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Garnier Ambre Solaire Anti-Age Super UV Face Protection Cream SPF50 – that name is quite a mouthful! I am sure you have heard it before though, as Caroline Hirons mentioned it on her Instagram in early April and it immediately sold out almost everywhere in the UK.
Lucky me living in Germany had no issues finding it in stock though, so here I am with a review of this affordable sunscreen.
Is it really as good as claimed?
What the Garnier Ambre Solaire Anti-Age Super UV Face Protection Cream SPF50 claims
This formula contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, and leaves skin looking hydrated, smooth and feeling firmer whilst also protected. Our formula is instantly absorbed and does not leave a greasy finish on skin.
Facts about the Garnier Ambre Solaire Anti-Age Super UV Face Protection Cream SPF50
Prize and size
One bottle – according to the brand made with 49% less plastic than their regular bottles, whatever that means – contains 50 ml and is 9,95€.
Texture and scent
Rather than like a sunscreen it feels like a moisturizer, but a pretty rich and hydrating one as opposed to the lightweight Korean formulas we have grown used to over the last years. It doesn´t have the typical sunscreen scent either, but rather a barely noticeable floral note. That one is only there if you sniff it though.
How to use the Garnier Ambre Solaire Anti-Age Super UV Face Protection Cream
Obviously it goes on as the last step in your morning skincare routine and before makeup should you want to wear some, but depending on your skin type this is one of the formulas where I would recommend skipping the moisturizer altogether as it is so good at hydrating the skin.
Again I use the three fingers measuring method for face and neck – I really like to wear a generous layer – and while it needs some working into the skin, which is where I disagree with the “instantly absorbed” claim, it does sink in after that leaving the skin very hydrated and dewy.
When I apply this much, there is a slight white cast, which disappears when the product absorbs, so I don´t think it will be an issue for dark skins – as always though, I am way too fair to judge that, if you can share your experiences, please do so in the comments below.
I once had issues with pilling, but that was when I paired it with a moisturizer on a pretty warm day, so it shouldn´t happen with regular use or when using it on its own.
Due to the more moisturizer-like texture it also works very well when reapplying throughout the day (I have a post on different ways to do that here).
Ingredients of the Garnier Ambre Solaire Anti-Age Super UV Face Protection Cream SPF 50
sii|h 0 0, Octocrylene sunsc, Niacinamide cci|sb|aacne|h, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 
sunsc, Dimethicone emo 0 1, Ethylhexyl Triazone sunsc, Silica vc, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate vc, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer vc, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid sunsc, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate emu|surf, Drometrizole Trisiloxane sunsc, PEG-100 Stearate surf|emu 0 0, Stearyl Alcohol emo|vc|emu|surf 2 2, Glyceryl Stearate emo|emu 0 1–2, Tocopherol aox 0–3 0–3, Hydroxyacetophenone aox, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid h, Phenylethyl Resorcinol aox|sb, Triethanolamine buff 0 2, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate chel, Poloxamer 338 emu|surf, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate vc, Xanthan Gum vc, Caprylyl Glycol h|emo, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (Fll C259134/2) exfHover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.
For filters we have some older ones, Octocrylene and Avobenzone, both of which can be irritating on sensitive skin, and then some newer ones: Uvinul T150, Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL (both of which were developed by the L´Oreal group). This combination offers a good protection both in the UVA and UVB spectrum. (I talk more about the different filter types here)
There are several humectants and a bunch of antioxidants as well as Phenylethyl Resorcinol (or SymWhite), a supposedly brightening ingredient, and Niacinamide (which you know I love and which I talk in depth about here).
Does it live up to its claims?
Yes.
It is hydrating, but non-greasy and contains Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide. I disagree with instantly absorbed, but that is probably sue to my skin type.
Would I repurchase?
Yes.
In fact I already have – you simply can’t beat the price, which is amazing regarding the huge amount of sunscreen I tend to go to especially in summer.
Whom do I recommend it to?
Now if you know me, you might probably have guessed that the finish is a little too dewy for my personal taste, but I absolutely get where the hype comes from. This is a very hydrating and very affordable sunscreen with good protection, and probably perfect for more mature skins or those that lean on the normal to dry side. For my more oily skin it is great for the colder month, but even without a moisturizer will be too much in the summer.
