In February I requested a full-size bottle of the new NIVEA Sun Moisturising Screen Lotion SPF50+ so that I could try it out with my family. We live a few steps from the ocean, down the west coast of Western Australia. So you can imagine that when the sun is out we like to go touch the sea.
During summer we were already taking Curly to the beach and park, so I wanted to check out a different SPF strength to see whether it would be more effective. We’d usually spend about 30 minutes to 45 minutes in the sun on a hot day, and a little longer on hot, cloudy days. I grew up in the tropics, so my skin is permanently tanned. The Scientist is white and our little Curly is inbetween, like my tan rubbed onto him.
So here’s my verdict on NIVEA Sun Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+.
I found this moisturising sunscreen lotion very light and at just the right thickness and no greasiness. It’s not runny like milk but absorbs easily without much effort when I rub it in evenly. I didn’t notice any stickiness on my skin, probably because I was sitting still most of the time, reading a book or taking photos. But when Curly and the Scientist came out of the ocean, I could still feel some lotion on them but not stickiness. This means it’s a little hard for the water to remove the lotion.
That signature NIVEA scent is not so strong and the ingredients have not caused any sign of negative reaction to my skin or the skins of my husband and child. Curly suffers from eczema but he never got an itch from this lotion.
This lotion is not 100% matte. So it will show but only for the first few minutes, until your skin has been exposed to the sun. See my recommended trick to quick absorption below. So unless those first few minutes mean a lot to you then I wouldn’t worry about it. We looked very natural when the lotion had absorbed.
In addition to sun protection, it moisturised me skin. So that’s a bonus for me, my skin stayed moisturised while also protected from the sun.
What NIVEA recommends
The advice is to apply the NIVEA Sun Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ about 15-20 minutes before sun exposure. For better protection you need to do after-exposure care. Reapply regularly and also after swimming or towelling. It’s normal for some whiteness to show if you applied more than enough lotion.
SPF and what Cancer Council recommends
For expert advice visit the Cancer Council. There, you can find information about SPF50+ and what it really means. They also discuss what you should do if the sunscreen you are using has a lower protection.
Ingredients
NIVEA Sun Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ contains Octocrylene,Titanium Dioxide, Oxybenzone, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Octyl Salicylate, Homosalate, Bermotrizinol, Ethanol, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxybenzoates. Although it doesn’t state Parfum as an ingredient, it does have that subtle NIVEA smell, which I’ve always been OK with.
If you find it very protective but shows a little whiteness
Here’s a trick which I learned from a makeup artist. As you apply any thick lotion, press your hands on your skin as you spread and slightly massage into your skin. The warmth of your hand helps with preventing white casts or streaks.
Overall all three of us were well protected
We’ve been using the NIVEA Sun Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ since February 2013 and never got burned by the sun. We’ve worn the cream on very hots days above where it was between 30-42+ degrees and on many not-so-hot-but-hot days. This is an ideal lotion to use in summer.
Dear NIVEA
The only two issues so far is that for those wishing to buy in bulk the bottle will seem small (200ml) and those wanting miniature bottles for their handbag won’t have that choice unless they pour it into empty bottles. It would be good if I could have smaller and bigger options. Hopefully by next summer. I’m not sure why they didn’t start with smaller bottles so that consumers could try before committing.
Recommendation and where to buy
You should definitely consider using the NIVEA Sun Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+.
NIVEA products can be found in major supermarkets, pharmacies and specialty stores across the country. Prices may differ, original was quoted at $17.99. You can also find their products on-line through various stores.
Note: you don’t have to throw away your lower SPF products as long as they are within the labelled expiry date. If you opt for SPF50+ make an upgrade when you repurchase.
Disclaimer: I requested a full-size 200ml NIVEA Sun Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ to test with my family. I was never asked to write about it. I only ever recommend and review things that I at least 50% loved. This review is a guide only and based on my experience. Please consult with your skin doctor or the brand if you have any queries or concerns in regards to the ingredients in the product.