This time, it's their sunblock - Biore's UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel.
Perfect timing, because my current sunblock is about to run out. :p
As with every year, the June-July sun is sweltering!
I quite heng la, this year's fasting month saved me from going out to get lunch and getting baked in the process. :B
Thankful for the fact that my working environment is sheltered and air-conditioned too.
Sometimes when I do follow my colleagues out to buy food,
we often complain of the heat, but at the end of our lunch hour, we still have our sanctuary.
Salute the people who are working so hard under the merciless sun - namely the construction workers, and actually, taxi drivers too!
I see my dad's right arm and left, totally different color due to the window's position. ):
Must always be thankful, and count our blessings.
Okay, so ahem, my current sunblock is also from Biore - UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence
Aiya, affordable ma, plus its a brand I'm familiar with, so no fear of pimple outbreaks.
I've been using it for the past two years, and I love it for the light, non-greasy texture.
*Previously I had tried Nivea's Facial Sunscreen, but that left a obvious white 'rim' around the edges of my face.
And my face felt slightly oily few hours after application - due to my skin type; I have combination skin.
Passed it on to my aunt - who has dry skin - and that worked for her though.
No matter what brand, it is always important to choose the right type of product for your own skin type.
For starters, Biore takes their UV protection range very seriously.
They have reformulated their products to offer SPF50+ and PA++++ sun protection rating - the highest level recognised in the industry.
How does it work?
Sunscreen products are rated based on two rating systems,
known as the Skin Protection Factor (SPF) and the PA rating system.
UV Rays from the sun comprises of UVA and UVB rays, and penetrates skin at different levels.
SPF rating determines the duration of time your skin stays protected against UVB rays.
A sunscreen with the rating of SPF50 blocks up to 98 percent of UVB rays from penetrating into skin.
Plus, anything higher than a SPF50 rating compromises on the texture of the sunscreen,
making it heavier and greasier when applied to skin.
PA rating is a Japanese rating system that indicates the protection you are receiving against UVA rays.
The higher the number of pluses, the greater the protection against UVA rays.
Currently, the highest standard of PA protection in the industry is PA++++.
So basically, Biore has managed to improve their formula to protect our skin sufficiently, and at the same time, maintain a light watery texture.
Let's put their claims to the test.
And, as a bonus, what's the difference between the UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence, and the new Watery Gel?
Here I have, my old bottle of UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence, which I bought sometime in January at HK.
This is still available, but in the new PA++++ formula.
Acts as a regular sunscreen, protects skin, and promises of a light watery texture upon application.
And the UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel.
Already with the new PA++++ formula, it boasts to also brighten skin for a glowy, dewy appearance.
It is infused with hyaluronic acid and citrus extract to keep skin hydrated and fresh.
Also promises to have a light watery texture.
I squeezed a small amount of each product on the back of my hand - tried to dispense the exact same amount as possible.
I kid you not, the watery gel started to slide off my hand almost immediately.
Comparing both product consistencies, they are not very visibly different initially,
yet as I picked up my camera I could feel the watery gel becoming more liquid than the other.
Interesting.
I rubbed the product into my skin - watery gel first, cause it was sliding off, then watery essence.
Like woah, the watery gel spread very easily, and produced lots of visible droplets. Amazing leh!
And for the same amount, you can see that the watery gel covers a lot more than the essence.
Close up !
UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel
UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence
Both products absorbed easily into the skin, within a minute.
I would dare to say 30 secs actually, cause it's true !
There's also a cooling sensation as it dried, I likey.
Another important point to me: There is no strong smell!
There is a light citrus fragrance for both.
With regards to the finish, my skin was feeling light, and there is totally no greasy feeling or white marks.
I wouldn't say the Watery Gel gave my skin any brightening glow more than the Watery Essence did, though.
In conclusion, I actually like the new UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel better,
because of the moisturizing effect, and it spreads easier on my skin. (Can use a bottle for longer, LOLOL) :B
For those who are interested,
the new Biore Aqua Rich Watery Gel retails at $18.90 for a 90ml bottle, and is available at all pharmacies, hypermarkets and supermarkets, and major departmental stores :D
