One of my favourite moisturisers with SPF in the past few months has been the ELIXIR REFLET Balancing Oshiroi Milk. Itโs an absolute dream for normal to combination skin. This is fresh and light, but with anย unexpectedย hit of hydration. Itย leaves no greasy residue and is amazing to use underneath natural makeup!
This really does feel as though itโs moisturising and protecting the skin as it keeps excess shine at a bay โ and continues to work hard throughout the day. It seems to be able to blur out pores and creates a smooth base while still maintaining that light, fresh feel.ย If you are dealing with oily skin though, a mattifying base would give much better targeted results. (The Cezanne Make Keep Base is notable for its super mattifying yet non-drying formula!)

Now the Balancing Oshiroi Milkย isnโt a standalone sunscreen. Itโs not one to put on before going to the park or what have you โ but itโs a fantastic option if youโre just getting a bit of incidental sun exposure from sitting near windows indoors at home andย donโt want to layer a load of different products. Itโs the ultimate all-in-one for combination skin; a satin finish, a lightweight texture, a touch of light-diffusingย effect, and just the right amount of moisture. It uses chemical (organic) UV filters only, so no chance of a chalky white residue on darker skin!
You can find Shiseidoโs ELIXIR REFLET Balancing Oshiroi Milk SPF50+ PA++++ย on eBayย for US$28.95+. If youโre in Japan, you can find it in most drugstores โ RRP isย ยฅ1,800.
I having trouble with this one. I love its texture but it keeps โball upโ once I start to apply foundation on top (yes, I have waited 20 mins before applying foundation). I canโt read the Japenese on the back of the tube. Am I suppose to use it after toner or serum without day cream? Thanks
Yes, this is a moisturiser with SPF. You may need to switch out or find a replacement for one or several of your products. Pilling/balling or separating is due to formulas mismatching. For e.g. dimethicone (or another less thick silicone polymer) on top of something with hydroxyethylcellulose (or similar polymer) in it.
I actually just bought this sunscreen after reading your review! Iโm so in love with the texture. You mention it should be used for incidental exposure, but the SPF โข PA rating is very good. Iโm curious why this wouldnโt work as a standalone sunscreen?
Iโd always recommend people to heed manufacturersโs advice when it comes to UV protection/sunscreens. This is a day moisturiser (with SPF) โ itโs technically NOT classified as a sunscreen at all. Itโs formulated for normal everyday wear, not for prolonged periods in the sun.