Happy Wednesday!
Last week I posted review on Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Milk SPF50+ PA++++, I realized I haven't posted the Essence version, so here we go!
Table of Contents Show/Hide
Product Summary
Octinoxate, Uvinul T 150, Uvinul A Plus, Tinosorb S.
- Contains alcohol
- Contains fragrance
- Water Resistant
- Sweat Resistant
- Friction Resistant
- No white cast
Preface
My skin type: I have oily skin, living in hot humid tropical Southeast Asia. We only have sunny or rainy days over here. UV index ranging from 9 to 12 and above almost all year round, well except if it's raining. On average, the weather temperature is around 31-33ยบC during the day, humidity is 80% and above, it is not uncommon to reach 100% humidity, especially on rainy days.
Characteristics
Texture
It's a whitish gel texture, spreads easily. The texture is rather similar with the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence.
Scent
It has weird metallic smell, like the Biore UV Athlizm Milk counterpart, nothing offensive for me. But my sibling found it *super* offensive, that it stopped her from using.
Finish
This is a non-mineral sunscreen, so it doesn't have white cast. It glides on easily, turns albeit watery upon rubbing.
It feels light on the skin. This sets quicker than the Biore UV Athlizm Milk version and Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence.
However, the Biore UV Athlizm Milk has less shiny finish. The Biore UV Athlizm Essence has more of glowy finish.
While I don't find it pills on reapplication, I do find sometimes the essence becomes a bit gritty. Naw, I don't mind the glowy finish at all. It is sooo much less glowy than Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence.
White Cast
Biore UV Athlizm Essence - no, it doesn't have a cast.
Biore UV Athlizm Milk - yes, it leaves a cast.
Reapplication
I can reapply this without problem. No pilling is observed.
Eye Stinging
I can use both Essence and Milk on my eyelids without problem.
Removal
Normal facial cleanser (I used Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser) alone is ENOUGH to remove it.
Note: always opt for MILK version if you are going under the sun for longer period, or involved in water/sweaty activity, as it's more tenacious than Essence version.
Adherence
Let's see how it fares using UV camera, shall we?
Preparation
I applied the sunscreen on my left bare arm, and let it sit for 50 mins. Once it set, I took photos using UV camera (Sunscreenr). I indicate the timing accordingly on the photos. I use a UV lamp (for curing gel nail) as the source of light.
Texture
This is how the texture looks like.
Shine Level
This is how it looks freshly applied vs after letting it set for 50 mins.
It's actually bearable for me to wear, compared to the shiny and glowy Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence.
Coverage
The sunscreen disperses really evenly, as you can see from the picture below. The shine is more glaring than Biore UV Athlizm Milk version.
Rub Test
Well. since it features their "Friction Resistant", of course we have to actually put it into test. As usual, I rubbed one part of my hand under running sink water for 10 seconds. Unfortunately, I can see most of the sunscreen has been removed, though there is still little layer left. Remember to reapply!
Removal with Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
I used Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser on dry skin and massaged it for 10 seconds and washed it off. I can see it managed to remove the sunscreen completely.
Conclusion
It's a decent sunscreen. I don't mind using it at all, as you can see I got the full size tube.
Discussion
I posted this link over Reddit. If you would like to comment, you can head over this link for discussion!
Disclaimer: I only use the UV camera to see if a sunscreen disperses an even layer (or patchy and spotty); and if I miss out a spot during application. It's not by all means to measure the sunscreen protection level. Got mine from sunscreenr.com. It's compatible with android phone.
