Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense review

As a follow up to the recent SPF post, I received a request from Miss Yada.   She read on several sites that Skinceuticals was recommended for women with darker skin tones and wondered if I could do a full review. Actually, this was the exact reason that I was drawn to this sunscreen in the first place. I was looking for something that blended well with my skin.  Plus, I really liked the high level SPF and the Skinceuticals brand.  In fact, there are several other Skinceuticals products that I've got my eye on and will be using in the future.

The Physical Fusions UV Defense was on my Amazon wishlist for quite some time before I took the plunge.  Finally, I told myself that waiting served me no purpose and made my decision. The way I see it, there were no down sides to purchasing.  It had the highest level SPF of any product I owned, the reviews were very positive and, since we're in the month of July, I figured that now would be the time to take my UV protection to the next level.

One thing to note about the bottle is that it's relatively small.  Under 2.0 oz in total. Great for carrying in my bag or for travel. What I like about the packaging is the shape of the bottle and the easy pour spout.  Which makes a lot of sense since it's a fluid not a cream.

I wouldn't consider this product moisturizing.  The consistency is too thin for that.  The UV Defense Fusion has such a watery texture that I must be careful when I apply but the spout makes it pretty much mistake proof.

Regarding the claim that this product works well on darker skin tones.  I'm guessing this is because the fluid is mildly tinted.  I do appreciate the effort made by SkinCeuticals to include tint but, honestly, it doesn't match my tone.  But, I don't think that was the intention.  I believe the intention was to cancel out that dreaded white ghost look that most high impact sunscreens provide.  Case in point, my Shiseido SPF 42.  Skinceuticals doesn't make me look white, but I do have a slightly grey hue if I don't take the time to massage in thoroughly.  Once it soaks into my skin, there are no visible traces of it.  The watery consistency works in its favor because I feel like I have absolutely nothing on after application.  No greasiness, no heaviness. Nothing.  This is perfect for daily use because I don't feel like it's a burden to wear a sunscreen can makes me sweat even more.

Overall, I'm really happy with my purchase. Skinceuticals is pretty much the only sunscreen product I use on my face (even though I have others).  The only exception is when I apply IMAN SPF 15 to add additional color and coverage.  I can't imagine anyone not liking this product. The only drawback is that it isn't hydrating so you probably want to apply a moisturizer first if your skin needs it.

Sunscreen is such an important product. It's going to help diminish my hyperpigmentation, it'll keep my skin young and healthy. I no longer want to use low quality products to protect my skin.  I want the best I can find.  Is skinceuticals the best?  I don't know, but I feel comfortable calling it "really good" and recommending to anyone who is considering making the purchase.