Garnier Ambre Solaire Ultra-Light Sensitive Sun Protection Face Fluid SPF50+ Review

Today, I’m bringing you Garnier Ambre Solaire Ultra-Light Sensitive Sun Protection Face Fluid SPF50+ Review It is a product that many call a dupe for La Roche-Posay Shaka Fluid. Considering both Garnier and La Roche-Posay are owned by Lorela, there is no surprise they are so similar.

And it goes without saying that using SPF is the most important step of any skincare routine. To read more about it, click here.

About Garnier Ambre Solaire Ultra-Light Sensitive Sun Protection Face Fluid SPF50+ 40ml

Let’s see what Garnier says:

Garnier Ambre Solaire Anti-Dark Spots & Anti-Pollution Super UV Protection Fluid is enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. The ultra-light formula is absorbed instantly and offers daily hydration without leaving a greasy finish. Very high SPF protection to help prevent sun induced dark spots and protect against pollution induced oxidative stress.

Ingredients:

AQUA / WATER, ALCOHOL DENAT., DIISOPROPYL SEBACATE, SILICA, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE, ETHYLHEXYL TRIAZONE, BIS-ETHYLHEXYLOXYPHENOL METHOXYPHENYL TRIAZINE, BUTYL METHOXYDIBENZOYLMETHANE, GLYCERIN, C12 – 22 ALKYL ACRYLATE/HYDROXYETHYLACRYLATE COPOLYMER, PROPANEDIOL, DROMETRIZOLE TRISILOXANE, PERLITE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, TOCOPHEROL, HYDROXYACETOPHENONE, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, THERMUS THERMOPHILLUS FERMENT, PHENOXYETHANOL, TRIETHANOLAMINE, TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, TEREPHTHALYLIDENE DICAMPHOR SULFONIC ACID, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, POTASSIUM SORBATE (F.I.L C243543/1).

There are a lot of ingredients in here, with a few goodies and baddies. Firstly, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate and tocopherol are good ingredients intended to soothe and moisturise the skin. We already know that glycerin and sodium hyaluronate are skin-identical ingredients and humectants, meaning they bring moisture to the skin. And tocopherol is Vitamin E that is used as an antioxidant.

Secondly, the ingredient I usually have problems with is alcohol denat. And here it’s in second place in the formula meaning that after water, there is the highest amount of alcohol in this product. I understand it has to be in here to provide this lovely lightweight consistency, and that’s why they put hyaluronic acid and glycerine in – to combat the drying effect of alcohol denat.

Lastly, let’s look at the SPF filters here.

Packaging, texture and use

Packaging

Garnier Ambre Solaire Ultra-Light Sensitive Sun Protection Face Fluid SPF50+ comes in a small, sturdy bottle that fits into any bag or pocket. The bottle’s design reminds me of the famous La Roche-Posay Shaka Fluid. The only thing it doesn’t have is a small ball inside the packaging to mix the formula well. The top of the bottle is a small nozzle that makes it easier to dose the product. But you still have to be careful as it’s very liquidy.

On the front of the cardboard box and bottle, there is writing that says the product has an invisible finish and is anti-eye stinging. And I agree with those statements. I would never put the SPF too close to my eyes, but some of them can still sting. Not this one.

Also, on the front of the bottle is the factor this product has written with big bright orange numbers. I think it makes it stand out and be very visible.

Texture

The texture is relatively lightweight, but I wouldn’t say it’s ultra-lightweight, as they claim. There still is a tiny bit of thickness to it, but it is much lighter than most of the other SPFs I’ve tried. It spreads effortlessly, and you don’t need to rub it in too much to get it absorbed. Measuring it with two-finger lengths is quite hard as it runs off everywhere.

Also, there is a tiny bit of graininess in this product. You might not see it at first, but once you start spreading it on your skin, you can feel it under your fingers. But I don’t mind it.

Use

Garnier recommends:

Shake well. Apply this sunscreen just before sun exposure. Re-apply frequently and generously to maintain protection, especially after swimming, perspiring, or drying off with a towel. 

I’m not sure about this part where they say to apply it just before sun exposure. Ideally, you would wait about ten to twenty minutes after applying any SPF before you put makeup on or expose your skin to the sun. That gives the SPF enough time to form that protective layer on the skin.

Otherwise, the application is pretty straightforward. Shake the bottle well and apply a generous amount on your face, neck, tops of the ears and any other exposed parts of your face.

Who is Garnier Ambre Solaire Ultra-Light Sensitive Sun Protection Face Fluid SPF50+ for

According to Garnier, this product is suitable for all skin types. Even the sensitive ones. I think it would work best for oily or combination skins. Even normal skins might enjoy this product. But sensitive or dry skin will only become more sensitive and drier after using this SPF.

My experience with Garnier Ambre Solaire Ultra-Light Sensitive Sun Protection Face Fluid SPF50+

I like this SPF but only for a short while or a random day here or there. I couldn’t use it every day as I find it a tad too drying on the skin. At first, I loved it. It was super easy to spread and felt fantastic on the skin. Even my makeup would sit phenomenally on top of this SPF.

But after using it every day for a couple of weeks, I noticed my skin getting dehydrated. And I was still applying my serum underneath it. So, I think I would need my moisturiser under it as well to prevent drying out. But that’s too many layers for my skin. I get what they tried to do by adding hyaluronic acid to it, and it did help to some extent but not enough.

I used it on my holiday when I would apply it a few times a day, sometimes even without washing my face in between applications. And it worked amazingly. It didn’t pill, and it didn’t congest my skin. And most importantly, it protected my skin well enough that I didn’t get any sunspots.

All in all, I would repeat the purchase, but I would only use it on special occasions and not every day.

Conclusion

Garnier Ambre Solaire Ultra-Light Sensitive Sun Protection Face Fluid SPF50+ Review – it’s a terrific product at a great price and works well for most skin types. Also, the high protection factor it provides is excellent.

That being said, it is not suitable for all skin types, particularly not for sensitive skin. And even people with dry skin should avoid it. The alcohol content is just too high, and it can dry out the skin after a few applications.

Otherwise, if you have oily or combination skin, go for it. I like the way it feels and sits on the face and the fact that it works great as a base for makeup.

Packaging: 5/5

I don’t have anything negative to say about the packaging. It is small enough to fit into any pocket or handbag, so there is no excuse not to bring it with you. The bottle stays closed no matter the way you transport it around. And the small nozzle on top makes dosing the product easier.

Ingredients: 4/5

Having alcohol that high on the ingredient list bothers me. As someone with sensitive skin, it just doesn’t work for me. I understand why it’s there and that without alcohol, there wouldn’t be that lovely lightweight texture. And I like the addition of hyaluronic acid in there. But I couldn’t give this product a 5/5 rating when there is so much alcohol denat.

Value: 5/5

I believe I bought this product for about €8.50 in my local supermarket. And you can find it online for around €13.95, but it’s often on sale. Currently, Look Fantastic is selling it for €6.95. And those 40ml last for about a month and a half in my case. That makes this product a great value.

Overall: 4.6

Garnier Ambre Solaire Ultra-Light Sensitive Sun Protection Face Fluid SPF50+ is a fantastic affordable product suitable for almost any skin type. If you have a combination or oily skin, try it out and let me know what you think.

To read my other SPF reviews click here: Review: La Roche Posay Anthelios Hydrating Cream SPF 50, Review: La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF50+, Avene Very High Protection Anti-Ageing SPF50+ Review.