Thursday, October 24, 2013

Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA+++ Review


I think I originally bought this in June of this summer... I've really been slacking on the blogging lately ): Please forgive me everyone! I have some really exciting reviews coming up, including some sponsored ones. I appreciate everyone's patience and support, and I fully intend to get back into blogging- it just might be a gradual process. 

Anyway, this sunscreen is amazing- if you don't know the ingredients. Despite how great it is, I just can't get past that. More details after the jump break.
Where to buy:
sasa.com - $12.90
imomoko.com - $17.99
Ebay Seller AlphaBeautyUK - $12.95

Description: Biore SPF 50+ PA+++ Watery Essence Water Base contains of hyaluronic and citrus extracts, both ingredients are highly moisturizing and they can keep your skin with moist and glossy. The unique sense of water technology, which can form a layer of water film on your skin surface. The water film could help you reduce the effect of moisture loss caused by sun. This product could also used as a makeup base, it can help your foundation to keep long lasting. (from Sasa.com)

IngredientsWater, Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Lauryl Methacrylate/Sodium Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Dimethicone, Acrylates/C10-30 Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Agar, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Grandis, Citrus Medica Limonum, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis, Xylitol, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Fragrance



Unfortunately, I cannot hope to write an ingredients breakdown nearly as well as the lovely and clever Kerry on her blog Skin & Tonics. It's a goldmine of information and reviews, and it's the best beauty blog I know of, period. Check it out if you want to know more about the ingredients. 

There are definitely some ingredients to watch out for though, including lots of alcohol and some potential irritants (lye being one of them).

Scent: Mild and citrus-y. Pretty unoffensive. It dissipates quite quickly after application, but does lend a nice feeling of freshness when using it.

Packaging: The sunscreen is packaged in a thinner opaque plastic tube with a screw on cap. The thinness of the plastic allows you to get every last bit of sunscreen out, which I appreciate. As far as design goes, it's pretty plain, but that's OK with me. It does its job. I've never had any issues with squeezing out too much or too little.

Swatch: Initially, it comes out of the tube as a watery, lightly green tinted white. As soon as you spread it, you see little white bits of something (I think it's one of the sunscreen ingredients). It spreads super easily, which means you don't need a lot to cover all of your face. As you rub it in the little white bits disappear, and I oftentimes get a slight white cast that needs a bit more rubbing to fully absorb. Once it's rubbed in however, it dries quite quickly thanks to the alcohol, and leaves a very soft and matte finish that's a perfect base for 




Immediately after application.

A couple of minutes after application.

Results: This is a really, really good sunscreen- ignoring the ingredients. However, I'm paranoid about maintaining my skin (and my health!) and I simply can't ignore the potential damage the ingredients might cause. I am still undecided about the place alcohol has in my skincare routine, but I think I would prefer not to risk it. I do like that it has good broad spectrum protection (which is very important!), and its ease of application makes it great for when you're in a rush. The price isn't too bad in my opinion, as you get a full month of applying it once or twice a day. Given that it dries to a nice matte finish, it would probably be great for those with oily skin. Unfortunately, I just can't get over the ingredients list and will not be repurchasing.  :(

Conclusion: Final Score: 4/5

Pros:
  • good price
  • dries quickly
  • matte, powdery finish
  • smells nice
  • white cast disappears quickly
  • good broad spectrum protection
Cons:
  • high alcohol content :(
  • some irritating ingredients that might not be the best for you

17 comments:

  1. Alcohol is drying out the skin and it can irritate sensitive people but other than that it isn't really really harmful.

    ReplyDelete
  2. People are mixed about alcohol in beauty products, but for me... I don't like it. I noticed that toners with more alcohol get my skin really red and bleh, while alcohol-free ones are good. (Laneige's essential toner has been a frequent repurchase for me, but looks like I'll have to switch. I've just been too lazy into looking for an alcohol free toner...)
    - Omg that comment was totally unrelated to the post but argh!

    Anyways, other than the alcohol I really like the looks of this! I like how the white cast goes poof, hehe. 8D <3

    ReplyDelete
  3. i am using this product for quite a while, and planning to do a review about this sunscreen later.
    this is my favourite sunscreen so far. :)

    nice review though! :D

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for the review!! I never knew that there was alcohol in it! I was about to get it but you saves me! Thanks! My skin is quite sensitive from alcohol!!

    Justsoapril.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. you'r blog it's so cute and lovely omg!! <3

    http://milkyrabbit.blogspot.it/

    ReplyDelete
  6. This product must be really nice I want to check it. : D
    http://oliwia-zofia.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. nice review! will definitely go try it out :)

    xx
    emi-rii.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I literally squealed when I saw your review - I totally just bought the exact same sunscreen! Took it with me on my trip to Cuba, and it is my HG sunscreen now! I love how it totally doesn't feel oilly/greasy at all, even in humid climates! BTW love your blog it's so cuuuute! <3

    I've just followed you on GFC, looking forward to your next post love!!

    xoxo, Mango ❤
    MangoRabbitRabbit's Blog | 4 Steps: Bigger Rounder Doll Eyes

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh cool, I need a new sun screen -__-; I got some skin damage on my forehead. Good thing I came across this review! ^^ I'm not a big fan of high content of alcohol because it dries my face real bad >.< but I'll give this a try maybe in the future.

    following you now~ Add me too!

    http://tabachui.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. So glad I stumbled across your blog! I look forward to your next korean/Japanese product reviews ^^

    www.hellojennyho.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi, would you like to follow each other?
    xoxo
    www.angelbirdbb.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great review! I'm also careful about alcohol in my skin care routine since I already have dry skin and alcohol is drying.

    I'm inviting you to the Christmas Giveaway I'm hosting together with other bloggers :)
    http://urhappybunnie.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-bloggers-giveaway.html

    ReplyDelete
  13. I have combination skin leaning on the oily and acne prone side but, not much. It only happens during TOM.. I was wondering if this sunscreen would suit my skin type? Will it make my face look shiny and oily especially around the T-Zone after hours of application?

    ReplyDelete
  14. I've never worn such a high spf before but this actually looks easy to wear. Cute blog!

    Would appreciate if you checked out my blog :)
    notanobession.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm having a giveaway over on my blog that I want to invite you to!
    http://20stampslater.blogspot.com/2014/01/favorite-things-giveaway.html

    Have a GREAT night!

    ReplyDelete
  16. useful product.wanna get it
    No matter what you're sharing, it's always better if you have people to share it with.
    I am a new hand in blog,shall we follow each other and share beauties to each
    Hope to be your friend soon Pls post more!
    I love comment and browse blogs I followed!
    It would be a pleasure to keep in touch.
    may be you can check my blog and sharing everything:
    http://mingmingshuohaode.blogspot.com

    if u follow me,just let me know and I will follow back soon
    waiting for you,dear

    ReplyDelete
  17. I was about to get it! U saved me:) thanx girl! Good sunscreen is a really tough to get... Recently my fauv is SK-II spf 25 (bit low protection though...), but still Ducray's Melascreen spf 50 is the best ever for me. Hugs from Poland:)
    http://sugarninjas.wordpress.com/

    ReplyDelete

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