Biore UV AQUA Rich Watery Jelly SPF 30 PA+++

When the Biore UV AQUA Rich Watery Jelly was first released in Malaysia, I ran out to get myself a bottle. I've been reading a number of positive reviews and was rather curious to see how it would work. I used it on my neck and arms at that time, and liked how watery and cooling it felt. However, I started noticing some rashes appearing on my neck a few days later and initially thought it was caused by the sunscreen because many of my allergies are triggered by sun protection products.

It was only a bit later that I discovered the rashes were caused by a food allergy reaction but by that time, I had already given away the bottle and moved on to other sunscreens. Yes, I am that quick.

I was running out of my regular body sunblock and came across the Biore Watery Jelly at a local drugstore. I then thought of trying it out again because I did like the cooling sensation and lightweight texture.

The Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Jelly is a gel-emulsion type of sunscreen that is meant for the face and body. It contains a blend of hyaluronic acid and Mix Citrus Essence to help skin retain moisture and feel more hydrated. It also acts as a moisturiser, makeup primer and sunscreen in one. It has a mild citrus scent that fades away quickly.

It is very light and watery and I really enjoy applying this sunscreen on my arms and neck. It does not leave a white cast and is pretty much invisible once rubbed in. I think the protection offered is quite enough for office workers or students who don't spend long hours under the sun.  If you plan to participate in any outdoor activities, you'd best reapply the sunscreen to benefit from it's full protection. It also washes off easily with regular soaps or cleansers.

Overall, I am glad I revisited and repurchased this sunscreen. After having use it for a couple of months without any adverse reaction, I can safely say that it works for me and would recommend it to those who are not sensitive to the ingredients listed below. The Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Jelly SPF30 PA+++ retails at RM32 and is available in most drugstores nationwide.

Note:
I have only used this sunscreen on my body, neck and decolletage so I'm not sure what it is like on my face.

Ingredient List:

Water, alcohol, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, dimethicone, xylitol, acrylates/C10-30 acrylate crosspolymer, lauryl methacrylate/sodium methacrylate crosspolymer, cyclopentasiloxane, titanium dioxide, polyglyceryl-3 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, agar, behenyl alcohol, microcrystalline wax, polyvinyl alcohol, ceratonia siliqua gum, sodium stearoxy PG-hydroxyethylcellulose sulfonate, maltodextrin, sodium hyaluronate, grapefruit fruit extract, lemon extract, orange fruit extract, butylene glycol, propylene glycol, potassium hydroxide, phenoxyethanol, disodium EDTA, BHT, fragrance.

Chanel UV Essentiel Multi-Protection Daily UV Care SPF 50

Sun protection is a skincare product that I do not usually skimp on. Even if I am just popping out for a short while, I would still slap on some sunscreen before leaving the house. I have been using the Clinique Derma White Super City Block and Clarins UV Plus, both with SPF 40, and very recently added the Chanel UV Essentiel with SPF 50 to my rotation.

I use sunscreens mainly to prevent the effects of sun damage. I am not particularly worried about turning darker but I am concerned about getting wrinkles and hyperpigmentation marks. I have a few pigmentation spots on my left cheek because that side of my face is usually more exposed to the sun due to my daily work commute.

I have also discovered that I am probably allergic to chemical sunscreens. For the longest time, I thought my skin couldn't tolerate anything with SPF 50 and above as I tend to run into all sorts of problems when I wear such sunscreens. But I now think it's certain chemical content and not so much the SPF value that  have been causing the reactions. As the Chanel UV Essentiel is a physical sunblock, it is less likely to cause any issues.

Description:

Skin’s guardian angel provides invisible daily protection against environmental aggressors. A free-radical and anti-pollution shield with a Vitamin E derivative and plant extracts empowers this oil-free, lightweight formula to safeguard skin against environmental pollutants. Licorice Root Extract and a highly effective combination of UVA and UVB filters help diminish and prevent the appearance of dark spots and signs of premature aging.

The Chanel UV Essentiel comes in a simple, minimalist white bottle and from what I have read online, a few seem to have been astounded by its diminutive size. Most of my sunscreens come in similarly sized bottles so I'm quite used to it. In fact, the small bottle makes it easier to travel with.

There is a mini ball bearing within and like most Asian sunscreens, the bottle needs a good shake before use. The product dispenses from the spout well and is easy to control. The sunscreen comes out white but fades to nothing once blended in. It has a light, lotiony consistency but is not too slippery that it will slide off immediately.

The consistency is really smooth and I find it to be more moisturising than either the Clinique or Clarins sunscreens. I can skip a moisturiser because my skin is combination to oily and the Chanel UV Essentiel seems hydrating enough. For those with drier skin types, you may still want to apply a moisturiser beforehand. It has a light, floral scent that dissipates after a while but for those who are sensitive to smells, you may prefer an unscented product. Personally, I don't find the scent intrusive and actually think it smells quite nice.

Overall, I am really happy with the Chanel UV Essential. Not only does it help fight the damaging elements from stress, pollution and the sun, it provides a broad-spectrum SPF protection to help prevent the signs of skin damage. It also acts as a makeup base and I don't need a separate face primer when using this. It has silicones, alcohol and fragrance but I have been using it for more than two weeks and have not had any issues so far.

The Chanel UV Essentiel Multi-Protection Daily UV Care SPF 50 is sold at Chanel counters nationwide and costs RM154 for a 30ml bottle. Make no mistake, it is an expensive sunscreen. However if you are sensitive to chemical sunscreens like I am, the Chanel sunscreen, which contains physical blockers, may be something to look into.

On a Side Note:

I would highly recommend reading an article by Beautiful with Brains on the differences between chemical and physical sunscreens as she explained them very well. The article helped me identify why I was having adverse reactions to certain sunscreens and I am definitely a lot wiser now.

Dr. Ci:Labo UV & White Moisture Milk in SPF30 PA++

My skin has gone nuts again. I had a reaction to a sheetmask I used on Monday evening and my face was bumpy, red, flaky and utterly disgusting for most of the week. To make matters worse, I had some bad food allergies about two weeks ago and a spate of spotty red rashes appeared across my neck. Both face and neck are starting to look and feel better, so I'm just a little reassured that I can continue with beauty blogging for a bit.

I've been trying out a few new sunscreens recently. Sadly, a number of them didn't work on me. I also discovered that my face cannot tolerate anything with SPF50 and above. Each time I use such a product, I always get a very tight and itchy feeling. I honestly do not know what causes this sensation but I am definitely staying away from anything that will aggravate my sensitive skin.

I use sunscreen daily so it's important to find something that works. I was doing a little digging around my stash on Friday and came across an unopened bottle of Dr. Ci:Labo UV & White Moisture Milk SPF30 PA++. I remembered using this product a year ago and quite liking it but obviously forgot I had purchased a backup.

Product Description:

Protection Milk is a sun block that helps to both cut UV rays as well as care for damaged skin cells.  It contains the skin brightening substance arbutin (which works on the causes of blotches and freckles), as well as containing marine collagen and hyaluronan to protect and moisturize skin subjected to drying from UV rays.  It contains no perfumes, coloring, mineral oils or UV ray absorbing substances.

Price: RM142 (at time of purchase last year, not sure if the price is still the same)

Packaging:

The Moisture Milk comes in a plastic 30ml bottle with a plastic twist-cap in a little box. It has a nozzle dispenser that allows you to control the amount you squirt out.

My Thoughts:

As my skin is dehydrated with a tendency to get a little flaky (even without allergies), I tend to prefer moisturising or lotion type sunscreens. This Moisture Milk fits the bill quite nicely because it feels rather comfortable on my skin and seems to sufficiently hydrate it without that oil-slick feeling. I still use my regular moisturiser below because I'm in air-conditioned or dry environments most of the time and my skin needs the extra goop.

It has a cream-gel consistency that applies and absorbs fairly easily. It goes on as an invisible veil and will not leave a white cast. It does not have any discernible smell, which is good for those who are sensitive to fragrance.

The above photo was taken with flash after spreading out the product and for those who do not want any shimmery bits or strange white / grey casts in their sunscreens, the Dr. Ci:Labo Moisture Milk is a good option. Mind you, it is not a cheap option but good nonetheless.

I can't remember why I stopped using this sunscreen last year but I think I was more than halfway through a bottle. I probably just moved on to more exciting things. Aren't we all a little guilty of getting distracted when something new and flashy comes to town?

Pros:

• Comfortable and lightweight sunscreen.
• Can double-up as a moisturiser for oilier skin types.
• No white cast.
• Contains arbutin to help brighten skin.
• Has a few moisturising ingredients to help hydrate skin.
• SPF30 is sufficient for those living in the tropics but spend most of the time indoors.
• Travel friendly size.

Cons:

• Considered expensive.
• Contains silicones and may be comedogenic. Be sure to cleanse your face well when using this sunscreen... or any sunscreen, for that matter.
• May not be sufficient protection when involved in lots of outdoor activities or water sports.

Ingredient List:

Cyclopentasiloxane, Water, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Silica, Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Triethylhexanoin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Rosa Multiflora Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Red Algae Extract, Brown Algae Extract, Green Algae Extract, Hydrolyzed Yeast, Royal Jelly Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract, Melissa Officinalis (Balm Mint) Leaf Extract, Licorice Extract, Tocopherol, Glycine, Arginine, Stearyl Dimethicone, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol

Availability:

Dr. Ci:Labo products are available at Isetan The Gardens and KLCC. You can also order online (if in Singapore or Malaysia) from their website at http://www.ci-labo.com.sg/.

Kiss Me SUNKILLER BB Perfect Strong

I was so excited when I saw Watson's carrying a pretty good range of Sunkiller products. I think Sasa used to sell Sunkiller but they disappeared for a while and now they are back. Honestly, I'm not sure how long it's been since they brought back Sunkiller but I did not notice it last year. I've read quite a bit about these sunblocks so of course, I had to pick a few up.

Amongst one of the many sunblocks available in the range is the BB Perfect Strong. I've been on a BB cream kick recently so I was pretty eager about trying this one out. The SPF coverage is good and more than enough for my usual work days or weekends as I don't spend too much time outdoors. If I plan to go out for a photo-walk during the day, the SPF is probably good enough too.

What they say:

Kiss Me SUNKILLER BB Perfect Strong contains ultra-fine nano sunblock particles to strongly block UV rays. SPF50+ strongly blocks UVB and prevents skin irritation. PA+++ strongly blocks UVA and protects against darkening and aging.

The colour of natural skin tone allows it to be used as a liquid foundation. It conceals freckles, pores and some wrinkles, leaving skin delicate-looking.

It contains hyaluronic acid, collagen and Lipidure, a moisturizing factor, to fully care for the skin. The non-greasy formula provides long-lasting hydration.

It is highly sweat-proof, waterproof and sebum-proof. It does not have the bad odour that normal sunblock has. And it does not contain perfumes or artificial colourants.

It sounds all hunky-dory.

My Thoughts:

The texture is runny and feels rather slippery when applied. I would say it is more like a tinted sunblock than a BB cream. It looks rather yellow on the back of my hand and even when I tried blending it out with my fingers, it was still a little too yellow on me. Also, if you have dry skin, I'd advise you to moisturise first because this sunblock is not particularly moisturising although it contains a few hydrating ingredients. I felt that the product didn't blend in and absorb well. It was just sitting on top of my skin.

I was all right for an hour or two and then I noticed that my cheeks felt pretty dry and tight. I was browsing around in Sasa at that time and took a look at myself in a mirror. Yucks, the sunblock had oxidised slightly and the yellowish tint had settled on every bump and flaky skin on my face. And my cheeks and forehead felt really uncomfortable by then. I couldn't wait to get home to wash my face! When I finally did, my face had turned redder and bumpier than before.

I think I'm allergic.

I don't want to discourage anyone who would like to try out this sunblock. I have read a few good reviews on BB Perfect Strong and it probably works if you have normal skin. My face is just very sensitive and has a tendency to get itchy, dry, tight, flaky, red and bumpy at every little thing. I didn't have any adverse reaction on my neck and upper chest, so I may continue to use it on those areas.

Availability:

This BB sunblock is available at most Watson outlets and retails at around RM35 (forgot to check the price).

review : sunplay skin aqua sunscreens

If you live in a climate where it's sunny all year round, you should know that sunscreen is an important product to consider. I honestly did not know the importance of using sunscreen until I reached adulthood. I didn't see as many whitening and sun protection products growing up.

My favourite drugstore sunscreen brand has got to be Sunplay's Skin Aqua series.

They are cheap and will offer sufficient sun protection for most folks (unless you spend a majority of your day under the sun, of which I would recommend much higher SPF).

Mentholatum Sunplay UV Mild Milk SPF25 PA++
• mild sunscreen moisture milk to protect and moisturise skin against harmful sunlight
• contains effective moisturizing ingredients, hyaluronic acid and collagen to keep skin soft and moisturized after exposure to sunlight
• enriched with vitamin E, to maintain smooth and healthy ski
• high protection against harmful UVA & UVB
• fragrance free, low irritation, suitable for daily outdoor activities

Of the three, the UV Mild Milk (pink cap bottle) is my favourite as I can use this on my face without any worries. It is free from alcohol, fragrance, mineral oil and colorant. The texture is like a lotion and it applies very smoothly on my face. I have not suffered any breakouts from using this either. This sunscreen is a fairly new addition and I have only seen it at Watson's so far. I have been using it daily for almost three weeks and the bottle is still quite full.

Mentholatum Sunplay UV Moisture Gel SPF25 PA++ (80g):

    •    Fresh sunscreen moisture gel protects and hydrates skin against harmful sunlight
    •    Contains MPC moisture retention barrier which helps keep skin soft and supple after long hours of sunlight
    •    Enriched with carrot extract, Vitamin B1,B2 and C, to maintain smooth and healthy skin
    •    Effective protection against harmful UVA and UVB
    •    Low irritation, suitable for daily outdoor activities

I usually use the UV Moisture Gel on my arms and body (parts that are exposed). It has a really interesting texture that comes out like a cross between a lotion and a gel. It has a slight powdery scent that goes away quickly and applies with a light, cooling sensation. I don't think it contains alcohol but it does feel a little drier, which is why I don't use this on my face although it may be a good choice for those with very oily skin.

 Mentholatum Sunplay UV Moisture Milk SPF50 PA+++ (42g):

    •    Light sunscreen moisture milk which protects and hydrates skin against harmful sunlight
    •    Contains effective moisturizing ingredients, Hyaluronic acid and Collagen, which help keep skin soft and moisturized even after long hours of sunlight
    •    Enriched with carrot extract, Vitamin B1,B2 and C, to maintain smooth and healthy skin
    •    Effective protection against harmful UVA and UVB
    •    Low irritation, suitable for daily outdoor activities

The UV Moisture Milk has the highest SPF and PA rating in this range. It is water resistant, which makes it perfect if you like to go swimming or do a lot of outdoor activities. I used to use this on my face (and a few other sunscreens) before the UV Mild Milk came out. The texture is rather runny and appears milky white but once applied onto skin, it is completely colourless and does not have that whitish cast that some sunscreens produce. Of the three, this one comes in the smallest bottle but is still a good size.

Availability :

Sunplay products are available in most major pharmacies and Sasa. I believe each bottle costs RM29.90 but I cannot confirm for sure because it could be cheaper since Watson's and Guardian usually offer discounts.