I am very excited about this post today! Because besides reviewing two of Kiehl’s UV protection sunscreens, this post MAY help me win S$800 worth of Kiehl’s products that I plan to share with 5 of my readers! I hadn’t planned for this when I asked for their sunscreens to test two weeks ago so it was really great timing when the Kiehl’s team announced this Kiehl’s Kiehl-ler Blogger Challenge last Saturday. So if you wanna help me win, do read till the end of this post to find out how.
As mentioned in my earlier post about visiting Kiehl’s, I asked for two of their facial sunscreens – Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA+++ and Kiehl’s Nymphaea Alba UV Shield SPF 35/PA+++ – to test out and compare. Regular readers would know that I’m a mineral sunscreen kind of gal, and my preference for everyday usage is a physical sunblock. However, because of my obsession with sunscreens, I am open to testing chemical sunscreens too. And as a matter of fact, I use chemical sunscreens whenever I have to stay out under the hot sun. But do note that I have no plans to use these sunscreens every day, so for this review, my focus is more about their texture and protection level as I only took about 2 weeks to test both products.
Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA+++ 30ml S$68
This is their latest addition to the Dermatologist Solutions collection of advanced treatments. Described as a translucent, non-greasy formula that utilizes photostable sun filters Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL in combination with the antioxidant Vitamin E and Glycerin as a moisturizer, this 30ml tube is creamy like and suitable to be applied to the face for broad spectrum sun protection.
High photostability with emollient properties
With Mexoryl SX and XL as the key filters, I have no worries about the photostability of this product as they provide complete protection against UVB and UVA rays all day. Plus it has a physical blocker in the form of titanium dioxide. And because it is translucent, there is also no issue of unsightly whitecast when applied. However, due to the glycerin, which is listed 3rd on the ingredient list, I found this cream slightly sticky to the feel. It’s not oily or greasy though when applied but the first few times I applied this, I found it left a slight shiny sheen on my face, and I needed some powder after applying this UV Defense cream. I have combination skin type and I would say I felt a lot more comfortable using this product on my face during cooler days. But the good thing is that I didn’t need to apply any oil or moisturizer beneath the Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA+++ as it was emollient on its own.
Kiehl’s Nymphaea Alba UV Shield SPF 35/PA+++ 30ml S$57
This product is lotion like and contains photostable sun filters Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL as well plus vitamins C and E and jasmine extract to protect against free radicals. Additionally, titanium dioxide is listed fifth on the list so there is also a physical blocker. Performance wise, it is as photostable as Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA+++ except that this product comes with a lower SPF. But in terms of texture, I actually prefer this product because it is not only non-greasy, but leaves my skin looking matt and I didn’t need to use any powder if I didn’t want to.
Matt texture but a tad drying
Actually I found this product quite close to some the Japanese sunblock formulations and even one of La Roche-Posay’s that I’ve tried. You’ll also need to shake the bottle before use so that’s something to remember. While texture is great in my opinion, but this product is more drying and I definitely needed to use oil or moisturizer beneath. I suspect the matt but drying texture is because of the combination of dimethicone and alcohol denat, that are quite high up on the ingredient list.
Comparison between the two facial sunscreens
Between the two, it’s quite a tough fight. I initially started liking Kiehl’s Nymphaea Alba UV Shield SPF 35/PA+++ but I later found it to be a tad drying for my skin and I realized it depends on the weather. On warmer days, this product is excellent for me but on cooler days, Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA+++ worked excellently. So I deduced that Kiehl’s Nymphaea Alba UV Shield SPF 35/PA+++ probably works better for oily skin type while Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA+++ works better for normal to drier skin type. Anyway, both are developed for Asian skin types and are said to work well even for sensitive skin. Personally, I find them great as makeup bases, but I won’t use them on a daily basis but probably on really hot days or when I’m due to be out under the sun all day. And when it comes to really hot days, I’ll have to concede the Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA+++ provides me with better peace of mind.
Price point and availability
Both products are available at all the Singapore outlets. In terms of price points, Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA+++ cost more, as it offers a higher level of SPF protection plus it provides benefits against pigmentation irregularities. Both products contain alcohol denat though, something I’m not fond of. Finally, Kiehl’s Nymphaea Alba UV Shield SPF 35/PA+++ has a light scent while Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA+++ is almost scent-free.
Win prizes by making Viva Woman Kiehl’s Kiehl-ler Blogger
Okay, now for more info on how to help Viva Woman become Kiehl’s Kiehl-ler Blogger! It’s actually very easy. The blogger to win is determined by the total number of commenters commenting on this post plus the total number of requests asking for samples at Kiehl’s stores in Singapore. So all you have to do to make me win is to comment here and also visit the local Kiehl’s stores to ask for samples by quoting you’re a reader of Viva Woman.
Five readers to be selected – local & international
The competition will end April 30 and if I’m lucky enough to win, then I will share my S$800 prize with 5 readers who commented here – four local readers and one international reader. Each will receive up to S$150 worth of Kiehl’s products from me; prizes to be determined with the reader. Do note that selection will be based on the quality of your comments.
So ready to make me win this challenge?
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About Sesame Blog editor of Viva Woman, Sesame is a skin care addict who is fond of using natural & organic beauty products. She also enjoys ogling at handmade jewelry & cute stationery.
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I tried Kiehl’s new sunscreen at the store and found it good. SPF50, easy to apply, no fragrance, no color and best is non greasy! I would like to buy it but I still have two tubes of sunscreens from other brands so have to restrain myself from getting it now. In the end, I bought the cleanser and mask instead. Will probably go back and get it after I finish using my current sunscreens.
I have also been using the Ultimate Strength Hand Salve for awhile already. My sis got it from States for me and it must have been cheaper to get it there. Compared to other brands, I really like this one for its non fragrance and non greasy feel and it works to keep your skin sufficiently moisturized.
hi sesame,
first off – your blog is fabulous! i’ve been following for about a year now and love it. i find it valuable for several key reasons, one, i personally resonate with your choices of entry topics but perhaps even more important is the fact that after reading countless entries it seems very clear that you are intelligent, thorough, and discerning. there is soooooo much information out there and most of us have very little time to try to edit through all the, politely, less than accurate info. to be mislead is unfortunate. so, thank you sesame for truly having one of the best international blogs on the world wide web. kuto’s to you!
on another note, one of my fave topics – sun protection. i’m interested in the kiehl’s spf, however, i would be interested in your opinion as to whether it is superior to the la roche-posay. i know you mentioned that it’s similar, however, which one would you choose? in order of importance to me is (1) protective ability uva and uvb etc (2) least amount of ‘harmful’ manmade ingredients parabens, alcohol, etc (3) how it makes my skin look.
so which one would win the contest in your view? thank you for that. it’s very meaningful to me and my friends as well. somehow i’ve become the beauty advisor and i use your blog as one of my trusted resources
and finally, i found a fabulous natural sunscreen about a year and a half ago and have been wanted to share it with you and your readers. it’s by a well renowned ayurvedic doctor from india who lives in new york. she has a skin care line named Pratima. it’s very, very clean and makes my skin look nice. bonus. i’m rather fastidious about the quality of my sunscreens products, however, i know you have more in depth knowledge than i do. so i would love to have your take on the ingredients, especially the caliber of the protection. they are a wonderful group of people with great integrity and love for what they do and bet if you send them the link to your blog they would send you some samples in a heartbeat if you’re interested. the ingredients are as follows:
Neem Rose face sunscreen 30 spf: ionized water, micronized zinc oxide 18.6%.extracts of neem, brahmi, shatavari, licorice, vitamin e, lecithin, rose essential oil.
finally, which daily mineral sunscreen do you wear these days. i know you like one from marie veronique, however, i may have lost track of your latest pick since last summer.
thank you so very kindly, sesame!
patricia
Hi Patricia: Thanks for your positive comments. I did announce recently that I didn’t win the Kiehl’s competition so I can’t be sharing any prizes with my readers. Sorry if your comment was meant as an entry.
W.r.t your question about sunscreen, I would recommend Kiehl’s for daily usage. Both LRP and Kiehl’s use Mexoryl so the sunscreens are photostable. But I would recommend LRP’s for outdoor usage and Kiehl’s for daily use. Chemical exposure in terms of ingredients are more or less the same so I don’t really want to analyze that part.
Personally, I would choose to continue with your natural sunscreen. The amount of zinc oxide is substantial and should provide good broad spectrum protection. In addition, I love the ingredient list – it’s simple and clean. If you’re happy with the texture, continue using it on a daily basis. But I’m not sure if this is water resistant so it’s something to consider if you’re using it for outdoor sports.
Personally, I use Marie Veronique Organics sunscreen on a daily basis. It’s natural with 20% zinc oxide and has a lovely texture.
Hi i was just wondering if you have a sunscreen thats is low in oil. i have acne on my back and face due to too much oil. i cannot use normal sunscreen on my face because it has too much oil in it. is there anything you would recommend??
Try the Kiehl’s sunscreens…they are non greasy.
Hi i was just wondering how to enter the competitions and all that. I dont really understand what to do
Thank you
Sorry, the competition is already closed.