry sensitive skin. His skin is prone to redness, flakiness and irritates easily - so much so that he often doesn't wash his face complaining that cleansing makes his skin drier. He's been using this cleanser since I received it and he does report less dryness. I too notice an improvement in his skin's texture when he cleanses with this regularly.

General Thoughts

I think both of these cleansers are excellent choices, especially in the winter months. La Roche-Posay is a brand completely new to me, and these first products I've tested have impressed me. My skin is such that I can generally get away with using most cleansers - so I tend not to be too choosy either way - but I can say that I love the gel cleanser and would definitely purchase and recommend this product.

J

Win La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra!

Toleriane Ultra is a new moisturizer from La Roche-Posay, specifically designe to soothe and protect sensitive skin. It brings intense and long-lasting relief and reduces skin reactivity and sensitivity day after day. 

This is Beauty Squared's first giveaway! We've paired with La Roche-Posay to give away 25 bottles of Toleriane Ultra. The first 25 people to comment on this blog post letting us know you're a follower and why you want to try Toleriane Ultra will be sent a full bottle of Toleriane Ultra to try! Alternatively, you may simply tweet the following to win. The first 25* to comment or tweet will win!

La Roche-Posay Canada & @ccath want to help you find ultimate skin comfort. 1st 25 people to RT win a bottle of Toleriane Ultra #LRPCanada

*The contest is open to all Canadian followers of Beauty Squared (you can follow the blog over on the righthand side of this page) or of Beauty Squared's Catherine on Twitter. 

About Toleriane Ultra:

What makes this moisturizer different from other sensitive skin moisturizers is its lack of preservatives (which is what most people are allergic to). The secret is in the packaging, an airtight seal that prevents anything getting into the product and causing it to break down. Toleriane Ultra also contains "Neurosensine", a soothing, intense and long-lasting ingredient to calm and soothe the skin. 

Like La Roche-Posay on Facebook to see what other Canadians are saying about Toleriane Ultra and leave your own comments.

Good luck! 

C.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreens Review

Summer in Canada is drawing to a close, but protecting your skin from damaging UV rays should be an year round consideration. La Roche-Posay kindly sent Beauty Squared some of their newest line of sunscreen - the Anthelios with Mexoryl XL face and body cream.

Anthelios with Mexoryl is high protection UVA-UVB sunscreen and comes in eight products. Click on the above link to see the full line.

The products that we were sent were the Anthelios XL Ultra-Fluid Lotion in SPF 60 for face and the Anthelios XL for sun sensitive skin. Both are made with the patented Mexoryl technology and other UV blocking properties and have been rigorously formulated to provide excellent protection.

Both claim to be non-greasy, easily absorbed and gentle on sensitive skin. I used both for a few weeks in July and August to test them. 

Anthelios XL with Mexoryl XL Face and Body Cream

Anthelios XL with Mexoryl XL Face and Body Cream

Anthelios XL with Mexoryl XL Face and Body Cream

Anthelios XL with Mexoryl XL Face and Body Cream swatched

Start of application.

Worked into skin completely. 

The Anthelios XL Face and Body Cream I only used on my body as I found the consistency too thick for use on my face. I wear some make-up most days so I need a sunscreen that is imperceptible on my skin. 

I applied the sunscreen mainly on my shoulders, throat, chest and arms and on the tops of my feet and legs. I tend to wear sleeveless, open neck dresses and tops and skirts in the summer. I have fair skin that burns quite easily and quickly so I was eager to try a higher-end sunscreen. 

Studies show that an SPF of 30 is the highest you need and provides 97% of UV rays. Wearing anything higher isn't really protecting you better but if it means more reassurance if you burn like I do, go for it. Just don't spend a tonne more money on an SPF 60 if you don't need it.

The Face and Body Cream if applied lightly does go on quite silkily but if you go a bit heavy with your application, it's heavy, shiny and tacky. One of the pet peeves about sunscreen is that it's tacky and since it has to sit on the surface of the skin, it gets on your clothes and is greasy and unpleasant. 


With the La Roche Posay Face and Body Cream, if you apply it lightly and thoroughly about 20 minutes prior to getting dressed, you should be ok. You won't leave greasy marks on the couch or on walls this way.


It was an effective sunscreen. Only when I forgot to reapply did I get some colour to my skin.

I was most impressed with the La Roche-Posay Ultra-Fluid Lotion. Finding a sunscreen you can wear on your face under makeup is tough. Sunscreen has to sit on the surface of your skin with minimal absorption in order to be effective. This doesn't tend to work well with makeup products. It can also feel quite heavy on the skin, which isn't appealing at all.

This wasn't the case with the Ultra-Fluid Lotion. 

Anthelios XL Ultra-Fluid Lotion in SPF 60

Anthelios XL Ultra-Fluid Lotion in SPF 60

Anthelios XL Ultra-Fluid Lotion in SPF 60

Anthelios XL Ultra-Fluid Lotion in SPF 60

Anthelios XL Ultra-Fluid Lotion in SPF 60, swatched

Start of application

Worked in completely

The Ultra-Fluid lotion has a light, almost liquid texture, goes on very nicely and while it's slightly visible once applied, it's not tacky and shiny and heavy like so many sunscreens. Putting make-up on top isn't a problem at all and it doesn't absorb it either. I forgot I was wearing it, it felt so light on. 

I did not get any colour on my face all summer, thanks to this sunscreen. I actually bought a second bottle and plan to wear it all year round. 

Do you wear sunscreen in the summer? All year? Have you tried the La Roche-Posay sunscreens? 

C.