One of my favourite moisturisers with SPF in the past few months has been the ELIXIR REFLET Balancing Oshiroi Milk. It’s an absolute dream for normal to combination skin. This is fresh and light, but with an unexpected hit of hydration. It leaves no greasy residue and is amazing to use underneath natural makeup!
This really does feel as though it’s moisturising and protecting skin as it keeps excess shine at a bay — 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. 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 Milk isn’t a standalone sunscreen. It’s not one to put on before going to the park or what have you — but it’s a fantastic option if you’re just getting a bit of incidental sun exposure from sitting near windows indoors at home and don’t want to layer a load of different products. It’s the ultimate all-in-one for combination skin; a satin finish, a lightweight texture, a touch of light-diffusing 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 Shiseido’s ELIXIR REFLET Balancing Oshiroi Milk SPF50+ PA++++ on eBay for US$28.95+. If you’re in Japan, you can find it in most drugstores — RRP is ¥1,800.
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I having trouble with this one. I love its texture but it keeps ‘ball up’ once I start to apply foundation on top (yes, I have waited 20 mins before applying foundation). I can’t 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! I’m so in love with the texture. You mention it should be used for incidental exposure, but the SPF • PA rating is very good. I’m curious why this wouldn’t work as a standalone sunscreen?
I’d always recommend people to heed manufacturers’s advice when it comes to UV protection/sunscreens. This is a day moisturiser (with SPF) — it’s technically NOT classified as a sunscreen at all. It’s formulated for normal everyday wear, not for prolonged periods in the sun.