sunscreen Archive | Berries in the Snow

asian cosmetics beauty PR Sample review Wishtrend

Review: Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence

22. October 2018

// PR SAMPLE / KBEAUTY / AFFILIATE LINKS //

The search for good sunscreens that can be used on a daily basis and are also suited for the face and any follow-up makeup is always a big topic within the skincare community. Klairs, one of my favorite KBeauty brands had launched a sunscreen in the past, that was surprisingly disappointing, but now they released a new sunscreen, the Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence. You can imagine my curiosity for this product, and so I was more than happy to find this among my packages some weeks ago. Here is my opinion on this new product by Klairs:

Klairs is a Korean brand which is eco-friendly, producing products which are animal-testing-free, alcohol-free, paraben-free, artificial-color-free and recently they are vegan, too. Their products address people with sensitive skin and people who want to moisturize their skin. I reviewed some of their products before, like the Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum (repurchased that one 4 times already!) or the Klairs Midnight Blue Cream, which both convinced me in their effects. Their saying “Simple but Enough” really nails it and I think that many people will agree on that point with me.

Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence

The Klairs Soft Airy UC Essence comes with SPF50+ PA ++++ and is a lightweight daily sunscreen that protects the skin from UVA and UVB. Thereby, it claims to leave no greasiness, nor a white cast. The broad spectrum sunscreen has a water-based gel-texture and comes in a (quite unusual) large tube containing 80ml. The design of the tube is simple, as expected for the brand. The tube is packed inside a cardboard box with the typical holographic design that you know from the Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask or the Vitamin C Drop.

As a general rule for sunscreens, you should apply the product ahead of sun exposure and reapply every now and then. There, every 3 hours is suggested for the Klairs Soft airy UV Essence.

The ingredients of the Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence are stated on the cardboard box, but you will also find the information on Wishtrend.

Water (Aqua), Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Butylene Glycol, Dibutyl Adipate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Silica, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Panthenol, Beta-Glucan, Disodium EDTA, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Allantoin, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil

According to SkinCarisma, the product is free from parabens, sulfates, silicons, and alcohol. It is EU allergen free, too! The UV protection is realized by using Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate and Ethylhexyl Triazone. Moreover, there is Niacinamide for brightening and anti-aging included. Tocopherol (Vitamin E) and Adenosine have anti.aging properties, too. Panthenol and Hyaluronic Acid provide moisture and have soothing properties. The list of ingredients is neither very short, but not huge either.

For me personally, I love the larger size of the sunscreen. Usually, Korean sunscreens come with 50ml of volume. If you want to try out various sunscreens this is the perfect volume. But if you have found your current favorite you’ll have to repurchase very often. Also, the larger volume makes it suited to be used on the whole body, without emptying the tubes too quickly.

As you see below, the sunscreen has a milky-essence type texture and a slightly yellowish color. Upon application it is very watery and feels moisturizing and refreshing, on the other hand, it soaks in pretty quickly. Unlike other sunscreens, you need less time to pat it into the skin and there is definitely NO WHITE CAST! It feels so lightweight and no film or residue is left on the skin.

For me, the Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence has no specific scent, by the way. It has a cooling sensation when applied that lasts for a moment. I didn’t observe any tackiness or stickiness, and it was not irritating during the time I used the product.

I have a couple of sunscreens in my routine at the moment but there are only two that I really really love to use every day. The Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence is one of them, and I can only recommend it if you haven’t found your holy grail daily sun protection. You can buy the Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence from Wishtrend for 23 US$. Also, check out my page for Coupons and Discount, to save some bucks on your order. I have reviewed so many other products from the brand Klairs and I can say that this is one of my favorite Kbeauty brands with a great variety of products. Check out all my Klairs reviews >>here<<.

Have you tried any Klairs products? What do you think about this sunscreen?

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Just as a short reminder: All products mentioned and reviewed on this blog are of my personal opinions. This product here was sent to me for reviewing purpose by http://www.wishtrend.com/ which doesn’t influence me in providing my honest opinion on the products.

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asian cosmetics beauty PR Sample review Stylekorean

Review: Aprilskin Magic Snow Sun Cushion

2. May 2017

// PR SAMPLE / KBEAUTY / MAKEUP //

You know that I love cushions and I have quite some in my stash, but I didn’t have a sunscreen cushion in my collection until recently. During last summer vacation, I thought that it might be nice to try a sunscreen cushion for touching up the sun protection during the day and therefore I decided to go with the Aprilskin Magic Snow Sun Cushion in a first test which was provided to me for reviewing purpose by StyleKorean.

Aprilskin is a Korean natural cosmetics brand which was raved a lot about during last year, especially for their cushion foundation. The brand is fairly young and was founded in 2014, but since then has won a numerous amount of prizes for their products. All though I love cushions I didn’t buy ny of their raved cushions and so I was happy to be asked by StyleKorean and be able to choose a product from this brand. I decided for the Aprilskin Magic Snow Sun Cushion.

The Aprilskin Magic Snow Sun Cushion is an ultra-lightweight sunscreen that comes in a cushion compact. It is mildly formulated, making it suitable for children and adults according to the description. Furthermore, it doesn’t leave a white cast and yet has SPF 50+ /PA+++. The UV-protection is mineral based and still, it claims to leave no white traces. As you know, sun protection has to be renewed from time to time, but I personally am quite a lazy person. I discovered that I hardly ever touch up my sun protection on my skin and a cushion would make that far easier than a tube.

The Aprilskin Magic Snow Sun Cushion comes packed in a cardboard box in a light pink color. The cushion compact itself has also a nice pink pattern on the lid and looks really feminine. The description on the cardboard box is only in Korean, but Aprilskin’s official site offers an English translation, too.

Here are the ingredients of the product, which I also added in COSDNA:

Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Triethanolamine, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Octocrylene, Glycerin, Stearyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Lavender Oil, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Evening Primrose Flower Extract, Blackberry Fruit Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Xylitylglucoside, Xylitol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Raspberry Fruit Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Banana Fruit Extract, Apple Fruit Extract, Pear Fruit Extract, Orange Fruit Extract, Grape Fruit Extract, Serine, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Pseudoalteromoonas Ferment Extract, Alanine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Proline, Madecasoside

I marked the sunscreens within the list in blue.

Frankly, I’m no sunscreen expert. The field is so complex and until now I never had the time to really go deep into the topic. The product description says, that this cushion only uses physical sunscreen. I spot already two chemical sunscreens from looking at the list: Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) and Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane)….mh…that’s the first disappointment … Checking the other sunscreens I spot that Octocrylene and Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinol A Plus) are chemical sunscreens, too. Commonly used physical sunscreens are Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, but I do not spot any of these here. I’m quite confused…is this product using physical sunscreens at all?!

Inside the cushion compact is the typical application sponge. In order to use the sunscreen cushion, you dab the application puff on the cushion sponge until the product is transferred. Then you dab the puff on your face in a patting motion. Don’t smear or rub it on the skin.

Of course, the cushion compact comes with a mirror inside the lid, too, so it is perfect for carrying around and use it while not at home, too. Unlike cushion foundations, the sponge in the compact is not soaked with BB Cream or Foundation, but with sunscreen. Therefore the color of the sponge is white.

The sunscreen has a creamy consistency. It gives a visible glow to the skin but doesn’t leave any white cast. While applying it on the skin I can feel a cooling effect of the product. The scent of it is also flowery/fresh. It contains some plant-based ingredients like Lavandula, chamomile, and tea tree oil, which create the scent of the product. I didn’t have any problems with the application of the product and it also can be touched up and layered without any further problems.

Aprilskin Magic Snow Sun Cushion has a nice texture and finish, but I’m disappointed that it is not a physical sunscreen as it states on their page. I personally am not someone who refuses any chemical sunscreens, but I prefer it if the description of products are correct. As I said, I’m no sunscreen expert, so if there is anyone who can explain more about the chemicals used here I would be happy to hear about it. Let me know in the comments or write me an email/PN. Oh, and since some of the chemical sunscreens may have effects on hormones and hormonal pathways I would not use this sunscreen on children, despite its mild formulation.

I received this product from StyleKorean, but they do not have it listed in their shop at the moment. They have other cushions from Aprilskin though, so have a look if you are interested. The Aprilskin Magic Snow Sun Cushion retails for 26.99 US$ from Amazon.

Did you try any sunscreen cushion already? If you have a favorite let me know. Oh, and what is your favorite sunscreen? I’d be interested to hear about it.

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Just as a short reminder: All products mentioned and reviewed on this blog are of my personal opinions. This product here was sent to me for reviewing purpose by https://www.stylekorean.com/ which doesn’t influence me in providing my honest opinion on the products.

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asian cosmetics beauty PR Sample review Wish Formula

Review: Wish Formula Fermented Oil-Free Dr. Mild Sunblock

22. June 2016

A while ago I received the Wish Formula Fermented Oil-Free Dr. Mild Sunblock from Wish Formula and here are my thoughts on this new product. Although you should wear sunscreen everyday most people only think about their skin and sunburns when the warm seasons approach. I just want to remind you that despite the weather you should care about your skin and the potential harm the UV radiation is capable of- even if you do not see sunburns directly. Usually, with asian sunscreens you have to differentiate between the sunscreens which are made for outdoor activities and your day on the beach and the everyday sunscreens. Since this sunblock has not stated that it is waterproof or sweat-resistant I would categorize this in the everyday section and not suited for taking a sunbath at the beach.

Wish Formula is one of these Korean brands I know for quite a while but apart from their Panda Eye Essence Patch I never tried any other products from this brand. They have a selection of skincare products and all appear very clean and dermatologically (?!) in a way. Also the Wish Formula Fermented Oil-Free Dr. Mild Sunblock has a very simple and neat design. The key color is white and the sunblock comes in a regular tube containing 65 g of product.

The Wish Formula Fermented Oil-Free Dr. Mild Sunblock is designed to give UV protection and be oil-free. Furthermore, it is hypoallergenic and has moisturizing properties.

The cardboard box also has the English ingredients listed. It contains Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, Titanium Dioxide, and Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine as sun protection ingredients, giving the product SPF 50 +/ PA+++. 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor is red labelled according to COSDNA. The other ingredients in the list are mostly safe to use, with some potential irritants and acne triggers included. I personally didn’t feel any negative influence on the condition of my skin while using this sunscreen. The fermented ingredients included are Clover Flower Ferment Extract by Lactobacillus and Peppermint Leaf Ferment Extract by Saccharomyces. Moreover it contains hyaluronic acid and aloe vera for moisturizing the skin. I did an collaboration interview on fermented cosmetics >>here<<, so if you are curious about my opinion on fermented products and why I love them head over :)

The Wish Formula Fermented Oil-Free Dr. Mild Sunblock has a creme-type consistency. It is not as fluid as the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel or the Isehan Sunkiller Perfect Sun Plus. It contains Cetearyl Alcohol, too, which helps that the product absorbs quickly into the skin. When rubbed I to the skin it leaves a slight white cast first, which adapts quickly though. The sunscreen is not greasy or dewy. Despite containing Aloe Vera and hyaluronic acid it doesn’t feel moisturizing, but also not drying. I would describe it as well-balanced. Since it is not slippery or greasy on the skin it can be used with makeup on top and does not slide around.

The Wish Formula Fermented Oil-Free Dr. Mild Sunblock is a good everyday sunblock which can be used below your makeup. It isn’t as hydrating as the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel, but other than that we’ll balanced and deserves the name addition “oil-free”. I didn’t see any significant changes of my skin’s quality because of the fermented ingredients, but still it is a nice plus for this sunblock. It would be nice if Wish Formula updates the formula of this sunscreen to contain even less potential irritants.

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Just as a short reminder: All products mentioned and reviewed on this blog are of my personal opinions. This product here was sent to me for reviewing purpose by http://wishformula.com/ which doesn’t influence me in providing my honest opinion on the products.

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asian cosmetics beauty Kirei Station PR Sample review

Review: Kanebo Allie Extra UV Gel Mineral Moist Neo

19. March 2016

Another Japanese product review about the Kanebo Allie Extra UV Gel Mineral Moist Neo, which I received from Kirei Station together with the Canmake Glow Fleur Cheeks. I really like that japanese sunscreen tend to be less greasy and do not leave a thick white cast compared to western sunscreen. On the other hand you have to differentiate between the sunscreens which are suited for outdoor activities and their sunscreens, which are only suited for every day (going to work and being exposed only to a minimum to sunlight). The sunscreen here is suited for outdoor activities and is also water- and sweatproof with a high UV protection and is a good choice for the upcoming sunny months.

Kanebo is one of the leading Japanese cosmetic brands and their history goes back to 1887! Their cosmetics production started in 1937 and since then they have grown with many different brands like Kate, Allie, Freshel, Coffret D’Or, Lunasol…or their western brands eg. Sensai (this is also available in Germany, but is is quite expensive). Allie was founded in 2000 and has launched several sunscreens from there on, until their newest update, the Kanebo Allie Extra UV Gel Mineral Moist Neo, which I’m reviewing here.

Like most Japanese products the sunscreen comes packed in plastic containing a large tube of 90 g! I was really surprised about the size, since the previous Japanese sunscreens tend to be quite smaller than my expectations :D. This sunscreen is made for outdoor activities with an SPF of 50+/PA++++. It is suited for physical activities outdoors, for beach and vacation and has a water-resistant formula, which is sweat-proof and sebum, too. Nevertheless, please reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming, or you will risk sunburn! The sunscreen can be used on body and the face.

You can look up the ingredients on COSDNA and you will see that the key UV protection is given by these four ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (also known as Octinoxate), Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul A Plus), and BisEthylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S). Apart from the sunscreens the product also contains a bunch of moisturizers like Glycerin, Royal Honey and Hyaluronic acid. There are some potential irritants in the lists, but all in all the ingredients are safe to use.

Although the tube is designed in a simple way it is still pretty and looks neat. The tube is a regular squeezing tube with a screwing cap.

The sunscreen as a gel formula and applies easily, feeling moist and nice on the skin. It doesn’t give you this heavy or greasy feeling. It is not as runny as some other japanese sunscreens, but also has a light yellow color and a citrus scent similar to the Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel. When rubbing it into the skin it feels very watery and moist and leaves a pleasant and refreshening feeling on the skin. It absorbs quickly, leaves the skin with a light glow without greasyness. Despite the glow the product does not lay itself onto the skin but seems to absorb completely, leaving a satin feeling on the skin. It also suits as makeup base therefore.

I’m very happy with the Kanebo Allie Extra UV Gel Mineral Moist Neo and it is a good alternative to the Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel is you want a similar light sunscreen which is suited for outdoors. The Bioré sunscreen is not a sunscreen for outdoor activities, but it has similar texture and is great for everyday use. I received the sunscreen from Kirei Station where it retails for 3624 Yen (32 US$). You can use the discount code CODE-01 for a special discount.

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Just as a short reminder: All products mentioned and reviewed on this blog are of my personal opinions. This product here was sent to me for reviewing purpose by http://www.kirei-station.com/ which doesn’t influence me in providing my honest opinion on the products.

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asian cosmetics beauty review

Review: Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel

18. June 2015

Of course with summer approaching everybody thinks of sun protection, but even in winter you should use your daily dose of UV protection for your face. UV radiation will not only cause visible and accute skin damage (like sunburn), but it also makes your skin look older by the time. It is responsible for getting more lines and pigmentations (freckles). Looking at asian cosmetics you will find daily useable sunscreens everywhere! One brand which is often mentioned when it comes to daily sunscreens, especially japanese ones, is the Bioré UV Aqua Rich Line. Many people have heard of the Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence, but the Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel I’m reviewing is a new product in this year in that line.

Bioré is a japanese brand within the Kao cooperation, a chemical and cosmetics company. It is knwon for mainly skincare products like cleansing, lotions and sunscreen. The Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel has an SPF 50+/ PA++++ and is a daily useable sunscreen for face and body. Not only does it protect your face from UV radiation, but also it can be used as a makeup base. One thing I have to point out here: most asian sunscreens are usually made for daily use, but not for sunbathing or outdoor activities! You should use a sunscreen made specially for that purpose if you plan on using it therefore. Moreover, the Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel is not waterproof ( that means it is not sweatproof either).

You might be wondering why to buy an extra sunscreen for daily use if it is not sweatproof and not suited for sunbathing etc? You could go ahead and use your regular beach sunscreen daily and for protecting your face, too, but the problem I discovered with most of these sunscreens is, that they made my skin too greasy and heavy. They were not suited for base makeup either. The Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel is totally different here and I will describe my experience toawards the end of this review. But first let’s take a look at the packaging and the description:

The Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel and the Watery Essence have both a signature pale blue plastic packaging. In contrast to the Watery Essence, which comes in a regular tube, the Watery Gel comes in a squeezing bottle. It also contains 90 ml volume, whereas the Watery Essence tube contains only 50 ml (big size 75 ml). Like most japanese products it does not come in a cardboard box, but in a plastic packaging. The description is in Japanese only, but if you are curious about the ingredients you can check up COSDNA >>here<<. The key ingredients for sun protection are Octinoxate, Tinosorb S (BisEthylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine), Uvinol A Plus (Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate), Uvinol T 150 (Ethylhexyl Triazone), and Titanium Dioxide. Unfortunately, this sunscreen contains alcohol, but unlike aggressive skincare products with alcohol, this one didn’t feel uncomfortable on my skin. You will also notice a light alcohol scent at the beginning which vanishes quickly and leaves the signature citrus/lemon scent of this sunscreen. Apart from this, the Watery Gel contains moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and royal jelly and is thus also useable on dry skintypes like mine. If you want to read more about the description I can recommend you the my holy grail blog for asian sunscreen reviews, Ratzillacosme. Apart from descriptions for almost every japanese sunscreen you can also find reviews for tons of them. It is one of the most helpful sites if you are looking for an asian sunscreen.

So, the Bioré UV Aqua Moist Watery Gel is designed as a gel-type sunscreen which also moisturizes the skin. Since it is designed as a makeup base I have certain expectations for it, like to be non-sticky and not greasy. Like the product packaging also the bottle contains only japanese descriptions.

The cap of the bottle can be unwind easily. There is a small nozzle to squeeze the product out, but since it is quite runny in its consistency I would be careful not to squeeze too hard. Unlike you would think from the name the product is not a gel-type one, but it looks like a runny, light-yellow colored milk. It has a citrus scent to it, which I didn’t like in first place, but I got used to it eventually. It isn’t too strong anyways.

When applied the milky texture turns watery immediatelly. If feels moist and nice and not oily or heavy at all. It contains tiny white capsules which dissolve after blending the gel in and it absorbs super fast. When it is absorbed it leaves the skin neither greasy, nor matte and powdery, but just like healthy and moist skin. It has no white cast either. Although it contains alcohol I don’t have the feeling that it makes my skin tight or dry- on the contrary, the skin feels moisturized and fresh. Since it absorbs so quickly and isn’t oily or drying it works great as makeup base. I had no flaking or clumping problems with following steps.

I love the Bioré UV Aqua rich Watery Gel! Point! Despite the fact that I’m not the citrus-scent lover there is nothing I have to complain here. It is not greasy, leaves the skin healthy looking and not dried, doesn’t leave a white cast and absorbs fast. Oh, it is non-sticky, too! The application is watery and refreshing, too, and it works great as base make-up. I bought my tube from Adambeauty for HK$67 (~8.40 US$), but it is out of stock at the moment. It is also available on ebay for around 10 US$.

And something a bit off-topic: I repaired the link to my RSS feed and also put a link to my Email subscription list on the sidebar now. If you are interested feel free to subscribe :D

♥ And remember to take part in my 2nd bloganniversary giveaway! ♥

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