In April, I wrote an initial review on The Body Shop Skin Defence and given it is now due to go into my empties post, I thought I would write a more up to date review on what I think of it.
SPF is vital in both prevention of visible ageing signs on the skin and protection in terms of deeper issues linked to the development of skin cancer.
In the UK, during the winter months (which ok can feel like most of the year!!) SPF contained in makeup may suffice. The main thing with relying on SPF contained in makeup however is when you take into account how much sunscreen you need to apply for effective protection versus the amount of foundation you may use, the actual protection you get may not be enough particularly in Summer months.
The Body Shop Skin Defence protects from UVA and UVB damage and claims to also act as an antioxidant protecting the skin from environmental damage.
Choosing an SPF that protects against UVA and UVB rays is very important so make sure you check the product you are applying does both….I would have thought that these days most products do. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin are known to speed up the skin’s ageing process. UVB rays are what burn the skin and are heavily linked in the development of skin cancer so protecting yourself from exposure to both of these rays is key.
My Thoughts
I have been using this almost every day for four months now so here’s my thoughts.
When I first reviewed this I said that it has quite a perfumed scent to it….more like a body lotion that a face lotion. That said, this is not bothersome for my skin so that is down to personal preference. The scent is not bad at all, just simply smells more like a body cream.
I also said that the main con to this is that Alcohol is so high up on the list of ingredients…again, still not liking this but it has not shown to be a problem in the four months that I have been using it.
It does claim to provide anti-dullness benefits using Red Algae and Vitamin C to brighten the skin. This is something I can’t say too much about in that I am using other skincare that aims to ‘brighten’ my skin, however, when I am using this and don’t put makeup on, once absorbed my skin does look healthy as opposed to dull so perhaps this does have an effect on my complexion when not wearing makeup.
With makeup over the top, this spf works absolutely fine. Once absorbed it doesn’t leave any film or residue on my skin. I do need to give it 10 minutes or so before applying my makeup but I would do that with my skincare anyway.
The consistency is thin unlike many face spf lotions and I find this to be of great help given that my skin is oily/combination.
I am impressed with this product. One thing that reaffirms this to me is that where my tube of this was coming to an end I thought I would try another brand that I had heard was great with their SPF formulations for oilier skins. Unfortunately I purchased an SPF30 for oily skin and upon application it just rolled! I had pretty much applied it and removed it all in one go! So…back to this little beauty….I had a voucher for £10 off in The Body Shop when spending £25….so as I didn’t need anything else in there….I purchased two bottles for £22.
I can highly recommend this SPF…but as I have said previously with skincare…what suits my skin may not suit yours so always test products if you are not sure. Given I was unsure on the scent of this, I would recommend next time you’re in The Body Shop, sample it!
I’m loving this SPF….you could say I’ve found my SPF holy grail!
Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think in the comments box below or on my facebook page. Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook….links below🙂
Wish all face products were unscented! xx, Britta & Carli from http://twinspiration.co/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes true! It’s ok if you don’t react to it I guess but that’s the risk…I expected to breakout with this but it’s been absolutely fine. Thanks for reading x
LikeLike
Nice review! I’m always looking for a good SPF that works well under makeup 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Yes this works really well. Like with all skincare it does need to absorb and dry but it doesn’t take long because of the consistency of it xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
This looks so nice !!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s really good x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it’s so hard to find a western brand of SPF that gives reasonable SPF coverage, I never thought to look at body shop. The consistency does seem really thin though on your pictures (great pics btw) but also means that it absorbs quicker. I have oily skin too so will pop into the body shop when I’m next in town to test it. X
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading. Yes, I have other spf creams that are much thicker and they sit on the skin longer so sometimes that’s fine but not when I’m rushing out of the door!! Do have a test and see what you think! xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am going to look into this SPF for sure! It sounds great and I love The Body Shop!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading! Yes it’s not often I find an spf that I have used the entire bottle and bought more of!! xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I tried this on the back of my hand in the store, and loved how lightweight it was 😀 It’s kind of a bummer with the alcohol though
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it was testing it on my hand that sold it to me! haha!! The alcohol thing isn’t a great thing however I put a lot into my skincare routine that I apply before this so whether that helps or not I don’t know but it isn’t affecting my skin so I’m happy to continue to use on that basis. xx
LikeLike
Great review….I must say that i am very interested in trying this out as another blogger recommened it highly…I need to empty mine and with summer approaching in Australia, i know ill be able to put it to the test with heat and makeup.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yep, and at spf50 it’s a decent protection too x
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s definately something I want to try xx
LikeLike
Great review. I have always loved body shop products. Have not tried this one yet but I will.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Personally I’d say it’s worth trying. Most reviews on this suggest it’s good. I wasn’t sure at first but it’s my go-to now!
LikeLike
I never tried anything from The Body Shop but i think i will now! Can you please check my blog? Thank you xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s definitely worth a try!! xx
LikeLike
I’d love to try this since it’s a high physical SPF. I usually use Josie Maran’s Argan moisturizer with a physical SPF of 47. All of my Foundations contain a physical SPF of 50.
LikeLiked by 2 people
This is the highest spf I have. My foundations that contain spf are either 15 or 35 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been wanting to get a sunscreen that I could wear underneath my oily skin that wouldn’t mess my makeup up or make it wear off faster. I live in a area where the sun is out year round so I really need one. Did this last hours on the skin without messing up the makeup?
LikeLiked by 3 people
I have no issues with it messing my makeup up at all tbh. My skin generally goes oily by mid afternoon but that happened before the spf so it’s not causing it or making it worse that’s for sure xx
LikeLike
I really need to get more into SPF. I don’t use it enough as I should! I will definitely look into this one 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s a really good and light one so I’d really recommend trying it xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds so lovely, would it work for my dry skin? You know I’m an Ultrasun fanatic, however I have run out of that so could look to trying something new for a change. I do like the once a day application though so it’s a difficult one.
I haven’t been in the Body Shop for so long but I do keep seeing fab products on my feeds lately. Perhaps it’s time I went in for a mooch!
Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Personally I’d say it would be fine for dry skin as long as the alcohol doesn’t irritate. It is a really light texture if you compare it to the UltraSun one. I do still use the Ultra Sun one but not when I’m in a rush to get out!! I’ve just bought a La Roche Posay spray that goes on over makeup for topping up during the day if I was somewhere hot!! Thanks for reading lovely xx
LikeLike
Awesome content…i truely appreciate💕
Check out my blogs. These are all about the cost effective fashion and beauty tips. Hope you like it 😊
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks for the feedback. I will check it out x
LikeLike
I actually got a new SPF a few weeks ago (a repurchase)! I don’t know why I never think to buy SPF from the Body Shop. I will have to remember for next time though, could do with saving some money in this area if I can.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Next time you’re near a body shop maybe ask them for a little sample so you can see what it’s like first ready for when you’re next buying an spf you’ll know if you like it xx
LikeLike