[ENG] Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield SPF50+ PA++++ Review: The New And Improved Klairs Sunscreen Sibling

This review contains PR samples° and affiliate links* I’ve decided to write an early review of the Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield with SPF50+ PA+++ to give people curious about this newest sunscreen from Wishtrend a good basis to decide if it is something for them and their skin type!

I was thrilled when Wishtrend announced that they would be re-releasing their Klairs Mid Day Blue Sun Lotion, which went out of stock a while ago. From how I understood it, people did not like its texture, but I myself was a fan actually. True, it was very “silicone-y”, but my skin did like the old version quite a bit. The new Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield sunscreen was released just recently, with a new formula using physical filters and an upgraded SPF50+ PA++++ rating (the older version had SPF45 and PA+++).

This newly formulated Klairs sunscreen landed on my doorstep not too long ago, but I feel comfortable already reviewing it – I’ve been using it daily for a while now, and since for me personally, all a sunscreen needs to do is a) protect my skin from UV harm, b) not break me out or feel uncomfortable on the skin, and c) play well with makeup, I think I can give my early feedback on the Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield.

Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield SPF50+ PA++++: the Basics

The Mid Day Blue UV Shield with SPF50+ PA++++ is the newest member in the Klairs Midnight Blue skincare range, which features guaiazulene won from German blue chamomile, known to soothe skin troubles and calm down redness and inflammation. The Mid Day Blue UV Shield is meant to function as a sibling to the already super popular Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence*, which I reviewed a while ago and love greatly. Both Klairs sunscreens come in a generous 80ml bottle, which is awesome for us diligent about sunscreen re-application.

While the Soft Airy UV Essence is formulated with dryer and dehydrated skin types in mind, the Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield is meant for oilier skin types, with a “tone up” effect said to give skin a flattering, beautifying finish. The Klairs UV Essence also is a chemical sunscreen, and it was probably a smart choice by Wishtrend to use exclusively physical filters for the Mid Day Blue UV Shield, so that people who favour one over the other can now have their preference met. As I mentioned, this is a reformulation of an earlier version, and much has changed!

Here is the list of ingredients for the Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield SPF50+ PA++++:

“Water, Cyclohexasiloxane, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Caprylyl Methicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Betaine, Magnesium Sulfate, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Inositol, Aluminum Hydroxide, C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Octyldodecanol, Guaiazulene, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Tocopherol, Fragrance.”

Some people on social media have complained that this formula contains fragrance, but it honestly is a very small percentage, and unlike the Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence, this does not contain fragrant essential oils, which can be irritating. The guaiazulene found in the formula – which also gives the sunscreen its soft blue colouring – is usually won from German blue chamomile oil, so this may be something to watch out for if you are very sensitive towards fragrant oils. The formula does not feature any alcohol. This is surprising and rather impressive for a physical sunscreen, which tends to have issues in terms of spreadability and skin penetration.

Other noteworthy ingredients apart from the guaiazulene are the highly moisturising “echium plantagineum seed oil” and “cardiospermum halicacabum extract” – balloon plant extract – said to be a strong anti-inflammatory used in skincare to calm down redness and help soothe itching skin.

Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield SPF50+ PA++++: My Thoughts on This Sunscreen

I have oily combo skin that tends to be very shiny in warmer weather. It can get quite humid where I live in summer, so I favour a sunscreen that doesn’t add to the greasiness. I also don’t necessarily need my sunscreen to be super moisturising and prefer it to be either oil-free or low in rich oils. Thus, I was pretty confident that the Mid Day Blue UV Shield would be suitable for my skin. But…would it perform well overall?

Well, I have to say that this is probably a sunscreen which will receive mixed reviews, simply because in my eyes, it is not for everyone! The texture is kind of unique: definitely quite silicone-y again just like the previous version of this blue sunscreen, which I especially noticed when applying it over an already silicone-based daytime moisturiser. It may also be due to the physical filters, which can create a somewhat difficult to apply texture, but it tends to take a while until the lotion starts to properly bind to my skin. This, however, sounds worse than it is – for me, it just means spreading it around a bit more, with the lotion melting into skin after that first bit of resistance.

The Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield is comfortably light and not sticky at all – it has a watery feel to it when applied, and actually to me feels a bit less “stifling” than the Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence sometimes does. The blue lotion has a faintly fresh scent, but it’s not very noticeable, at least to my nose. I have read a number of complaints about the smell, which I am puzzled about as I really did not find it an issue.

Apart from the texture, which needs a bit of getting used to when applied, I think the finish may also be a dividing factor for other reviewers. This is definitely not a sunscreen for people with dryer skin – as Klairs makes clear anyway, so we cannot really complain here. For me and my oily combo skin, the finish is fabulous: the lotion dries down a tad powdery, not fully matte, but there is a very nice balance of glow from the tone-up effect and sebum-control going on. So, skin feels maybe not as moisturised as with the Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence, but if you struggle with excess sebum and like a bit of a “wake up” filter on your skin, you may just like this as much as I do.

Now, given the tone up effect, which to my eyes at least gives skin a somewhat cool-toned tint, I cannot guarantee that this sunscreen doesn’t show up as a white cast on darker skin types. I would suggest checking out dark-skinned reviewers on IG and co. to make sure this works for your own skin. For a great first impressions on how the sunscreen looks on darker skin, check out this IGTV video by Black K-beauty Youtuber Jaeyne. I have pretty fair skin that tends to look pink to full-on red, so I’m really into the effect on my skin. It always looks fresher, a bit brighter and more awake when I have used the Mid Day Blue UV Shield.

As for how well the blue lotion plays with makeup – I’ve only tried it with a BB cushion and a BB cream so far, and both worked out well. I cannot vouch for how this does under heavier foundations though, unfortunately, as it’s been ages since I’ve used any stronger coverage.

Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield SPF50+ PA++++: The Bottom Line

I like this sunscreen – a lot, in fact. However, this is certainly not for everyone, and I think you should make extra sure your skin type matches up well with the formula. If you are dry-skinned or tend to be very dehydrated, I would advise to rather go for the equally excellent Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence, as it is more moisturising and a little bit more straight-forward as a simple, everyday sunscreen.

For my own needs though, the Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield lotion almost trumps the Soft Airy UV Essence, especially during the hot and humid summer I’m anticipating for 2020. I love the powdery finish and the fact that this gives me a nice, soft glow without any glitter or extra shine, which I most definitely don’t need as an oily skin person in warm weather. The Mid Day Blue Sun lotion is also a good choice if you prefer physical to chemical sun filters – there isn’t anything wrong with either, by the way, both types are safe and efficient, but some people I believe get itchy skin from certain chemical filters.

So, bottom line: I personally enjoy this sunscreen greatly, and have been using it daily for a good two weeks now, without any breakouts or problems. The special texture and dryer feel on the skin, however, may mean that you will see very varying reviews about this, as I am certain especially dryer skin types will not get along well with it. There may also be problems for some people with the application, as it can be a bit difficult to work the lotion into the skin. This is true for many physical sunscreens, especially alcohol-free ones. As with all skincare, the old “your mileage may vary” saying in the beauty community rings particularly true for the Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield SPF50+!

If you are interested in purchasing the Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield sunscreen, you can find it at Wishtrend* for 23$. They just had a huge sale event, so stocks may be depleted right now! The sunscreen is also available on Yesstyle* for roughly 20$.

Let me know in the comments: What’s your current favourite sunscreen? Are you going to grab the Klairs Mid Day Blue UV Shield?

Take care guys, and stay safe!
Sugarpeaches

°PR Sample, kindly provided by a brand or shop – I am not obligated to write this blog article, was not paid for the article, and my opinions are entirely my own.
*Affiliate Links, meaning I earn a small commission if you decide to use the link to purchase an item. This does not raise the purchase price for you, and it helps me and my blog to grow – so, thank you for supporting me in this way!