I am often asked about the sunscreen I use. I am a big proponent of sunscreen as regulars are aware, and I have my staunch favourites. Basically, I don’t mess with the tried and true.
Ever since I fell out of love with the sunscreen I’d helped Shiseido sell (LOL!) I’ve been on the hunt for an alternative. I thought I’d found one in Anessa, but it turned out that I wasn’t as enamoured with it as I was with its more expensive counterpart.
But last year, I had my Hallelujah! moment! I found the sunscreen that I could use daily, that was comfortable and protected my skin, and that didn’t burn a hole in my wallet!
The snag was, it wasn’t available in Malaysia. Until now! 😀
Allie Sunscreen in Malaysia
I have recently learnt from excited readers and friends, that Allie sunscreens are now available in Malaysia at Watson’s stores and online.
I’d been waxing lyrical about Allie sunscreen to anyone who’d listen, that it was beginning to feel frustrating. This was a sunscreen that I could trust and be comfortable recommending, as it was one that I personally use myself.
I wanted it to be accessible, without it being elitist, available only to those who travel to Thailand or Japan (I’ve bought it in both these countries – it’ll be more affordable here in Malaysia 😉 )
Allie is a brand of sunscreens (that’s all there is in this line!) under the giant Kanebo cosmetics conglomerate.
Allie Extra UV Gel SPF50+ PA++++
When I first shared my love for the Kanebo Allie sunscreens, I told you about the Allie Extra UV Perfect.
RELATED READING: The sunscreen that made me fall in love with Allie sunscreens READ HERE
I’d also bought the Allie Extra UV Gel formula, but hadn’t tried it then. When my sister came to me asking for a new sunscreen, I gave her a tube I had. Unlike most people, she detests Anessa as she claims it does not protect her skin at all – while I’m not as harsh, it isn’t one I personally pick for long hours in the sun too.
Her feedback was to immediately made me pick her up 2 more tubes the next time I travelled to Bangkok! That’s how much she loves it. So I naturally had to see why.
Comfortable Gel texture feels hydrating
If you have drier skin, then you will likely prefer the Allie Extra UV Gel as opposed to the UV Perfect.
The texture is that of a lotion-gel, and feels almost hydrating on skin. The UV Perfect can potentially feel more drying on drier skin (I did not notice this however, despite having dry skin).
You may notice how the texture looks just like a lotion, and it applies just like one. It feels lightweight on skin, and sinks into skin quite quickly without leaving a residue.
It does almost seem to help hydrate my skin, which makes it feel more comfortable. While I do not find the Allie UV Perfect version drying, I can appreciate that this Allie Extra UV Gel feels more comfortable on my skin.
I don’t have a problem with it oiling up, pilling or feeling heavy or greasy. It sits nicely under makeup, and importantly, does not make my skin feel warm as the day wears on.
YAY for SPF50+ PA++++ Rating
While I appreciate that some schools of thought scoff at the thought of using sunscreen of more than SPF30 rating, I scoff any anything less than SPF50 😛
I live in the Tropics where the sun shines hot almost daily, and to me, SPF50 is the bare minimum I will tolerate. While my experience is anecdotal (I’m not a scientist nor chemist) I can safely say that a well-formulated SPF50 sunscreen protects my skin better and longer than a SPF30.
My observation is based on whether my skin warms up after sun exposure. UVB rays are what causes the skin to warm and burn, and I find that some sunscreens prevent that from happening better than others.
This is why I say that the Allie sunscreens I’ve used so far, protect my skin well, in that my skin does not feel warmed after sun/UV exposure. Shisiedo Perfect UV Protector used to protect my skin the same way. Anessa doesn’t.
It is also for this reason that I prefer using Japanese brand sunscreen. For me, they have worked better. My pigmentation is kept under control, and I do not experience more uneven darkening of my skin than necessary. Being fair-skinned comes with its attendant risks 😛
Does the Allie Extra UV Gel leave a white cast?
Being fair-skinned, I’d never noticed any white cast on my skin after using the Allie Extra UV Protector. But that was the report I was getting from friends with a medium to deep skin tone.
With this in mind, I tested the Allie Extra UV Gel on a friend with a medium skin tone, alongside the Extra UV Protector, and understood what people were trying to tell me.
Yes, the Extra UV Protector does leave a white cast on skin. This, I believe, is primarily due to how it’s formulated (It is a shake-up formula). The Extra UV Gel however, leaves a much less noticeable cast.
On very deep skin, it may be more noticeable, but on medium skin tone, once you rub the lotion into your skin, the white cast is very minimal. This white cast, I believe, is due to the ingredients used.
Zinc Oxide is one of the main ingredients in the Allie Extra UV Gel, and it usually leaves a white cast on skin, as it is a physical UV blocker. Allie, being a Japanese brand, would likely have formulated their sunscreens for the Japanese market, which is predominantly of the fair-skinned so perhaps they did not bear this in mind.
There’s nothing that a touch of tinted moisturiser or BB Cream or makeup can’t fix, but I can understand that it may be a concern to some people.
How much sunscreen to use each time?
Incidentally, the amount of product you see in the swatch photo above is the amount I use on ONE SECTION of my face. I use this much on each cheek, and about 2 more strips for the rest of my face, with extra for the neck and chest area.
I am very generous with my sunscreen usage, and do not believe in just dotting on product. For proper sun protection, you MUST use enough sunscreen. After much experimenting, this is what I deem ‘enough’.
RELATED READING: How much sunscreen is enough to protect skin? READ HERE
I have a well-stocked sunscreen box in my skincare wardrobe, with back-ups of Kanebo Allie sunscreens from my recent travels. But now that we can get Allie sunscreens in Malaysia, I am very pleased that I no longer have to fear running out, or to hoard 🙂
IN A NUTSHELL
Allie sunscreens are now available in Malaysia. These are my favourite sunscreens at the moment, and the ones I personally used ever since I bought them from Japan and Bangkok last year. The Allie Extra UV Gel has a lightweight lotion-gel texture, that is very comfortable on skin and almost feels hydrating on. It does not feel heavy or greasy, and although I use quite a lot on my skin, does not make my skin oily. I find that it protects my skin well enough, in that I do not notice new dark spots, nor does my skin feel unusually warmer (like a toasted feel) after sun exposure. This is my personal measure and what dictates if a sunscreen works for me. Now that Kanebo Allie sunscreens are here, I won’t have to hoard them anymore or seek them out when I travel!
PROS:
Affordable
Lightweight lotion texture feels comfortable on drier skin
Does not feel greasy nor heavy on skin
Does not make skin feel oily
High SPF50+ PA++++ rating for maximum UVA and UVB protectionCONS:
May leave a light white cast on deeper skin tonesWHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who wants a fairly affordable, comfortably formulated sunscreen with high SPF and PA rating that works
PRICE: RM97 for 60g (goes on sale so pick it up on promotion when you can)
WHERE TO BUY: Watson’s stores and online (Also in pharmacy/drugstores in Bangkok and Japan – that I know of)
For those interested, this is the ingredient list for the Allie Extra UV Gel
Ingredients: Water, Zinc Oxide, Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Triethylhexanoin, Isononyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Glycerin, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Phenoxyethanol
Do note the presence of Alcohol and Dimethicone, for those sensitive to those ingredients.
Have you tried Allie sunscreens? Are you excited to?
I’m just pleased that now, my luggage allowance can now be redirected to filling up my suitcases with edible souvenirs, rather than tubes and bottles of sunscreen when I travel! 😀 Let me know if you’ve tried these sunscreens and love them too!
Paris B
Karin says
Hi Paris B,
Like you, I am a fan of Shiseido sunscreen which is quite pricey.
I am excited to try the Allie sunscreen after reading your blog. However, when I checked the Watson website, there is also Allie Ex Uv Protector Facial Gel Spf50+ Pa++++. The only difference is it has the word Facial. Is this different from the one you wrote in your blog?
Regards,
Karin
Paris B says
Hi Karin, it’s different but the same, if you get my meaning. For the Japanese, if they formulate something for the face, they’ll use the word facial in it. So, the one marked Facial is meant for the face, while the one without is meant for the body. But I use it for the face with no problems. That said, I’m a bit of a rebel, and I think I get better value with a bigger tube LOL
Melchewvin says
I’ve tried the Extra UV Perfect Milk and the Extra UV Highlight gel and I must say the highlight version I love love love it gives the skin a dewy radiant healthy skin that doesn’t look oily or greasy. It’s such an elegant finish too bad that they don’t carry that in Malaysia
Paris B says
Oh I bought the Highlight version while overseas a while ago, and am just finishing it. Was wondering why it was giving my skin such a ‘glow’ LOL! But it’s a great makeup base for sure!
Maja says
I have an Allie sunscreen in my stack, because of your recommendation, but I can’t remember which type. Looking forward to try it.
Funny, I love Anessa. A friend of mine has a super nerdy genius daughter who compared the UV protection of different sunscreens and found that Anessa is one of the best. Others have had similar results.
Have you tried the E. Arden Prevage SPF 50? Super expensive, but gorgeous, particularly if you have dry Skin.
Hugs from Switzerland <3
Paris B says
Hi Maja! I haven’t tried the Prevage sunscreen, but I’ve recently tried Avene mineral sunscreen and I love it! I found it really good stuff! Hope you’ve been well
Maja says
Avene has excellent sunscreens. Thank you, I’m fine. But horrified about the Swiss government which doesn’t take adequate measures, and thousands of people die because of COVID-19 (1000 in 2 weeks, in a country of 8.4 Million). How are you?
Paris B says
Hi Maja, I’m well and hoping you are too! Our numbers here have escalated since we last spoke, and I’m not even sure if we’re ok anymore!
Maja says
Oh no! I hope your government takes adequate measures, unlike here in Switzerland. Stay safe, take good care of yourself!
Paris B says
Being realistic, I have no faith in the govt. Just staying safe as well as I can! Looks like it’s a case of everyone for themselves everywhere now. Sigh.
Maja says
It’s disgusting. Honestly, I see so many things differently than half a year ago. Including some of my friends, who leave compassion with the suffering for better times. Please take good care of yourself, and keep smiling. Thinking of you. Hugs from Switzerland!
Adrienne says
Hi ya Paris, I asked someone’s help to bring Allie UV perfect from Japan. Unfortunately it feels drying to my face and leave a white cast if I don’t apply it evenly on my face fast enough.
Great to learn that the gel version is available in Watson’s, looking forward to trying it. Thanks for timely post !
Zeetah says
Hi Paris,
I’m more interested in UVA protection, strong water resistant and oil control sunscreen bcos I’m outdoor most of the time so I sweat a lot and more when I workout and I also have oily skin. I use Anessa Skincare Milk and like everything about it; 3 types of UVA filter, its finish, water, sweat & sebum resistant except for its price?. Currently testing Allie UV Facial Gel but I won’t repurchase it. Its water resistant is not as strong as Anessa & it has more dewy & shine finish on my skin compared to Anessa. I also have Allie UV Perfect Milk in my stash waiting to be tested once I finish my Allie UV Facial Gel & Anessa
Shoomz says
I just came back from Japan and the UV perfect version was low in stock or out of stock in many drugstores, only the gel version was readily stocked. One staff told me that was meant for summer and I wasn’t sure if that was the case but your review makes me think it is likely so!
Izza says
Hi, is it suitable for combination skin -normal to oily skin? Thanks!
Paris B says
Hi, late reply, but I’d say yes it is suitable. However, it may feel a little more ‘dewy’ than you like. If so, consider the UV Perfect in the other packaging (not gel version) which is drier.
Mansi says
Hi, is this sunscreen suitable for very oily and acne prone skin?
Paris B says
For oily skin I’d suggest the UV Expert in the squarer bottle, not the Gel
Ethan says
Comparing the ?Allie Nuance Change UV Gel – Bright White and the ?Allie Extra UV Perfect Milk. What are the main differences and which in your view is better?
Paris B says
Hi, I’m afraid I haven’t tried the Allie Nuance Change UV Gel, and I won’t be able to compare. From what I can see however, the Nuance Change UV Gel is a cream and may feel more emollient on the skin. the Extra UV Perfect Milk can feel a little drying for many people.