Mentholatum Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Essence SPF50+ PA++++

2 Reviews

1. 

   peskyDotterel6

   Reply

   Note: I’ll be comparing this to the Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen.

   Texture
   A light, milky-white lotion. It’s comfortably hydrating on my combination skin (normal on my cheeks and slightly oily on my T-zone). It doesn’t feel oily or heavy no matter how much I use. You can quicken its absorption by gently spreading, rubbing, or patting.

   In comparison, Biore Aqua is either not hydrating enough or a bit heavy. Biore Aqua sinks in quicker, and has a more gel-like than lotion-like texture. (I always compare Biore Aqua’s texture to Clinique’s Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief).

   Finish
   Semi-matte and comfortable. I notice a sheen on my T-zone if I don’t powder. There is no whitecast. It’s not tacky, which is excellent if you have long hair that gets blown about. Biore Aqua has a tacky finish, especially noticeable if you used the recommended amount.

   Scent
   None.

   Suitability for eye area?
   Yes! There was no stinging or burning. Be careful to not rub the sunscreen into your eyes.

   Makeup
   I apply sunscreen before my makeup. Silicone-based foundation spreads and blends easily (I use Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum), better with clean fingers or a sponge (Beauty Blender dupe) than a dense brush (RT Expert Face Brush).

   Cream blush (either MaqPro or Ben Nye) is tricker to blend, since skin is less emollient with sunscreen than with moisturiser.

   I can’t comment on powder foundation or blush, since I don’t use them, but translucent powder works over this sunscreen.

   Edit 30/07/2016: I’ve been using this sunscreen every. single. morning for two weeks after undergoing weekly 40% Lactic Acid peels. Not one pimple or milia or any sort of bump or lump has formed. It hasn’t broken me out. It feels hydrating and comfortable. I’ll definitely repurchase this one rather than the Biore Aqua.

   Edit 3/09/2016: I stand by my initial review. Skin Aqua remains an essential step of my morning routine, come rain or shine. It feels incredibly light on the skin even if I apply 4-5 dollops of sunscreen.

   Edit 22/10/2016: My tube of sunscreen has given me its last dollop :'( Thank you, Skin Aqua, you’ve been a champ and a chum and a rockstar. You’ve kept my skin unblemished and faded the existing hyper-pigmentation and helped maintain it porcelain-bloody-smooth. You give me confidence about the oncoming Australian summer. I’ve already received the two tubes I bought online. I shall continue to use you happily.

   Edit 24/09/2017: I’ve nearly finished my last tube of Skin Aqua (yes, the two tubes mentioned on 22/10/2016) and a new one is waiting to be opened. My opinion hasn’t changed.

2. 

   ardentBobolink8

   Reply

   Ingredients: Water, Octinoxate, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Glycerol, Triethylhexyl Trimellitate, Lauryl Methacrylate Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Sodium acetylhyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed collagen, Arginine, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-10 pentaisostearate, polystrene, polyvinyl alcohol, triethanolamine, EDTA-2NA, Xantham Gum, Methyl parahydroxybenzoate

   CosDNA:

   Official site:

   Price: 80g/760yen

   Pros:
   – a Japanese facial sunscreen at 80g! And for only 760 yen, yes thank you
   – as advertised; feels watery and cool on application
   – even though it comes out thick and white, it applies smoothly and feels like a refreshing moisturiser
   – no white-cast at all
   – didn’t break me out (I’m not sensitive to anything except fragrance)
   – didn’t notice I had sunscreen on at all
   – no lingering smell
   – perfect daily sunscreen for winter->spring->early summer

   Cons
   – chemical filters only; not water resistant so probably not the best in summer
   – alcohol is pretty high up there again but if your skin is ok with it (like my skin), then there’s no problem
   – potentially unsafe ingredient if you’re worried; triethanolamine