Review | Shiseido Perfect UV Protector SPF 50 PA+++ and a Comparison with Shiseido Multi-Defense UV Protector Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++

New to Shiseido’s anti-ageing UV care line is Shiseido Perfect UV Protector SPF 50 PA+++ (S$59/50 ml). When I received my press sample, I was told that the ‘very water-resistant’ label is an actual category…yep, it’s not just a descriptive phrase but also a standard of measurement for UV protection. Who knew?!

With its SuperVeil-360 ™ technology, this product promises superior coverage by layering UV-combative agents on the microscopic furrows of the skin, to ensure more thorough sun care protection. A lightweight lotion that dries matte, this solar shield can also be used on the body.

So how does this compare to Shiseido Multi-Defense UV Protector Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++?

Both contain alcohol and carries its distinct whiff and that of their active sunscreen ingredients.

Texture-wise, Perfect is a little more emollient and moist, despite being more water-resistant. It has a lovely smooth texture and doesn’t have the greasy/oily sensation of certain sunscreens. They both dry matte but it feels somewhat more comfortable than Multi-Defense which has a drier touch. That said, the latter seems to control oil production better – my face looks dewy sooner with this new product.

Shiseido Perfect UV Protector on my face, sans foundation and powder

My skin absorbs both quickly and they even out my skin tone pretty well. They do leave the often-inevitable whitish cast associated with sunscreens, albeit slight. Even so, this sunscreen has a pink cast, versus the plain white one of the other and is a touch more natural on my skin tone (I can barely discern the cast under certain lighting). On good skin days, I can wear both without any foundation or powder.

Both are perspiration-resistant – I can feel the moisture beads sitting on my face – and by that extension, are excellent as makeup bases. Once I start to oil up, though, Multi-Defense pulls through better. Nevertheless, my makeup does not degrade with Perfect; instead, I look like I have a nice, even glow. I do need to blot eventually, to not look too shiny.

Packaging-wise, Perfect is larger at 50 ml, while Multi-Defense is 30 ml at the same price. The bigger bottle makes sense, considering that Perfect is meant for the face and body, unlike the other which is formulated for the face alone.

Size notwithstanding, the contoured receptacle with the pointed nozzle for easy dispensing – so easy to hold in the palm of the hand – is the same for both…except that the new sunscreen has a pearlised teal accent under its cap. So pretty!

Do read My Women Stuff for an excellent review of this product.

Image source: Shiseido Singapore

10 Comments

  • Yinnie says:

    OOh, thats so nice to hear. I seem to have developed a sensitive aversion to shiseido sun products and I’m a teensy bit jealous that you can use them and be fine. :)

    Is there fragrance to this sunscreen?

    • makeupmag says:

      Hi Yinnie,

      Could be it be the zinc oxide? Once you narrow down the ingredient(s), it’d be easier to avoid the triggers.

      There’re always other brands to try. :) What works for you currently? I’d love to know!

      Yes, it’s fragranced – the typical alcohol + sunscreen whiff of Japanese sunscreens.

  • marta says:

    This sounds perfect! I wish I could buy it over here. Shopping for a good sunscreen can bu such a pain :D

    • makeupmag says:

      Hi Marta,

      Let me know if I can help. ;) Do you get La Roche Posay there? That’s a pretty good sunscreen brand!

      • marta says:

        Thanks Mag :) yep LRP is available over here as well as Eucerin that has silicone based sunscreen spf 30 or 50 for oilier skin types. No alcohol, no fragrance, no whiteness. And the price is reasonable as well. But I am constantly looking for the perfect kind of sunscreen ;)

        • makeupmag says:

          Hi Marta,

          You have excellent brands there! Now I need to take a look at the Eucerin… ;)

          • milktea says:

            So do I… the Eucerin I mean. I’ve swatched Eucerin spf30 on my palm only and the texture was kind of nice. As ever, love Shiseido’s packaging for their sunscreens. :)

  • Sam says:

    I really like Shiseido for sunscreen – they don’t have that white sheen that you can get from others. It’s my go-to (but have to buy overseas, as maximum you can get in Australia is SPF30+ – a labelling thing, but I like to know exactly how much SPF I get!)

    • makeupmag says:

      Hi Sam,

      The cast isn’t as strong as in some other sunscreens, for sure. Hope you stock up when you visit! ;)

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