Way back in April, I was invited by my local TheBodyShop via Word Of Mouth PR to attend their ‘Summer of Love Party’ where we were introduced to A LOT of latest arrivals along with some of the upgraded and revamped skin care products (the Vitamin E range). There were different display kiosks where we got to play games to win some summer kits (woven hat, beach towel, eco-tote bag) and learned more about each of the featured range of products displayed. Towards the end of the party, TheBodyShop generously gifted us with a bag containing some of the products that were introduced at the party and that gave all of us the opportunity to really try those products at home a couple of weeks before the official launch.

Among the goodies we received was the NEW Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50 PA+++, the subject of today’s review proper.

Read on to find out all about it!

Now, before I go on to show the product’s info visual, let me share with you guys some photos I took during the party. I have to apologize first though, because this was one of the first few events I got to attend and I might have skimped on the photos as I was alittle…..nervous.

I will take a lot more pictures at my next event, i promise, but for now, here are the ones I took:

Alright, let us now move on to the actual product review proper now shall we?

First, the product’s info visual from the brand:

Looking through the ingredients, I am sure many of you would be scratching your head at the sight of “Alcohol Denat” in the ingredients recipe. To be very blunt, the inclusion of alcohol denat is actually quite alright UNLESS you are aware that you are allergic to any forms of alcohol in your skin care products, or if you have a very dry or sensitive skin. Alcohol on dry skin will further dry out the skin but on combination or oily skin, the presence of alcohol will allow the product to dry down fast and feels refreshing to the touch (read: no stickiness or ickiness after feel)

Alcohol and Alcohol Denat. function as antifoaming agents, cosmetic astringents, solvents and viscosity decreasing agents. In OTC antimicrobial drug products, Alcohol also functions as an antimicrobial agent

— Cosmetics Info Org (source)

In the case of the Skin Defence, the Alcohol Denat most likely serves as a viscosity decreasing agent — because let’s face it, a rich, creamy, oily or sticky sunscreen would greatly decrease its chance of being purchased. However, having said all that, Alcohol Denat being the second ingredient on the recipe did made me do a double take. I am okay with any form of *healthy* alcohol in my skin care, it is the benefits and performance of the product that I am most concerned about. If a product does not work like it claims to, or presenting little skin issues during usage, that product goes straight into the bin.

So, what do I think about the NEW TheBodyShop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50 PA++++? Below is my experience with the Skin Defence after having used and tested it for a period of time.

Roaring view for [ TheBodyShop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50 PA++++]:

Product’s packaging	:	Short, white plastic tube with a flat, black twist open cap
Product’s texture	:	Thin, light, milky but definitely runny
Product’s scent	:	Light, sweet-floral-ish with an underlying alcohol scent
Price point	:	Product was kindly sponsored by the kind folks at TheBodyShop Singapore via Word Of Mouth PR; however, the Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50 PA++++ retails for S$34.90/40ml.
		For a list of TheBodyShop outlets location in Singapore, do visit their website here.
Try-out period	:	Daily, once in the morning, over a period of 1 month+
Personal take	:	Before I got to inspecting the full ingredient recipe, what attracted me to the brief was the inclusion of brightening Red Algae Extract (one of the key ingredient in the brand’s brightening/whitening skin care range – Drops of Light™, said to have two main actions on the pigmentation process), and Vitamin  C (3-0-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid: a stable, Vitamin C derived agent for skin whitening). TheBodyShop also tested this and states that it is suitable for sensitive skin. Is dermatologist tested and non-comedogenic. The next thing that attracted me was how quickly the sunscreen dries down (or absorbed) on my skin. It leaves a cooling sensation as it dries down no doubt a by-effect from the Alcohol Denat. The last thing that attracted me was the additional ‘+’ to the PA protection grade. The four +es simply represents that the sunscreen, the Skin Defence, has been clinically tested and found to be able to offer more protection against UVA rays at a 16 hours or above of sun exposure (using the Persistent Pigment Darkening reading developed by the Japanese). Simply put, the more +, the more protection against the harmful UVA rays. Ok ok , so what does all this mean to me? To the product? To its performance? After having worn this for over a month, I can say that the Skin Defence works pretty neatly on its own. It did not irritate my skin even on the few occasions where I had some acnes developing. The sunscreen did not aggravate it nor lend a helping hand. I really do appreciate the quick drying of the Skin Defence once I slather it on my face because that means I can jump right into my base makeup. Yes, you will still be needing a primer/base after applying the sunscreen. This sunscreen does not aid in the lastingness of your makeup. I know, because I’ve tried it. My BB cushion began to crack at its usual rate with or without the Skin Defence. This also means that you can easily get away with about 4~6 hours of makeup (results vary from individuals) before needing to touch up. This sunscreen works well for my combination, acne-prone skin without burdening it. Once applied (dried), it feels like you have nothing on. No more sticky icky after feel from conventional sunscreens. In conclusion, this is a great sunscreen IF your skin can tolerate alcohol, belongs to the normal, combination and oily skin type, or simply if you just want to use a sunscreen with a touch of loose powder and be out of the door in the morning. Also, it feels good in a warm and humid climate like ours.
Will i recommend it?	:	Yes! But only if you are absolutely okay with the inclusion of Alcohol Denat

To this, Buddy says: