Most of you are by now very familiar with my HG sunscreen aren’t you? I preach it from the rooftops, it would seem, and it gratifies me that almost everyone I’ve suggested it to likes it as much as I do. The only complaint we all have is one big one – price.
Yes, the Shiseido Perfect UV sunscreen might be perfect, but it comes at a high price that some of us might find galling to spend on a product you will use lavishly, and often and that you just must replenish! I mean, what else would you use right?
So I decided I’d try some affordable sunscreen and tell you what you think. This was one of my experiments.
I couldn’t possibly try every brand in the market, so I reached out to some PR people to ask if they had anything they were willing to put under my pretty microscopic scrutiny having a minimum of SPF50 and PA++++ rating. Happily, some were quite willing to hang it out there and the Skin Aqua Sarafit UV was one of them.
There are 2 versions of the Skin Aqua Sarafit UV sunscreens – one is a UV essence (cream) and the other is a mist. Let me first deal with the mist, so I can get it over and done with. Ah yep, I am not a fan of the mist version and I will tell you why!
Skin Aqua Sarafit UV Mist SPF50+ PA++++ – RM42.30 / 50g
Let me first tell you that I don’t get mist sunscreens. Yes, I totally get the idea of convenience. No one likes to top up their sunscreen during the day when they’re outside, and it’s so convenient to just spray it on isn’t it? In theory anyway.
In practice, we need a lot of sunscreen to actually protect our skin (1 teaspoon is the rule of thumb). So if you spray on your sunscreen, how can you be sure that you are spraying on enough to properly protect your skin? You need to ensure a smooth even coverage (aerosol spray cans are notoriously hard to control for an even finish – if you’ve ever tried to spray paint anything, you’d understand) and sufficient product to actually protect your skin. Now, how many of us bother? We think just spraying it on does the job. No it does not.
Secondly, how much of the product actually goes on the skin and how much is blown away? If you’re outside or by the beach or pool (where I see these mist sunscreens most commonly pushed as being suitable for) it tends to be breezy. So, if you spray this, and a breeze comes along, most of the product is blown away by the wind. You THINK you get product on your skin – but in reality, you don’t get enough on. And then you wonder why you burn.
Thirdly, some like this one, suggest that to get around points 1 and 2 above, you spray the product into the palm of your hand and then apply to your skin. Well, let me just say that if you’re going to do that, why don’t you use a regular cream sunscreen instead? You don’t like the texture of the Sarafit UV Essence? Well, get another brand you might prefer! There’s no excuse, really.
So I say ditch the mist sunscreens, and I personally think they’re bollocks and just encouraging us to be lazy. Just slap on some proper creamy sunscreen and you’ll be done with it. Needless to say therefore, I’m not a fan of the Sarafit UV Mist and I would just bin this.
There’s no shortcut to skin protection from UV rays. If you want protection, do it properly and don’t be lazy. Sunscreen and sun protection is not a fashionable thing, it’s a health thing. You don’t put on sunscreen just because everyone says you should. You either believe in it and do it properly or you don’t, but you want people to believe you do and fall for gimmicks.
So, I didn’t talk a lot about this product because I have no faith in it at all. It goes on my skin feeling weird as all mist sunscreens do, with an oily feeling that I absolutely abhor. I will never tell anyone to get this but if you feel comfortable enough then here’s the ingredient list for the Sarafit UV Mist sunscreen.
Skin Aqua Sarafit UV Essence – RM40 for 50g
Now that I’m done ranting… *takes deep breath* here’s the other version of the sunscreen which is the UV Essence. Despite the name “Essence” which brings to mind a light gel-type texture, this is a cream, and one that I feel may feel a bit heavy if you have oily skin. I have drier skin and I do feel that the texture is moisturising enough, but it is a bit heavy. I attribute the heaviness to silicones.
But this one is a pretty decent product for the price. I mean it’s fairly cheap and it even goes on sale often so if you are the sort who runs through your sunscreen like water, and don’t want to pay too much then this might be something you might like.
The texture is a little creamy however, as you see above. It is easy to blend into the skin and I have observed a slight heavy feeling which dissipates once the product absorbs and dries on the skin. It isn’t oily or greasy and doesn’t turn me oily or greasy as the day wears on (I do have normal-dry skin however) but there is bit of a “dry-touch” texture to the skin that feels a little strange. It’s like you’re wearing a primer.
But despite that primer-feeling, it doesn’t make a good base for my makeup. So after experimenting for weeks, I now keep this as my weekend sunscreen. It does the job. When I’m out, it seems to protect my skin fairly well (I don’t feel like my face is burning) and because it comes in a portable, slim tube, it’s easy to tote around and reapply if that suits you. I’m very generous about this because it’s cheap and does a fairly decent job at its primary function – protecting skin from UV rays.
There is a slight floral scent that I don’t really notice, so I’m sure most people won’t either since experience tells me I seem to have a more sensitive nose than most of you 😛 But I like the texture of this one, it feels comfortable on my skin and it seems to work well enough to protect my skin from burning in the sun. If you have oilier skin you may find this a bit heavy so be warned.
Here is the ingredient list for the Sarafit UV Essence.
IN A NUTSHELL
These are both very affordable sunscreen and easily available at major pharmacies. I don’t personally think the Sarafit UV Mist sunscreen offers sufficient protection, and it has a very weird oily after feel that I dislike on my skin. I would ditch it. As for the Sarafit UV Essence, I like the texture which is hydrating, comfortable and isn’t oily or greasy. Skin feels like you’re wearing a primer, but it doesn’t seem to function very well as one. I’d use the UV Essence as a weekend sunscreen when you won’t be wearing a lot of makeup on your face, and want something portable and affordable that you can be liberal with using. If you have oily skin then you might find the creamy texture a bit rich or heavy in which case, you might consider another option in another range or brand. Don’t bother considering the mist.
PROS: Portable packaging, Very affordable, SPF50+ and PA++++ ratings are admirably high in a pharmacy brand product that makes it easy to be liberal about use without worrying about cost
CONS: UV Mist isn’t a practical formula or application method for sunscreen, UV Essence may feel too creamy or heavy for those with very oily skin
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: The UV Essence should do well for anyone with normal-dry skin that doesn’t mind the slightly creamy texture
Have you used either product? Do you like using mist sunscreens?
I’m afraid I went right to town there with my little rant LOL! 😀 But I’ve tried my share of mist/spray sunscreens and I’ve never come across one I like. But the cream version of this Sarafit UV sunscreen is pretty decent for the price. You can be generous with use and not feel it, so I’d keep this as my ‘leisure’ sunscreen. It still doesn’t replace my HG so the search continues! 😛
Paris B
Skin Aqua Sarafit UV Mist Price: RM42.30/50g and Skin Aqua Sarafit UV Essence Price: RM40/50g Availability: Most major pharmacies
I agree 100% about sunscreen sprays. Plus, unless you hold your breath, it’s too easy to accidentally breathe some of it in. I don’t know about you, but I would not be ok with sunscreen accumulating in my lungs.
OMG Yes Ayu! I didn’t think about the breathing in bit. Oh my, I want my sunscreen to protect my skin, not my insides 😛
I rather go back to Japan and buy the sunscreen there! Its so cheap!
*psst* Paris.. You missed out one + in the title >.<
Unfortunately for most of us, it would be more expensive to go to Japan! hehe… I’m actually glad there are decent good quality affordable Japanese sunscreens available locally. I’d be distressed if I lived in a country where it wasn’t easily available 😛 p/s Thanks for letting me know about the missing + I’ve rectified it!
i had nearly bought the cream version but lucky ur review is out! i got oily skin so no go for me. still biore for me la i guess.
Biore gets a lot of raves… but it breaks me out! >.< I've been too scared to give it a go
LOL at your rant! The first time I tried the spray, I was like WHOA! All the concerns you mentioned just came to my head at once. Most importantly, how would I know if I’m properly protected? And man, inhaling it accidentally would be poisonous, wouldn’t it? I dunno, but not a fan. I do like the cream one though. My kids love them because they love the floral scent. So, I let them use it before their swimming lessons 🙂
Exactly! That spray thing is just nonsense la, if you ask me. Most people who will use it will just spritz it on, like a face mist and that will just be disastrous. I tried a different brand once and it felt icky and I was so paranoid, I was literally spray-painting myself by the pool HAha! I dont’ think that was very good for other users either 😛 Your kids are lucky. My time, Coppertone was what I got and until today, I can’t smell Coppertone without thinking of swimming lessons!
Well PB, I’m interested in sunscreen mists/sprays but for when I’m wearing makeup; I don’t know about you but when I have a full face I won’t reapply in most of the cases, so the easiest option is a mist/spray. In fact I’m waiting for the Bioderma’s one to come to Mexico.
I tried a sunscreen powder but as you said of the PTR one the bristles sucked and made me look pale so now I’m on the fence about what to do because there’s another one that I’ve already tried and quite liked it but it’s so expensive that I may wait for Bioderma’s one.
Also did you get my mail?
Hey Efrain, I honestly don’t think these spray sunscreens will work over makeup either. You will have to spray on quite a bit and it does tend to leave skin feeling very “wet” and “oily” so I’d be wary. The best way really is to remove everything, wash your face, and then reapply sunscreen (but as you can see, that’s also why I don’t do it – oops! 😛 ) My remedy for that is to stay indoors as much as I can 😛
I did get your email but I’m a little behind on emails. Will get to it soon! 😀 Oh that PTR brush is the PITS! Seriously! It’s like a loo brush
I’ll definitely check out the UV Essence version when I’m back since I do like sunscreens from Skin Aqua. I definitely agree with you on the uselessness of sunscreen mists. It’s not enough unless I spray myself like I’d kill a cockroach or spider and I drown myself in it. So much of it is dispersed in the air, which is wasted anyway.
Cheap and decent – no reason not to check it out 😀 Oh and you just reminded me of how I spray a cockroach. I can use up half a can trying to kill one! I am deathly afraid of them >.<
I had a body spray-on sunscreen before and I loathed it. It caused me an oily bathroom flooring and had to wash off thoroughly or risk slipping around after each use. Impractical too as it’s difficult to gauge usage amount. I sprayed a lot and again…this brings me back to the oily floor tiles. Nightmare concept. I guess it’s only good for regular beach goers. Cream or lotion anytime for me. I quite like the Orbis’ super uv cut sunscreen (green bottle). Affordable too.
Oh yes, the oily floor problem. These spray sunscreen things really are oily aren’t they? I don’t quite understand them. That said, regular beach goers who depend solely on these spray sunscreens might find themselves burning more often than not! The sea breeze is notoriously strong hehe
Good to know! I had thought about buying the essence but found SkinAqua a little weak previously.
I wasn’t too crazy about the Skin Aqua liquid types because they broke me out. This didn’t so I was comfortable with it… but only on weekends 🙂
Hi,i’m so new in this sunscreen things. May I know when do I need to apply these spray on my face as I wore make up everyday and plus I work on the beach side which is soooo hot even I stay in the cabin only. I.ve got burn on my face and hand as i’ve always wear hijab and long sleeves.
Hi I’d suggest that before you go out in the sun, and before applying makeup, you should first apply a cream type sunscreen after all your skincare. For hands, apply them before you go outside in the sun. The most effective way to avoid burning, is to remove your makeup and then apply sunscreen every 2 hours or so, if you spent time in the sun. But if you want to use a spray, it should be the same. Spray it on at least every 2 hours, and make sure that you spray it on evenly on face and hands and exposed areas. Treat the spray as a “top-up” sunscreen, not as your first layer of protection 🙂 Good luck.
Thank u… Now i’m using spray type as I read all your comments says oily skin better use spray type. My skin is super oily. Yesterday I’ve tried apply it on my face and hand. Superb. Less oily and my face doesn’t feel like it’s burning anymore.
P/s actually I’ve tried to use cream type before,my skin got burned so hard. Yesterday was better after I used the spray type. Thanks again.. ??
Thank you for letting me know your skin feels better now 🙂 As for cream type sunscreens, it comes down to getting the right one (SPF50 PA+++ only please especially by the beach) and reapplying every 2 hours. It’s less costly than a spray, so you can try it again – but ultimately, use whatever that you feel most comfortable and happy using. The most important thing is to actually use sunscreen! 🙂
Thanks again.. I think I will continue using sprays for my face n cream for my skin..?