A reader recently asked whether I will do another “Best & Worst Picks” soon. I procrastinated posting one for weeks because I didn’t have a “worst pick”… and truth be told, I still don’t have one. I test a lot products a year and only 3–5% of the hundreds fall within the toss-in-bin category. What am I to do without a worst pick? Skip it entirely, of course!
Here is a nice option for those who are on the continuous hunt for a daily use sunscreens that feel barely there — Biore UV AQUA Rich Watery Essence.
The Biore UV AQUA Rich Watery Essence has a texture that is truly unique to Biore’s UV AQUA Rich lineup. The ultra-lightweight gel-like cream turns to a water-like consistency as soon as I begin to smooth it on the skin. Within 10 seconds, it absorbs and disappears completely into my skin with no effort. Yes, I actually timed it!
It’s near impossible to tell where I have applied it since it doesn’t leave any telltale signs. It doesn’t mattify or add a sheen nor does it emphasize dryness or moisturize. I smooth it on and within 10 seconds, my skin looks exactly the same as before. No white cast, no matte finish, no sheen, no “glow”—nothing. My skin feels quite soft with it on with none of that silicone-y, primer-esque feel I get with a lot of milk-type sunscreens. Softer skin aside, my skin doesn’t feel any different.
I love my milky sunscreens that seem almost bulletproof but lately, I find them to be way overkill. The weather is mild, I’m not out in the sun, and my skin isn’t oily. My skin doesn’t need the extra armours. The Watery Essence is not resistant to anything and it’s exactly what I want—easy on, easy off. I put in on and forget about it.
I personally don’t care for expensive sunscreens. Considering a ¼ tsp (1.25ml) of product for face is needed in order to get the protection indicated, a bottle goes through quickly especially tiny Japanese ones! 3,000 JPY for 60g/ml is the most I will pay. You get 50g of product for only around 600 JPY. Japanese sunscreens generally don’t go over 30ml/g unless they’re for the body so this is such a steal!