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SUNSCREEN SUNDAY #11: Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield SPF50+ PA++++

This item was sent for review purposes.

Years ago I reviewed the 1st version of Klairs Mid-Day Blue Sun Lotion SPF40 PA++. They came out with a 2nd version a year or so later which I also tried, and now they have the 3rd! Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield SPF50+ PA++++.

This Sunscreen Sunday deserved a little intro blurb because I am very excited to discover how far this mineral sunscreen has come along since its beginnings!


INFORMATION ON KLAIRS MID DAY BLUE UV SHIELD SPF50+ PA++++

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This physical sunscreen is hydrating, lightweight, non-irritant, and gentle for any skin type, even sensitive skin. It is SPF 50/PA++++ and contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect your skin against UVA/UVB. By containing guaiazulene it also helps calm the skin. It has a natural tone-up effect after application with a semi-matte finish. Recommended for combination and oily skin.

– Wishtrend

Klairs is finally back with the newest updated version and it is called the Mid day Blue UV Shield! Get excited because compared to the previous versions, it has now become even 1) fresher, 2) smoother to apply on the skin, 3) more hydrating on the skin with a semi-matte finish, and 4) still remains to give a significant calming effect for irritated skin under the strong UV rays. 

– Wishtrend blog post

Price: $23 USD
Amount: 80 ml

UV FILTERS:

Type: Mineral
Zinc Oxide – Unknown
Titanium Dioxide – Unknown

Protection:
UVB: SPF50+ (~SPF60)
UVA: PA++++ (>PPD 16)

HIGHLIGHT INGREDIENTS (skinthusiast perspective):
Guaiazulene – what makes the formula blue! Has been described as a calming, soothing ingredient due to it being derived from the chamomile plant. INCIDecoder however lists this ingredient as antimicrobial/perfuming
Tocopherol – antioxidant
Comparing the 3rd version’s ingredients list to the first formulation, I can’t help but be a little sad. The first original formula had a handful of nice ingredients in it (Niacinamide, Panthenol, Arginine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Tinosorb S!).
However I see why they have simplified the formula. Mineral sunscreens in general are recommended to those with sensitive skin, so a reduction in ingredients means less likelihood of problems. Niacinamide for example is one of my favourite ingredients of all time, and some people cannot tolerate it at all.
To add to the sensitive skin note – this does have fragrance. However on Wishtrend’s Instagram, they have answered that it is formulated with allergen free fragrance and it has been tested on sensitive skin.
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I personally don’t mind fragrance in products, as long as it’s
1. Not overwhelming
2. I’m using one fragrance included product in my routine
This sunscreen also has a few silicone ingredients in it. I don’t know about you, but the smell of silicone to me is not pleasant at all!

MY EXPERIENCE WITH KLAIRS MID DAY BLUE UV SHIELD SPF50+ PA++++

PACKAGING:  Opaque blue plastic tube with small spout.

CONSISTENCY:  Thick cream, but not heavy.

FRAGRANCE: Light, candy-corn scent. I have no other way to describe it other than it smells candy sweet, but corny? It isn’t offensive and it fades.

APPLICATION: Need to work it into the skin in order for it to spread well. The first time I used this I applied my standard amount too much at once and it looked REALLY weird and I definitely saw a blue cast. The second time I applied it in thin layers, and it looked MUCH better, but it seems to always pill around my hairline.

FINISH: Semi-matte. It isn’t flat, and I have a skin like finish on my face.

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FEEL: Slightly greasy. This has a handful of silicones in the formulation, and on my face it feels as if I applied something oily. When it has time to set, it feels slightly tacky. It is slightly drying around my eyes.

STINGS EYES? No.

WHITECAST / TINTED? I’m confused as to whether or not I’m mistaking the “tone up” claim of this product as a minimal cast, or vice versa. I see this “tone up” effect where my skin does look brighter and even. There is no obvious whitecast, but there is some sort of blue going on. When I look at myself in certain lighting, there is a blue sheen on my skin. I also find on my neck, which has a more distinct undertone, seems to neutralize in colour.

WATER RESISTANT? No.

SKIN BENEFITS? Klairs claims that it is hydrating, but I don’t find it adds any extra moisture. Because it has a semi-matte finish, I find it can feel a little drying, but not uncomfortable. I don’t find this “instantly” calming, but what’s good is that it doesn’t irritate my skin and it keeps my skin collected in the warmer weather.

UNDER MAKEUP: Like other mineral sunscreens I have tried, it’s good at gripping on to makeup so I can see this performing well under foundations. When I tried it with my Mac Face & Body, my skin looked way more bright and even than usual.


PROS:

  • Highest protection you can find in Asian sunscreens – SPF50+ PA++++.
  • Feels gentle and fairly light considering how much I apply.
  • Good amount of product for the price.
  • “Tone up” aspect – brightens and evens complexion.
  • For the most part, I feel comfortable wearing it on its own.

CONS:

  • Pills around my hairline a lot.

IN-BETWEEN FEELS:

  • Not-so-easy application; It is not streaky, but it’s not as effortless as the Soft Airy UV Essence, and on my normal to dry skin it has the potential to pick up dry flakes more easily. However because the weather is warmer, I can work with it better.
  • I like the semi-matte finish, especially during these warmer months, but it can feel a bit drying. Not uncomfortable, but I notice it.
  • While I like the brightening and evening perks of the “tone up”, it constantly makes me question if there is actually a cast. I have this problem with mineral sunscreens in general so it’s not like the Klairs one is unique in that regard. That being said, if you’re my shade (light-medium) or darker, you may prefer this more underneath makeup instead of on its own.
  • While this is advertised more for our oily-skinned peeps, it does feel tacky on my skin for a bit. Not sticky, but tacky.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON KLAIRS MID DAY BLUE UV SHIELD SPF50+ PA++++

Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield has had its rounds, and I like that overall the 3rd version has the least bit of cast and has a higher protection. I personally prefer sunscreens that have either hybrid (mineral-organic) or pure organic UV filters, but I found the Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield overall enjoyable to use and I like reaching for it.

WHERE TO BUY:
Wishtrend
Use code “MichXMash15” to get 15% off your order

YesStyle
Use code “YESMICH” to get 5% off your 1st order, 2% off your next orders

These are affiliate links and codes. If you use them to make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thank you if you decide to use them! If you are uncomfortable, feel free to google a new link.

I hope you found this post helpful and informative!

xo, M


[RELATED CONTENT]

SUNSCREEN SUNDAY #1: Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++
REVIEW | Klairs Mid-day Blue Sun Lotion SPF40 / PA++

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