Product Review: LaRoche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer with Sunscreen

I'm a sucker for a double duty product.  But turn that beauty goody into a triple threat and I'm all about it.  However, all too often, promises are made with beauty products, particularly skin care, that are not kept.  And that #failure does not make me a happy camper.  But, when a skin care product lives up to its claim, that's a moment I can do a little happy dance (in my mind…).  

So, when I received a sunscreen that doubles as a primer and it claims to be anti-aging, you know I had to put it to the ultimate test.  Check out the claims for LaRoche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer with Sunscreen.

Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer with Sunscreen
Advanced UVA/UVB protection + the instant correction for signs of aging.

Breakthrough Technology
Unique blend of light-reflecting micro-particles create a blurring effect to instantly correct the signs of aging.
A new generation of aerated silicas creates a smooth, matte canvas on skin.
Cell-Ox Shield™: a synergistic combination of patented high efficacy sun filters and powerful anti-oxidants to further protect your skin, even at the cellular level*.

*upper layers of the skin
Description
For the 1st time, ANTHELIOS 50 combines broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with Cell-OX Shield™ antioxidant technology in a primer that is clinically proven to instantly reduce fine lines, wrinkles, pore size, dark spots, and redness.
Benefits
High protective efficacy:
Daily broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection (SPF 50)
Instant correction of lines, wrinkles, pores, dark spots, and redness
Transformative light-weight texture
Leaves a smooth, matte finish on skin for easier make-up application
Clinically proven safe and effective:
Tested on sensitive skin
Fragrance-free
Non-comedogenic
Paraben-free

My results:

Before I try any skin care products, I read the label to see which active ingredients are in the formulation.  IMHO, any skin care product that claims to be  anti-aging must  have some kind of active ingredient action going on.  Now, I was slightly disappointed that the the anti-aging ingredients in LaRoche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer with Sunscreen are chemical sunscreens.  But that's okay—SPF is after all the number one avenue to anti-aging.  I thought, however, that the anti-aging was going to be a super-charged antioxidant in the manner of an ACE vitamin.  

My first use of LaRoche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer with Sunscreen was accompanied by an exhalation of "ahhhh" upon application.  It felt great, and it looked great.  So much so that I continued on with my makeup application without any tinted moisturizer or foundation. The primer delivered on making my skin appear poreless and perfected.  My nearly flawless skin imperfections were definitely diffused and minimized. 

The sun protection at an SPF of 50 frankly scared the heck out of me.  Ordinarily, the higher the SPF, the more holographic and radiated my brown skin looks.  Such was not the case with Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer with Sunscreen.  My skin was smooth, matte and finished.  Since I'm  in my 50s, (I know, I know, you just can't believe it) I prefer a dewy texture to my skin, but the matte finish from this primer left my skin looking velvety, not the opaque, pancake matte of yesteryear.

In addition to using Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer with Sunscreen on myself, I road tested in on several models of various shades of brown on a photoshoot, all with excellent results.  The makeup application post primer was flawless and lasted through hours of shooting.  To sum it up, I'm loving LaRoche-Posay Anthelios 50 Daily Anti-Aging Primer with Sunscreen!

My only conundrum now, is,  do I categorize this primer as makeup or skin care?

Bling Factor:

Pro: High SPF, wears well on brown skin, primer hold up

Con: None

Price: $39.50

Buy again: Yes, I like the triple duty action

Packaging: 4 Blings—nothing spectacular, comes sealed though!

Overall: 5 Blings