This item is labeled as 100% mineral sunscreen hence its main ingredients are Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide.
As per COSDA, certain ingredients may trigger acne:
Stearic Acid (2)
Squalene (1)
Zinc Oxide (1)
The ratings are low however, if you are known to have issues with any of these, use it with caution.
Trial Period: 1 week
Skin Condition: Currently purging due to Glycolic Acid
Environment: Humid, tropical summer
Packaging:
Price: 19.99 CAD Amazon Prime Canada / around 14 USD – 89 ml
Review:
This is a mineral sunscreen. It contains both Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. This is a good choice if you’re after something that will rather sit on top of your skin rather than absorbed, a concept which is better if you have sensitive or acne prone skin.
This product does not contain fragrance at all which is perfect if you have a sensitive skin.
The product itself is somewhat a heavy cream with less oil in touch. It is soft and glides smoothly in the skin. This sunscreen is not sticky but can be a little tacky in touch – a common property of a mineral sunscreen. If you’re on the normal to dry skin, I suggest that you top your skin with something moisturizing before applying this to avoid it from getting too dry.
This tinted sunscreen has no coverage but to be fair, it claimed nothing of such. Do note though that this might tone you up in a pinkish way. I’m on the mid-fair tone and this specific sunscreen made by face and neck differs a little bit. It is not very huge difference at least from my skin but for those with darker complexion, this might be a little bit tricky to play around. They don’t look like they sell different shades (I may be wrong) so please do ask their customer support to verify.
This is not a replacement for your foundation especially if your goal is to cover up some blemishes. It will help though even out some minor skin discoloration but not to the level of hyperpigmentation.
Another thing I noticed about this mineral sunscreen is that it has a minor flashback. I don’t go out taking pictures all the time so it is not an issue but if you’re planning to get a picture, this can be a bad thing.
Without Flash:
With Flash:
Good news about this though is that it has very little transfer. Once settled, I don’t worry about it getting into my headphones or likes. It will not compound much as well on your eyeglasses’ nose pad – perfect for those who wears them a lot.
This product is also advertised to be water resistant up to 80 minutes. I personally did not try this, but I noticed though that even I sweat mildly, I did not see the need to reapply. This product has some clinging power to my skin – which probably explains my narration above.
Lastly, despite me currently purging from Glycolic Acid, no apparent additions came into my inventory of blemish.
Final Thoughts:
This is a mineral sunscreen, a better option for those with sensitive or acne prone skin.
Contain no fragrance
Can even out skin tone but not cover blemishes or hyperpigmentation
Has a pink undertone
Might be a little tricky to use if you have darker skin tone
As per COSDNA, there are four ingredients worth nothing that may trigger acne or irritation:
Cetyl Alcohol (2)
Cetearyl Alcohol (2)
Glyceryl Stearate SE (3)
Dimethicone (1)
They are relatively low in rating but still good to know in case you have a very sensitive skin.
Trial: 3 days
Current Skin Condition: Combination
Environment: Tropical – warm with little humidity
Packaging:
Packaging:
Price: 359 PHP Lazada (Lazmall) / around 8 USD –50 ml
Review:
Personally, I’m not concerned about the whole PA Metric System as this is hard to standardized and results tends to vary. Anyway, if this is something that you consider vital, this specific sunscreen only has two plus – not the highest measure out there. However, NIVEA is a very well-known institution already. I hate to sound brand-biased but there’s confidence in time and experience.
Let’s start with the immediately obvious – this contains fragrance. The fragrance is not light which I think is very common to any Nivea products (correct me if I’m wrong though). The smell tends to go away anyway but this is worth noting as some people might get irritation from it. I didn’t though which I think is a little surprising.
The product itself comes in a thin, opaque white cream. It can be spread easily into your skin due to its light consistency. However, as time pass by you will start to notice that it becomes sticky and hard to move around so don’t wait too long in spreading this.
The finish of this product is sticky and shiny. In my experience under tropical weather, this did not disappear even after long hours. Also, this sunscreen has a tendency to transfer some tackiness into your hand when touched.
What I liked about it though is that I did not experience this product staining my clothes. Also, it is true to its claim that it is water resistant. As a matter of fact, I hard a hard time washing this product off my hand after application.
This sunscreen is perfect for more extreme days with swimming, gym, jogging and likes. Though it is important to know that re-application is still needed as indicated in the packaging.
Since I mentioned about swimming and surely a lot of people will consider this product for a swim in the beach, do remember that this sunscreen has Octocrylene. Octocrylene is one of the many known sunscreen ingredients that contributes to coral reefs’ death. Surely, it comes with big amount for this to see immediately but I suggest not to contribute to this known issue already by not using this product for a swim in the beach. There are still plenty of sunscreen you could choose from when dipping in the sea.
Another thing, this sunscreen is not drying. It is a visible truth that it has moisturizing feature. Though, to be fair, I won’t rely on this just for moisturizing purposes especially if you have a very dry skin. Do consider using your go-to moisturizer still when using this to avoid dryness especially when planning to go outside.
There is no recorded flashback when I was taking pictures. However, if you have medium to dark skin tone like mine, expect that your skin will tone up. Therefore, it is preferable to use this exact sunscreen to your neck as well to avoid huge indifference in tone.
Lastly, I had a hard time using this under makeup due to its tackiness. I tried to use pressed foundation on top of this and after a while, I can see that this sunscreen is absorbing it and empowering it with shine. I just didn’t bother trying this further on other makeups as this sunscreen, from my opinion, is designed mostly for extreme exposure / activities rather than something to hold and played with makeup. Perhaps this part is more subjective to my available tools and collections so feel free to test it on yours.
Will I recommend this? Yes. Despite its texture and smell, this sunscreen is perfect for sweaty activities!
Takeaways:
Very tacky on skin
Has strong fragrance but I did not get any irritation
Water resistant – perfect for extreme activities like playing, swimming, gym and etc.
Contains Octocrylene, which is not good to our coral reefs
Moisturizing but still consider using your go-to moisturizer
Current Skin Condition: Combination, with small dry patches in the chin
For the non-makeup review of this product, you may click here. This will show you how I used this sunscreen as it is, without makeup.
For the 2 days trials I took for this product, I always use a
gentle cleanser (Simple Moisturizing Facial Wash), basic moisturizer (Simple
Hydrating Light Moisturizer) and a small amount of eye cream (QuickFx
Eye Lift Cream) beforehand. There are no known strong ingredients on these
items. Once the moisturizer and eye cream have settled (after 10 minutes), that’s
the time I started using this product.
For this, I was able to put around 1/2 teaspoon of this
sunscreen to my face. After it settled for like 10 minutes, I started putting my
liquid foundation (L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation) and
concealer (Maybelline Instant Age Rewind) on top of it.
*** it doesn’t look like 1/2 teaspoon in the image as I
added more after I blended it.
What I noticed about this base product is that it is not sticky. Hence, it did not require me to add more foundation which is just a pump usually. For some reason, I even had a small excess that I managed to put on my neck. The reason for it is because the finish of this items is very velvety (like I mentioned this is post). The finish is close to a rose petal which is very smooth and very soft – making it easy for makeup to cover my face thinly.
I personally enjoyed applying my foundation with either a
brush or fingers when I tested this sunscreen. Both of which makes the
application even so easily. I just think that I managed to save a small part of
my foundation when I’m using a brush as I tend to have more control on it.
I felt really nice wearing this beneath my foundation. It
has a hold to my makeup at the same time it felt very light and smooth to touch.
To be honest, I did not feel any stickiness or too much shine hence I tried to
skip putting light powder on it. However, to make it standard with the other
review I had, I still did use Clean & Clear Essentials Face Powder (small
taps). Regardless, the final output is very clean and light.
Another thing that I like about this product is that it did
hide my pores. During the time it was starting to degrade (around 8 hours), it
did not push the makeup to my pores or lines. I hardly see my makeup
compounding on my pores and noes. Instead, it only disappeared slowly.
During the stress test, I noticed that regardless of my
environment (room temperature, humid or air-conditioned room), both acted almost
the same way. Though being in cooler environment makes it last longer. This
sunscreen managed to hold my makeup longer by helping my face not to produce
too much oil. However, for the record, this is not the best primer for this
criteria. There are still better primers and sunscreen that can hold my makeup
longer and control oil at the same time.
So you might be asking why I like this one then? The answer for that is simple. From the previous test with the other sunscreens and primers I had, this is very light and did not break me out. It still lives to its claim that it does control oil and be use to hold makeup. Also, because I can use the same amount of this sunscreen as my regular go-to sun protection (and considering that it has high protection against UVA and UVB), I’m confident enough that I can use this as my only sunscreen for that day.
Take note that there is no claim in the packaging that it is
waterproof or sweat resistant. I personally do not reapply on regular (non-vigorous)
days. However, if you will be sweating, reapplication is highly recommended to
prevent sun damage.
Lastly, (though there is no direct claim for this) this product did not hold my dry patches together. I wouldn’t expect it from a regular sunscreen, but I do think that it should as a primer. But then again, I’m not seeing any claim for dry skin issues. So, I can’t hold this against this product.
Takeaways:
It is true that it controls oil and hold makeup
longer however it is not the best primer in the market for that criteria
You can adequately protect your skin from the
sun using only this (amount should be 1/2 to 1/3 teaspoon at least for the face).
No claims for being sweat resistant
Not the best product if you’re trying to hide
your dry patches
As per COSDNA, these
are the items worth noting as they may trigger acne and (or) irritation:
Zinc Oxide (1)
Isopropyl Palmitate (4)
Cetyl Alcohol (2)
Tocopherols (2)
Trial Duration: 3 days
Price: 435 PHP (Lazada) / around 9 USD – 30g
Packaging:
Current Skin Condition: Combination
Review:
Recently due to my newly upgraded Retin-A strength, my skin went oily. I’m expecting that however, I know I needed something that can help control it. Hence, I ended up buying this.
I love it – that’s for sure. Here’s why…
For a sunscreen, the number of measurement they provided is very high — SPF 50+ and four (+). The numbers should be sufficient for a proper sun protection. When applying this, just make sure that you have completely covered your face with sufficient amount ( around 1/3 to 1/2 teaspoon for the face alone). Personally, I never had compounding issues when applying this product. Excess did not sit on my hairline and eye brows. It is smooth to apply and did not pill.
Another thing is that this product itself has a very cream to light pinkish color which when you wear might tone your skin lighter (if you have medium to darker tone). The change is very light, and the tone change requires an extra look as it is hardly noticeable on a regular sight. I personally did not notice it that much, really. I guess, what I’m trying to say is that it is not completely invisible on initial application; but will definitely tone down as it settles – making it perfect even without makeup.
The finish of this product in my skin is somewhat velvety – not matte (which they said in the box). I felt like it has a blurry effect which make sense because it did promise concealing pores (I’m not sure if they mean it like this though). However, to be fair, it did not completely cover my pores, just made it less visible.
*** the picture though might look too shinny but that’s just
the lightning.
Another thing I love about this product is that it really controlled my oiliness, which makes it true to its claim. I never felt the need to powder or blot all throughout the day. It’s very light and hard to notice its existence in my skin – very comfortable to wear indeed. It is not the best oil-controlling sunscreen / base out there but it did what it promised.
My only concern showing in my pictures is that no
matter how little or natural the light is, I felt like the picture is
amplifying the shine. In reality, it is not shinny at all. Like I said, it is velvety.
After four hours from the application (room light):
After fours from the application (camera flash):
After eight hours, this product degraded showing some minor
shine. However, it is still not a lot and personally I did not see the need to
blot or powder.
After eight hours from the application (room light):
After eight hours from the application (camera flash):
This product also contains no fragrance however it has a
very light scent. It is not offensive, and it didn’t bother me at all.
Take note however that this product contains alcohol. If it
gets too close to your eyes, it will definitely sting, causing minor irritation
to your eyes. I’m used to it though as it seems to be very common for Biore to build
it that way. Also, this is something that can be addressed by practicing. As
someone who suffered from acne for a very long time, if a sunscreen doesn’t cause
you a pimple, that’s a keeper. Biore is a good brand to remember for that. If
it is any help, my trick for having less irritation during the application is by
closing my eyes tightly when smoothing the product, until it dries. It works
for me, so give it a try.
Will I buy this again? Big YES!
Final Thoughts:
Smooth to apply and did not pill
It does control oil
Pores becomes less but not fully covered
Velvety not matte in finish
No fragrance but it has a raw scent, not offensive
Did not break me out
If you wish to see how I used this under my makeup, click here.
As per COSDNA, the following
ingredients may cause acne:
Zinc Oxide (1)
Dimethicone (1)
Stearic Acid
(2)
Ethylhexyl
Palmitate (4)
Butylene Glycol
(1)
I will share my opinions regarding these ingredients as we go
further.
Trial Duration: 2 Days
Price: 825 PHP (Mall Price, Lazada Mall) / around 17 USD – 30 ml
Packaging:
*** it doesn’t come with a box
Current Skin Condition: Acne Prone with dry patches
Review:
The claim of this primer is simple – Smoothen and Protects Skin
with SPF 40 +++
My experience with this primer is actually pretty good. I did not
expect this from a makeup-grade product as normally they are very heavy and
tends to make my face a little heavy at most. Personally, I don’t use primer
daily. I feel like it is too much to be added for a normal workday — of
course, this is more of a personal preference and my thoughts went a little
different on this product.
Let’s go it to details.
On the first day, I tried to use this alone hoping that it can
work as a standalone sun protection – however, this is not that kind of
product. The product itself is very thick and sticky. It is meant to hold on to
something like your foundation or everyday powder but never alone.
At first when you dispense it, the texture is runny but you will
feel that it has body. It is also white to pinkish in color.
On my first trial, I tried using around 1/3 teaspoon of this
amount into my face. The amount I dispensed is the average amount of sunscreen
I use on every day basis which is basically enough to give me proper protection
all over my face.
As you can see from the picture above, my face went very shinny
and sticky after application. Also, because of its opaque white – pinkish property,
my face went a little whiter. This did not settle and was been like that for
minutes.
What I just noticed though is that using the same amount I used
for my regular sunscreen, there were visible excess that compounded in my
hairline and other corner of my face. I also noticed that the excess was more
clinging on my dry patches. I tried to move those excess to my face hoping that
it will find its own spot to settle but it didn’t. In the end, I have to remove
those excess off my face.
After removing, I put my concealer and foundation. I did not do
anything special just my regular fingers (for concealer – Maybelline Instant
Age Rewind) and brush (for the liquid foundation – L’Oreal Infallible
Fresh Wear 24HR):
For this experiment, I put my concealer under my eyes and one on
top of my forehead to hide a dead pimple.
Apparently, this primer is a little greedy in sucking my makeup. I
noticed that my usual one-pump of my liquid foundation is not enough to cover
my face. I have to make another half pump to cover the remainder of my face.
I’m a little surprised with the finish though – -the result of combining this primer with my go-to liquid foundation is beautiful. It left my skin with a very dewy finish. Also, because of its slight pinkish color, some of my old hyperpigmentation somewhat disappeared (as if it colored corrected it). As you can see from the picture, my face went instantly flawless and a hint of healthy-looking glow is apparent. I did not expect this at all as this is not given as a promise.
Moving on, just to remove the remainder stickiness, I pat my face
with very little powder from Clean & Clear Essential Face Powder. For
finale, I added some colors using Maybelline Fit Me Blush.
Another worth the praising is how it elegantly holds my dry patches. On a normal circumstance, my dry skin will be too obvious to the point that they are picking out. Perhaps due to its sticky nature, my dry skin adhered to my skin making them less obvious.
I checked my face after around 5 hours and I noticed that my
dewiness upgraded, making it look a lot healthier and not greasy at all. Is it
bad? No, I prefer to describe my makeup that time as somewhat more natural than
it was when I newly applied it. Also, as time pass by, you tend to forget the
presence of this primer as if you’re only wearing your concealer and foundation.
It feels like it wasn’t there at all. The heaviness and stickiness disappeared
as it settled together with the makeup I used. In addition, my face did not
require a retouch or patting of tissue…except my nose.
As magical it might sound to some though, this primer did not go
well with my nose even from the start. I observed that this primer settled in
my nose’s pores even after application. Considering my tone is in between light
and medium, this primer settling in my pores is very obvious. For me, I find it
difficult to cover or manifest with foundation. This is a good primer still but
personally I think that you will need to use a different primer for the nose or
other parts of your face where your pores is extra big.
After Application:
Few hours:
Personally, I don’t believe in less is more when it comes to
sunscreen. On average, we need to use 1/2 to 1/3 teaspoon of sunscreen to get
the proper amount of protection. Since that I can’t have this primer using the
same amount of my sunscreen, instead I went to use an actual sunscreen then
topped it with this.
For the second test (day 2), after hydrating my face with Simple
Hydrating Light Moisturizer and QuickFx Eye Lift Cream (like I did
on day 1),I took 1/3 teaspoon of my Biore UV Aquarich Watery Essence
SPF50+ PA ++++ into my face and let is dry. After like 10 minutes, I started
putting this UV primer. This time though, I tried to put less (which is just around
1/4 teaspoon) to avoid excess forming on my dry patches and face’s corners.
Then, I did my concealer and liquid foundation just like I did in the
first test. The result is also the same without the excess forming at the
sides.
Here’s my thought.
This is a good primer. However, I will not rely on this as a standalone sun protection. If you’re the type of person who consider sunscreen a vital part of routine, you will need to wear your go-to sunscreen first. Let it absorbed then add this primer. If you’re going to use a sunscreen beneath this product, I would recommend that you use something that is light and capable of disappearing as this primer is a little heavy at first.
I have to admit though, it takes an extra effort removing this. I mentioned
earlier that this compounded in my hairline. Removing it lightly, caused me an
additional pimple in that area. Just one, but it is a lesson learned (by the
way, I did not get a pimple on my second trial). You can use your favorite
makeup remover just make sure though that your cotton is already clear before
proceeding with an actual cleanser, just to be extra sure.
This I can’t wait to share – for some reason after cleanser, my
face went plump and smooth (my clogged pores are still there though but suave
in touch). I felt like face went to baby butt’s mode. It’s hard for me to say
that it is just a coincidence because unofficially, I used this more than twice
and the results are consistent. It is more noticeable after I cleansed my face
and after I woke up. Never in any product have I felt like this. Weird.
Lastly, regarding the ingredients noted above, I personally did
not have any bad reaction on them, just one pimple in my hairline. However, I have to
say that this is a malpractice on my side. Other than, I find it well for my
face.
Did I mention that this primer has no scent? Yep. No scent. I love
the fact that it did not contain any!
Summary:
I will use this again and buy if needed. This
is something I would put into my face if I wanted to feel a little extra or
during special events (of course, this is a personal preference. You can use
this as often as you please)
Better use a different primer on areas where
large pores are apparent as it will highlight them
No bad reaction for acne prone like me
Don’t put too much as it will compound on your
corners or dry patches.
Not sufficient sun protection but can work
very well with other sunscreen (make sure to use your sunscreen first before
this)
Unscented
Not cheap but not very expensive either considering that it is a well known
brand
![[Under Makeup Review] : Biore UV Covering Base – Oil Control](https://roiskicom.files.wordpress.com/2019/11/main.jpg?w=638)
Roiski 