It’s no doubt we have been blessed with one of the hottest summers ever measured. More than enough reason to stress – once again – how important it is to protect your skin from UV rays, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outside. You can read my sunscreen basics here or carry on for a review of the new Nivea Sun UV Face sunscreens!
The new UV Face range consists of 3 different products, each with a SPF 30 and SPF 50 version ; the Shine Control cream, the Anti-Age and Anti-Pigments cream and Moisture Mousse. Although the Moisture Mousse intrigues me, I’ll be focussing on the 2 creams today. First off, I’d like to compliment Nivea on the packaging of these sun creams. They come in a handy tube format of 50 ml and have a simple & fun design to them that is both refreshing and stays true to the Nivea Sun heritage.
Nivea Sun UV Face Shine Control SPF 30
Normally I don’t go any lower than SPF 50 for my face, but I made an exception for the Nivea Sun UV Face Shine Control cream. This sunscreen has a creamy consistency that quickly gets thinner as you rub it in. Designed for oily skin types, the Shine Control cream promises an instant and long-lasting mattifying, non-sticky effect. Although the formula starts off less oily (notice me not using the word ‘matte’?) than the other cream in this review, the Shine Control cream is not powerful enough to stop my oils from seeping through as the day progresses.
I performed a test where I used the Shine Control cream on one half of my face and the Anti-Age & Anti-Pigments cream on the other and after a mere 2 hours the difference in shine was non-existent. I did not experience any sun burns, irritations or redness while using this (even though I’m very prone to sun damage), so I can’t complain about the sun protection factor, but don’t get your hopes up on the shine control part. I’ve used sunscreens that are better at controlling sebum (what causes the shine) than this one.
Ingredients: Aqua, Alcohol Denat., Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Dibutyl Adipate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Silica, Cyclomethicone, Tapioca Starch, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Trisodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Linalool, Limonene, Benzyl Alcohol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Geraniol, Citronellol, Coumarin, Parfum
Nivea Sun UV Face Anti-Age & Anti-Pigments SPF 50
SPF50 is where it’s at for this pale girl with sensitive skin! And the truth is, it really is the best way to prevent premature aging and dark spots. Another lightweight formula that is easy to apply and doesn’t leave a white cast, so it’s suitable for people of colour too. Both sunscreens protect you from UVA and UVB rays, which is great, but I’m kind of missing a clear indication of how well they protect against UVA rays (= PA ratings). I would expect the leader in sun care to be up-to-date when it comes to sunscreen rating systems, but I digress..
Although the formula is lightweight, it’s probably not the best option if you have oily skin, but if you have dry to normal skin this should be fine. If you have combination skin, you can skip your moisturizer as this cream has some moisturizing ingredients to it such as glycerin.
Ingredients: Aqua, Homosalate, Glycerin, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Alcohol Denat., Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Distarch Phosphate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract, Ubiquinone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Glyceryl Stearate, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Trisodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Linalool, Limonene, Benzyl Alcohol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Geraniol, Citronellol, Coumarin, Parfum
Overall, my experience with these sun creams has been good, but once you’ve tried an (Asian) sun essence, it’s hard to look back. Talking about sun essences, the Nivea Sun Protect Plus UV Milky Essence (SPF 50 PA ++++) has been making waves in Japan and I’ve been dying to try it. Nivea, please release this globally. I’ll be waiting..
Nivea Sunshine Love Shower Gel
If you love the scent of Nivea’s sunscreens, you will love the new Nivea Sunshine Shower Gel. For me the unique scent of Nivea sunscreen is just pure nostalgia and this shower gel lets me bathe in it.. literally. The uplifting sunny fragrance lightens your mood, while the refreshing formula with Aloe Vera richly lathers to gently cleanse and care for your skin, effectively removing residues of suncream, saltwater and chlorine. I absolutely love using this after a enjoying a sunny day! Do note this is a shower gel, so this doesn’t protect you from the sun as it doesn’t have SPF!
What is your favourite sunscreen and summer shower gel?
Nivea Sun UV Face Shine Control SPF 30 (50 ml) – € 13
Nivea Sun UV Face Anti-Age & Anti-Pigments SPF 50 (50 ml) – € 13,50
Nivea Sunshine Love Shower Gel (250 ml) – € 3,50
Available at the drugstore, supermarket.
Disclaimer: PR samples sent for consideration