April 26, 2021

Japanese Sunscreens for 2021 Are Trickling In

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The latest sunscreens from Japan are starting to become more readily available online. As you likely known Japanese brands revamp their sunscreen lines quite often and release a ton of new ones in the Spring. One of the most popular ones here in the US is Biore UV Aqua Rich. It’s a fond favorite and rather funny the way alcohol in the formula is always overlooked thanks to the quick absorbing formula and lightweight wear. It’s that one time in our lives where we simply don’t care it contains alcohol! You totally get me am I right?

Biore is one of the popular formulations that got a revamp this year. The new Biore UV Aqua Rich Light Up Essence is an SPF 50+PA++++ formula that retails for around 8 yen (roughly $7). I’m actually a don’t fix it if it isn’t broken type of girl. I like the old version from 2013 which has been reformulated since. I’m not convinced this new version is for me as although it provides protection it’s also that gives skin a “soft focus radiance”. You know me, I do so hate glow-y or radiant looking skincare products. If you wanna glow use a highlighter but please keep the mica, shimmer, and glitter our of my SPF and moisturizer. I’m not seeing anything about mica in the ingredients so that may be just some marketing jargon they are tossing around!

As always it does contain alcohol but the formula is the same lightweight, quickly absorbing gel we know and love from what reviewers are saying. I’m going to be testing it shortly so expect a review of it and several other reformulations Skin Aqua, Anessa, Allie, and other Japanese brands.

If you’re interested in Biore UV Aqua Rich Light Up Essence it’s currently available at yesstyle.com for $14.

Where to buy

YesStyle

5 Comments

I receive a small commission if you shop through my link.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Christina

    I was wondering if they were going to reformulate again this year. I just bought a tube, but I guess I’ll try this one too because I can never have too much. Plus, I like a glow from my sunblock despite not liking a glowing face. LOL! Oxymorone I do have the latest Allie and Anessa, which I don’t feel aren’t too different from the older formulas.

    • Isabella Muse

      yeah! I’m sort of sad about it to be honest but what can you do? It’s pretty much the Japanese way when it comes to sunscreens. I’m testing them now and as an avid Allie user I’m not seeing a major difference!

      • Christina

        I honestly barely see a difference each year. I think the only time I ever noticed Allie feeling different was when they switched up the formula a few years back to be more robust and tenacious. It was a little less silky and a little more tacky. Other than that, I don’t know know why they keep reformulating every year or so.

        I went and bought the new biore. I couldn’t resist. LOL!

  • Hannah Mary

    Do you have any favorite all mineral/physical sunscreens you would recommend? I really like the Kinship Self Reflect, but I’m always looking at new ones!

  • Miska

    Oooh Isabella I anxiously await your Japanese sunscreen reviews! It really does suck when your favorite product gets reformulated. I wasn’t crazy about the last Biore reformulation personally but it was still the best I could find. I haven’t been able to find my beloved Biore Watery Essence (blue tube) so I snagged some others (Kose, Canmake and Sunkiller) in hopes of finding a match. I believe they’re all Japanese brands but I’m open to Taiwanese and South Korean options as well. Asian sunscreen is where it’s at and Japan in particular excels at sunscreens. I know many brands pulled their sunscreens as of late after it came out that one of Purito’s actually tested much lower than the marked spf50 listed. I am actually almost finished with the Purito sunscreen that came under fire and I have to say that I’ve never suffered a burn while wearing it. I’m super fair and burn very easily too. I still feel like Asian sunscreens are leaps and bounds ahead of the goopy heavy sunscreens here in the US. I didn’t get the new Biore Light Up as I don’t want a “glowy”� look either. On my skin glowy translates to greasy and it’s not pretty. I’ve just recently heard of Allie…I must have been living under a rock! Do they have a sweat proof or waterproof formula? Have you reviewed it previously?