Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturizer SPF 50 Review: Dewy Dream or Greasy Nightmare?

Hello everyone! Today, we're taking a closer look at a sunscreen that's been generating quite a buzz: the Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturizer SPF 50. This product promises to deliver sun protection with the feel of a moisturizer, leaving a dewy glow and no white cast, making it ideal for dry and normal skin types. Sounds almost too good to be true, right? Well, I put it to the test, and I'm sharing my honest experience with you.

According to Paula's Choice, this sunscreen boasts a blend of UV filters, emollients, and antioxidants. The specific filters listed are Evanol A+, Octisalate, Evanol T150, Tinosorb M, and Tinosorb S. Now, the inclusion of Tinosorb M immediately caught my attention, and not in a good way. In my experience, Tinosorb M can sometimes leave a white cast, particularly on deeper skin tones. So, I started this review with a bit of apprehension.

Before we delve into the application process, I wanted to share a quick aside about my absolute favorite Paula's Choice product: the 2% BHA Exfoliant. It's a holy grail skincare item for me, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to improve their skin texture and clarity. While I haven't tried their other BHA variations, this one is a true game-changer.

Now, back to the sunscreen. The texture is undeniably a thick cream, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I squeezed a generous amount onto the back of my hand to get a better feel for it. After letting it air dry for a moment, the difference between the sunscreened area and my bare skin was striking. The sunscreen side was noticeably shiny, almost bordering on greasy. This immediately raised concerns about how it would look on my face. Thankfully, I decided against applying a moisturizer beforehand, anticipating potential oiliness.

Taking a deep breath, I applied a liberal amount of sunscreen to my face, as one should always do. Even during application, the greasy feeling was prominent. My palms were noticeably shiny after spreading the product, confirming my initial worries. I knew I had to wait and see how it settled, but I wasn't optimistic.

While filming this review, I experienced an unexpected hiccup. For some reason, my eyes started tearing up, possibly a reaction to the sunscreen itself. This, of course, messed up my makeup and required some impromptu touch-ups. I dabbed away the excess sunscreen and tears as best I could, regretting not using a setting stick around my eyes beforehand. Thankfully, I had taken some before pictures, which saved the day.

After giving the sunscreen ample time to settle, it was time for the final assessment. While the texture itself felt pleasant and creamy, as advertised, the finish was far from the promised "dewy glow." Instead, it was undeniably greasy, much too shiny for my preference. And, as I feared, it did leave a noticeable white cast on my skin. This confirms that, in my opinion, this sunscreen is not ideal for deeper skin tones. While Tinosorb M might work well for some individuals with darker complexions, it's definitely not suitable for me. I'm incredibly relieved that this product was gifted because if I had purchased it with my own money, I would have been extremely disappointed.

One aspect of Paula's Choice that I genuinely appreciate is their 60-day return policy. If a product doesn't work for you, you can return it for a full refund. I believe this policy is available in both Europe and the US, but it's always best to double-check. Keep in mind that this typically applies to purchases made directly from their website, not from third-party retailers. This generous return policy is a significant plus in my book.

Overall, the Paula's Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturizer SPF 50 was a miss for me. The greasy finish and white cast were major dealbreakers. However, skincare is a personal journey, and what doesn't work for one person might be perfect for another.

I hope this review helps you decide whether or not this sunscreen is right for you. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences! What sunscreen are you currently using? Share your recommendations in the comments below – I'm always looking for new sunscreens to try.