A rather short and simple post for this because I’ve already reviewed the previous 2 formulas of the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence and I feel like a broken record — everything I want to say about it has already been mentioned quite a few times.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence version 3, the 2015 formula, is now upgraded to PA++++ UVA protection. Those who like last year’s 2014 version will probably get on well with this as it feels almost exactly the same. I’m tempted to copy-paste my last year’s review and publish it here, but I won’t — you can read it here if you’d like. It does feel a smidge more moisturising — perhaps due to the addition of castor oils — but not enough to make any real difference either way unless you have very oily skin (and in that case, I would suggest trying the Biore milks instead as they have oil-control).
Would I personally buy it (mine is a PR sample) now that it has upped its UVA protection? No. It isn’t that I have any particular gripes with it, it just doesn’t blow my socks off. Given the choice, I would rather buy the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel as it has all the same qualities — no white cast, no matte finish, no sheen (and same UV filters used) — but, with a softer, smoother feel and in a larger 90ml size. Now if that isn’t available, I would happily buy this.
A 50g tube of the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+ PA++++ is ¥798 in Japan.