Monday, May 30, 2011

Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50 PA+++ Anti-Glycation Primer

Today, with sunny, hot weather in most of the country, you should be thinking about sun protection. Chantecaille has a new option for your face and neck, and it's loaded with benefits. Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50 PA+++ Anti-Glycation Primer ($85) combines a truly invisible shield with an effective and well-known anti-glycation ingredient, which ensures that skin is protected from the internal threat of glycation (a process that breaks down collagen). Ultra Sun Protection is a multitasker: it's an effective sunscreen, it offers anti-aging/treatment benefits, and it's a makeup primer - all in one.

Let's start with the sun protection. Ultra Sun delivers SPF 50 UVB protection and PA+++ for UVA rays. It does this with a three highly effective, stabilized, non-penetrating sunscreens: avobenzone, octisalate, and octinoxate. That alone, in this delightfully textured primer would be worth the price with its high level of protection. Chantecaille went further with treatment ingredients. Cherry blossom, lemon balm, and white tea extracts deliver powerful anti-inflammatory properties, protecting DNA from free radicals. Carnosine delivers the anti-glycation properties.

Glycation occurs when you eat sugars - not just refined sugar, but anything that turns into glucose in your body - and the glucose hits your bloodstream. These sugars latch on to proteins, and through a "binding" mechanism between sugar and protein, cause your skin to ultimately become stiff and brittle. Much of this results from large molecules generated from the glycation process, which are called advanced glycation end products, appropriately abbreviated as AGEs.

The more sugar you eat (including processed foods - even orange juice and carbohydrates), the more AGEs you produce. As they multiply, these molecules wreak havoc with proteins, including collagen and elastin, which keep our skin firm and elastic. The result is sagging, wrinkled, aging skin.


The oil-free, light fluid texture of Chantecaille's Ultra Sun Protection beautifully smoothes skin and controls oil-breakthrough and shine throughout the day, which makes it a great primer. Chantecaille makeup artists found that the fluid perfectly preps the skin for and extends the wear of foundation. I agree. Water and humidity-resistant, it is the perfect daily protection for outdoor activities and humid climates. Don't worry about those beads of perspiration when you are outdoors. Ultra Sun Protection will stay with you. If you are swimming, though, make sure to reapply.

Ultra Sun Protection seems like the "unsunscreen" sunscreen to me. It's an extremely light fluid that leaves absolutely no white, chalky, or otherwise undesirable appearance. It has a very subtle, delightful rose fragrance (to my nose). I think it's a genius product. I like it even more than some of my "old favorites." That's high praise.

To use it, make sure to shake the tube well to ensure an even mix of ingredients. Evenly spread the light fluid over your face and neck, and don't forget your ears! You can apply it over your regular moisturizer. The 1.3-ounce tube may seem small, but a little of this wonderful sunscreen/primer goes a very long way. I won't be wasting it - but I'm sure I'll need more before summer ends. This is my new favorite sunscreen.

You can purchase Ultra Sun Protection at Chantecaille's Web site, where a new gift with purchase promotion begins in June. Online only, from June 5-12, in honor of World Ocean Day, Chantecaille will offer a free Amaretto Lip Gloss with the purchase of any La Baleine compact. Use code WHALES at checkout. Right now, there's a free shipping offer online. You can also find Ultra Sun Protection at Chantecaille counters. I know Neiman Marcus has it.

Photo courtesy of Chantecaille

11 comments:

Style de Nude said...

Great review! Do you know if this is silicone based?

Charlestongirl said...

Thanks, ProductDoctor!

It contains a methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer and polymethylsilsesquioxane - so, yes.

Anonymous said...

Does it feel silicone-y as Chanel UV essential SPF 50? I really don't like that "slip"

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Anonymous,

I don't think so, but seeing for yourself is best. It should be at counters soon. NM has the tester, but the stock that was expected at my store last week didn't arrive Friday.

Hopelessly Devoted To Makeup said...

You always write such great, thorough reviews. I look forward to your blog daily. :)

Benita said...

Lovely review! I'll check it out at N&M. Thanks so much.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Charlestongirl said...

Benita and Hopelessly Devoted...

Many thanks!

Unknown said...

Thanks for such a detailed review. This sunscreen is a little pricier than I would normally consider but the formula and ingredients sound divine! I love that it doubles as a primer too.

Charlestongirl said...

I'll admit it's pricey, but wait until you feel it. I have nothing like it - and the anti-glycation benefits make it so much more than a sunscreen.

Anonymous said...

Hello, great review! Could this work as a moisturizer for combination skin?

Bella said...

Ugh, I am tempted to order this despite the high price (no Chantecaille counter near me unfortunately). Does it contain alcohol?