I’d read so much about the new formula for Clinique sunscreen I knew I had to try it. I’d never tried the old formula but I loved the bright yellow packaging the new Clinique sunscreen comes in. I wish more companies would introduce colour into their skincare packaging – white gets boring :P
There are a few types of Clinique sunscreen available but I opted for the face cream. I’ve explained why I prefer cream textures in sunscreen previously – in a nutshell, its better for my slightly dry skin. Although its a cream, it isn’t heavy and neither is it oily. In fact it sits quite nicely on my skin and feels comfortable.
I don’t get oily in the day, and neither did I break out. For those sensitive to scent, you might be happy to know that Clinique’s sunblock has no scent at all. That’s a big plus point in my books too.
My one caveat is that I tried this in the SPF30 PA+++ version. So the texture was comfortable on my skin. However, it is a fact that the higher the SPF the thicker the cream will be so the SPF50 face cream may just be a tad thicker in texture and may not suit everyone. I tested the SPF50 at the counter – its not super thick and might suit me too.
Personally I prefer a SPF50 formula no matter what anyone says but SPF30 is quite sufficient if you don’t go out in the sun or get exposed to too much UV rays. So, I use this sunscreen for days when I know for a fact I’ll be staying indoors. Otherwise, I slap on my SPF50 and take no chances!
The key ingredients in Clinique sunscreens are avobenzone (broad spectrum UVA), ethylhexylsalicylate and homosalate (UVB abosrbers), oxybenzone (broad spectrum UVA & UVB), and octrocrylene (UVB and short UVA). So this looks like a chemical sunscreen that protects against both UV-A and UV-B rays. I don’t have the full ingredient list.
All that said, this performs like a champ for me so I’d say its a pretty decent sunscreen all in all. I won’t stay out too long in the sun wearing an SPF30 sunscreen though. I could feel my skin smarting a little after a slightly too long exposure. Hence the reason I stick to SPF50 for daily wear here in the tropics.
The Clinique Face Cream SPF30 retails for RM95/50ml and the SPF50 retails at RM105/50ml. Not super pricey compared to all the sunscreens I’ve been using lately. I’d place the texture somewhat closer to the La Roche Porsay Anthelios XL and in terms of personal preference, I’ll place this after the Vichy UV Activ sunscreen simply because its SPF30 and the other two favourites in my stable are SPF50 and are combination chemical/physical sunscreens.
Pros: Non oily, No Scent, Affordable
Cons: SPF30 is a little light, Chemical sunscreens may not suit all skintypes
Have you tried sunscreens from Clinique? I’d tried the City Sunblock or something similar sounding a few years ago. It was pretty good and I remember people liking it a lot. Clinique also has a body sunblock in this range which was a bit of a surprise since few department store brands do sunscreens for the body. I might try that some time to see how I like it :)
Stay beautiful,
Paris B
For someone like myself who’s into Clinique Skincare, I am surprised I don’t own any Clinique Sunscreen, thanks for this post, after I finish up my sunscreens, I may look into this :)
Hiya Nikki
This formula’s new but other sunscreens have been in the market longer. Do let us know how you like it when you try it!
I usually clean off my make up and sun block at evening bout 6 7 o’clock. do I need to reapply my sunblock after that? i sit in front of the table light to study at night so should i reapply sun block? I heard they say even when you are indoor u can still have spot or darken due to the florescence light, is that true? so if i do reapply at evening, should i remove it again when i go to bed? and one more thing, do you do your second time cleansing right before you go do bed? usually we need to cleanse our face twice a day so what is the normal time for the 2nd time?
Hi Germaine
Yes all light sources, computers, tv, light bulbs emit UV rays but its not as strong as the sun’s UV rays so its rarely recommended for sunblock to be used at night. I never apply anything containing SPF at night so my skin can breathe. I cleanse my skin when I get back from work, and take my shower whatever time that is so it could be any time between 6-10pm. There is no “normal time” but usually its before bed. HTH.
Hi ParisB, I totally agreed wtih you about wearing sunscreen at all times except for sleep!
My two faves are the LaRoche Posay Anthelios (like you!) and Neutrogena Face Shield SPF 90+ (I take not chances, either, and my regime has stopped freckling dead in it’s tracks!).
Thanks for the review!
Hi Jamilla
I haven’t tried that Neutrogena but I might have seen it around our pharmacies. Will check it out, thanks!
im such a lazy ass.
i strickly cleanse my face only twice a day as that is what is recommended by dermatologists.
but i tone moisturize and sun block only once before heading out.
when i return from uni, i just cleanse and apply aloe vera gel all over my face as if its a sleeping mask and hit the sack.
wonder if its healthy for the skin.
*p/s: im using dermalogica’s super sensitive sunblock spf 30. prefer this than neutrogena one. i dont know why but that one oils up on me :(
Hi Lynn
Well, no pain no gain! Cannot be lazy – I swear by the whole skincare routine – its a way to wind down in the evenings before bed :)
I thought SPF is just a measurement of time that the sunscreen can absorb all the UV? I’m not very sure but I read some article about it.
Some said every SPF equal to 10minutes.
So, for a 30 SPF sunscreen it only able to absorb UV lights for 300minutes which means 5 hours. That should be enough if you did not stay out for long.
I don’t use SPF product because if you wear it longer, the cream will not be able to absorb extra UV after the “working period” and the absorbed stuff will get into your skin if you did not clean it soon.
I like sunscreen product from Tifafine (a Taiwan company, products from France. They have several beauty saloon in Malaysia and the Malaysia headquarter is at SS2.). Their sunscreen does not contain SPF but really works on protecting the skin from UV lights. They use physic reflection theory on their sunscreen product. Also, the texture is not thick and very easy to apply.
Hi Jean
Yes SPF is. So I go for higher SPF because I find it protects my skin better. If you are fair skinned your sunburn factor is about 10 minutes and yes 30SPF should be sufficient in ideal conditions provided lots of things e.g. application, what you’re doing etc. Its all debatable – after all sunscreen is only something happening for about 1 generation so I guess much depends on current research.
i am actually looking for sunscreen now, i have tried their cityblock, and i think i had a sample of this. have used it but forgot to mark down how was it :P now i am torn between few choices. will ask u about it when we meet again! :D
Hi prettybeautiful
Well tomorrow’s post might answer your question :)
Hi ParisB,
Can you write a review about the Lancome Genifique Youth Activator?
Would like to know more about it from the true experience of someone. :-)
Hi Veron
I did a brief review of the Lancome Genifique here. In a nutshell, it felt nice, my skin felt nice but it broke me out. I used it on alternate days or every 2 days and it was ok then. My mom loves it so I’ve given mine to her. :)
how long can this sunblock last you with daily usage? I’m considering this but if it doesn’t last long it’ll end up pricey for me as I’m still studying. :(
I find it ok but gave it to a friend who doesn’t like it. Personally, I’d stick to Kiehl’s UV Defense, Biotherm UV Supra D-Tox, L’Oreal UV Perfect, Vichy UV Activ (have not tried the reformulated version), Clarins. All except the L’Oreal one are on the pricey side but I tend not to stint on sunscreen.
Thanks for the review. It helped me purchase one. Clinique is one of the best sunscreens I have used. It gives good results. :)