as usual, going to japan means sunscreen haul because they regularly reformulate their sunscreens. including the famous biore uv essence. i believed most people hate their 2017 version, but after that, i think people are okay with the newer version. so obviously i want to try it myself. luckily, biore sunscreens were still easily found during my trip, so i bought them all. i've tried the watery one, the newest one in their collection so let's move on to the essence one. the most raved one used to be the essence, so let's see whether they're able to get their crown back.
this is the description from ratzillacosme (i tried to get the description from their website, but it's very ridiculous): biore uv aqua rich watery essence is a water-light japanese sunscreen for daily use. the japanese sunscreen essence features biore's micro defense formula that uses +0.2 μm sized "micro uv-cut capsules" and biore's proprietary "ultra-light outer skin" technology, creating a thin and even UV-blocking film that adheres uniformly like a second layer of skin down the micro crevices. it gives the skin uniform daily protection against uv damage and has a lightweight texture and invisible finish. moisture-rich water capsules, hyaluronic acid, royal jelly, and butylene glycol keep skin moisturized. it provides long-lasting, undetectable protection against casual UV exposure without leaving a sticky or white residue. skin feels fresh, light, and smooth no matter how often it is reapplied. ideally suited for everyday wear.
- for face and body
- very resistant to water and sweat
- can be used as a makeup base
- removable with a face or body wash
gentle white muguet fragrance
the packaging: this comes with cardboard backing with description at the back in japanese. they seal the tube with plastic sealing and plastered it to the backing. you can just rip it off easily. the tube has the similar design as the previous version, minus the italic font, if i remember correctly. anyway, at the back of the tube there's another descriptions in japanese as usual. this time, they offer two sizes, 70 g and a bigger one at 120 g. i bought the 70 g one. i believe there's a fresh pouch one as well, but i didn't see it.
the packaging |
the scent: i have no idea what they meant by gentle white muguet fragrance. all i know that this one is scented, not like lemon-y scent that they use to have, but there's a bit of alcohol scent when it's freshly opened. anyway, for me, the scent is very gentle, but it might not be the case for someone else. so if you're sensitive to scent, you should try the sample if you can find one before committing to buy this.
description at the back |
the product: for me, it looks similar to older version. it's a milky white gel type sunscreen that's a bit runny. since it's a bit runny, i can spread it around easily. it's easy to be absorbed as well.
top: how it looks like on my hand bottom: see? almost invisible.. |
the result: for me, it doesn't leave any white cast. but i'm quite fair so i might not be the best person to make a comment about the white cast. as for the finish, once it's absorbed, it doesn't leave completely matte, but a bit satin. like there's a bit glow but not too much. it works well under makeup as well. luckily, even though it's been hot these days, it doesn't melt or turn super oily during the day. protection wise, it's okay for daily use.
overall, i like how lightweight this sunscreen and i have no problem with this reformulation. however, since this is fragranced, it might not be for everybody. as for me, i don't think i'll repurchase unless i go to japan again. however, this one is a good one. i think it'll be suitable for all skin types as long as you don't mind with the fragrance.