Best Sunscreens Vol. 2 – La Roche-Posay Anthelios vs Avene Emulsion

Last time, I mentioned about two best sunscreens I loved. This time I have Avene and La Rochay Posay which are more like average than being great. So, let us see what I think about them.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Spf 50+ Fluid Ultra-Light

Price : Rs 1450 for 50ml

Availability : Amazon | Flipkart

Why did I buy it? Well, it was on recommendation from a dermatologist who suggested me a few brands of best sunscreens in the market. This is how I came across both La Rochay Posay and Avene. How come I did not end up liking them? I would say it is more of a comparison with other sunscreens I have used and the texture which made the difference as opposed to its effectiveness. Just like helioplex from Neutrogena, mexoryl formula of sunscreen protection is equally effective and is used in Anthelios range.

Also Read : Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer vs Shiseido Multi-Defence

• As it says, it is a very runny liquid, yellow in color
• Texture of this runny liquid is a little creamy
• Is moisturizing and does go a little heavy on the skin
• No fragrance
• Will not suit oily skin due to the creamy texture
• Did not suit me in summers as it was too greasy for me
• Perfect for winters
• Gets absorbed easily
• Great at long hours of protection
• The finish is dewy and becomes oily after sometime
• No white cast unless you go overboard which applied to all sunscreens
• Can settle into wrinkles and lines if you over-apply
• Reapplication is difficult because of the creamy texture
• Expensive enough for the quantity but it lasts longer than Shiseido

I am not going to recommend La Roche-Posay Anthelios because of its texture. It was a sad disappointment and I would rather spend a little more and get Shiseido for summers, especially for my face, neck and decolletage.

Eau Thermale Avene Very High Protection Emulsion Dry Touch Spf 50+

Price : Rs 1375 for 50ml

Availability : Amazon | Flipkart

Again, with this sunscreen, I am not sure that I like it too much. It says it is dry touch and it definitely is very matte to touch but when it goes on skin, it leaves the skin dewy and not matte.

• The product comes in a tube with a pump
• Packaging is very difficult to use since you have to press the tube and then pump it out
• Pump and tube make it difficult to squeeze out the product once it nears the end
• Texture of the product is creamy and not runny
• The product feels light and dry to touch
• Does not get greasy on skin but definitely leaves the skin dewy
• Takes time to blend it in to the skin properly
• Is not that great a product for summers especially if you have combination skin
• It is moisturizing but not too rich
• Causes a lot of white cast if you do not blend in properly
• Great sunscreen for winters and dry season
• Again, can settle into wrinkles
• Affordable but anything above Rs 1000 falls under expensive segment for me

I am not very happy with this sunscreen texture wise again.

Neither La Roche-Posay or Avene dry touch emulsion are best sunscreensfor summers or humid weather and it does leave a white cast and blending takes a lot of time for me. Remember I apply more sunscreen for better protection so obviously it takes more time!

In fact, interestingly the leaflet which comes with this sunscreen mentions that 1 finger length of sunscreen must be applied to face and neck and two lengths each for other parts of the body! That way, this sunscreen would be over in just a week or two. Or, any sunscreen for that matter.

Anyways, the next one on my list is Vichy which I am going to review. Dermalogica is again one of the brands which I have an eye on but then it is very very expensive. Also, I would love it if you could actually recommend me a good sunscreen which is matte and effective since summers are approaching. Looking forward to hearing from you!