The prolonged spate of hot sunny weather has given me a good chance to do some proper sunscreen testing.ย Biore UVโs newly launched Athlizm Skin Protect Milk claims to keep the skin protected under extreme heat and humidity, even when exposed to perspiration and normal friction.
Iโll cut straight to the chase: this does a fine job, but it best suits lighter skin that is neither particularly dry, oily, nor sensitive. This oil-based fluid has a lightweight, dry-oil-like feel as you smooth it on. Its quick-to-dry formula sets to a wonderful โsatin touchโ finish in less than a minute. It is non-greasy, but thoseย with oily skin will prefer something more matte or crave for (better) oil-absorbing power.ย If you have skin on the dry side, however, you will most definitely find this far too drying. No white cast โ though thereโs sort of a caveat, because of the white residue it left behind on my black tee. My guess is that this wouldnโt be ideal forย darker skin tones.
I did a split test wearing this on one side and my โdefaultโ sunscreen,ย Anessa Perfect UV Skincare Sunscreen Milk, on the other for an entire sunny afternoon. While they both seemed to protect my normal skin equally well, the Biore side was noticeably dried out yet looked shinier towards the evening.
I do all my sunscreen testing mostly just out and about in the city.ย I know some people find a day in the sunshine or the great outdoors restorative, but I hateย it.ย The sun on my skin and outdoorsy stuff are two of my least favourite things ever. Add to this the fact that I live in the heart of the city and urban test is a practical choice. Sunscreen for me needs to be able to withstand the summerโs heat and humidity (the city is so much hotter than the countryside!) yet still sits smoothly and invisibly beneath makeup. I like my natural complexion the way it is. So above all, a sunscreen that is formulated for outdoorsy activities should completely prevent my skin from tanning when Iโmย traipsing around town.
Long disclaimer aside, Biore UVโs Athlizm Skin Protect Milkย is a decent sunscreen formula that does the job well, albeit crudely.ย Still, it could do a lot worse.ย Cinch to apply, a silky smooth finish, and no gunky residue on clothes! RRP isย ยฅ1,500 for 65ml (some chains in Japan are even charging overย ยฅ1,900 for it) which is absurdly expensive considering Bioreโs regular sunscreen line costs around ยฅ600! I find it hard to justify paying that much when for a fewย hundred yen more, I can buy the 60ml size of Anessa on sale, which I think itโs superior sunscreen milk overall.
You can findย Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Milkย at drugstores across Japan. Outside of Japan, you can find it online at YesStyle or eBay for around $20.
Browse Other Reviews
| Ease of Application |
|
| Speed of Absorption |
|
| Cosmetic Elegance |
|
| Transfer Resistance |
|
| Performance to Claims |
|
|
SUMMARY
|
3.7
|
How bad is the white cast on this one? How deep a skintone do you think this could work for (in MAC shades)?
Does this set to a transfer proof finish with no filmy or transferrable residue? If so, how long does it take?
I actually answered all your questions already within the review above.
Iโm NC20-25 but if youโre darker, you most likely will notice a white cast if youโre heavy-handed with the application (as you should). Itโs not filmy or greasy but it does transfer.
Is it possible to apply makeup on top without wrecking the sunscreen film?
For both the milk and essence
Yes, Iโd say so assuming you wait till the sunscreen is completely absorbed and youโre not rubbing or buffing in your makeup (both a definite no-no regardless of what sunscreen youโre using).
LOl! Your description of yourself sounds exactly like me! I absolutely hate being out in the sun. I donโt mind being outdoors in the shade, but I cannot stand the feeling of the sun on me. Plus, I donโt want to tan and have to buy more than one foundation color. LOL!
I was thinking of picking up this sunscreen, but youโre pretty spot on with your reviews, and if you say this is dry, then it probably is dry. I know some people find Anessa a little oily feeling, but I actually rely on that to remain hydrated later in the day. I canโt imagine what the Biore will do to my skin.
Who am I kidding. Iโll probably pick this up anyway.
By the way, Iโve been subscribed to your site forever, but I actually donโt get any of your emails. I keep subscribing and checking my blocked addresses to see if youโre on there, but nope. Any idea whatโs going on?
The Athlizm milk suits a rather narrow range of skins. I personally prefer the Athlizm essence over the milk.
Sorry about the subscription issue. I actually turned off email newsletters a few years ago (it feels a bit spammy and dated) so thatโs why you havenโt been received any.
Do you have any recommendations for a really mattifying sunscreen? Previously I was using the Biore Milks but the latest formulation is not matte at all in my opinion so now I am scouring for a replacement. I have picked up the Anessa one and Itโs AMAZING! I understand why Itโs such a best seller! Though I still crave for something more matte on certain days. Do you have any ideas? Thank you!! Your blog is amazing and so helpful. You deserve so much.