• Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter
My Women Stuff
  • About Me »
    • Contact Me
      • For PR
  • Budget Beauty »
    • Save & Splurge
  • Makeup »
    • Eyes »
      • Brow pencil
      • Mascara
      • Eyeshadow
      • Eyeliner
    • Face »
      • BB Cream
      • Blush
      • Bronzer
      • CC Cream
      • Concealer
      • Foundation »
        • Cream Foundation
        • Liquid Foundation
        • Cushion Foundation
      • Highlighter
      • Loose Powder
    • Lips »
      • Lip Gloss
      • Lipstick
      • Lipbalm
    • Makeup Brushes
  • Skincare »
    • Cleanser »
      • Cleansing Balm
      • Cleansing Cream
      • Cleansing Gel
      • Cleansing Milk
      • Cleansing Oil
      • Cleansing Water
      • Makeup Remover
    • Mask
    • Moisturiser
    • Scrubs
    • Serum »
      • Vitamin C
      • Retinol
    • Sunscreen
    • Toner/Lotion
    • Treatment »
      • Acne
      • Anti-Aging
      • Brightening/Whitening
      • Hydrating
    • Bath & Body »
      • Body Lotion
      • Body oil
      • Hair
      • Shower Gel
    • Facial Oils
  • Tips »
    • Tips & Discussions
    • Blogging Tips
  • Lifestyle »
    • Cooking at Chez PB
    • Beauty Services »
      • Hair Salon
      • Facial
      • Spa
    • Fashion »
      • Bags
      • Jewellery
      • Shoes
    • Home
  • Brands
  • Product Reviews
    • Beauty hor d’oeuvres
  • Blog
Home » Skincare » Sunscreen » Review: La Roche Posay Anthelios XL Fluid Cream Sunscreen – me loves you!

Review: La Roche Posay Anthelios XL Fluid Cream Sunscreen – me loves you!

August 7, 2009 Paris B 32 Comments

We do not get La Roche Posay in Malaysia. Let  me pause for a minute to wail “Why not?! Their sunscreen is turning into my HG sunscreen!” Now that I’ve gotten that out of  my system, its back to business 🙂

La Roche Posay Anthelios XL
  • Save

I got the La Roche Posay Anthelios XL sunscreen purchased for me from Singapore and ever since using it, I’ve pretty much tossed my previous Eucerin White Solution Treatment Fluid to one side. I mean, I love you Eucerin, but this one’s SPF50+ and seems to work better for me… This… THIS is my sunscreen of the moment. I may have found a passable dupe locally but we’ll come to that in time 😉

I got the Anthelios XL in the cream version. Its supposed to be more suitable for those with dry skin and I tend to agree. If you have normal or oily skin, go with the light version – you will find this one too heavy and oily. For me however, its perfect and it does melt right into my skin as it says on the tube.

The La Roche Posay Anthelios XL carries a SPF50 and has UVA and UVB protection. The active ingredients are Mexoryl (chemical UVA blocker) and Titanium Dioxide (physical UVB blocker). This makes this a combination chemical and physical sunscreen. The cream is thick, I will concede but it does melt right into my skin and I do not get oily at all during the day. I initially thought it might be the Vichy Pore Refine Essence that I use every day but when I did not use it, I too did not get oily. It might then be that my skin is drier than I’d expected but whatever it is, this sunscreen fits it to a T.

There is also no smell and no white cast. When I wear this and wander out in the sun, my skin does not burn and I do not turn red. I like that. I’m not into tanning and I’m so fair I’d burn easily. This sunscreen is also what I attribute to keeping my freckles/pigmentation at bay! They aren’t becoming any worse. Or maybe its just that I use sunscreen all the time so I’m keeping the damage at bay.

It does say that it has a cellular protector and is water resistant and does not contain parabens so you can take it swimming or to the beach if you like.

Either way, I like this sunscreen and I was so close to purchasing a replacement just 3 weeks after starting on it so that tells you something! A 50ml tube retails at S$41 (RM98+) That’s quite expensive for us, yes. But for me, absolutely worth it! I don’t stint on my sunscreen 🙂

I’ve been wearing this everyday and so far, no breakouts and no reactions have appeared. It must be said that I’ve never experienced any breakouts with products containing Titanium Dioxide or Mexoryl which is why I liked the L’oreal UV Perfect sunscreen previously until I moved on.

Now for the dupe. A passable dupe I’ve been testing out is Vichy UV-Activ sunscreen available locally in Malaysia. Its not quite as thick as the La Roche Posay and also uses Mexoryl and Titanium Dioxide as its blockers. It too sinks into my skin and does not leave me oily but like La Roche Posay fluid cream, I may not recommend it for those with oily skins. I’ll run a more comprehensive review on this one in a couple of weeks.

Pros: Not oily or sticky, High SPF and UVA protection

Cons: More suitable for dry skin, Unavailable in Malaysia, A little pricey for some

Freaky Friday!

How’s Friday been treating you? I woke up with a heavy head and its turning into a headache so all I want to do is crawl into bed! 🙁 Unfortunately I’m having dinner with a friend who’s celebrating a birthday tomorrow – I wonder if wine will make the headache go away?  😀 Now for the eternal question – where do I go for dinner? Japanese or French?!

Stay beautiful,

Paris B

Was this helpful? Tell your friends!

0 Shares
  • Facebook 0
  • Twitter
32 Insightful comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION

YOU MAY FIND THESE THESE POSTS HELPFUL TOO!

About Paris B

Paris B is a 40-something beauty and skincare enthusiast with a practical and very critical view of beauty products and the world of beauty. Her mission on My Women Stuff is to deliver clear, honest reviews and facilitate discussions about beauty trends and life, tempered with a healthy dose of humour. Let the buyer's remorse be ours not yours! When not testing the newest skincare creams and lotions, or playing with makeup, find her testing her culinary skills in the kitchen at Chez PB. Read more about us here or leave a comment below or connect with us on social media at Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

PREVIOUS POST: Ask & Answer : How to use foundation to minimize wrinkles?
NEXT POST: 8 hours in Singapore – the damage!

32 comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION

  1. aiyu says

    August 7, 2009 at 2:35 pm

    Japanese! Should be healthier ?..

    I’ve been reading about this sunscreen, and it seems to be the best in the market. And from your review, sounds like it’s living up to it name.
    But the price’s too steep for me.

    Can’t wait for your review on the Vichy Sunscreen 🙂

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      August 7, 2009 at 2:53 pm

      It is about the best for me now! 🙂 Its steep but worth every cent!

      Reply
  2. aiyu says

    August 7, 2009 at 2:40 pm

    Btw, I’ve been reading up on sunscreen and conclude that the best would be sunscreen with zinc oxide (physical blocker). But it seems most major brand has chemical based sunscreen instead 🙁

    Any recommendations for sunscreen with zinc oxide ?

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      August 7, 2009 at 2:52 pm

      Hi Aiyu

      Yes I’ve read about Zinc Oxide too – there are a few in the market. ROC and Uriage have mineral sunblocks. Dior has a Zinc Oxide based one and Sunplay Skin Aqua uses Zinc Oxide too. I have some thoughts about this which I hope to post at a later date. In essence, I’ve realised that Zinc Oxide may not be good for my skin – broke me out.

      Reply
  3. Jamilla Camel says

    August 7, 2009 at 4:50 pm

    I find that the L’Oreal sunscreens are more moisturizing, and they contain both Mexoryl SX and XL, which are both high grade UVA and UVB blockers and are more moisturizing than the Anthelios.

    I use the Anthelios on my feet, which always turn darker than my legs!

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      August 8, 2009 at 10:58 am

      Hi Jamilla

      Do you mean L’oreal UV Perfect? Both LRP and Vichy are under L’oreal too hence the presence of Mexoryl 🙂 I’m quite happy with how Anthelios feels at this point though. But I do use a separate moisturizer.

      Reply
  4. Amanda says

    August 7, 2009 at 10:32 pm

    I’ve never tried La Roche-Posay sunscreen, will definitely check this one out once I finish with my Bioderma. I love La Roche-Posay products especially their Lipikar line and liquid foundation 🙂

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      August 8, 2009 at 10:55 am

      Hi Amanda

      I’ve never tried anything else from their line because we don’t get it. But the sunscreen’s a winner!

      Reply
  5. aichaku says

    August 8, 2009 at 9:46 am

    i feel for you! why don’t you have it in malaysia????!! i love this and also the avene sunscreen. i’m the opposite of jamilla, my legs tend to stay so white but my arms get red so easily. i don’t get it hahaha.

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      August 8, 2009 at 10:55 am

      Hi Aichaku

      Its ok… it gives me an excuse to go down to Singapore every few months! 😉

      Reply
  6. blue says

    August 8, 2009 at 10:27 am

    Thanks for the review, I may have to check this out! I had the LRP spray on sunscreen, and hated it because its just too mattifying. In fact it seems all their suncreens I’ve tested in store have this weird powdery mattifying effect, does this have that feeling too?

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      August 8, 2009 at 10:54 am

      Hi Blue

      I know which texture you mean and I hate it too – its usually present in the sunscreens in liquid form due I think to alcohol. This is a cream texture which is recommended for drier skins.

      Reply
  7. Jooj says

    August 10, 2009 at 1:01 pm

    omg! i had no idea these were available in Singapore. Thank you sooo much for this little piece of info. i’ve just started to use the Fluide Extreme version, which I bought in Paris and have only 2 backups of. I was bummed to think that when I finished the last one I’d have to go find a new sunscreen. LRP is so highly recommended on MUA that I would hesitate to go back to other brands. However, I’ve found some interesting new sunscreen offerings at Watson’s: Neutrogena’s got a bunch of new sunscreens under their fairness range that incorporate the Helioplex thingy, which is supposed to make the sunscreen photostable. Worse comes to worst I’ll probably try that one out!

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      August 11, 2009 at 11:43 am

      Hi Jooj

      I haven’t looked at Neutrogena’s new range but so far, Vichy is ranking quite highly in my sunscreen books!

      Reply
  8. ali says

    November 9, 2009 at 11:23 pm

    Hello

    I live in London and this weather is horrible for my skin. Everytime taht I go home I vist the dermatologist who suggests to use NOTHING but sunblock. I have microdermabrasion everytime I see her and she keeps telling me that the only thing i should wear is sunblock.
    I have tried so many different sunblocks!!!!!! And all of them clog my pores and make my skin dry. My skin just hates sunblock!
    I tried: Avene sunblock. Decleor. Prozone. Cetaphil. Even Creme de la Mer sunblock.
    I dont know what it is exactly that my skin doesnt like, so i think i should try chemical sunblcoks and screens separetly. Is the one from loreal only chemical?

    I would love an advice from a sunblock expert!!!!!

    Thanks

    Reply
  9. Alethea Borealis says

    May 9, 2010 at 3:36 pm

    I was wondering, does this contain oxybenzone? I’ve been trying to look for a great sunscreen without oxybenzone. ><

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      May 9, 2010 at 5:40 pm

      I have thrown my box away and I don’t believe this product contains Oxybenzone but I stand to be corrected.

      Reply
  10. Alice says

    June 14, 2010 at 1:14 pm

    For Sun screen I strongly recommend people who have oily or combination skin to use Anthelios XL UV, it won’t clog your pores and is good for sensitive skin too. Recently, I also started using their Thermal Spring Water which naturally rich in selenium so far so good less breakout nowadays!

    Reply
  11. lolo says

    July 11, 2010 at 12:41 am

    Have any of you ever tried Prozone sun screen from MicroDerm it makes wonder very powerfull yet very nice to wear and best of all it is spf100 uva and uvb blocker special for oily to mild kind of skin and it is not chemical.

    Reply
  12. aries says

    February 18, 2011 at 11:42 am

    where in singapore can one buy the la roche-posay anthelios XL?

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      February 18, 2011 at 11:43 am

      Look in Guardian pharmacies. That’s where I got mine.

      Reply
  13. irene says

    March 22, 2011 at 11:44 pm

    can anyone tell me where i can buy La Roche Posay Anthelios XL sunscreen in malaysia?

    Reply
  14. Lola says

    July 1, 2012 at 1:59 am

    HOW IN THE HELL DO YOU GET THIS WORK FOR YOU?! D: This is one of the worst sunscreens in the world = obvious white cast, it wont stay on my skin (it flakes off like eraser rubbings), and it breaks me out 🙁 The most annoying thing is the white eraser-rubbing-like flakes that exist all over my face… definitely not attractive at all!

    Reply
  15. Hay says

    April 30, 2013 at 2:52 pm

    Hi,

    I’ve heard that it can be detrimental to wear make up ontop of sunscreens making them less efficient. Do you wear makeup on top? What are your thoughts? Thnks

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      May 3, 2013 at 5:17 pm

      I’m not sure about that, but I wear makeup most days of the week.

      Reply

Comment Policy:At MWS we love reading your comments. However, if you are new to leaving comments you may benefit from reading the comment policy first.

What's your view? Share it! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

My Women Stuff by Paris B

Welcome to My Women Stuff, a beauty blog based in Malaysia, written by veteran blogger, Paris B. What you can expect is honesty, critical views & a healthy dose of shared life lessons sprinkled amongst beauty product reviews. What you shouldn't expect is a page filled with unnecessary narcissistic photos. MWS is a blog for those who love to read, because we love to write! Read More about MWS and Paris B

Subscribe for weekly updates of all published content

RECENT REVIEWS

biologique recherche lotion p50 review

Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 revisited : Is it a facial in a bottle?

mad hippie cream cleanser

This Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser is one of the better cream cleansers I’ve ever used

skin rocks retinoid 2 serum

Might this Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 Serum by Caroline Hirons be the best Vitamin A serum I’ve ever used?

I tell stories on Instagram @parisbmws

I bought the Kinbor A5 planner on a whim about 2 m I bought the Kinbor A5 planner on a whim about 2 months ago. It’s one of my best purchases under RM30 so far! Read it on the blog www.mywomenstuff.com

It’s not too late to buy one 😆

#kinbor #kinborplannerweekly #kinborplanner #parisbmws #verticalplanner #weeklyplanner
This #elemis cleansing butter had been on my radar This #elemis cleansing butter had been on my radar for the longest time! On the blog mywomenstuff.com

#parisbmws #elemismy #elemismalaysia #elemissuperfood #cleansingbutter
Let’s talk about makeup and whether your prefere Let’s talk about makeup and whether your preferences/style has changed post pandemic? One of my signature makeup items is now optional! 😱 

On the blog: mywomenstuff.com
Hoppy CNY every bunny! 😆🧧 From me and my fur Hoppy CNY every bunny! 😆🧧 From me and my fur kids, one of whom is uncooperative and the other has no choice 😆
Listen for the ASMR 😁 I love balms and this blu Listen for the ASMR 😁 I love balms and this blue balm had me wondering if it was any similar to Blue Cocoon 😆 Review on the blog mywomenstuff.com 

#skincreamery #skincreamerybalm #naturalskincare #savannagoodness #skincarebalm #skincarecommunity #skincarejunkie #skincarelover #skincareblogger #parisbmws #over40blogger #over40skincare #dryskincareroutine
Belated new year musings on the blog mywomenstuff. Belated new year musings on the blog mywomenstuff.com 

This furry fella is so much a part of my life, but yet I have so few photos with him 😅 I shall remedy that this year! And I also hope to post a little more this year. Maybe quick shots that may not be so ✨aesthetic✨
Join over 10500 followers on Instagram

ABOUT ME · CONTACT ME · DISCLAIMER & COPYRIGHT · PRIVACY · ARCHIVES

© Copyright MY WOMEN STUFF 2007 - 2022 · All Rights Reserved