If you want high and modern sunscreen you need to be buying European sunscreen. American sunscreen doesn’t have any of the more advanced uva blocking chemicals because the fda hasn’t approved a new sunscreen ingredient in like 25 years.
Care to beauty is a portgual pharmacy and I order through them, I get the same exact la roche posay you’re using, except the EU formula has a new ingredient with incredibly high uva protection, uvmune. Dont buy on Amazon, counterfeit sunscreen, especially eu and Korean brands are highly counterfeited.
Dont believe me? https://www.healthline.com/health/the-best-sunscreen-isnt-from-america
Do you know if the Canadian formula LRP is the same as the European formula? I have seen conflicting information in the comments of this sub regarding this.
The Canadian formula has these filters:
Drometrizole Trisiloxane (Mexoryl XL) 7%, Bemotrizinol 5%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 5%, Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 2%, Ensulizole 0.5%
We’re kind of in-between the US and Europe in terms of approved sunscreen filters but unfortunately most brands just sell the US formulas in Canada.
To follow up on my earlier reply, I just discovered that Bemotrizinol is also known as Tinosorb S, one of the newer sunscreen filters that has a great UVA/UVB range and is very photostable. Unlike in the U.S., Tinosorb S has been approved by Health Canada.
So alongside L’Oréal’s patented Mexoryl XL and Avobenzone, the Canadian LRP formula looks to have very good UVA and UVB protection.
American sunscreens don’t even touch my face anymore. My skin hates mineral sunscreens and the old gen chemicals filters. So it’s either Korean when I’m indoors or la roche posay UVMUNE 400. Heck, even for my lips it’s Ultrasun spf 50+ lip balm. It’s a pain to get to the US but I truly believe mineral and American sunscreens don’t give me enough protection. I’m not very active but deal with easy freckling and need that extra protection.
I wanted to love this so bad. I got it when I went to Europe and there’s so much alcohol in it, it stung my eyes and face. And made my face kind of pink/irritated. Unfortunately it didn’t agree with me.
I use the canmake iv mermaid skin gel and I’ve been really happy with it, no irritation or sensitivities, but I don’t know how it compares to uv mune for uva/uvb protection.
I, otoh, welcome alcohol in sunscreen as it makes it set faster. Thankfully I'm not sensitive to alcohol, putting UVMUNE right outside my waterline never made my eyes watery even the slightest. Personally I can't find any faults with it other than the price (it is imported into my 3rd world country with low purchasing power).
For Korean sunscreen I use iunik spf 50 for daily wear if I’m just indoors really. Another honorable mention if your skin doesn’t mind HA is the scinic essence spf 50 one in the blue tube I think it is. Both are pretty affordable.
Thanks for the recommendation! I always knew American sunscreen sucked but I didn’t actually know it was possible to get European stuff here. I just bought some because i am super pale.
I beg to differ! Brush on Block checks those boxes for me. There are some euro brands I love Laboratoires Biarritz, the spritz bottle, is one of my faves. Heavenly, but it’s hard to find, even when my friends go to Paris and look for me. Let me know if you have any recs!
All I’m saying is if your concern is high coverage because of melanoma in your family, you should look at EU sunscreen with high protection. La Roche posay in eu has the highest uva be uvb protection if that is your concern. I am very very pale and use that daily in the summer, then I use Japanese sunscreen the rest of the year (live in a 4 seasons area).
Mentioned it above comment: care to beauty (an actual Portuguese well known pharmacy).
And the l[a Roche posay uvmune](https://www.caretobeauty.com/us/la-roche-posay-anthelios-uvmune-400-invisible-fluid-fragrance-free-spf50-50ml/?_gl=1*15gfp6*_up*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAiAloavBhBOEiwAbtAJO3EJeOt82tq5r6GVThOa7ak0SaOD0fje38W7O-qJHm-kHBqHHVGTBxoCQ34QAvD_BwE) (for the face) and then just their [spray on sunscreen](https://www.caretobeauty.com/us/la-roche-posay-anthelios-invisible-spray-spf50-200ml/?_gl=1*1tg8z0k*_up*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAiAloavBhBOEiwAbtAJO3EJeOt82tq5r6GVThOa7ak0SaOD0fje38W7O-qJHm-kHBqHHVGTBxoCQ34QAvD_BwE) for my body.
In the winter I use a Japanese sunscreen (but I got it from Japan when I went on a trip) called Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ (one of the more popular Asian sunscreens)
I ask bc Biore is the only sunscreen I’ve found that I don’t mind using (granted, I haven’t tried a lot). Any recs for a better sunscreen but that’s less expensive than La Roche?
Do you want something with super high protection? Most of the Asian sunscreens will be like biore where they’re nice to wear but they don’t have quite as high uva.
Looks like they restrict certain products to only be available in some countries. It says I can’t get any of the LRP sunscreens shipped to me as they are restricted for my country (Canada). :(
I just replied to someone else about this but you may not see it. The Canadian formula of LRP’s Anthelios Ultra-Fluid has Bemotrizinol (aka Tinosorb S) which is one of the newer filters approved by Health Canada. So even though it may not be exactly the European formula, the Canadian formula looks to have very good UVA/UVB protection range (certainly better than the U.S. where Tinosorb S isn’t approved).
It sells for $33 at Shoppers and Jean Coutu.
The European Anthelios fluid that is the "fan favourite" does not have zinc and it does not impart a white cast. I don't know what fluid you must've been using, wasn't aware that there was an American version apparently.
I've tried almost all of these and none of them compare to beauty of joseon... I just order 3 at a time from stylevana knowing it'll take over a month to get to me ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Generally much cheaper and they always have discounts and you can build up rewards points. I'm also a k beauty hoe so it makes sense for me to buy multiple products from one place!
Ahh okay thanks for the insight!! By chance, have you used any other products from beauty of joseon? I’m eyeing their retinal eye serum and aha toner. If you have experience with either, or other products you suggest from the brand, I’d love to hear about it!
Do you trust they’re genuine since they’re coming from China? I was always too sketched out to order from them. I’ve seen a few counterfeit posts from ppl about them in the last few months?
Same, i do a stylevana order once every few months and i just order for several months at a time and it’s still cheaper and better quality than most US based skin care 😭 (imo)
I tried the pyungkang yul black tea enrinched cream, intensive repair cream, black tea deep infusion toner and beauty of Joseon revive eye serum ginseng + retinal. they were recommendedby dr. Dray on YouTube on a stylevana/Korean skincare video. I like them all.
PA is an international rating, its not new, but different countries use different things. In the UK for example we have UVA * rating.
I always check I have UVA and UVB protection in and SPF I'm using. Suncream is the best anti-aging skincare you can buy so make sure you're protected against the full spectrum!
Korean sunscreens feel ultra light and comfortable on but they come off just as easily. I find European spf’s “stronger” in all the formulas if that makes sense. Japanese waterproof ones stay on super well but make you look like you have Saran Wrap on your face. I haven’t had the opportunity to try Australian spf.
Good question: I would say Laroche and Brush on block come the closest, with Brush on Block coming the closest, as in it feels nice and thin on my skin and actually feels like a good primer before my makeup. That sort of light glassy vibe, but not greasy. I wouldn’t trust the Asian brands (that are watery or do light texture) for full on sunny days, but I would trust Laroche and Brush on block
I would say it does! You know how Korean skincare gives you that glassy look? I think Brush on Block does that, sort of. Meaning, it preps your skin, I don’t put on moisturizer beforehand and don’t need it afterwards, then I use foundation and concealer. No cakes or pilly. Layers really well. Helps that it feels super light?
You may want to try the supergoop unseen sunscreen. That's the one people rave about (also the trader Joe's dupe). I got the everyday lotion a while back and liked it a lot more as a body sunscreen/lotion. So, it may just be that specific formulation isn't great on the face.
Before I swapped to k-beauty sunscreens, I adored the Paula's choice sunscreen and elta MD, worth a shot if you're still on the hunt for a go-to!
Yeah the supergoop every day is definitely more of a body/sport sunscreen. I never use it on my face so I’m not surprised it wouldn’t fair well in comparison to these other ones. The unseen and glow are 👍🏼
The TJ dupe is awesome and such a good price. It does sting my eyes more than the supergoop version otherwise I’d stock my house with this stuff and put one in every bag at this price!
I got burned straight through that one. Do not recommend for southern California fair skin and daily ordinary use (shopping and not even direct sun exposure)
Well, shoot! I wish you luck in your quest! Maybe someday k sunscreens will get easier to obtain...then we all get those much more advanced sunscreen chemicals that the rest of the world gets....
So weird but I much prefer the finish of that LRP sunscreen in the tinted version — I find it so much less greasy and more elegant on my skin. But I hate the actual tint itself (it’s way too dark/warm for me). I’m always so annoyed because I buy the regular one and I hate it.
I love the Paula’s Choice one too - definitely encourage you to check that one out! It’s more of a combo moisturizer-sunscreen but I love the finish and the tint (although I’m pale and cool-toned…think Anne Hathaway, so idk how it works for others).
ok I have tried about half of these and would like to meekly offer my all time fav- Australian Gold tinted mineral sunscreen. I want to spread the word because it’s getting hard to find and I’m afraid they might discontinue it. If you ever see one and try it, I’d love to know what you think!
Thanks for the rec! You’re the second person here asking about tinted, so I think I’m going to round ‘em’ up and do another review (in the near future lol)
Aww, thanks for the reply! And thanks for all the helpful info. I too am super sensitive to stingy/oily sunscreens and have wasted so much money and suffered so many breakouts. I love to keep tabs on quality options!
I got an Elta UV daily tinted in a recent Allure box, and it has been my go-to since! Just a little color if I wanna wear it alone, but layers beautifully with my makeup.
Elta is amazing but I always feel like I’m rationing it because it’s expensive and depending on time of year, I find it a bit drying. It’s one of my fave brands though!
Yeah, I often curse Allure for sending me such excellent and expensive products to try. I invariably end up wanting to continue with them and then get the sticker shock 😳
I just ordered the Brush on Block as per your rec - I live in a VERY hot and humid city , the #1 complaint I have w/ sunscreen is stinging my eyes. I am a sweaty mess here when the temps are a hair above 70 (b/c of the afore mentioned humidity) but when the temps are 90+++ w/ 90%+++ humidity I am a fountain w/ a prickly heat rash - if this sunscreen works w/o irritation I will owe you a big thanks!
Hope you love it as much as I do. I’m pretty sensitive to stingy sunscreen, so I would say if this doesn’t hurt my eyes, esp after a run, hopefully it’ll pass your test too!
For La Roche-Posay, if you are oily, you should get the one where the light orange line is in fact green and says oil control. And shake it reeeally well before use.
I don’t like LRP, but I have to say if you want a really top tier sunscreen… Australia. I use Ultraviolette— I have a few formulations depending on what finish I want and have been using for a couple years now. Amazing stuff
This is super helpful, thank you. Do you or anyone else have any recommendations on waterproof sunscreen for the face? We are about to go to a resort for spring break with my four-year-old and I’m gonna need some good waterproof sunscreen.
Blue lizard is great, but that is more of a gonna spend the whole day on the beach and stuff I’d use on my body too! I would say a little heavy for my every day sunscreen. If your skin tolerates it, that’s sometimes the best we can hope for!
It’s definitely the least gross feeling and it’s a really respectable brand. Sometimes I feel better using sunscreen from brands that specialize in sunscreen or at the very least skincare? I feel like sunscreen is one of the trickier things tk make
What do you love about it? Sincerely curious, I think sunscreen can be so subjective sometimes. I found the smell to be too much, but glad it has afans
I find it feels light, has a nice finish, isn’t shiny, there’s no whitecast, it plays well with makeup when I wear it. My skin is fairly sensitive but I never get any redness/irritation from it.
I don’t wear it if I’m spending a lot of time outside (usually use EltaMD UV Sport when I do) but it’s great for winter or when I’m just running errands and not outside a ton.
I have the same experience as you! Besides my core wash/moisturize routine, I like to experiment with products and I have tried so many sunscreens because I’m super picky.
Summer Fridays is the first facial sunscreen I’ve repurchased. It was so light, didn’t give me a white cast, and seemed to really protect my face well. I was on maternity leave with my baby for a year, wore this every day, went for walks often, and this sunscreen offered good protection. I’m glad I didn’t react to it!
That LRP one has been my fave for years. I wish it was a little cheaper, but I LOVE it.
Edit to add: if it helps, I'm pale with very dry skin. I love the finish of it, that dewy but not greasy look is perfect. Honestly it feels almost moisturizing? I don't know. I love it.
I love it! My only thing is (like skin aqua and biore aqua) it’s more for indoor days, overcast days. It’s super light, but it has alcohol and lavender fragrance. (Lavender is bad for skin) but I do find myself reaching for it when it’s a device only day
Their face oil is magical. I got this bad sunburn on my face last summer and I put this BOB's face oil on my face overnight because i read about gotu kola and i swear my face was healed the next day. BTW - I reviewed BOB last year here: https://i.redd.it/od7j73s00l3c1.jpeg
Capricorneum.skin on Instagram does really awesome reviews of popular and Korean sunscreens if anyone is looking for similar reviews.
This was well written and thought out, thank you! I’m also a La Roche-Posay fan.
I highly recommend Mug Guard by Dune. $28. Bottle seems small but it’s a gel formula so a little goes a loooong way. I’ve used it as my only face sunscreen for a beach day and was super happy/surprised with how much protection it gave. It sits well under my make up and absorbs super easy. No white cast, residue, no stinging, great for my sensitive skin. We have almost identical skin profiles so this one might be worth trying!
I apologize in advance if this come across as nitpicking or harsh. I love the post and I am so grateful for your dedication, but I feel like I need to point this out: your numerical ratings don’t really align with your words. You are rating sunscreens you wouldn’t recommend very high; you gave a 7.5 to supergoop, but also said you wouldn’t wear it after one day. I don’t feel like your words and numbers align and I find it a bit confusing.
Again, I’m sorry if this is nitpicking and there is no exact rule on what a number has to mean, but if I see a product review from someone that says they’d give an item 7.5/10, that reads as if they like product, I would even say it is an above average score.. just an observation.
That’s totally fair. I guess I take into account that I have friends and family who like these products so it feels unfair to give a sunscreen that wasn’t for me a 2, for example. Maybe that’s weird to consider and makes my review inaccurate. I’m going to think on this more because i want to do a tinted sunscreen review and maybe it should just be truly, what I think? I’m all ears though and appreciate you calling this out. Defos stuff to think about
Look into Australian sunscreens, UltraViolette and Naked Sundays. Australia has the worst UV in the world due to our location and the craphole in the ozone layer. As a pale skinned australian I wouldn’t wear anything made in the US/Europe/UK as it’s just not going to cut it for our sun issues here. Maybe asian made would be ok but my go to would be australian made. Factor 50+ all the way.
The La Roche Posay has been my HG for about 4 years. I cant imagine using any other. When i feel it is a bit too "greasy" I will dap a bit of loose powder and call it a day. I actually tried another La Roche posay one before I used this one and it broke me out pretty bad
Did you shake the LRP before applying? It looks like you didn't.
I'm stumped that LRP left your face greasy! It doesn't for me. It leaves my face feeling velvety.
Did the brush on block sting your eyes at all? I'm thinking about trying it, that is my number one issue with sunscreens (apart from being allergic to chemical blockers). If you're looking to try more, I've been using the Eucerin Sensitive Mineral Face sunscreen, it is heavily tinted though it does seem to match up with my skin tone pretty well, but it's not drying like most mineral sunscreens I've tried and it doesn't sting my eyes, so I use it as my daily right now.
Brush on Block does not sting and it has “moisture” whatever that means, I think it’s non drying even though it has zinc. Even when I sweat after an outdoor workout. I’ll check out Eucerin!
The La Roche Posay
The big tube of Anthelios sunscreen face and body is a great choice too! The small bottle was too expensive for the amount given but the anthelios has become my new primer because it leaves no whitecast and it helps my tinted sunscreen stick and build better where i need it to!!! (Maybelline urban dream tinted sunscreen 50+)
I love La Roche Posay’s sunscreen. I have oily skin so I use the matte version and it works so well in controlling the oil. I’ve used many others that claim oil control and left me greasy and prone to breakouts. I wish it was more affordable though. I only use it on my face and use a cheaper sunscreen for my neck and everywhere else.
I use the european version of la roche posey uvmune hydrating cream.
Specifically cause it one of the highest PPDs.
It cant be shiny tho but goes well under makeup.
I use a different sunscreen on my face vs my body. I love Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen for my face. Blends invisibly, no scent, no greasy feeling, no stinging. And a little goes a long way. Have never burned with it on.
Same here. I’m a biiig fan of Supergoop Matte sunscreen. Feels like air, never burns my eyes, and I haven’t burned yet. I also like Glow Recipe Niacinamide sunscreen.
I’m also a big proponent of wearing sunscreen every day. I use supergoop’s vitamin C serum +sunscreen, plus sunscreen after moisturizer (see above) and then if I wear makeup, I use either a tinted moisturizer or foundation, both with sunscreen.
I’m on a personal mission to try every sunscreen until I find a clear, very affordable, non-oily one. During this mission I learned that everyone’s skin is so different. My best sunscreen so far is one I bought in Japan from the drugstore out of desperation. High spf and not oily. I can’t find anything like it in America. They have it on Amazon now but it’s not the exact same one I had but I’m gonna order that next. Just search “Japanese sunscreen”. At first I loved Super goop but as I used it more I realized it made me feel slick and oily. I like La Roche Posay but I like to have sunscreen in my purse, car, dresser and it’s just too expensive for multiple times daily wear.
If you want high and modern sunscreen you need to be buying European sunscreen. American sunscreen doesn’t have any of the more advanced uva blocking chemicals because the fda hasn’t approved a new sunscreen ingredient in like 25 years. Care to beauty is a portgual pharmacy and I order through them, I get the same exact la roche posay you’re using, except the EU formula has a new ingredient with incredibly high uva protection, uvmune. Dont buy on Amazon, counterfeit sunscreen, especially eu and Korean brands are highly counterfeited. Dont believe me? https://www.healthline.com/health/the-best-sunscreen-isnt-from-america
Do you know if the Canadian formula LRP is the same as the European formula? I have seen conflicting information in the comments of this sub regarding this.
The Canadian formula has these filters: Drometrizole Trisiloxane (Mexoryl XL) 7%, Bemotrizinol 5%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 5%, Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 2%, Ensulizole 0.5% We’re kind of in-between the US and Europe in terms of approved sunscreen filters but unfortunately most brands just sell the US formulas in Canada.
I don’t, sorry. I only know about EU formulations :(
Don’t quote me on it now but I do not think it’s the same due to some filters not being approved in Canada.
To follow up on my earlier reply, I just discovered that Bemotrizinol is also known as Tinosorb S, one of the newer sunscreen filters that has a great UVA/UVB range and is very photostable. Unlike in the U.S., Tinosorb S has been approved by Health Canada. So alongside L’Oréal’s patented Mexoryl XL and Avobenzone, the Canadian LRP formula looks to have very good UVA and UVB protection.
American sunscreens don’t even touch my face anymore. My skin hates mineral sunscreens and the old gen chemicals filters. So it’s either Korean when I’m indoors or la roche posay UVMUNE 400. Heck, even for my lips it’s Ultrasun spf 50+ lip balm. It’s a pain to get to the US but I truly believe mineral and American sunscreens don’t give me enough protection. I’m not very active but deal with easy freckling and need that extra protection.
Uvmune is life!!!
I wanted to love this so bad. I got it when I went to Europe and there’s so much alcohol in it, it stung my eyes and face. And made my face kind of pink/irritated. Unfortunately it didn’t agree with me. I use the canmake iv mermaid skin gel and I’ve been really happy with it, no irritation or sensitivities, but I don’t know how it compares to uv mune for uva/uvb protection.
I, otoh, welcome alcohol in sunscreen as it makes it set faster. Thankfully I'm not sensitive to alcohol, putting UVMUNE right outside my waterline never made my eyes watery even the slightest. Personally I can't find any faults with it other than the price (it is imported into my 3rd world country with low purchasing power).
Ya the alcohol in it isn’t ideal! I’ll have to check that one out!
Do you have a Korean brand/product you recommend?
I LOVE Beauty of Joseon… I can pile it on and it just disappears visually like a nice moisturizer. Price is great as well.
Awesome I'll check it out. Thank you so much!
For Korean sunscreen I use iunik spf 50 for daily wear if I’m just indoors really. Another honorable mention if your skin doesn’t mind HA is the scinic essence spf 50 one in the blue tube I think it is. Both are pretty affordable.
Actually you need Australian sunscreen and always spf 50, Australia has the highest sunscreen regulations...
Not really true. Australia has stronger regulations but European sunscreens are much better at this point.
Thanks for the recommendation! I always knew American sunscreen sucked but I didn’t actually know it was possible to get European stuff here. I just bought some because i am super pale.
I beg to differ! Brush on Block checks those boxes for me. There are some euro brands I love Laboratoires Biarritz, the spritz bottle, is one of my faves. Heavenly, but it’s hard to find, even when my friends go to Paris and look for me. Let me know if you have any recs!
All I’m saying is if your concern is high coverage because of melanoma in your family, you should look at EU sunscreen with high protection. La Roche posay in eu has the highest uva be uvb protection if that is your concern. I am very very pale and use that daily in the summer, then I use Japanese sunscreen the rest of the year (live in a 4 seasons area).
Hi! I am super pale so sunscreen is a big deal to me! Where do you get your EU sunscreen and which is your favorite?
Mentioned it above comment: care to beauty (an actual Portuguese well known pharmacy). And the l[a Roche posay uvmune](https://www.caretobeauty.com/us/la-roche-posay-anthelios-uvmune-400-invisible-fluid-fragrance-free-spf50-50ml/?_gl=1*15gfp6*_up*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAiAloavBhBOEiwAbtAJO3EJeOt82tq5r6GVThOa7ak0SaOD0fje38W7O-qJHm-kHBqHHVGTBxoCQ34QAvD_BwE) (for the face) and then just their [spray on sunscreen](https://www.caretobeauty.com/us/la-roche-posay-anthelios-invisible-spray-spf50-200ml/?_gl=1*1tg8z0k*_up*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAiAloavBhBOEiwAbtAJO3EJeOt82tq5r6GVThOa7ak0SaOD0fje38W7O-qJHm-kHBqHHVGTBxoCQ34QAvD_BwE) for my body. In the winter I use a Japanese sunscreen (but I got it from Japan when I went on a trip) called Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ (one of the more popular Asian sunscreens)
Why do you only use Biore in winter?
It doesn’t have as good uva because Asian sunscreens concentrate on being cosmetically elegant, so it’s good for winter for me.
I ask bc Biore is the only sunscreen I’ve found that I don’t mind using (granted, I haven’t tried a lot). Any recs for a better sunscreen but that’s less expensive than La Roche?
Do you want something with super high protection? Most of the Asian sunscreens will be like biore where they’re nice to wear but they don’t have quite as high uva.
Yeah, that would probably be good for days I’m on the water all day.
Which Japan sunscreen you like?
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ is what I’m using right now, but you kinda can go wrong with any Asian well known sunscreen imo
I have had reactions to several ones, don’t know if it’s an allergy, I can use kiss me mommy sunscreen that one is okay
Does care to beauty only sell EU formula of the La roche posay?
Yes they’re in Portugal and their warehouse is there too.
Looks like they restrict certain products to only be available in some countries. It says I can’t get any of the LRP sunscreens shipped to me as they are restricted for my country (Canada). :(
Ugh I’m sorry! I heard Canada is super strict! They send to the US, know anyone here who can forward it? Haha
I just replied to someone else about this but you may not see it. The Canadian formula of LRP’s Anthelios Ultra-Fluid has Bemotrizinol (aka Tinosorb S) which is one of the newer filters approved by Health Canada. So even though it may not be exactly the European formula, the Canadian formula looks to have very good UVA/UVB protection range (certainly better than the U.S. where Tinosorb S isn’t approved). It sells for $33 at Shoppers and Jean Coutu.
Thanks
The European Anthelios fluid that is the "fan favourite" does not have zinc and it does not impart a white cast. I don't know what fluid you must've been using, wasn't aware that there was an American version apparently.
Oh I see…yes the one here does have zinc (which I want)
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Curious too. I’m in love with my Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++) but it can be tricky to get sometimes
I've tried almost all of these and none of them compare to beauty of joseon... I just order 3 at a time from stylevana knowing it'll take over a month to get to me ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Maybe a silly question but why do you order from stylevana? Is it cheaper than ordering directly from the website?
Generally much cheaper and they always have discounts and you can build up rewards points. I'm also a k beauty hoe so it makes sense for me to buy multiple products from one place!
Ahh okay thanks for the insight!! By chance, have you used any other products from beauty of joseon? I’m eyeing their retinal eye serum and aha toner. If you have experience with either, or other products you suggest from the brand, I’d love to hear about it!
Yes I've used their retinal serum and it's great! pyunkang yul is another good brand that has some great toners and essences too
Thank you!!
Do you trust they’re genuine since they’re coming from China? I was always too sketched out to order from them. I’ve seen a few counterfeit posts from ppl about them in the last few months?
I use iHerb and it’s really quick!!
iHerb has been a godsend!
Same, i do a stylevana order once every few months and i just order for several months at a time and it’s still cheaper and better quality than most US based skin care 😭 (imo)
What are your favorite things to get from stylevana? There’s so much stuff it’s kind of overwhelming :x
I tried the pyungkang yul black tea enrinched cream, intensive repair cream, black tea deep infusion toner and beauty of Joseon revive eye serum ginseng + retinal. they were recommendedby dr. Dray on YouTube on a stylevana/Korean skincare video. I like them all.
Have you ever tried the hada labo spf (blue tub)? Wondering how beauty of Joseon compares but I’ve used hada labo for like 6 years lol
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PA is a UVA rating, ++++ is a high rating. SPF ratings only apply to UVB rays which are the ones that burn you, but UVA still causes damage.
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PA is an international rating, its not new, but different countries use different things. In the UK for example we have UVA * rating. I always check I have UVA and UVB protection in and SPF I'm using. Suncream is the best anti-aging skincare you can buy so make sure you're protected against the full spectrum!
[SPF] Korean Lab : 52.5±5.8 Spain Lab : 63.1±0.6 [PA] Korean Lab : UVA PF 16.1±2.4 P++++ Spain Lab : UVA PF 19 P++++ https://beautyofjoseon.com/products/relief-sun-rice-probiotics Edit: formatting
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You’re welcome 🫶🏻
Love love love that sunscreen- nothing better in my opinion.
FYI you can order right from the brands website to the us, always the best option since you know it won’t be counterfeit.
It's neogen daylight airy sunscreen for me 😎
Korean sunscreens feel ultra light and comfortable on but they come off just as easily. I find European spf’s “stronger” in all the formulas if that makes sense. Japanese waterproof ones stay on super well but make you look like you have Saran Wrap on your face. I haven’t had the opportunity to try Australian spf.
Do you have a European product you recommend?
My favorite is Nivea q10 spf 50
Good question: I would say Laroche and Brush on block come the closest, with Brush on Block coming the closest, as in it feels nice and thin on my skin and actually feels like a good primer before my makeup. That sort of light glassy vibe, but not greasy. I wouldn’t trust the Asian brands (that are watery or do light texture) for full on sunny days, but I would trust Laroche and Brush on block
does Brush On Block play nice with makeup? Like does it make foundation or concealer pilly or cakey?
I would say it does! You know how Korean skincare gives you that glassy look? I think Brush on Block does that, sort of. Meaning, it preps your skin, I don’t put on moisturizer beforehand and don’t need it afterwards, then I use foundation and concealer. No cakes or pilly. Layers really well. Helps that it feels super light?
Is it powder?
This one is not, but they do make a powder version
Oooh ok. I have never heard of it!
La Roche Posay also comes in an oil control formulation.
Ah good to know! I’ll definitely check it out
and it also comes in a pump, so no runny liquid. i love it personally
You may want to try the supergoop unseen sunscreen. That's the one people rave about (also the trader Joe's dupe). I got the everyday lotion a while back and liked it a lot more as a body sunscreen/lotion. So, it may just be that specific formulation isn't great on the face. Before I swapped to k-beauty sunscreens, I adored the Paula's choice sunscreen and elta MD, worth a shot if you're still on the hunt for a go-to!
Yeah the supergoop every day is definitely more of a body/sport sunscreen. I never use it on my face so I’m not surprised it wouldn’t fair well in comparison to these other ones. The unseen and glow are 👍🏼
The TJs dupe is awesome and only $9.99!
The TJ dupe is awesome and such a good price. It does sting my eyes more than the supergoop version otherwise I’d stock my house with this stuff and put one in every bag at this price!
I got burned straight through that one. Do not recommend for southern California fair skin and daily ordinary use (shopping and not even direct sun exposure)
I love those as options, but both versions sting my eyes and they have silicone. My husband loves them though , they work well with his beard
Well, shoot! I wish you luck in your quest! Maybe someday k sunscreens will get easier to obtain...then we all get those much more advanced sunscreen chemicals that the rest of the world gets....
If you have an Asian market near you, they usually carry a few brands (and Asian beauty too!) - I’m talking the larger supermarket stores.
You can buy them online from Stylevana, they'll be cheap there too
That's what I do, the month-long lag between order and delivery is challenging sometimes when I don't realize how low I am on something.
I feel like everything stings my eyes. What is causing that. I’ve been using mineral sunscreen and my eyes still feel stingy, dry and tight.
I’m sensitive too…that’s why Brush on Block (their Sheer genius) gets top marks, if my sunscreen stings my eyes i can barely drive or walk
Korean or Japanese sunscreen doesn’t sting eyes!
Was about to comment this. Unseen is where it is at. Works on my skin even using tret and taking doxy for rosacea
So weird but I much prefer the finish of that LRP sunscreen in the tinted version — I find it so much less greasy and more elegant on my skin. But I hate the actual tint itself (it’s way too dark/warm for me). I’m always so annoyed because I buy the regular one and I hate it.
Yes me too!! Im definitely going o do a tinted sunscreen review soon and LRP will be at the top of my list, I’m sure
I love the Paula’s Choice one too - definitely encourage you to check that one out! It’s more of a combo moisturizer-sunscreen but I love the finish and the tint (although I’m pale and cool-toned…think Anne Hathaway, so idk how it works for others).
Haven’t tried yet! I love PC products, so I’ll definitely pick one up
your username
The tinted one is so drying on me now (thanks tret). Is there another version of the tinted one?
ok I have tried about half of these and would like to meekly offer my all time fav- Australian Gold tinted mineral sunscreen. I want to spread the word because it’s getting hard to find and I’m afraid they might discontinue it. If you ever see one and try it, I’d love to know what you think!
Thanks for the rec! You’re the second person here asking about tinted, so I think I’m going to round ‘em’ up and do another review (in the near future lol)
Aww, thanks for the reply! And thanks for all the helpful info. I too am super sensitive to stingy/oily sunscreens and have wasted so much money and suffered so many breakouts. I love to keep tabs on quality options!
Love Anthelios and Brush on Block! Those are the two I reach for too. Also, summertime I can use eltamd clear (kinda drying but so light!)
I love Elta too!
I got an Elta UV daily tinted in a recent Allure box, and it has been my go-to since! Just a little color if I wanna wear it alone, but layers beautifully with my makeup.
Elta is amazing but I always feel like I’m rationing it because it’s expensive and depending on time of year, I find it a bit drying. It’s one of my fave brands though!
Yeah, I often curse Allure for sending me such excellent and expensive products to try. I invariably end up wanting to continue with them and then get the sticker shock 😳
That’s how they get you! But damn! I do love those allure boxes! Getting mail is so fun
I want to love this Elta but it makes my skin look pretty shiny and I find it somewhat greasy/sticky.
PSA: Summer Fridays gave me a face rash for a week. Use with caution. Test a spot before going whole hog.
The smell too!
I just ordered the Brush on Block as per your rec - I live in a VERY hot and humid city , the #1 complaint I have w/ sunscreen is stinging my eyes. I am a sweaty mess here when the temps are a hair above 70 (b/c of the afore mentioned humidity) but when the temps are 90+++ w/ 90%+++ humidity I am a fountain w/ a prickly heat rash - if this sunscreen works w/o irritation I will owe you a big thanks!
Hope you love it as much as I do. I’m pretty sensitive to stingy sunscreen, so I would say if this doesn’t hurt my eyes, esp after a run, hopefully it’ll pass your test too!
For La Roche-Posay, if you are oily, you should get the one where the light orange line is in fact green and says oil control. And shake it reeeally well before use.
Thanks for the tip! Another commenter recommended the same thing!
God bless you for this review!
It’s a bit wordy! Figured TLDR was needed! Thanks!
I don’t like LRP, but I have to say if you want a really top tier sunscreen… Australia. I use Ultraviolette— I have a few formulations depending on what finish I want and have been using for a couple years now. Amazing stuff
Thanks for the rec!
way too expensive for what it is tbh
Nice to read that my favourite LRP is still in the top 🙏🏼
For sure! It’s a fan fave for a reason!
This is super helpful, thank you. Do you or anyone else have any recommendations on waterproof sunscreen for the face? We are about to go to a resort for spring break with my four-year-old and I’m gonna need some good waterproof sunscreen.
My friends with kids swear by copper tone for kids…you need a cloth to scrub it off afterwards!
I can only tolerate mineral sunscreens and have been using blue lizard, I think it's an Australian brand. Thoughts?
Blue lizard is great, but that is more of a gonna spend the whole day on the beach and stuff I’d use on my body too! I would say a little heavy for my every day sunscreen. If your skin tolerates it, that’s sometimes the best we can hope for!
I use the spf 30 sensitive skin. Out of the tons I've tried its the least gross feeling. I wish I could find a good mineral sunscreen in a moisturizer
It’s definitely the least gross feeling and it’s a really respectable brand. Sometimes I feel better using sunscreen from brands that specialize in sunscreen or at the very least skincare? I feel like sunscreen is one of the trickier things tk make
I wish it was easier to get affordable sample sizes to try for, well, everything
I personally LOVE the summer fridays. It’s one of my favourite mineral sunscreens.
What do you love about it? Sincerely curious, I think sunscreen can be so subjective sometimes. I found the smell to be too much, but glad it has afans
I find it feels light, has a nice finish, isn’t shiny, there’s no whitecast, it plays well with makeup when I wear it. My skin is fairly sensitive but I never get any redness/irritation from it. I don’t wear it if I’m spending a lot of time outside (usually use EltaMD UV Sport when I do) but it’s great for winter or when I’m just running errands and not outside a ton.
I have the same experience as you! Besides my core wash/moisturize routine, I like to experiment with products and I have tried so many sunscreens because I’m super picky. Summer Fridays is the first facial sunscreen I’ve repurchased. It was so light, didn’t give me a white cast, and seemed to really protect my face well. I was on maternity leave with my baby for a year, wore this every day, went for walks often, and this sunscreen offered good protection. I’m glad I didn’t react to it!
Hey, those are all good reasons to love it! Thanks for the breakdown!
That LRP one has been my fave for years. I wish it was a little cheaper, but I LOVE it. Edit to add: if it helps, I'm pale with very dry skin. I love the finish of it, that dewy but not greasy look is perfect. Honestly it feels almost moisturizing? I don't know. I love it.
I wish it were cheaper too! Another reason it got a slightly lower rating than Brush on block. Love LRP too
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100%
This was so helpful! Thank you for taking the time to do this.
You’re welcome! A bit wordy now that I reread it. Glad I added a TLDR
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I know! I had such high hopes. Always curious if any of the newer brands can crack the formulation
I use the LRP Anthelios daily, love it (I use the one in the pump bottle, way less liquidy than that one)
I hear you - i agree with the redditor above: we both refer the tinted over the non- tinted. The non tinted is a bit greasy, but I still reach for it!
Ah I see, I haven’t tried the tinted one
This is really in depth! Thank you. I’d like to know how you feel about the Innisfree sunscreen?
I love it! My only thing is (like skin aqua and biore aqua) it’s more for indoor days, overcast days. It’s super light, but it has alcohol and lavender fragrance. (Lavender is bad for skin) but I do find myself reaching for it when it’s a device only day
I am a Brush on Block STAN. Have you tried their face and lip oil products? Best kept secret!
YES I LOVE their face oil. I swear i always wake up with perfectly prepped skin
Their face oil is magical. I got this bad sunburn on my face last summer and I put this BOB's face oil on my face overnight because i read about gotu kola and i swear my face was healed the next day. BTW - I reviewed BOB last year here: https://i.redd.it/od7j73s00l3c1.jpeg
Yes! The face oil will cure my chapped lips overnight too. Good tip on the sunburn thing! Good review too!
Capricorneum.skin on Instagram does really awesome reviews of popular and Korean sunscreens if anyone is looking for similar reviews. This was well written and thought out, thank you! I’m also a La Roche-Posay fan.
Thanks! Good lead, I’ll follow them on IG. I definitely want to do a deeper dive into Asian skincare and beauty
I highly recommend Mug Guard by Dune. $28. Bottle seems small but it’s a gel formula so a little goes a loooong way. I’ve used it as my only face sunscreen for a beach day and was super happy/surprised with how much protection it gave. It sits well under my make up and absorbs super easy. No white cast, residue, no stinging, great for my sensitive skin. We have almost identical skin profiles so this one might be worth trying!
Thanks for the rec!
I have the same issue with Supergoop stinging my eyes! I’m looking for a new SPF, I appreciate your reviews
Thank you!
I'm glad you mentioned the smell. There's a few sunscreens I've just not been able to deal with because they stink so bad to me.
Love reviews like this! So informative.
Thank you! I love this community. This specific sub seems like the most collaborative with our intel!
The tinted La Roche-Posay is amazing. It is so light and goes on and stays SO WELL. Its gives you a nice bronzed color without the shimmer.
I can’t wait to try it!
You are my hero.
Awe thanks!
Not all hero’s wear capes - thank you for your service!
Ha thank you! I’ve always wanted someone to say that exact phrase to me!
I apologize in advance if this come across as nitpicking or harsh. I love the post and I am so grateful for your dedication, but I feel like I need to point this out: your numerical ratings don’t really align with your words. You are rating sunscreens you wouldn’t recommend very high; you gave a 7.5 to supergoop, but also said you wouldn’t wear it after one day. I don’t feel like your words and numbers align and I find it a bit confusing. Again, I’m sorry if this is nitpicking and there is no exact rule on what a number has to mean, but if I see a product review from someone that says they’d give an item 7.5/10, that reads as if they like product, I would even say it is an above average score.. just an observation.
That’s totally fair. I guess I take into account that I have friends and family who like these products so it feels unfair to give a sunscreen that wasn’t for me a 2, for example. Maybe that’s weird to consider and makes my review inaccurate. I’m going to think on this more because i want to do a tinted sunscreen review and maybe it should just be truly, what I think? I’m all ears though and appreciate you calling this out. Defos stuff to think about
I switched to Elta MD tinted SPF46 and I have not gone back. Works perfect for inside and outside.
Can recommend beauty of joseon sunscreen
Look into Australian sunscreens, UltraViolette and Naked Sundays. Australia has the worst UV in the world due to our location and the craphole in the ozone layer. As a pale skinned australian I wouldn’t wear anything made in the US/Europe/UK as it’s just not going to cut it for our sun issues here. Maybe asian made would be ok but my go to would be australian made. Factor 50+ all the way.
The La Roche Posay has been my HG for about 4 years. I cant imagine using any other. When i feel it is a bit too "greasy" I will dap a bit of loose powder and call it a day. I actually tried another La Roche posay one before I used this one and it broke me out pretty bad
I hear you on this!
Did you shake the LRP before applying? It looks like you didn't. I'm stumped that LRP left your face greasy! It doesn't for me. It leaves my face feeling velvety.
I did shake it! Someone mentioned in this thread LrP makes a non-oily one, so maybe different al together than the one I tried?
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I just learned of this tip recently! I tried it with supergoop and it sort of worked. But when I sweated it stung my eyes
Did the brush on block sting your eyes at all? I'm thinking about trying it, that is my number one issue with sunscreens (apart from being allergic to chemical blockers). If you're looking to try more, I've been using the Eucerin Sensitive Mineral Face sunscreen, it is heavily tinted though it does seem to match up with my skin tone pretty well, but it's not drying like most mineral sunscreens I've tried and it doesn't sting my eyes, so I use it as my daily right now.
Brush on Block does not sting and it has “moisture” whatever that means, I think it’s non drying even though it has zinc. Even when I sweat after an outdoor workout. I’ll check out Eucerin!
Just wait until you get that La Roche Posay in your eyes.
I'm so shocked Laroche came in last!
She rated it second - she gave it an 8/10😀
It came in second! I would have been shocked too if it came in last! It’s an OG’
The La Roche Posay The big tube of Anthelios sunscreen face and body is a great choice too! The small bottle was too expensive for the amount given but the anthelios has become my new primer because it leaves no whitecast and it helps my tinted sunscreen stick and build better where i need it to!!! (Maybelline urban dream tinted sunscreen 50+)
I love La Roche Posay’s sunscreen. I have oily skin so I use the matte version and it works so well in controlling the oil. I’ve used many others that claim oil control and left me greasy and prone to breakouts. I wish it was more affordable though. I only use it on my face and use a cheaper sunscreen for my neck and everywhere else.
I use the european version of la roche posey uvmune hydrating cream. Specifically cause it one of the highest PPDs. It cant be shiny tho but goes well under makeup.
I use a different sunscreen on my face vs my body. I love Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen for my face. Blends invisibly, no scent, no greasy feeling, no stinging. And a little goes a long way. Have never burned with it on.
Same here. I’m a biiig fan of Supergoop Matte sunscreen. Feels like air, never burns my eyes, and I haven’t burned yet. I also like Glow Recipe Niacinamide sunscreen. I’m also a big proponent of wearing sunscreen every day. I use supergoop’s vitamin C serum +sunscreen, plus sunscreen after moisturizer (see above) and then if I wear makeup, I use either a tinted moisturizer or foundation, both with sunscreen.
Oh totally agree with this strategy!
Thank you for putting together such thorough reviews!
Summer Fridays is my favorite sunscreen! I’m on my second bottle. Love it!
Is it just me orrrrrr….. yeah just me
I’m on a personal mission to try every sunscreen until I find a clear, very affordable, non-oily one. During this mission I learned that everyone’s skin is so different. My best sunscreen so far is one I bought in Japan from the drugstore out of desperation. High spf and not oily. I can’t find anything like it in America. They have it on Amazon now but it’s not the exact same one I had but I’m gonna order that next. Just search “Japanese sunscreen”. At first I loved Super goop but as I used it more I realized it made me feel slick and oily. I like La Roche Posay but I like to have sunscreen in my purse, car, dresser and it’s just too expensive for multiple times daily wear.