I’ve been a using the La Roche Posay Anthelios Shaka Fluid sunscreen for about two years now and a review has been long overdue. I’d seen it all over the internet lauded as one of the best in sun protection and when L’Oreal (La Roche Posay’s parent company) brought it to Kenya, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. I first tested it out during a brand immersion I was fortunate to have through my work, and I was convinced. I got it shortly after and I’ve been loving it ever since.
WHAT IT IS
It’s a chemical sunscreen that boasts very high UVA/UVB protection with an SPF of 50+. The formula is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and non-greasy. If you’re not sure what some of these terms mean, I have a handy post here breaking them down. Best of all, it has an invisible finish which means no pesky white/grey/blue/purple cast on coloured skin. A win! La Roche Posay (LRP) have used some interesting ingredients to make it work. They have what they call intelligent polymers which ensure it has a light-weight feel on the skin. Also, something they have branded XL Protect which is a special cocktail of UV filters and anti-oxidants to keep harmful rays and free radicals away. In addition they also have glycerine which is a great humectant for ensure skin is well hydrated.
MY EXPERIENCE
I’ve been using it on and off over the last 2 years and it’s one of my top (if not the top) sunscreens. First of all, it does not sting my eyes which some chemical sunscreens tend to do so I’m grateful for that. I also quite love the “perfect” feel and finish I get on my skin i.e. it’s neither oily to make me super greasy nor does it leave my skin feeling dry or tight or looking flakey. It’s just right and gives me that normal looking finish. This means I don’t have to use blotting tissues or an extra hydrating moisturiser to correct. No fuss sunscreen. They say it’s fragrance-free but I find it has a very light wet chalk scent which I enjoy, but that just may be my pica. Speaking of chalky, the texture is kind of like a fine fluid chalky mix to me which I must confessed worried me at first for fear of said unwanted cast or pilling but it absorbs into my skin quite nicely. Lastly, it plays quite well with my moisturiser (the Clinique Moisture Surge) and works well under makeup too.
I usually apply a generous amount on my face, ears, neck and chest (if it will be exposed) and my hands as well. The protection has been sufficient and I’ve never experienced any sunburn unless over exposed to the sun when it’s very hot and I haven’t reapplied or fortified my efforts with a hat.
CONCLUSION
Simply put, it’s a winner and whatever other sunscreen I try out I always come back to my trusted Shaka Fluid. The Shaka part of the name means shake because you have to shake it before use which I find fun. The bottle is small and portable which comes in handy when packing or to carry around for re-application without taking up much space. I buy mine from GoodLife Pharmacies (you can purchase online here) and it’s also available at MyDawa (here) as well as other pharmacies and stores both physical and online. The retail price is around 2,400-2,500 Kenyan Shillings (24-25 USD) which in my opinion is fair for the quality, brand and normal sunscreen price ranges here in Kenya. I hope my review has been helpful if you’ve been considering it. Happy New Year to you all and if you haven’t started using sunscreen yet, please do make it a priority in your new year resolutions because it’s one of the best things you can do for your skin. What are you waiting for?
xo
