Itโs myย annual Japanese sunscreens ranking โ can you believe it that Iโve been doing one for 8 consecutive years already?! Like 2017โs sunscreen top picks,ย Iโve tried to choose a wide variety of formulas in all price-points for this yearโs run-down of my top five newly launched SPF50+ PA++++ sunscreens of 2018.
Keep in mind that what suits my skin, lifestyle, and personal preference mightย be terrible for yours so please be sensible when following recommendations. (For your reference, Iโve normal, very resilient skin.) ย Detailed information (including ingredients) of each sunscreen is linked below.
So check out my picks below.
ELIXIR REFLET Balancing Oshiroi Milk
Thereโs been quite a bit of hype surrounding this in Japan, and theย hype is not unfounded: it lives up to its claims.ย And the claims are โ mainly โ that this is a moisturiser milk that protects (yes), balances (yes), and primes (yes) oilier skin with visible pores. Itโs lightweight and hydrating with a silky smooth, diffused finish that blurs imperfections. The tint (significantly lighter and sheerer than official the official PR picture) gives absolutely no coverage.
ANESSA Perfect UV Skincare Milk
An outstanding โheavy-dutyโ sunscreen fluid that feels very silky and smooth on the skin, and gives superb UV protection that stays on through profuse sweating and unavoidable friction (i.e. wiping sweat off, rubbing against clothes) โ even better than its predecessor, which I thought was already virtually bulletproof. Itโs not ideal for everyday urban use โ a bit OTT โ but its reputation in Japanย as the gold standard of sunscreens for sports/outdoors is veryย well-earned.
Obagi ObagiC Multi Protect UV Emulsion
This is for those who want more than basic sun protection from their sunscreen. Its moisturising fluid formula alsoย protects the skin against harmful airborne pollutants, and with 3 types of vitamin C (5% altogether) to target dark spots and brighten skin tone. If youโre getting ready in a rush, this works nicely as a one-step productย after prepping your skin with a hydrating watery lotion โ replacing the need for a separate serum, light moisturiser, sunscreen, and makeup base! Itโs quick to apply, leaves no residue, and has a pleasingly natural satin-matte finish.
NIVEA Sun Strong Fit Care UV Milky Gel
Like the product name suggests, the Milky Gelโs texture is a cross between a tenacious sunscreen milk and a user-friendly gel formula. This applies beautifully, sinks in easily โ and once it sets, itโs virtually invisible on the skin and it doesnโt transfer to clothes. Itโs a fantastic, super affordable option for people who hate the feeling of conventional body sunscreen that are often heavy, sticky, and white.
RAFRA Essence UV Milk
Itโs quick to use and packed full of powerful antioxidants, making this more than just a regular sunscreen โ it feels more like a lovely milky moisturiser with long-lasting protective benefits. Itย absorbs quickly, it glides over the skin, and thereโs no greasy residue. The convenient, sturdy pump-action bottle makes daily application a breeze.
Special Mention: PARASOLA Illumi Skin Face Powder UV
Iโll preface this by saying that lavender-coloured powders (and sunscreens) will only work on naturally light skin โ the correct-correcting effect usually just end up looking like a white cast onย medium and darker skintone. But if your skin is light and you find that your makeup is oxidising slightly,ย getting a little bit darker mid-day, then this pressed powder is for you. It takes away unwanted shine and touches up your SPF while counteracting the overly yellow, dark tone of theย oxidising effect. Skin looks visibly brighter and smoother. The fact that itโs also loaded with good-for-skin ingredients is an added bonus.
Hello ! By any chance do you have your favorite sunscreens of 2019 ๐ฎ ?
Thank you so much!
This 2018 post was the last one I did. I scrapped this annual feature last year. You might be interested in this post I did on my blog last summer though https://www.ratzillacosme.com/updates/2019/06/top-5-sunscreens-im-reaching-for-the-most/
hi, can you please recommend a waterproof sunscreen suitable for babiesโ skin? my kids and I are going to a waterpark next month..do you think the anessa would work fine on their faces? thank you so much in advance ๐