I’ve tested loads of sunscreens over the years. From lightweight, invisible SPFs to gloopy consistencies that leave a white cast, there’s a massive variation in the quality, formula, and feel of sunscreens on the market. There are loads of excellent absorbent sun creams, but there are also loads of undesirable ones.
The brand-new ESPA Protect & Brighten Daily Skin Shield SPF 50 offers broad-spectrum protection and is designed to provide soft-focus luminosity. It claims to be breathable, lightweight, hydrating, and leave no white cast.
But is the new ESPA Protect & Brighten Daily Skin Shield SPF 50 truly a luxurious formula worth £50? I share my thoughts in this honest review.
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About the ESPA Protect & Brighten Daily Skin Shield SPF 50
The ESPA Protect & Brighten Daily Skin Shield SPF 50 is a lightweight, fast-absorbing sunscreen that is designed to protect skin from everyday environmental stressors, including UV rays, blue light, and pollution. The broad-spectrum sun cream helps prevent sun damage, pigmentation, and early signs of ageing.
ESPA promises that the formula is breathable, non-greasy, and leaves no white cast. It claims to deliver a smooth, dewy finish with a subtle blurring effect. It hydrates, soothes, brightens the skin, making it ideal for daily use.
The sunscreen can be worn by itself, on top of skincare, or underneath makeup. Apply it as the last step in your skincare routine but before any makeup.
ESPA says the sunscreen is a hybrid SPF and moisturiser that allows you to skip your moisturiser, so the brand recommends allowing enough time for any previous skincare steps to fully absorb before applying it. You may also need to apply less of other skincare products in your routine as the SPF is moisturising.
The SPF claims to be suitable for all skin tones and types, including sensitive skin. It retails for £50 for 50ml. Get 10% off the ESPA SPF at LookFantastic by clicking this link.
Honest ESPA Protect & Brighten Daily Skin Shield SPF 50 review
I love the design of the ESPA Protect & Brighten Daily Skin Shield SPF 50 tube. It has a long and thin nozzle with a small hole at the top so you can easily squeeze out the right amount of product.
This sunscreen contains fragrance. It has a lovely citrus and slightly floral scent that’s reminiscent of a fresh summer’s day. I love the scent, and I don’t find perfumed skincare products irritating. Plus, I hate that horrible clinical smell that some sun creams have; this one actually smells nice when I apply it. But the fragrance is something to be mindful of if you’re sensitive to it or prefer unscented products.
The formula is lovely. It’s creamy, nourishing, and definitely makes my skin look glowy. I agree that this provides soft-focus luminosity – it makes my skin look healthy and not dull, unlike some sunscreens.
This one feels lightweight, non-greasy, and leaves no white cast. It feels like a moisturiser and SPF in one, which I adore.
Unfortunately, this SPF pills and isn’t the most absorbent formula I’ve tried. I applied this sunscreen on top of my usual skincare routine – toner, eye cream, serum, and moisturiser – and it pilled. I also tried it on top of just a moisturiser to see if it would pill, and it still did. This sun cream also takes around 30 seconds of massaging it into the skin for it to fully sink in.
Thankfully, when I applied the sunscreen on my bare skin, without any other skincare products, it didn’t pill. I’ve got combination skin, and I find the SPF to be perfectly hydrating. It still took a bit of massaging into the skin, but once it had fully absorbed, my skin felt smooth, looked dewy, and was nourished all day long.
I think this SPF would be particularly great for days by the pool, enjoying the sunshine outside, or at the beach where you’re needing to reapply sunscreen more regularly. It reapplies like a dream (when you’re not wearing other skincare products) and keeps skin wonderfully hydrated and protected.
Rating: 4 stars
This ultra-nourishing, non-sticky, and invisible SPF is ideal when you want a fuss-free skincare routine that just consists of one protective product. The ESPA Protect & Brighten Daily Skin Shield SPF 50 definitely feels like a luxurious formula and is worth it for those just wanting to apply a hydrating sunscreen with a luminous finish.
But if you want a sunscreen that layers over other skincare products and absorbs instantly, there may be better options out there.
If you’re looking to buy other ESPA products, you can get 20% off with the code SHOPESPA (excludes SPF). Shop here. I’d highly recommend the Optimal Skin Pro Serum – it’s still one of my fave serums ever.
Sarah Sarsby is the owner of Honest Reviews Woman. With over 7 years' experience of writing in the fields of beauty and lifestyle, Sarah is passionate about all things content, makeup, skincare, wellness, and lifestyle. She has combination skin, is obsessed with lip gloss, and loves cookie dough.