I know I’m way overdue for an update to “My Best & Worst Picks” – an ongoing series. My last review was added almost a month ago! To be honest, I don’t really have a lot of products which I feel strongly enough to justify a “best” or “worst” label. While there’re many that I like( and dislike), I’m always discovering new products that I like (or dislike) even more.
I’m using “worst” for this review very loosely. Biore UV AQUA Rich Watery Jelly is supposedly a moisturizer, makeup primer, and sunscreen in one. It is marketed to be light gel that feels fresh and comfortable on.
1st of all, the gel was quite liquid-y. I found it unpleasantly odd. I know that the name is called “Watery Jelly” but the watery is implying that the gel is light and fresh, like water ….. not watery as in texture. This brings me to the 2nd point, it was hardly light and fresh. In fact, it was filmy and sticky. It didn’t feel heavy or oily on but I could definitely feel a layer on top of my skin, which in very hot humid weather, a very unpleasantly feeling. I guess that was that they meant by being moisturizing. The sunscreen is supposed to have a citrus scent but to me, it smelled like alcohol plus chemicals (that typical sunscreen smell) with a tinge of citrus note. While I don’t hate the smell, I can definitely do without.
This sunscreen is not labelled to be water/sweat resistant but for a sunscreen specifically made to suit the very hot and humid weather Japan has in the summer, the durability was rather underwhelming. It couldn’t even withstand normal day to day activities.. I’ve used American and European sunscreens (which weren’t labelled as being water/sweat-resistant either) more durable that this. I guess that was why you get so much product for so cheap… you’re gonna need to reapply several times a day.
I can’t stand this stuff on my face so I’ve been trying to finish off the rest on my body (which it is also marketed for). The filminess and stickiness mixed with sweat, heat, and humidity made my skin feel so gross. I’ll try it again in cooler weather but for now, no thanks!
