What I really, really, really don’t want is to jump into that old mineral/physical vs. chemical sunscreen debate. I personally will wear whatever sunscreen that protects me decently and is cosmetically elegant. (Because, you know, I don’t see why I should punish myself when I’m wearing sunscreen.) Paula’s Choice Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF30 (WHO comes up with those names?! I’ll call it SLDWD from now on) came into my life because people were singing its praises as an super easy to wear option, and I was curious. Here’s my Paula’s Choice Resist SPF30 review.
The Brand
Paula’s Choice, the old war ship of science-backed skincare. There can’t be enough stress on the fact that PC’s Beautypedia platform was a heaven-sent resource for people interested in skincare back in the day. I firmly believe that it helped cutting through the woo-woo of ‘algae broth made potent by music’, and helped educating people.
Still, it’s helpful to keep in mind that all of PC’s resources are a marketing instrument – of course her own products scored best in Beautypedia rankings! And when it comes to sunscreen, keep also in mind that PC is a US brand, and all sunscreen filters she uses are FDA-approved. So no new awesome filters that’re used in Europe and Asia.
Description
I’m easily influenced. People were singing SLDWD’s praises for one thing: it was to make every other difficult to apply sunscreen look awesome, so they were basically using it as a tinted moisturiser with added SPF. PC then promised me a ‘light and silky’ feel, a great base for makeup, and the added anti-oxidants as a cherry on top.
“RESIST Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 contains a special blend of a lightly tinted, pure mineral zinc oxide sunscreen along with a diverse blend of antioxidants known to boost skin’s environmental defenses and prevent premature aging of skin, all with an exceptionally silky, light-matte feel.”
Paula’s Choice
Filters
13% of Zinc Oxide (UVB, UVA II and UVA I)
Extra features
Zinc Oxide. While it’s undoubtedly one of the best filters we have (read more on Labmuffin about myths surrounding it), it’s also good as an anti-irritant and great for oily skin, because it absorbs oil. It also will absolutely have a white cast (unless it’s tinted, as in this case), and have a thicker texture, because at the end of the day, it’s a mineral you mix into a base. (Don’t ever mix your own sunscreen, pls.)
Also, SLDWD has indeed a very broad mix of anti-oxidants which is nice, because they fight free radicals and thus, can ‘boost’ your SPF. We have Resveratrol, Quercetin, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C), and Astaxanthin.
Sustainability
What? (That means no.)
Paula’s Choice Resist SPF30 review: Application
Here’s my basic routine: I usually use a toner/light serum/ light moisturiser under sunscreen, especially during the colder months, while in summer I might skip the additional moisturiser, especially with a more substantial-feeling sunscreen.
I’ll give it to you straight: If you hear reviews telling you that this is such a great light tinted moisturiser? Yeah, they’re not using the recommended amount to reap the benefits of the SPF30.
I can absolutely use the recommended amount of around 1,5g on my face. Will it look good? You decide. But: it needs time, and layering. For me, 1,5g are about two finger lengths, and I need about three layers to get that onto my face. After that, you’ll definitely realise there’s something on your face. The film is noticeable, but non-sticky and rather matte.
Of course, I did test it as an emergency option to save pilling or white-cast sunscreens. For me, it doesn’t work. Sorry. But you could use it as a BB Cream over another SPF, sure.
Shade/Colour
Again, straight talk: I think it’s only universal when you use too little. It’s about two shades too dark for me when it has dried down completely. Astrid can wear it too, but it’ll leave a faint white cast on her NC42 skin.
Make-up/foundation application
Because it already has a rather prominent coverage on me, I first tested it with is Fenty’s Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation. I used a light dusting, and it works fine. With a liquid foundation it looks simply horrifying with a matte high coverage that looks thick and lifeless, while at the same time emphazising irregularities.
What I like and what it excels in is as a sunscreen for the eye area. If you’re wearing a sunscreen that stings your eyes, use THIS around your eyes! It’ll give you protection and also will be an excellent primer. Trust me on that! My concealer performs awesomely over it (less creasing), and eyeshadow also looks good and lasts.
Comparison
Niod’s Survival30 (review) has a better, more lightweight finish for me. PC’s own Defense SPF is far, far, FAR worse, as it never dried down properly on me and moved around the whole day.
- More: Another tinted SPF, but with a chemical/mineral filter mix? Astrid tried Heliocare’s SPF50!
Check list
Eye safe? – Yes, no problems with eyes watering!
Skintype? – Best for normal/combination/oily skin
Reapplication issues? – The more you apply, the less manageable it becomes.
Works as claimed?
- “Silky texture leaves a soft matte finish” – yes
- “more even-looking skin tone” – yes, because it’s tinted
- “skin feels and looks firmer” – what?! Um. No.
- “preps skin for makeup” – partly
Paula’s Choice Resist SPF30 review: Rating
Holy Grail
Good
OK ✓
Meh
Throw away
My main issues with PC’s Resist SPF30 are the shade range, the time you need to work it into the skin (I need three thin layers), and the finish that’s not as invisible as I’d like under foundation. Still, I often use it just around my eyes when I use a different (stinging) SPF on my whole face, and that works great for me.
Availability & price
Paula’s Choice has its own web store. It’s also available through Sephora, Niche-Beauty and various other e-tailers. It’s 10$/13€ for 15ml/0.5fl.oz (travel size), while 60ml/2 fl.oz are $33/39€.
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