June 18, 2012

Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protection Cream Plus SPF 50 Review & Swatches

Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protection Cream Plus SPF 50 was released in Japan this Spring and recently we got got the launch of Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 PA+++ here in the US.

Interesting that the formulas appear quite similar but offer different levels of protection.

I got mine from Japan however, I swatched the version we have available here in the states and I’ll say both have great formulas that seem pretty much identical outside the fact we have an SPF 42 and Japan offers the SPF 50 option. The version here in the US is more of a milky liquid or what I refer to as a traditional SPF formula versus the creamier version of the Japanese release.

Let’s take a look!

Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protection Cream Plus SPF 50 is an oil-free formula that protects skin against UV rays as well as environmental damage from free radicals resulting in anti-aging benefits.

I absolutely adore it but the claim that oily skin users can easily use it isn’t entirely true in my experience. This is a thicker, creamier SPF which absorbs fairly easily into skin. I love how soft and smooth it leaves my skin however, I do feel like it’s a bit on the greasy side and makes my skin a bit shiny. However, shine does disappear as the product dries down however, it seems a little too rich for those with oily skin and may add extra shine to already shiny skin. There are SO many Japanese SPF products available with far lighter formulations than this that I feel comfortable saying that it isn’t entirely an oily skinned girl’s (or guy’s) best friend in the SPF universe.

On that note…

For drier skin users, you’ll find it absorbs easily, acts as a moisturizer as well as an SPF, and leaves behind a beautifully smooth finish which not only protects skin against UVA/UVB rays but also protects skin from cell damage and oxidation which break down as skin is exposed to free radials.

I find this multitaks as my moisturizer as well as my sunscreen since it hydrates and nourishes my skin so well. That’s a plus considering I dislike layering so many products at once time and always feel like the list of products I’m using on my face in the morning gets longer and longer and longer…!

This does not contain Oxybenzone and is a paraben free formula.

Overall, Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protection Cream Plus ranks high on my SPF list of must haves. The formula adds much needed hydration to my skin as it preps for makeup and protects against harmful sun rays and offers anti-aging benefits. Gotta love all the perks.

This is available at Shiseido counters now (the SPF 42, liquid-y version) or the Japanese version (higher SPF, creamier formula) featured in this post can be easily located on Evil-bay but be aware with the sellers you use when buying from online auctions.

Tried it?

Love it?

Do share!

I purchased this item.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Sheepy

    My mom and I both got this (though my mom got pretty pissed since the SA called her old LOL)

    I didn’t open mine yet, but I anti-sun (lol) most American brands are 30…not enough! (I use the 100 SPF sprays for my body)

    My mom got this JUST for China (because it is riduculously sunny there due to lack of trees in city areas) because people told her it has a lighter formula than her usual SPF
    This doesn’t sound like what you’re saying though, haha ;D

    • the Muse

      mmm nooooo she can find way lighter formulas in China. I’m curious what she’ll think after she tries sheepy. On my dry skin it’s awesome but on oily skin it prob will be a bit too rich! keep me posted, curious what you’ll think and what she thinks!

  • Josh :D

    The 42 is the liquid. I know we’re SUPPOSED to be getting the 50 cream as well! :]

  • Nat

    Blatantly off topic post – Muse did you watch the last episode of Girls?! I thought she was pulling a horrible prank on that guy or something, lol. And holy crap, Adam – he must be bipolar or something, talk about the widest mood swings. I can’t wait until season 2! 😀

    • the Muse

      ha nat I just replied to someone else about this I sure did! I kinda felt bad for adam he was right on some level bc she was kinda sorta chasing after him and suddenly when he did warm up she was just not ready for it but on the other hand he did a 360 WAY too quickly! can’t believe jessa married that freak, that’ll last! LOL!

  • kuro-panda

    love the 42 liquid for my oily skin 🙂 It claims to have some mattifying properties but I’m on the fence about that.

  • LouAnne

    I also have and love the liquid spf 42 … I am combo, very oily tzone skin and it works very well… not sure about mattifying but it does not make me shiny or any oiler in the tzone… Shiseido is my fav sunscreen.

  • Rainier

    I live in South Africa and unfortunately no stores stock Shiseido anymore. Are there any products that are similar to this that I might be able to find here. Most stores here stock the major commercial make-up brands.