Ultra Violette (a clever play on ultra violet rays – UV) is a new brand of sunscreen that hails from Australia. Australia is famously known as the country that has the strictest laws on sunscreen ratings, testing and approvals, and also one of the countries that runs campaigns to educate and encourage their people to wear sunscreen and sun protection clothing, to protect themselves from UV rays and skin cancer.

What has captured the imagination of users of Ultra Violette is the texture of the product. Everyone I spoke to about the brand has waxed lyrical about how lovely the products feel on their skin.

The problem with wearing sunscreen is that it has a tendency to be heavy and greasy. Many people don’t like that and use it as an excuse to skip sunscreen. While I am partial to Japanese brands, some of those have a tendency to be a little drying for me.

So, coming across a brand, where the co-founder says “We wanted to design a wardrobe of facial sunscreen that looked good, felt nice to wear, and didn’t bore us to tears” did have me intrigued. I had to see just how different or pleasurable the Ultra Violette sunscreens were 🙂

Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF50+ – RM155 for 50ml | AU$49 for 75ml

The Ultra Violette Supreme Screen is the one most people told me they enjoyed using. Formulated to be hydrating, Ultra Violette says that the Supreme Screen is their all-rounder product tailored for those with normal to dry skin.

They say that if you’re lazy, you can just slap the Supreme Screen on as your moisturiser, sunscreen and primer. Personally, I wouldn’t, simply because I am meticulous about my sunscreen use. Sunscreen for me, serves just 1 function – to protect my skin, so I don’t depend on it to do more than that.

How I use the Ultra Violette Supreme Screen therefore, is as usual, as the final step of my morning skincare routine, before I leave the house. This means, after cleansing and my hydrating serum and moisturiser, so my skin is already moisturised prior.

As I have dry skin, I do find Supreme Screen very comfortable on my skin. I use the requisite 2-3 fingers length of sunscreen for daily wear, and it feels lovely on. While it says that it is a Hydrating Facial Skinscreen, I like that it was not heavy nor greasy. In terms of texture, it is creamy. It pumps out of the tube with a slight tint to the formula but I don’t notice a tint on my skin.

I do find that it sinks in nicely and quickly into the skin and that my skin has a dewy glow (not to be confused with a greasy mess). The 2 times I wore a foundation/makeup over, it did not mess up, not did it make my makeup slide off. It was quite nice an experience overall.

In terms of protection, the Ultra Violette Supreme Screen offers SPF50+ protection, which is the bare minimum, as far as I’m concerned. Scanning the ingredients list, I do note that this uses chemical filters, which may go towards explaining the more elegant texture and formula.

While I do have a personal preference for a sunscreen with some physical blockers, I must say that the Ultra Violette Supreme Screen does protect the skin quite well from sun exposure. I tested this by wearing it out on my morning walks. While I did feel my skin warming up after a while, it felt better than my usual Allie sunscreen. However, for rigorous active use under direct sun, I wouldn’t use this one. I use it instead when I’m indoors, or if I were in the office. It doesn’t hold up well for me, for a 10am walk under the sun. For a daily wear sunscreen, the Ultra Violette Supreme Screen does a pretty amazing job at protecting my skin, while feeling comfortable and not clogging my pores, nor turning greasy as the day wears on.

Active ingredients: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (10%), Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (3%), Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (2.5%) Inactives: Aqua, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Alcohol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Nylon 6/12, Ceteareth-20, Squalane, Caprylyl Glycol, PEG-40 Stearate, Silica, Saccharide Isomerate, Decyl Glucoside, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 60, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Parfum, Triethanolamine, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Propylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, l-carnosine, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499

Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying Fragrance Free Skinscreen SPF50+ – RM155 for 50ml | AU$49 for 75ml

My daily wear sunscreen for the past 3 years has been a mineral sunscreen that uses Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide UV blockers. While I love it and tolerate the heavier texture on my skin, many people have told me they didn’t enjoy it because of the texture.

Enter then, Ultra Violette Lean Screen. When I saw that they do a mineral sunscreen, I knew I had to try it! Ultra Violette says that their mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide (a whopping 22.75%!) but they promise that it will not leave that dreaded white cast so often associated with mineral sunscreens. They also promise a comfortable light formula that isn’t greasy, and boldly claim that this is the best zinc sunscreen in Australia and the world! Wow, that got me! 😀

The texture of the Ultra Violette Lean Screen is a little drier, as you can see from the swatch above. It is slightly tinted, just like Supreme Screen, but it isn’t noticeable on skin. I don’t notice any tint, and I certainly do not notice a white cast on my skin. That said however, my skin tone is quite fair, so I don’t usually have a problem. I’m not sure how it will fare on someone with a deeper skin tone.

The drier texture also means that the texture of the product is less creamy going on the skin, and you may have to rub it in a little. They do say that it is mattifying, and is recommended for normal-oily skin. As someone with dry skin, I usually steer clear of products that claim to be mattifying as it can be too drying for my liking. However, I must say that Lean Screen works well for me. I don’t find it particularly drying at all on my skin.

I tested the sunscreens over a week or two by wearing Supreme Screen on half my face, and Lean Screen on the other half. When you wear them side by side, you can quite easily see the slight glow from Supreme Screen, as opposed to the more matte effect when wearing Lean Screen.

In terms of protection, I personally found that Lean Screen, being a mineral sunscreen, felt better for me when I was out in direct sun. My skin felt more comfortable and did not warm up as much, and I just felt better protected. The only drawback is that it doesn’t say that it is water resistant, so I wouldn’t use this for sporty activities, where you sweat a lot.

In terms of it being a comfortable zinc sunscreen that isn’t thick like plaster, I tend to agree that Lean Screen is a good one. If a mineral sunscreen is what you’re after, then this is about one of the best I’ve come across in terms of texture and comfortable wear time.

For my purposes, I prefer to use the Ultra Violette Lean Screen when I know I’ll be outside a lot e.g. walking my dog, running errands, driving etc. I find that it offers me better protection for my skin, and I always prefer using a mineral sunscreen for activities like that.

However, because it is a little dry and drying, I will not use it as an ‘indoor sunscreen’ simply because I have dry skin. For someone with oily skin, they might find it more comfortable than Supreme Screen.

Active Ingredients: 22.75% Zinc Oxide Inactive: Purified water, Zinc oxide, Coco caprylate caprate, Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate, Isostearic acid, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetearyl glucoside, Pentavitin, Kakadu plum extract, Xanthan gum, Gluconolactone, Sodium benzoate, Glycerol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Octyldodecanol, Caprilic capric triglyceride, Sodium chloride, PEG-30 dipolyhydroxystearate, Disodium EDTA, Iron oxides

Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF50+ or Lean Screen SPF50+ – which to pick?

I personally picked both the Supreme Screen and Lean Screen to try, as they are both SPF50+. My personal preference is to wear sunscreen that’s a minimum of SPF 50 and has broad-spectrum protection, nothing less.

As I shared above, I tested both sunscreens by wearing them each on half my face, so I could try them both in all conditions.

For outdoor use, I personally pick Lean Screen because of the mineral sunscreen protection that I personally find better for me. My skin does not feel as warm, nor does it look as pink after being out in the sun. Supreme Screen did not fare as well for me after prolonged hours in the sun.

For indoor use, I prefer Supreme Screen because I have dry skin, and the hydrating, creamy texture of the sunscreen feels more comfortable on my skin. I also like the dewy glow, and for indoor use, I’m happy with it. For those with oily skin, you may find it a little more dewy than you like. So you might prefer Lean Screen.

I also like that Supreme Screen sits well under makeup. I wear light makeup, when I wear it, and I don’t find my bases moving around. I often like to just wear a little concealer and powder over, on what is otherwise bare skin, and it looks nice and natural. It doesn’t get oily throughout the day either.

Both sunscreens have a slight tint to them, which I don’t notice on my skin. However, I don’t know how someone who is very fair or someone with deeper skin tone will fare. If you do have skin tone like that and have tried, I’d love for you to share! 🙂

Personally, I can understand the hype, because these Ultra Violette sunscreens are some of the better textures that I have experienced in a sunscreen. The textures are lightweight, and feel very comfortable on the skin, even though you use a generous amount (and you should be using a generous amount – 2 fingers length at minimum!). The formula is moisturising on skin and the skin does not feel nor look greasy, shiny, oily nor grey. With such an elegant formulation, and high SPF protection, the Ultra Violette sunscreens are definitely worth trying, if you love sunscreen, and especially if you can’t find a comfortable sunscreen formula. You might just find one to love in this brand, the price notwithstanding.

On a personal basis, while I will use the Avene Very High Mineral Sunscreen for my outdoor use as it’s highly water resistant (greasy mess though it might be), I’d be willing to consider switching to the Ultra Violette Supreme Screen for indoor use in place of my usual Allie sunscreen, or at the very least, to alternate between the two. I do like the texture of the Supreme Screen, and I do find that it performs as well, if not better than Allie for me in terms of comfort and how it looks on my skin.

As for the prices, I do find the price a little steep (in RM) for a product that you must be generous with, and that you use daily. I saw that on the Ultra Violette website, they have increased the volume per tube to 75ml, which makes it a more palatable quantity for the price. I can see myself making a repurchase of the Supreme Screen at some point, but at the 75ml tubes, because it offers me better value.

At the 50ml quantity on Sephora, I personally find it a pinch. I go through tubes of sunscreen very quickly, and anything that makes me think twice before being generous with its use, is a red flag for me. That said however, if you’re used to using sunscreen by skincare brands, then the price point might not be as painful, as it is on par, if not lower than most sunscreen by other big brands e.g. Shiseido. I personally find these sunscreens better than Shiseido’s offering (and you know what a big fan I am of Shiseido – or used to be! 😀 )

Ultra Violette Extreme Screen Body & Hand Skinscreen SPF50+ – RM145 | AU$35 for 150ml

The final item I was offered to try was the Ultra Violette Extreme Screen which is a Body sunscreen. As much as we beauty enthusiasts are happy to slather on our facial sunscreen, how many of us are as diligent about body sunscreen? I’d be the first to admit that I’m not the best at it 😛

However, I have been much more diligent ever since my lifestyle involved sun exposure in the mornings, and I noticed the skin on my arms suffering. I now wear long leggings and long-sleeved tops when out, with a wide-brimmed hat, so I cover up as much of my skin as I can.

But I also apply a body sunscreen on my arms and hands. While I have found a facial sunscreen to suit my needs, I am still in the market for a good body sunscreen, so the Ultra Violette Extreme Screen Body & Hand SkinScreen SPF50+ came just in time! 😀

Like most body sunscreens, the tube is larger than usual, at 150ml, and at a lower price tag. I like that, because it means I don’t feel like I should be skimping on its use (and you should not!)

The Ultra Violette Extreme Screen has a lovely lightweight and hydrating texture that feels like a cream going on the skin. It is very comfortable, and sinks in quickly without feeling heavy or greasy at all. They also say that it is water and sweat resistant for up to 4 hours, which is great! Most of us who use a body sunscreen use it for outdoor activities, and being sweat resistant is a huge plus!

I like how my skin feels moisturised, like I’m using a body lotion, yet protected. I usually dislike body sunscreens because they have a tendency to either be greasy or to be extremely drying. This one’s neither, and like Goldilocks, is pretty much just right, as far as body sunscreens go!

The packaging is also easy to use for those who are on the go e.g. if you take this to the beach or to the park. The product dispenses through a twist cap, so you don’t have to fiddle with any loose caps. Just twist the cap, and squeeze it out. It can be a little messy, so be sure to wipe off residue after every use.

My only gripe with it is the scent, which is of sweet coconuts. A very tropical scent, and could be pleasant for most people, but I personally do not enjoy coconut scents 🙁 It is quite strong and sweet which again, is something that can appeal to many, but just doesn’t hit the spot for me. This is a personal note, as all scent is personal, so don’t let me put you off trying it!

I would have much preferred if, like the facial sunscreens, the Ultra Violette Extreme Screen was kept unscented, for those of us who prefer it that way. Other than that little gripe though, the Extreme Screen is absolutely worth trying, for when you’re planning to be outdoors, and want a comfortable, lightweight, non-greasy, yet high SPF sunscreen for your body.

Active Ingredients: Octocrylene [8.00% w/w] Homosalate [10.00% w/w] Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane [3.00% w/w]  Octyl Salicylate [5.00% w/w] Inactives: Aqua, Cera Alba, Isopropyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ceteareth-20, Parfum, Hydroxyacetophenone, Carbomer, Saccharide Isomerate, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Triethanolamine, Titanium Dioxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Iron Oxide

All in all, I’d say my experience with Ultra Violette sunscreens has been a positive one. While the product prices are a little higher than what I’m currently using, they do feel better and more comfortable on my skin. While I won’t be switching over just yet, I will most certainly consider these as alternatives to what I’m currently using.

WHERE TO BUY: Ultra Violette website (ships to Malaysia), Sephora

Have you tried the Ultra Violette sunscreens? Which one is your favourite?

Mine is Supreme Screen, because it works well as an all-rounder, indoor sunscreen. I’d get the 75ml one if I could, as it offers better value. 😛

Paris B

Disclosure: Featured products were press samples by the store for consideration. Our commitment is to honesty and fairness. For review guidelines please read the disclaimer.