Summer has arrived in Japan, and the drugstores have been busy finding space for the annual release of UV Protection essence / cream/ lotion/ milk spray that arrive on the market from March to June.
I LOVE Japanese sunscreen, and the philosophy that sunscreen is part of your daily skincare routine, not just an add on when you go the beach or pool in summer. Each year the Japanese skincare and beauty brands push the boundaries of innovation and technology in this hyper-competitive market- and it is always great to see the affordable price points for many good quality product.
So, here are my picks of the 5 best NEW Japanese drugstore sunscreen launches for Summer 2019!
Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence- Mint Green
Best for colour correcting under makeup
UV Protection: SPF 50+/ PA ++++
Price: ¥740
Last summer the Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence (Pink/ Purple) was arguably the most popular Japanese sunscreen release of the year limited edition colour correcting UV Essence. So this year they have decided to launch an extension to this popular colour correcting sunscreen with a Mint Green version.
Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence- Mint Green is a watery essence sunscreen with blue/green pigment to neutralise redness and brighten the skin tone. Contains Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C and Skin Aqua’s ” Pure Nuance Complex” (a combination of passionfruit, prune and chestnut rose) and Microfine Pearl particles to illuminate the skin.
Alcohol, paraben and mineral oil free. Ideal for everyday use, both on the face under makeup and the body. Water and sweat resistant.
Fragrance- Soap.
Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence
Perfect for hot and humid weather.
UV Protection: SPF 50+/ PA++++
Price: ¥1,500
A water-based UV essence that has a refreshing texture and long lasting, high UV protection. Designed to stay put under extreme heat and humidity, even when perspiring (hello Japanese summer!). Biore’s “Durable outer skin” and “tough boost” technology creates a fine and even UV blocking film that adheres like a second skin.
The heavy-duty formula also contains hyaluronic acid, royal jelly and butylene glycol to keep skin moisturised.
Ideal for everyday use on the face and body. Suited to days when you are outside in hot and humid weather.
Fragrance: White floral.
Saborino UV Spray Cool
Best for busy mornings
UV protection: SPF 50+ / PA ++++
Price: ¥1,000
A new cooling Japanese sunscreen spray from Saborino designed to help save time on busy mornings. The spray disperses a micro-fine mist that both cools the skin and provides a quick and even application os sun protection. Saborino UV Spray Cool can be applied to the face, body and hair to provide SPF 50+ UV protection.
Simply apply directly to freshly cleansed skin, the Saborino UV protecting spray contains many moisturising and nourishing skin care ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, collagen, honey, peppermint, tea tree and aloe vera to moisturise and tighten the skin. No need to apply moisturiser on top, just move straight to applying your base makeup of choice.
Fragrance: Fruit herb.
Verdio UV Moisture Gel
Best for sensitive skin
UV Protection: SPF50+/ PA ++++
Price: ¥600
Verdio UV Moisture Gel is an everyday Japanese high protection sunscreen with a refreshing gel texture that absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving any sticky residue.
Verdio is formulated with sensitive skin in mind, and is free of fragrance, alcohol, mineral oil, paraben and dyes. The moisturising gel contains Verdio’s signature blend of scutellana baicalensis (Chinese skullcap- one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in Chinese medicine), Jobs Tears, moringa, aloe vera and green tea.
Verdio UV 50+ Moisture Gel can be used on both the face and body, and is gentle enough to use on children.
Fragrance: none.
Nivea Sun Zero Feeling UV Lotion
Best for those who hate the feeling of wearing sun screen
UV Protection: SPF 50+/ PA ++++
Price: ¥830
A fast drying Japanese sunscreen that leaves the skin feeling like you are wearing nothing at all. No sticky residue. No shine. No white cast.
Zero Skin UV Lotion has a water-like texture which absorbs quickly into the skin on application. So easy to apply, even on sweaty skin, the lotion formula glides on evenly and dries almost immediately, giving the skin undetectable protection from UV rays.
Suitable for daily use on both the face and body. Please note- this formula is not water or sweat resistant.