50 Shades of Ultra Violette
Ultra Violette is an Australian brand specialising in sunscreens. At the moment, they have 6 different products in their range (okay, the lip balm comes in different colours, but I count as one). But which product is the best (at least, in my opinion, for my skin)? Let us find out.
Clean Screen
Clean Screen only has an SPF of 30 (Broad Spectrum Protection) making it the lowest in the range. It is fragrance free. In my opinion, it has the thinnest texture our of all of the face spfs from their range. The active ingredients are Titanium dioxide 3%, Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol 2.25%, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate 1.6%. It is marketed towards sensitive skins.
My eyes are very sensitive at times, and quite frankly, I mainly wanted to use it on them. But turns out this product stings my eyes like crazy, so no, it is definitely not going there again. The product has a relatively moisturising finish to it, similar to the Supreme Screen. Overall, I do not have much use for such a low spf (I tend to go for 50 and higher, using lower spfs mainly in spring and autumn).
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Supreme Screen
This one is marketed as a hydrating sunscreen, although I would probably give it the definition of “moisturising”. It contains Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (10%), Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (3%), Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (2.5%), and is an SPF 50+, which means at least a 60.
I actually enjoy this product, but it would probably be more useful for my skin in colder periods. In summer, I naturally am more combination-skinned (not dry overall). This product would also suit mature skins. While it is moisturising, you do not end up looking like an oil field – it gives a semi-moisturised look, and it dries down a bit after 15 minutes. Overall, a solid sunscreen, very comfortable in wearing, but best for when I am more dry.
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Queen Screen
And now to the bestseller, and in my opinion, the worst product of the whole range. But before we get into the specifics of my opinion – some bio. This product contains Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (10%), Ethylhexyl Salicylate (5%), Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (4%), Methylene Bis-benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (2%), and is targeting normal to dry skins with its serum-like texture. First up, the only thing resembling a serum is the packaging. Otherwise, it is a lotion sunscreen, nothing new per se.
I do not like almost anything about this product, to be quite honest with you. The packaging is made out of glass, which already makes it travel-unfriendly. The product has mica in it, and no matter what you will do, you will end up looking like a disco ball. And it is not going to subside. The texture feels far too oily and it takes far too long to rub it into my face. If I had wanted to look like this, I would just use a highlighter all over my face and save me the trouble. But to this product, I will say – no thank you.
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Lean Screen
And now to the underdog, and my most favourite sunscreen out of their range (spf 50+). This product is pure perfection in my eyes. It only contains 22.75% Zinc Oxide as an active ingredient.
The texture is considerably thicker than the rest of the face range, but it does not take much longer to work it in. This spf does not irritate my eyes, nor does it leave any white cast, and it leaves my face looking healthy and normal. No disco-ball, no glazed doughnut. Just a normal healthy-looking face. While this product may be targeting the oily-skin audience, I actually recommend it to anyone.
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Extreme Screen
Extreme Skin is the sunscreen for the rest of your body with an Spf 50+ and 4h water resistance. Very enjoyable, actually. It has mica in it, but not too much, and the texture is of a light lotion, making the application quick. The active ingredients are: Octocrylene [8.00% w/w] Homosalate [10.00% w/w] Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane [3.00% w/w] Octyl Salicylate [5.00% w/w]. Of course, you can find a way cheaper body spf on the market, but if price is not an issue for you, this product is worth checking out.
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Sheen Screen
People often forget protecting the lips from sun exposure, so Ultra Violette has you covered even there. I have the gorgeous Rose shade, and I absolutely love it. The balm is thick, and quite pigmented, and the shade would work well for any blonde person out there. It stays on for quite some time too, and is very moisturising.
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Summary
My two favouring face spfs are the Lean Screen and Supreme Screen. In my opinion, you can disregard the other two. Both the body and lip spfs are worthy of an attention as well.