It’s finally that time of year! Spring is well underway, and summer is just around the corner. With the weather starting to pick up I am making more of an effort to wear an SPF. But one problem I found was that, whilst my foundation has an SPF of 15, I don’t wear foundation every day. This meant that I needed a better alternative to sun cream because of how shiny it made my face throughout the day. That’s when I discovered Glossier’s Invisible Shield and knew I had to give it a try.
Background
To start I think it’s important to stress how important SPF is as part of your skincare routine. It shouldn’t be an option. If you don’t already use it, it’s time to start. There are two reasons why SPF is important. The first is that it helps to prevent skin cancer. Invisible shield has even been given the skin cancer foundation award. The second is aging. It’s been proven that SPF and Retinol and the only ways of preventing aging, and once the skin has started to age it’s difficult to reverse. So, it’s better to prevent the damage than try to reverse it.
Review
Glossier describes invisible shield as a “sun cream for people who hate wearing sunscreen”. The formula is a clear water gel texture filled with active microcapsules that instantly absorbs into the skin with no greasy residue or white cast. Microcapsules contain substances such as UVA/UVB molecules but inactivate them temporarily until they are absorbed into the skin. Not only does it help to prevent UV damage, but also works to neutralise harmful free radicles and keeps pollutants from absorbing into your skin. Briefly, free radicals are atoms that scan the body for oxygen molecules which it can split to pair with. This causes damage to cells, proteins and DNA.
Directions
Glossier recommends that you use every morning as the last step of your skincare routine, but before you apply makeup. It should be applied all over your face, 15 mins before sun exposure. Glossier also recommends that you reapply at least every 2 hrs for optimal protection. This formula is not waterproof or sweat resistant so bare this in mind.
Ingredients (as listed on Glossier’s website)
“Aqua/Water/Eau, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Dipropylene Glycol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Methyl Trimethicone, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Caprylyl Methicone, Propanediol, Bis-Ethylhexyl Hydroxydimethoxy Benzylmalonate, Betaine, Acrylates Copolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/PVP Crosspolymer, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Carbomer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aminomethyl Propanol, Butylene Glycol, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Disodium EDTA, Pentylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Silica, Bioflavonoids, Potassium Sorbate, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ascorbyl Palmitate.”
It should also be noted that the formula is hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested, non- comedogenic, paraben free and appropriate for all skin types. It’s also vegan and cruelty free.
Packaging
The formula comes in a plastic bottle, with a pump. A plastic yellow cap comes the lid which is ideal for travel.
Price
The cost of the invisible shield is £20 per 30ml bottle. I’m not going to lie, it’son the expensive side. As far as I know, you can only purchase from Glossier’s website as an approved retailer. When I purchase mine there was a discount code available, so look out for them to try and save a little (student living)
My verdict
I love this formula so much! Initially I was worried that it wouldn’t sit well under my foundation. But I haven’t had any issues so far. If anything, I feel it complements the current primer I use (only Aveeno moisturiser). It sinks into my skin quickly, but without drying it out or making it greasy so I can wear it without makeup. The smell is so lovely and fresh which is down to the sweet orange peel. A little goes a long way, I use two pumps onto the back of my hand which covers the whole of my face and neck. I also use it by itself as the last step to my skincare routine if I’m having a makeup free day.
One thing that bugs me about this product is the packaging. Glossier is a relatively new brand targeted at a younger audience, so you would think they would try to be environmentally friendly. The bottle is plastic, which could easily be changed to glass. The packaging also comes in a plastic box, but that could easily be changed to cardboard. This really frustrates me as the younger generation is a lot more environmentally aware than previous generations, so you would think they would try to appeal to their audience in this way. As well as trying to help the environment.
As much as I love the product, its £20 for 30ml which isn’t a lot. So, I do think its slightly overpriced. I would also recommend bulk buying from Glossier because of postage and packaging. As I’ve just mentioned, the packaging is plastic, which if they are going to charge £20, they could at least make the packaging glass (sorry but the plastic thing really bugs me). I’ve been on the lookout for a cheaper dupe (my student loan doesn’t cover my expensive taste in makeup) but I’ve not managed to find one yet, so for the moment I’ll be sticking with this one.
Summary
I love this product. It sits nicely below my makeup and helps to protect my skin at 30 SPF. It’s vegan and cruelty free which is a bonus. It’s overpriced which is annoying, but I’ve not found a cheaper alternative, so I’ll be sticking with this because I know it works. So yes, I would recommend and repurchase until I find a cheaper alternative.
Thank you for hanging in there, I hope you found this useful! If you know of any better alternatives please share!
Lots of love,
G x
P.S. all opinions expressed are based on my personal experiences. All products mentioned have been purchased by me unless otherwise stated.
Wildflowers & Busy Bees 