Review: Shu Uemura XTR Protector SPF50 PA+++ Sunscreen Milk

It's kind of fitting that my first ever skincare review is on Shu uemura, as my favorite brand! Maybe it's also fitting that it's not available on the shuuemura-usa site, but in Asia. Hmm! Well, for readers in Asia or currently planning to take a trip there, here's something you should look out for.

I think I got this for 1300NTD, which is about 39$USD. Now, 39USD sounds really pricey for 40ml, or 1.35FLoz. But, I've used this for about 2 years, using it every time I'll be in the sun for at least an hour (so, I usually only use this in the summer, daily). As you can see by the pictures below, a little goes a long way.




It mattifies my skin nicely, so I don't get all oily. I don't really see a difference in makeup application after wards. So the good things are that it mattifies, and doesn't affect the makeup put on after wards.

The texture is really nice too--not too liquidy, but not a thick cream--a happy mixture of the two. It sinks in quickly, and doesn't give my skin a white cast. However, for the sensitive noses out there, it *does* have a slight fragrance that lingers after you apply it. I find it unobtrusive, like the smell of, well, sunscreen and faint herbs, but I have to mention it anyways.

I like that the SPF is 50, so I don't really have to worry about it for maybe two hours, as opposed to my other sunscreen of SPF20 that I reapply frequently. Yay for high SPF!

While I just use this on my face, the SA told me it is also good for use on the body, but I want to keep using the same tube for as long as possible.

The packaging for this is a box of white and lavendar, a tube of pure white, which I like. It fits in with shu uemura's sleek image.

Note: In Asia, where the 'Protector TTL Defender SPF25 PA++' is also available, the SA told me that XTR Protector SPF50 PA+++ Sunscreen Milk sells better and that customers prefer it over the Protector TTL Defender.

Also, in Asia, I believe the PA+ rating system can go up to four ++++, for indication of higher protection and this obviously has more of them.