When you’re informed that a holy grail product that you run through like water and replenish obsessively despite the cost, is being replaced, there are only two things you can do. Grit your teeth and hope for the best, while ensuring you have at least 1 bottle left as back up; or run around screaming “The sky is falling! The world is ending!” and buy up all the products you can find to stockpile into the next century.
Unfortunately, with sunscreen, there’s a shelf life that you’d be well advised to observe (2 years, after which they degrade I’m told) so when it’s a favourite sunscreen that is being replaced, I sob a little into my pillow, grit my teeth and hope for the best.
And with a lot of melodrama, that was how I felt when I was told that this Shiseido Perfect UV Protector SPF50+ PA++++ Wet Force would be replacing my daily staple, the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector SPF50+ PA++++ .
What’s the difference? Well, other than the fact that one bottle is white and the other blue, you mean? 😛
You see, it’s kind of funny the U-turn that Shiseido did when it came to their packaging. Shiseido’s suncare range was always this bright blue with orange trim before this. Always. I didn’t try it back then, because I was into other brands. But when they revamped their formula and launched the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector SPF50+ PA++++ it came in a a white bottle with blue trim (they also have one with grey trim that I’ve not used). I’m not sure if you can get this outside of Asia so if you know, please holler!
3 years later, Shiseido has come full circle by going back to their blue and orange packaging with their improvements to the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector SPF50+ PA++++ by adding what they call “Wet Force technology”.
What they claim, is that their already very efficient and very good sunscreen is now boosted by contact with water! So, instead of fretting that your sunscreen is deteriorating when you sweat or go for a swim, we are assured that moisture (whether through perspiration or water) boosts the sun protection efficacy of the product, as the negative ions in the product bond with positive ions in perspiration and water, to create an even more water repellent layer to boost protection to 124%. Numbers, they are impressive no?
Truth be told, it sounds pretty amazing, especially because when its time to whip out the sunscreen, the odds will be that you will be going somewhere hot, or humid or you are planning to get sweaty or wet. Erm… yeah 😛 For us who live where it’s hot and humid all the time, and where stepping out for 5 seconds leaves us melting into a puddle of perspiration, this sounds pretty much like a God-send.
But the fact is, we can’t really tell if it’s working.
I mean, it’s great if it does, but I wouldn’t put too much hope in it you know? So, be diligent and reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours or so if you’re out in the sun, or perhaps less often if you’re not. Because it’s inconvenient, I actually don’t reapply my sunscreen during the day if I’m indoors, but then I don’t go out into the sun either. For me therefore, if this “wet force” technology works, then all well and good.
What was more important to me, as a fervent and loyal user of the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector SPF50+ PA++++ (sans wet force) was, whether it would still remain my HG sunscreen. Would it slide off my face? Will it dry me out the way many Japanese brand sunscreens do? Will this new formula break me out?
Happily, the answer is no it doesn’t. It feels the same on my skin as its previous incarnation in the white bottle. The texture is pretty much the same as before, even down to the slight pink iridescence in the product you squeeze out after diligently shaking up the bottle. It still serves as an excellent makeup base for me so I still eschew using a primer; and it seems to protect my skin as well as its predecessor. I judge this by the fact that my pigmentation does not get worse nor do I burn nor turn red after sun exposure.
So I suppose my melodrama was for nought. I am still a huge fan of this Shiseido sunscreen which I’ve convinced numerous people to use, all of whom love it, despite the price tag. If there’s one thing I’m loathe to stinge on, it’s my sunblock. So, I’m sure there are budget options out there (and I do want to find one ever since I found out that my other budget favourite by Hada Labo has been discontinued) but I’m picky so it’s a slow process.
I guess for the time being, I’m still holding on to this. Yes, it’s still pricey and yes, I know I’ll be tightening my belt to repurchase this, as I have been every couple of months as I run out. I’ve been through uncountable bottles of this and my wallet would like me better if I found a cheaper substitute! 😛
IN A NUTSHELL
The Shiseido Perfect UV Protector SPF50 PA++++ Wet Force is said to be an improvement on the previous incarnation that came in a white bottle. As the white bottle is my daily sunscreen and has been for the past few years, I find no discernible difference in texture or performance of this new Wet Force version so I’m happy to continue using it. It acts as a good makeup base (primer), does not turn oily nor dry out my skin and protects my skin well. HG material levelled up!
PROS: Compact packaging is portable, Does not dry out my skin, Does not turn oily or greasy, Absorbs well and makes a very good makeup base, Protects my skin well from the sun and uv rays
CONS: Pricey
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who doesn’t like sunscreen that feels thick or oily on skin
Here’s the ingredient list for anyone interested.
I’ve included the ingredient list for the previous version, which to my untrained eye looks fairly similar, except that the order of the ingredients are a little different. It might explain why it feels the same to me 🙂
Have you been using the Shiseido Perfect UV sunscreen before this?
Ever since I was introduced to the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector I’ve looked at no other. I mean, why look further when you’ve already found your Holy Grail right? 😀 I’m happy the reformulation hasn’t changed that for me. Finding a new sunscreen can be quite a pain! 😛
Paris B
Shiseido Perfect UV Protector SPF50 PA++++ Wet Force Price: RM148.40 / 50ml Availability: All Shiseido counters
Like you, I’ve gone through bottles and bottles of the original Shiseido Perfect UV Protector and yes, there doesn’t seem to be much difference between that and the new WetForce one, other than the latter being slightly more mattifying… Only ever so slightly!
The grey-rimmed one didn’t work as well for me as it was really hydrating! Have you tried the Shiseido UV Protective Liquid Foundation? That one’s pretty good too! 😉
Ooh I didn’t notice it to be more mattifying but that’s a good thing right? 😀 I didn’t try the grey trim one, but I tested one that came in a tube and I didn’t like that one bit. Moved around too much on my skin! I haven’t tried the liquid foundation, but I was recently sent the stick version which intrigues me!
This is great news! Stocking up when I go to the Land of the Rising Sun later in the year! It should be cheaper there no?
Hmm… It’s debatable if it’ll be cheaper Isabel. I’d suggest checking out the price before you go because from recollection, a lot of department store brands actually ended up being a little more pricey there! But also check out the airport (now that we have GST, the prices in our airport should be lower) and also in Japan because they too impose a tax on goods, that aren’t reflected in the retail price 🙂
Ooooh thanks for the tips Paris. I’ll do that! 🙂 Have a lovely weekend!
The original shiseido perfect uv is my HG sunscreen too but not available in USA. So I bought backups before I move from malaysia. I tried the new one, works the same for me and the best part, easily available in sephora USA
Thanks for letting us know this one’s available in Sephora USA! Perhaps what Shiseido did was to streamline everything so it’s now available worldwide 😀
Wonderful. Stocking up on this when I next travel. Question – this should be slightly cheaper at duty free KLIA? What with the implementation of GST and all?
I would think so, yes. I didn’t check the price the last time I passed through duty free though, but logically, it should be cheaper at the airport than inland 🙂
My sister keeps raving about the white Shiseido sunscreen and the foundation from the same range. She said it’s the best sweatproof products ever. Gosh the technology sounds incredible! I wish I read this before I bought a huge tub of facial sunscreen just a few weeks ago. I def want to try this!!!!
Oh you should try this! I haven’t used any other since, which is of course, detrimental to my wallet LOL! I’m also trying the stick foundation so that will be interesting. I’ve never used a foundation that is sold under a sun protection range before!
I actually like the white bottle design better because it just looks so chic whereas the blue one looks like it came out of a toy box, but that’s my opinion haha. Personally, I don’t reapply sunscreen as well because I just find the whole idea confusing. Like if I’m wearing make-up, do I wash off everything and reapply my skincare routine+ sunscreen? Do I directly apply it on top of my makeup? Uh the effort. A lot of people rave about shiseido sunscreens but I don’t like to follow hype but I think I’ll make an exception for this because it just sounds plain amazing haha.
Hahahhaa yes! The new (old) colour scheme does look quite kiddie, as opposed to the white one. I do wonder why they changed it, but now that I know it’s also available in the USA, then I think it’s more to streamline their collection. Maybe! I don’t know what these brands think half the time LOL! 😛 I don’t know about other Shiseido sunscreens but this one is truly amazing so it’s absolutely worth giving a go! Let me know if you like it, Robert!
I tend to lean towards using Asian skincare brands for sunscreen instead of Western brands because we seem to have a lot more protection in our sunscreen. As for this sunscreen I am still on the fence but I am definitely going to keep an eye on this.
I still have 4 bottles of sunscreen I haven’t used yet. (I’m such a hoarder)
>.<
I just think Asians know sunscreen better LOL! The Japanese especially have done an awesome job with sunscreens, balancing high sun protection with a light texture, that the Western brands just can’t seem to grasp. Which sunscreens are you hoarding?! Remember, they have a shelf life so don’t hoard too long!
Miss P.. I also stock up these Sunscreen.. I am so happy u said its texture n lasting power is the very much the same as the last ones.. U made my day!
Yay Shija! This is truly the best sunscreen I’ve ever used, but so mahal laaaaa!!!
Paris, I can’t find Shiseido in this part of the world. Could you recommend another brand of Sunscreen that DOES its job like its been told to? Hmph!
Oh dear, no Shiseido! That’s a travesty! I could ask you to try looking on StrawberryNET.com
because they do stock Shiseido and they ship internationally 😉 But another brand I didn’t mind using was Kose Sekkisei. I do tend to use Japanese brands and have little faith and liking for most Western brand sunscreens unfortunately. Will update if I come across any, so stay tuned! 🙂
The Hada Labo sunscreen is discontinued?? I was hoping to try it once my current one finishes (and it’s taking a long time). 🙁
Sadly yes, the Hada Labo one that I love has been discontinued 🙁 I confirmed it with the company and now I have to find another affordable option!
Tragedy! Seriously- 🙁
That Hada Labo sunscreen is awesome and so dry skin friendly. I’ve only just discovered it and now it is cruelly snatched away? Booooo.
Having said that, I’m floozy enough that I’d already ordered a new budget sunscreen to try, ha! – Missha Sun Milk. Will see how that measures up….sob…….
I know how you feel! I was sad about it too so the search is back on! It’ll be interesting to know how the Missha fares for you. I don’t even know if we have the brand here, or if we do, where to find it LOL! Gosh, I’m so bad with Korean brands!
Hada Labo UV whitening emulsion discontinued too. I just started to love it and plan to repurchase. Argh. I am hoping that you can do a review on other budget friendly sunscreens comparable to this Shiseido sun protector. I’ll definitely appreciate it if you can give some recommendation here (first) as well =) hahaha. What other sunblocks you can recommend? Million thanks!
Yes, it totally sucks about the Hada Labo one because it was my affordable HG! Now I have to find another. I’m still looking for affordable options, but I’ve noticed many new ones from Biore and from previous experience, Biore breaks me out so I’m a little hesitant to try 🙁 I’ll definitely share if I come across any others. I haven’t yet started looking in the pharmacies, but another 2 I sort of liked were the Kose Sekkisei sunscreen and the Naruko AMPM one. The latter is fairly affordable and wasn’t too bad in terms of texture. Still hunting down other options!
Thank God everything remains the same as this is also my HG sunscreen. LOL. Pity the price has gone up though. Do you think this will be cheaper at KLIA? Found out from you on your IG that they have discontinued the Hada Labo sunscreen which was such a good backup to this Shiseido one. I saw the replacement which is some 5 in 1 gel sunscreen which I am going to bite the bullet and buy it at Guardian since its on sale at around RM45.
Yep, prices are up, as with everything. Sigh… I didn’t check the price at KLIA the last time I passed through but now that we have GST, I reckon it should be a bit cheaper at the airport. Or maybe they’ll have special packs? Damn, I should have taken a look last I was there LOL! I did also see the replacement for the Hada Labo whitening sunscreen but didn’t buy it to try. Maybe I should eh? 😛
The price of this is really ouch! Nice to know that this remains your favourite after the change. Like some of your other readers, I’ll be waiting to hear about your picks for an alternative and more affordable sunscreen option! 🙂
I’ll have to work on that now, Yee! I didn’t have a lot of good experiences with some brands hence my hesitance to try them. But I’ll keep a look out!
I\’m a big fan of the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector as well and had stocked up a few bottles when I went to Japan last February. So, no idea on it being replaced by the Wet Force version. Haha. My stock pile will last me for 1.5 years. >.<As for a budget version, maybe you\'d like to try the Biore UV AquaRich Watery Essence SPF50+ PA++++. I started out by using this on my arms, and slowly on the neck and face. It\'s pretty good. It\'s not sticky and it doesn\'t leave my face oily.Sasa is having a promo on this now. I think it\'s below RM30 currently. Maybe you\'d like to give it a try, PB! I gave 1 each to my friends who do not use sunblock in hopes of turning their bad habits around. 😛
Thanks for the suggestions Vivk! 🙂 I did pick up the Biore during the sale so I’ll be giving it a go. I’m only a little afraid to use it on my face because I had a tendency to break out from Biore sunscreens. Others seem fine, but Biore just totally kills my skin! Hopefully not this time.
Thank you for posting photos of the ingredient lists. These are often difficult to get for sunscreens! I’m allergic to chemical suncreens (they cause rashes and flaking). Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are fine, but octocrylene has caused problems in the past.
Hello, I’ve bought this a week before and noticed that it feels very minty on the skin (lol I’m sorry that didn’t make sense) I mean like when you eat a mint and breathe, that slightly burning sensation?I’m getting that all over my face, a burn that feels cold and I’m worried I’m having some kind of reaction to the product, I don’t have any other symptoms as of now though and I bought this in the mall in the shiseido shop so I’m pretty sure it;’s not fake either.
Is it just me or does anybody else feel this?
I got the Wet force hydro fresh by the way
I know what you mean, and I don’t experience it. That said, I haven’t tried the Hydro Fresh, which I believe is new. It’s curious though. If it continues to irritate your skin, I’d suggest that you take it back to the store and tell them about it.
Hi PB!
Love your blog for years and have always turn to your posts whenever I’m in search of a product. 🙂
I’m curious to how many times a day do you recommend to apply sunscreen? Do you reapply by afternoon and how do you reapply without messing up make up? Hope to learn some good tips from you.
Thanks!
Ashley
Hi Ashley, thank you for supporting my blog all these years! The official recommendation is to reapply sunscreen evern 2 hours or so, if you are exposed to a lot of sun e.g. by the beach or pool. When I’m in that situation, I go without makeup and I reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. But on a regular work day, I don’t reapply. Primarily it is because I’m indoors most of the time. But if you do want to reapply, it is advisable to remove all your makeup, do your skincare, apply sunscreen and then reapply your makeup. In the alternative, buy a powder type sunscreen (there are some in the market) and use it to top up your sunscreen during the day. This won’t mess up your makeup 🙂
This is so late after this post but I discovered this sunscreen mid last year and it’s my new love. I’m a gal who loves hiking and cycling, but doesn’t even want to get the slightest tan ? This is the only sunblock that has done it for me. Especially cycling where arms are in constant sun exposure for hours, using this didn’t change my skin tone at all (reapplied after 2 hrs).
Consider myself a shiseido sunscreen believer now.
Happy to know that you too like this one Elaine 🙂 I swear by it and unless they totally screw it up in future reformulations, I’m using it for life! 🙂
Have you tried any of tbe TOP Japanese sunscreens like Biore, Anessa and Sunplay? Just for comparison purposes
Yes I have. My review on Anessa is here 🙂 I cannot use Biore as it breaks me out (all formula) and I don’t like Sunplay sunscreens. I have used them before and have reviewed them here. I still prefer Shiseido, but it’s my personal preference.