Biore Aqua Rich UV Watery Essence

I have heard so many good things about the Biore Aqua Rich UV Watery Essence, and it did not disappoint.

The one thing that needs to be mentioned straight off the bat is the strong alcohol smell on the application. It has absolutely no drying effect on me though so I can get over the smell as it does dissipate quickly.

This is the perfect application in a sunscreen in my opinion.

It’s watery texture absorbs into the skin quickly leaving no white cast or residue. It is so light weight that I don’t even feel like I have applied sunscreen.

It has an SPF of 50+ PA++++

This sunscreen gives my favourite Dear Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence a run for its money.

I will definitely be ordering more of this.

HOW TO USE

Sunscreen is always applied as the last step of the morning skincare routine.

My personal preference to apply a generous amount to the face, neck, chest, and ears. Don’t be stingy with the SPF folks. It also helps to reapply every 2 hours or so.

This sunscreen is not as nourishing as some others so don’t skip the moisturizer with this one.

MY SKIN TYPE

I have pale combination skin with a very oily t-zone. I suffer from enlarged pores, underlying redness and hyperpigmentation.

At times I can be prone to breakouts, but these days they tend to be more hormonal.

INGREDIENTS

  • Water
  • Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is the most commonly used chemical sunscreen. It absorbs UVB radiation (at wavelengths: 280-320 nm) with a peak protection at 310nm. It only protects against UVB and not UVA rays (the 320-400 nm range). This is not a very stable ingredient. It should be combined with other sunscreens.
  • Ethylhexyl Triazone is a new generation, chemical sunscreen that gives the highest photo-stable absorption of all available UVB filters today. It protects in the UVB range (280-320nm) with a peak protection of 314nm. It is an oil-soluble, odorless, colorless powder that works well in fragrance-free formulas. It can be used up to 5% worldwide except for the US and Canada.
  • Isopropyl Palmitate is an emollient ester that makes the skin smooth.
  • Lauryl Methacrylate/Na Methacrylate Crosspolymer is a slip agent that gives sunscreen formulas long-lasting, lightweight and non-sticky properties.
  • Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate is a UV filter. It is designed for high UVA protection and high photostability. It gives sun protection in the whole UVA range (320-400 nm) with a peak protection at 354nm.
  • Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is a skin-softening agent and emollient. It has a rich, thick texture.
  • Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine is a UV filter and absorber. It is said to be one of the best sunscreen agents known today. It is a broad-spectrum (covers the whole UVB and UVA range, 280-400 nm) chemical sunscreen agent with peak protections at about 310 and 345 nm, and unlike older UV filters, it’s very photostable. It hardly deteriorates in the presence of UV light and it’s also useful in stabilizing other less stable sunscreen agents.
  • Palmitic Acid is an emollient.
  • Dextrin is a little helper ingredient that can be a thickener, a humectant, a foam booster, an adhesion promoter, and a filler. It’s a blend of polysaccharides that helps to moisturize and soften the skin. 
  • Butylene Glycol is a texture enhancer.
  • Xylitol helps to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier.
  • Acrylates/​C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is used as a texture enhancer.
  • Dimethicone is a gentle emollient.
  • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer.
  • Glycerin is a skin-replenishing and skin-restoring agent with humectant properties.
  • Glyceryl Stearate is an emollient emulsifier.
  • Propanediol is a glycol that helps to enhance the absorption of ingredients into the skin.
  • Glyceryl Behenate has gelling and emulsion stabilizing properties.
  • Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer is a blend of silicone polymers that work as a thickening agent and texture enhancer.
  • Cetanol is an emulsifying aid.
  • Agar is a viscosity controlling agent.
  • Sorbitan Distearate is an emollient.
  • Isoceteth-20 works as an emulsifier or solubilizer.
  • Polyvinyl Alcohol is a film-forming, and binding agent.
  • Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Suporima is a viscosity controlling agent.
  • Stearoyl Glutamate is an emulsifier.
  • Arginine is an amino acid considered to be essential to human development. It has antioxidant properties.
  • Hydroxide K is a PH adjuster.
  • Hydroxide Na is a PH adjuster.
  • Royal Jelly Extract is a skin-conditioning agent.
  • Hyaluronic Acid Na is the salt form of Hyaluronic acid. This salt is a powerful humectant that attracts and holds water to it.
  • Phenoxyethanol is a preservative.
  • EDTA-2Na is a stabilizing agent.
  • BHT – Butylated hydroxytoluene is a potent synthetic antioxidant.

INGREDIENTS TO NOTE

  • Ethanol is a type of alcohol that can be sensitizing to the skin. Typically, it is used in sunscreens as a deliver/penetration agent.
  • Perfume

CLOSING

I purchased my Biore Aqua Rich UV Watery Essence from YesStyle.

I very much enjoyed this sunscreen and would be happy to repurchase and use again.

Visit my skincare page to read more reviews of products I have tried out.

**I source most of the ingredient explanations from Paula’s Choice website, INCI Beauty, Incidecoder, SkinCarisma and CosDNA.

***Please note that these are simply my opinions. Everyone will have skin that responds differently to different ingredients and formulations.

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Muji Oil Cleansing

I loved the Muji Oil Cleansing – cleansing oil. I am developing a serious crush on this brand.

This oil cleanser hits all the marks: affordable, emulsifies well, does not leave a residue, does not burn my eyes, fragrance-free and gets rid of waterproof makeup. I have nothing negative to say about this cleansing oil.

I would highly recommend this product and would be happy to repurchase it. You really can’t go wrong with this one.

MY SKIN TYPE

I have pale combination skin with a very oily t-zone. I suffer from enlarged pores, underlying redness and hyperpigmentation.

At times I can be prone to breakouts, but these days they tend to be more hormonal.

HOW TO USE

Pump a couple of pumps in clean dry hands and then gently massage onto dry face. Take your time working it gently into all areas of your face and neck. After this dampen your hands with warm water and gently emulsify the oil on your face. Then rinse off completely with warm water.

This is a first cleanse product to be used before your water-based cleanser.

INGREDIENTS

  • Olive Oil is an antioxidant emollient that is great for dry skin. It has a low potential for sensitivity.
  • Octyl Palmitate is an emollient.
  • Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate is a self-emulsifying surfactant.
  • Polysorbate is an emulsifier. In this product, the strength is not indicated.
  • Sorbitan Oleate is an emulsifier.
  • Water
  • Pentylene Glycol is a low molecular weight humectant, emollient and antimicrobial moisturizer.
  • Glycosyl Trehalose is an emulsion stabilizing and film-forming ingredient.
  • Butylene Glycol is a texture enhancer.
  • Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate is a hydrator and film-forming agent.
  • Glycerin is a skin-replenishing and skin-restoring agent.
  • Polyquaternium-51 is a film-forming and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Purslane (Portulaca Olearcea) Extract

INGREDIENTS TO NOTE

  • Tocopherol is basically vitamin E. Which is a well known antioxidant. This ingredient does have some comedogenic properties.
  • Grapefruit Seed Extract is often used as a preservative, but it is simply not strong enough to defend the product properly.

CLOSING

I loved the Muji Oil Cleansing. It is simple, non-irritating, affordable and emulsifies well. It is a great product for anyone.

I purchased my Muji Oil Cleanser instore in Doha – Qatar, but they do also sell their skincare online. Visit their website to check if they deliver to your area.

Visit my skincare page to read more reviews of products I have tried out.

**I source most of the ingredient explanations from Paula’s Choice website, INCI Beauty, Incidecoder, Skincarisma and CosDNA.ce website.

***Please note that these are simply my opinions. Everyone will have skin that responds differently to different ingredients and formulations.

Muji Moisturising Milk

When first incorporating the Muji Moisturising Milk I fully expected my skin to freak out and exact revenge upon me. Surprisingly this was not the case.

I have not had any negative reaction to this moisturizer that in all honesty is far more nourishing than my skin has previously tolerated.

This product has proven to be a great option for my skin during the drier winter months. Now that we are moving into warmer weather I will probably only use this as part of my evening routine.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to hold onto this product for much longer. It only has a shelf life of 3 months which is beyond disappointing. There was simply no way for me to finish this product up before it expires.

The consistency is very watery. More like an emulsion or lotion than a moisturizer. It takes a minute or two to settle into my oily skin and does leave a noticeable glow to the skin.

The only other gripe I have with this product is the chemical scent. This is not a major thing for me as it doesn’t hang around, but worth noting if you are into the “aromatherapy” aspect of skincare.

Edit: As this product approaches its expiry date it does start to pill on the skin. This is fine if you are having a no-makeup day, but I definitely switch to an alternative product if foundation is going on.

MY SKIN TYPE

I have pale combination skin with a very oily t-zone. I suffer from enlarged pores, underlying redness and hyperpigmentation.

At times I can be prone to breakouts, but these days they tend to be more hormonal.

HOW TO USE

I use this as the final step of my morning and evening routines. This is a very nourishing formula with a liquid consistency. My oily skin does not require too much product in order to moisturise my face, neck and chest.

I dispense the product into the palm of my hand, rub my hands together and then gently spread over my skin.

It doesn’t take long to settle on the skin, but I do give it a minute of two before moving on to SPF.

INGREDIENTS

  • Water.
  • DPG is a texture enhancer and slip agent.
  • Glycerine is a skin-replenishing and skin-restoring agent.
  • Palmitic Acid Ethylhexyl is an emollient when formulated in moisturizers.
  • PEG-32 is an emulsifier.
  • Squalane is a moisturizing antioxidant.
  • Pentylene Glycol is a low molecular weight humectant, emollient and antimicrobial moisturizer.
  • PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is an emollient.
  • Glycosyl Trehalose is an emulsion stabilizing and film-forming ingredient.
  • Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate is a hydrator and film-forming agent.
  • Purslane Extract is also a very good source of skin-beneficial minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorous, plus omega-3 fatty acids. It has skin-soothing properties and is a potent antioxidant.
  • Olive Oil is an antioxidant emollient that is great for dry skin. It has a low potential for sensitivity.
  • Polyquaternium-51 is a film-forming and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Arginine is an amino acid considered to be essential to human development. It has antioxidant properties.
  • Allantoin is a skin-soothing and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Xanthan Gum is a thickener and emollient.
  • Carbomer is a texture enhancer used mainly in gel formulations.
  • Butylene Glycol is a texture enhancer.
  • Sodium Citrate is used to balance the PH of products, but also antioxidant and preservative properties.
  • Phenoxyethanol is a preservative.

INGREDIENTS TO NOTE

  • Grapefruit Seed Extract is often used as a preservative, but it is simply not strong enough to defend the product properly.

CLOSING

All in all, this is a great simple moisturizer that I would have no qualms with using again (nothing super special, just does the job), my only hesitation would be the product waste due to the very short shelf life.

I purchased my Muji Moisturising Milk instore in Doha – Qatar, but they do also sell their skincare online. Visit their website to check if they deliver to your area.

Visit my skincare page to read more reviews of products I have tried out.

**I source most of the ingredient explanations from Paula’s Choice website, INCI Beauty, Incidecoder and CosDNA.

***Please note that these are simply my opinions. Everyone will have skin that responds differently to different ingredients and formulations.

Muji Light Toning Water

I was pleasantly surprised by the Muji Light Toning Water. It is exactly as the name says “water”.

It feels like splashing water on your face, with the exception that I feel hydrated after.

The product does not have a scent to it and absorbs quickly into the skin.

I purchased this product to use in conjunction with My TO Vitamin C serum. The Ordinary suggests not using Niacinamide with their vitamin c products – enter Muji Light Toning Water (since my other toners all contain Niacinamide).

It is a really simple toner with only one function – hydration.

It was a great addition to my routine and if the need arises for something simple with no other benefits but hydration I will definitely repurchase this.

MY SKIN TYPE

I have pale combination skin with a very oily t-zone. I suffer from enlarged pores, underlying redness and hyperpigmentation.

At times I can be prone to breakouts, but these days they tend to be more hormonal.

HOW TO USE

After cleansing, dispense a generous amount into your hands and pat into the skin.

I repeat the application a couple of times before moving on to my vitamin c serum.

INGREDIENTS

  • Water
  • Dipropylene Glycol is a slip-agent and texture enhancer.
  • Glycerin is a humectant.
  • PEG-32 is an emulsifier.
  • Glycosyl Trehalose is an emulsion stabilizing and film-forming ingredient.
  • Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate is a hydrator and film-forming agent.
  • Portulaca Oleracea Extract is a potent antioxidant that has skin-soothing benefits.
  • Polyquaternium-51 is a film-forming and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Sodium PCA is a hydrating agent.
  • Citric Acid is an AHA that is used as a PH balancer.
  • Sodium Citrate is used to balance the PH of products, but also antioxidant and preservative properties.
  • Allantoin is a skin-soothing and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Butylene Glycol is a texture enhancer.
  • Phenoxyethanol is a preservative.

INGREDIENTS TO NOTE

  • Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract is often used as a preservative, but it is simply not strong enough to defend the product properly.

CLOSING

I will continue to use this product while I am using The Ordinary vitamin C serum once that is done I will switch back to a toner with more actives.

It is a great product for a simple routine, but I do have concerns that I addressing that requires something more.

I purchased my Muji Light Toning Water instore in Doha – Qatar, but they do also sell their skincare online. Visit their website to check if they deliver to your area.

Visit my skincare page to read more reviews of products I have tried out.

**I source most of the ingredient explanations from Paul’s Choice website.

***Please note that these are simply my opinions. Everyone will have skin that responds differently to different ingredients and formulations.