I’ve been so curious of Anessa sunscreens since I first heard of them — that was maybe 7 years ago when I first learned of Jbeauty. I remember my first trip to Tokyo, I was searching for Anessa in stores only to find out how much they were back then which was way out of my budget. I still find one tube pricey now but I was able to buy a few variants because they have great bundle deals in Lazada.
THE PERFECT SUNSCREEN FROM ANESSA
ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Gel features Anessa’s improved ‘Aqua Booster Technology’ which reacts with the minerals in perspiration and water to create a more protective and uniform UV shield on the skin that is now more resistant to friction than before. Shiseido’s patented “core-corona emulsification” technology gives the gel a dewy refreshing texture and high water resistance without a sticky and powdery feel. Ideally suited for outdoor activities and sports, the sunscreen gel protects the skin against the sun and stays effective through sweat and water.
This Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ is the old version from Anessa, the 2020 formula and has since been discontinued as of 2022. They came out with a new formula last February 2022, and as far as I know the new version was launched here in the Philippines last March, but I’m posting my review of the old one because it’s still in the market. Anyway it comes in a gold plastic squeeze tube containing 90 ml of product. It has a citrus-y chemical scent which I don’t mind because it’s not really that strong and my nose can tolerate it.
It has ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, ethylhexyl salicylate, bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, ethylhexyl triazone and titanium dioxide as its UV filters. It also has dimethicone, glycerin, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, green tea leaf extract, tormentil root extract, sodium acetylated hyaluronate and soluble collagen. Unfortunately, this has alcohol and fragrance too. Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate or octyl methoxycinnamate or octinoxate isn’t a photostable UV filter, absorbs mainly UVB but can offer some photoprotection against UVA. Ethylhexyl salicylate or octisalate only has UVB protection, although it’s a weak UVB absorber, and is always used in conjunction with other UV filters to enhance SPF. Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine or Tinosorb S is a broad-spectrum chemical filter, covering the whole UVA and UVB range, and is very photostable. Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, or Uvinul A Plus, offers a high UVA protection, covering the whole UVA range, and is photostable. Ethylhexyl triazone or Uvinul T 150 offers UVB coverage and has the highest photostable absorption among UVB filters. Titanium dioxide also absorbs and scatters both UVA and UVB but offers more protection against UVB, and is photostable. Green tea leaf extract is a rich source of antioxidants (catechins and epigallocatechin gallate) with anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and photoprotective effects on the skin. Tormentil (Potentilla erecta) root extract is also a source of antioxidants in the form of phenolic compounds and has been studied to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
It may look like a thick cream on my photo above on the back of my hand but it’s a gel type of sunscreen. Applying 2-3 fingers worth of this is so easy. It settles on the skin quickly as soon as I begin spreading it. It doesn’t leave any stickiness or greasiness on my oily skin so I don’t need to apply it in layers or wait for some time for it to feel comfortable. It feels light, a little tacky and quite smooth a few seconds later even when it gets so hot and humid here. It doesn’t leave any white cast too which I absolutely love. What it does leave is a gorgeous dewy finish with or without any moisturizer underneath it. It’s hydrating enough on me although I do like to apply an antioxidant serum to boost my skin’s photoprotection on most days.
It’s supposedly resistant to sweat, water and oil but I don’t want to take any chances or risks so I still reapply it every 2 hours whenever I sweat. It’s also supposedly for dry and combination skin types but I think my oily skin likes its texture and consistency because I have dehydrated skin as well.
At the end of this review, I now understand the hype, I really do. And, I’m going to give it my TWO THUMBS UP but since this is already discontinued, I plan to get the new version and hopefully I can review it asap. Now regardless of the formula, assuming the consistency remains the same, I will only buy this sunscreen on a sale. If you take the amount in one tube into account, I think the pricetag is quite high for a 90ml product — it retails for Php1,490 here and ¥2,640 in Japan. On one hand, I think it’s because Anessa is one of the brands under the umbrella of Shiseido and their products are expensive. Still, if you have the chance to try their sunscreen, I suggest you go for it. I think most skin types will like this except for those who are reactive to fragrance, alcohol or any of the ingredients in here.
Have you tried any sunscreens from Anessa?
XOXO
NIKKI P.
Don’t forget to visit/follow me on:
BLOGLOVIN | PINTEREST | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | MY CHARIS STORE
