As if planned by some unknown force in the galactic realm, while I was squeezing out the remnants of my current Biore UV Aqua Rich SPF 50 PA+++, a new repackaged and reformulated tube (almost a new product entirely) landed on my doorstep!

Okay, maybe in reality it did not land on my doorstep but rather the letter box, and the unknown force would most likely be the kind folks at Kao Biore.

Though the fact that this happened just as my current sunscreen is being drained of its very last drop is a coincidence.

A happy coincidence, I would like to add, as the Biore UV Aqua Rich (earlier version) very quickly became a staple and favorite after I was recommended to it by makeup pals.

I loved it for how it felt — exactly like a watery essence!

It was very light-weight on, did not leave any greasy residue or tack and definitely did not oil up my face with wear.

Occasionally I like to indulge in a creamier sunscreen but for the most part, this has me very happily covered (from the sun's rays)!

Crowned as the top selling sunscreen in Japan, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this blue-tubed and reformulated Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence actually felt even lighter than the one I already own.

If that is even possible!

A quick check with the folks over at Biore had them informing me that it is a new product entirely — new in packaging and also formulation but inspired and building on the much loved texture of Aqua Rich's earlier predecessors.

The sunscreen is refreshingly light-weight on the skin and due to the infusion of citrus extracts, has an uplifting and refreshing scent to boot.

I particularly like how this feels as you spread it across the skin.

While the earlier (silver) version had a mousse-like liquid consistency and spread very nicely across this skin, this one takes it to the next level and honestly feels just like water.

The technology behind that refreshing burst comes from their use of the Aqua Micro Capsules. These capsules release moisture upon application on the skin, giving the skin a refreshing and hydrating sensation.

The best part of it is that it blends out to absolutely nothing — no stick, no white cast or tint, nothing.

Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, the UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence claims to hydrate and soften the skin with use but I fear hydration will not be a reason to purchase this.

In fact, while it was not drying on my skin, it sure did not feel like I had just injected a boost of moisture either.

Folks with oily / combination skin would most likely love this for the non-existent feel after but those with dry skin may want a creamier sunscreen or a more hydrating daycream to double up.

Another thing I noticed about this is that the alcohol content within seems quite high, taking the 2nd spot on the ingredients list.

Even without studying the list, I can smell and feel the alcohol content within the product, thus those that have drier skin and / or are sensitive to alcohol in products may want to reconsider this.

In terms of how it works, the product is said to provide long-lasting protection from UVA and UVB rays. While I cannot contest that because as long as something has SPF I am certain it helps, one way or another, I do think this product requires touching up if you will be under the sun for an extended period of time.

I would definitely recommend this to those who shy away from sun protection because they do not like how greasy / oily sunscreens typically are.

This is definitely of holy grail status right now, and while I can stand some stick or greasiness, on makeup-less days I definitely do not want to feel like I have anything on and this gives me just that along with good sun coverage!

At S$18.90 for 50ml, I would urge everyone to grab it and give it a go!

Except for those sensitive to alcohol in products or need something a little creamier and more hydrating.

This is available at selected supermarkets and pharmacies (e.g. Guardian)

Thanks for reading!

Disclosure:
Products were provided to me for review consideration.
I am not affiliated to them and all opinions expressed are my own.

I have recently hauled a fair bit and this may be one of those less guilty ones because... when is sunscreen ever a guilty pleasure, right?

It's a necessity and you could say that after my skin analysis, I have become a whole lot more receptive to sunscreens. I still have my reservations and don't like greasy, sticky ones but from the little description 'Watery mousse water base', this sounded pretty good.

What's more I noticed Kas was using it when she tweeted me the sunscreens she was rotating and it also sounded good from Mag's writeup about it.

So... what was I waiting for?

I went by Watsons to check this out when they had their 20% though sadly this wasn't on discount so I paid the full S$18.90 for it. Even then, S$18.90 is a good price for 33g of product.

I like that it comes in a slick and slim tube; easy to squeeze into a makeup bag and easy to store.

The product dispenses from a tapered nozzle as such.

One queer little fact about it was how it dispensed in tiny 'globs' and has a moussey-cream texture. Don't get me wrong, it's not hard to squeeze out but it has an oddity to its shape.

Though this small bit doesn't show much, you can see the little 'bumps' in it. It's interesting but nothing wrong with, it's just how the cream is.

When spreading it out, it feels extremely light-weight and almost as if I were spreading water. You can somehow feel it's mousse-cream texture yet it spreads extremely easily over the skin.

Upon setting, it does recall some of its sunscreen attributes such as a light tacky feeling on the skin though thankfully this is in no way greasy or oily feeling.

Somewhat a redundant shot but once blended out it leaves almost no trace on the skin - no white cast or greasy sheen.

I have worn this a couple of times, though not many as i had acquired it only last Friday, and I am liking it so far. I dare say I like it enough such that it could rival the number 1 spot with Aqualabel's White Protect Milk UV, which took that spot for a good long time.

Reason being?

While I feel a little tack to this on my face after blending it out, it's subtle enough that I can ignore it and not feel the need to set it with a powder, unlike my Leaders Clinic which blends out relatively light but I must set it, still. Plus this has a higher SPF value than Aqualabel Milk UV and while word is SPF 30 is sufficient for daily usage, I think the scorching sun begs to differ these days. The watery blending period also makes it quite fun to use, right now that is, since it is still 'new' to me.

Regardless, I will continue using this and see how it goes. If I change my mind about anything I will report back but so far so good!

I have to thank my pals Kas and Mag for pointing me the comfy way to sun protection!

What are some of your favorite drugstore sunscreens?

Thanks for reading!