Review: This sunscreen got me covered 100% every day, whether I’m home or out

Oops, I did it again! For the nth time in this WFH period, I skipped applying sunscreen while working in my home office. I have a bad habit of omitting sun protection when I’m indoors because I equate wearing sunscreen to outdoor activities. Sometimes, I also omit this important step in my anti-ageing skincare routine out of sheer laziness. Although I know it protects skin against the sun’s damaging UV rays, which can cause premature ageing like fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness and pigmentation.

Which is why, when I was asked to try the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50+, I jumped at the chance. With continued WFH now, using sunscreen probably isn’t considered crucial for most of us. But we’re exposed to UV rays indoors too, through our windows. And as we start heading outdoors more, we’re also going out in the sun more. I’m taking this as a timely reminder to practice good suncare behaviour, starting with using a broad spectrum sunscreen as part of my daily skincare regime, to guard against UV rays.

What It Is 

The Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50+ is a lightweight sunscreen that applies easily while protecting against UVA and UVB rays, as well as pollution. Its SPF50+ shields skin against UVB rays while its PPD46 (Persistent Pigment Darkening), translates to a PA+++ to PA++++ rating and equates to an extremely high protection against UVA rays. 

Using a broad spectrum sunscreen is important when it comes to ensuring that skin is well-protected. While UVB rays are responsible for the burn you feel on the skin, UVA rays are the silent rays that can cause signs of premature ageing like wrinkles, loss of skin firmness and even pigmentation, as well as acne rebound, skin irritation and worse, skin cancer. Most importantly, UVA rays, which account for 95 per cent of UV rays that we get daily, are able to pass through glass windows in your office, car or home and are also present 365 days a year, even if it’s raining or cloudy. 

The Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50+ is also resistant to water, sweat and sand. That means I can continue with my home workouts or cook a meal, as well as go swimming or do a nature hike.

And knowing that it’s packed with such high sun protective properties definitely reassures me that my skin is well taken care of all day, every day, no matter if I’m staying home or heading outside.

Key Ingredients 

It contains 100 percent organic UV filters, which are safe for both humans and marine life, so not to worry. It also contains antioxidants to protect against free radical damage, and glycerin to keep skin hydrated (since staying out in the sun can dry out the skin).

Here’s what happened when I tried it over the week:

The Results: Day 1 - Held up well even in humid weather

Credit: Getty Images

1/3

I have a confession to make: I perspire easily, and a lot. In fact, I’m usually a sweaty mess thanks to Singapore’s heat and humidity. Throw in a combination-oily skin type, and not working in air-conditioning, and I need all the help I can get to not look grimy and greasy. My skincare, especially sunscreen, mustn’t feel heavy on my skin, or leave it looking oily. I have more than plenty of sebum for that!

Immediately after application, I saw a slight sheen on my skin, which dried to a semi-matte finish after a few minutes. At midday, I checked my face in the mirror – my complexion didn’t look overly shiny. Pretty good considering it was swelteringly humid this past week.

The Results: Day 2 onwards - Mask compatible! And the bonus: it's easy to re-apply

Credit: Getty Images

2/3

I dutifully applied Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50+, and with a mask on my face, headed out for the first time that week. Not to sound whiny, but I really dislike wearing a protective mask because I feel like I’m creating my own greenhouse effect under it. I always have to dab away my sweat when I remove the mask.

However, when I removed my mask, there were no white streaks, which I’ve seen happen with other sunscreens I’ve tried, so I’m happy. Looks like the Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50+ is pretty sweat-resistant, as promised. I also liked that it didn’t migrate onto my mask.

But I wasn’t taking any chances, so I reapplied my sunscreen. The 50ml bottle is a handy size and compact enough to slip into my makeup pouch so I can bring it out with me everywhere.

The Verdict - Recommended for daily wear

Credit: Getty Images

3/3

After a week of using the Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50+, here’s my verdict: I like that it’s really good for daily wear, especially with continuing WFH days ahead. Plus, it also keeps signs of photo-ageing at bay, like dark spots, wrinkles and even loss of firming, so I can be reassured that my skin is kept healthy, smooth and clear.

Plus, its lightweight texture is a dream because it feels like I’m not wearing any sunscreen at all. My skin feels fresh and clean. In fact, there are days when I wonder if I’ve forgotten – again – to apply it. Yes, it’s that weightless. And it doesn’t leave my complexion looking shiny, which is important for the countless Zoom calls I’ve had to do, ‘cos no one wants to look like they’re a grease monkey on screen.