biore uv aqua rich watery essence (2019 formula)

sunscreen is a must for me since i'm living in tropical country. i always stock up whenever i went to japan, simply because sunscreen is easier to get there and there are wide selection of sunscreens. i bet everyone will say japan is a sunscreen heaven. but unfortunately, before i got the chance to go back to japan, i ran out of my sunscreen stash. so when i went to singapore i decided to grab the newest version of biore uv gel. unfortunately, i don't like that one. that makes me reluctant to buy the essence. but i saw someone in instagram saying that the essence is good, so when i was back to japan, i decided to grab one. if you're new to biore sunscreen, it is quite popular in asianbeauty community, everyone loves it. but then they changed the formula. so people loves the 2015 formula (in light blue bottle) but hates the 2017 formula (in darker blue bottle) and seems to like the essence version of 2019 formula (darker blue with italic "aqua rich" text written on the body). so, let's see whether i hate or like the essence.

this is the description from their japan's website: world's first micro defense formula. prevent uneven coating even at micro level gaps. even if repainted, it is impressively light even when layered! a translucent and watery essence that blends into your skin. purupuru water capsule formulation, prevent drying. contains hyaluronic acid, royal jelly extract and BG (moisturizing ingredient). although it's a super waterproof type (confirmed by an 80 minute water resistance test), it easily falls off with usual soap. coloring free. prevention of acne (non-comedogenic tested). allergy tested.

the packaging

the packaging: it comes with usual cardboard backing full with description at the back. they only seal the bottle with plastic sealing. since i bought it in japan, everything is in japanese. the bottle itself is similar to other version. it's a dark blue plastic tube with white plastic screw cap. there's another description at the back of the tube. the only difference is it has "aqua rich" text written across the body to indicate that it's the newest version.

the tube

the scent: it has the usual biore uv's scent. but less citrusy if i remember correctly. but don't worry, it dissipates quickly so it doesn't linger when you put it on your face.

back of the tube

the product: it's a ivory white gel cream just like the other formulation. it spreads easily and turns into watery traces. i guess it suits the name "watery". it takes a few minutes to be completely absorbed, but it doesn't leave white cast unlike the gel one. i also don't notice the white flecks in the essence version.

the sunscreen on my hand

the result: as base, it's okay. it gives enough moisture and not overly sticky, no white cast either. but... it's been super hot these days, and i notice that i was drenching in sweat whenever i use this sunscreen, so i have to make sure i put on powder before going out. as for the protection against uv ray, it works just as well as its predecessor.

after blending it in

i have to say that i like the essence version better than the gel version. it absorbs easily and it doesn't give white cast. but somehow it's a bit greasier than the gel version which is weird since i remember the older version gives matte finish. price wise, it's still cheap as usual if you get it straight from japan. but if you're buying this online or order it via online shop, the price might differ. i will put this in my sunscreen rotation, but compared to senka watery gel, i still like senka's better.