roundlab birch moisturizing sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++

in my japan/korean shopping list, of course one category that has the longest list is sunscreen. and since i use it pretty much every day, and sometimes even twice a day (i workout in the morning, so i usually redo everything again after showering, thus twice uses in the same morning), i don't bother limiting it. however, i do keep in my mind about the possibility of it being too heavy for my preference or the weather back home, so if there's a tester, i would try it on my hand to see whether i like the consistency or not. anyway, the roundlab was pretty popular back then, so even the tester was empty. there was the sensitive version that was being marketed at that time, but i remember i don't like the texture so i didn't get it. and then when i walked around, i spotted the sunscreen, tucked in the men section so i grabbed it. it was a set. the full size sunscreen with a bonus of something else. mind you, everything is in hangeul, so i don't know what the bonus is. i thought it was a mini sunscreen, but turned out it is not. but let's keep that story for another post. for now, let's talk about the sunscreen.

this is the description from their website: a moisturizing sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV and replenishes and hydrates your skin. protects skin from harmful UV rays (UVA, UVB, bluelight) with SPF 50+ PA++++.

no white cast, hydration lock, easy layering, easy to blend, UV protection, for sensitive skin.

key ingredients:
- birch tree sap nourishes skin by decreasing inflammation, purifies and hydrates with its extensive minerals, enzymes, proteins and antioxidants. 

- amino acids, minerals and birch sap vitamins form a moisture-packed barrier to protect skin from drying and prevent loss of hydration.

- a hydrating sunscreen that does double duty as a moisturizer, for all skin types.

the packaging: as i've said before, i bought this as a set. so this sunscreen comes in a box with the picture of the sunscreen at front with all the awards that the sunscreen had won. there are a lot of description in korean. and then, on the side, there's this picture that shows that there's a mini bonus. however, i didn't notice it earlier that the hangeul was different. since the design is similar, i thought it's a mini sunscreen, but turns out it isn't. it's a cleansing foam if the google translate works fine. the sunscreen comes in a white plastic squeeze tube with a white plastic screw cap. yep. screw cap. not a good way to close a sunscreen since it's one thing that i use a lot. screw cap is not that user friendly for a sunscreen, in my opinion. there's another description at the back of the tube. the sunscreen comes in 50 ml. there's an aluminum foil covering the opening at first. the opening size is as big as the one in cleansing wash. again, my only problem with the packaging is the screw cap. probably a flip top would be a better option.

the scent: i believe this is unscented, but it doesn't have that distinctive scent that most sunscreens have either.

the product: it's a white cream sunscreen, which close to lotion in texture, if you're asking me. it's quite runny so it's easy to squirt out of the tube and spread it around. since it is close to lotion in texture, it's quite lightweight so i have no problem using three fingers amount for my whole face and neck. okay, now, for the part that most people don't talk about. i feel it stings my eyes when somehow, one day, i was sweating crazily and i accidentally ran my hand over my eyelids and seconds later, it stung! geez.. this is probably the second sunscreen that do that to me.

the result: even though it's lotion like and lightweight, right after spreading it around, i can totally feel that this one is moisturizing. it doesn't need extra work to blend it and there'a no white cast either. however, i'm fair to begin with, so if you have darker skin tone, you might want to check the tester or read other people reviews. i do agree that this is moisturizing and works well even if you have acne. so, it really serves the promises as it's easy to blend, easy to layer as well. it gives slight glow and since this is moisturizing, if you wear makeup on top of this sunscreen, you might want to set your face with powder to ensure its lasting power. 

i can see why this sunscreen is viral as this is moisturizing and good for sensitive skin as well. i do think it can work for all skin types, but i think it'll work better for those who has normal to dry skin or live in cold weather as this is on the moisturizing side. for me, if the weather isn't crazily hot, it stays okay. but if it's too hot, i can feel this sunscreen is slipping off my face. and it stings my eyes as well. anyway, if you can get this, totally give it a try since it worths it. but since roundlab isn't available here yet, i think you don't need to go out of your way to try this as i believe there are local brand sunscreen that gives the same feeling as this one. as for me, totally will repurchase if i can, but maybe my favorite among korean sunscreen that i've tried so far is the tocobo and numbuzin one.