Unlike the professionals surveyed for old-school chewing gum commercialsfive out of 5 dermatologists recommend sunscreen. (In truth, they recommend applying and re-applying it on daily basis, even when indoors.) So it’s critical that we discover formulas which can be comfortable, mix in with our skin tones, and that we love wearing. Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42 is one in all mine.

My skin may be very dry and my biggest skin concerns are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and dullness. I used to be thrilled when Shiseido launched this SPF back in March 2023 because I’m a long-time user of their sun protection and this product appeared like it was made for me. Because the label reads, it incorporates vitamin C and licorice — perfect for upping my radiance and tackling any dark spots — in addition to moisture-attracting hyaluronic acid.

To make use of it, I made sure to shake the bottle before twisting off the cap. It has a dishing out tip that, if you squeeze the bottle gently, releases the milky gel formula. Board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, told me to use a nickel-sized amount to my face, neck, and ears, in addition to a nickel-sized amount to the back of my hands. “For those of us who drive to work need it, as UV light comes all through the windows of a automobile,” she says.

As I massaged the SPF onto the areas Dr. Gohara mentioned, I noticed that the gel melted down into a particularly slippery liquid. I let it sit for a number of minutes and my skin felt velvety soft with an ever-so-slight slickness. My complexion looked diffused — as if I had a soft, blurring filter on my skin — and glowy when the sun hit it.

Calaor wearing the Shiseido Urban Environment Vita-Clear Sunscreen SPF 42 without complexion makeup indoors.