Kanebo Allie UV Perfect Alpha SPF 50 PA++++

Kanebo's new PA ranking system now comes with an additional +. (Thank you 大姐 for this.)

Overall, a good sun protector, except for very sensitive skin because of the high alcohol content (common in Japanese sunscreens). 

VMV Hypoallergenics Skin Savvy SPF 60

I'm probably flooding the blog with VMV's now, but just so to get it over with, here is the Skin Savvy SPF 60 indoor-outdoor protective perfector in the new 12ml packaging. 

 Again, in a glue-free box. 

Peek-a-boo!

This is the VMV Armada 60 in a tinted form. 

Creamy, reflective liquid. 

Medium to full coverage indeed. 

Warm-1 corresponds the best to my skin tone. The formula is quite thick for my skin type. While it covers blemishes well, it can sink into the pores at the end of the day. I like that I do not have to apply a separate sunscreen as I am very sure this protects me well from the dreaded rays. It also doesn't smell of sunscreen. For normal to dry skin types, this is a great tinted sunscreen -- on the foundation spectrum, not a tinted moisturizer do note. 

This is probably a great tag-along to the beach or outdoor excursions. The 12ml pump bottle is handy too, and quite practical as it is a product I wouldn't typically use the whole year round.

An introduction to VMV. 

Some skin care warning.

Ingredients list above. 

Sunkiller Kid's UV Kid's Milk SPF 38 PA+++

After the cult-renowned (oxymoronic, I know) Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46 proved to be a total fail on my skin, I proceeded with another famous recommendation, Isehan's Sunkiller Kid's UV Kid's Milk SPF 38 PA+++. 

This is not one of those easy-to-spot sunscreens at Sasa/Bonjour, of which none of it could be found. There was only one left in FreshMart at Sogo, and I finally hunted down a batch on the bottom shelf of City Super. Tough find for a supposedly famous product in Japan. 

I love the bright, almost chrome yellow packaging. Even the orange cap is endearing. And the drawing -- so kawaii! Just looking at the sun smiling as it hangs on the cloud, the font used for "Kid's UV," (not to mention the color combinations), makes me so pleased. 

True to form as a kid's sunblock, the opening looks like a baby bottle. (Drink, gulp, drink.)

It is not as runny as most Japanese sunblocks I'm used to; in fact it is a wee bit gel-like in texture. This sunblock is well-recommended not only for kids but also for adults with sensitive skin types because it contains zero alcohol and uses purely physical blockers. I do appreciate the high PA rating. For the ingredients list in English, visit Ratzilla Cosme's description of this product. According to her, it can even function as a makeup base. 

This 30ml bottle lasted me over three months. It's a good product in terms of sun protection and non-drying properties. It does leave a white cast but goes away after fully absorbed, maybe some 10 minutes. On my combination skin veering on the oilier side, it is a little too emollient. I would suggest topping it with a mattifier such as pressed/loose powder, to remove shine. 

Don't expect coverage that of tinted bases such as foundation or BB/CC creams, but it does somewhat even out the complexion, given that one has not much to cover up. It does an adequate job as a makeup base; a specific base is unnecessary in my opinion. And as this is marketed toward those with sensitive skin anyway (adults), one wouldn't want to pile on too much product at any one time with that skin type. No breakouts from this one either.

Product description. 

Magnified. 

Overall, a safe, effective sunblock at a fair pricepoint worth trying. I would prefer a more elegant finish, but this is as good as it gets. 

VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Face Cover 30

VMV Hypoallergenics is a local cosmetic brand known for its clean aesthetics and dermatological approach. I remember in the early 2000s when my sister would visit their clinic along Palanca. This brand is backed by real dermatologists. Last Christmas, I was glad to receive the Armada Face Cover 30 (thanks E). 

 Locally, VMV is quite well-known for their Armada sunblock line. 

It comes in a tube form container with flip top cover. 

A plus is it's fragrance-, PABA-, and preservative-free.

Just a repeat from the bottle. 

As always, it's advised to avoid the sun between 10AM to 4PM, but in the heat of the summer, it's best to stay out of it earlier in the morning and later in the evening. 

A study on ratings. 

More description.

Here it is, a light cream consistency that spreads transparently. 

This is a great sunblock in terms of sun protection and moisturization. My only problem with it is it's too oily for my combination skin. This would otherwise be perfect for those with normal and even better for dry skin. When I used it on the arms and legs in the early days of March on the beach when the sun was broiling, I must say the tan I got was minimal. 

Parting reminders. 

EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46

EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 is a physical sunblock suited for sensitive skin. It has been on my wish list for ages but as it is so hard to find, only got wind of it the past year (thank you 三 姐 for helping me get this). 

It is targeted for rosacea-ns and the acne-prone. Hello! Hi! 

It comes in an airless pump plastic container. The packaging's white, red, black, and gray color scheme gives it a clinical feel while appealing to all age groups at the same time. 

It contains niacinamide (vitamin B3), which helps "reduce the appearance of blemishes, discoloration, and photo-damaged skin."

The pump glides softly, smoothly, feeling very special each time I press down -- must attribute this to its "airless" feature. 

Here it is in its white purity. It is a gel-like liquid, somewhat of a hybrid texture. There is a glossiness to the product not encountered in other sunscreens. Notice the mirror-like shine? I would like to term it "gloop." It seems very futuristic to me. 

Spread out it leaves a slight sheen, but no white cast. 

This product has won Elle's Best Beauty Buy award, and has garnered a lot of positive reviews from people with sensitive skin. I personally found it to be a very gentle facial sunblock. Zinc being its main sun inhibitor, it gave a calming effect on the face. I did not experience any blemish or even slight reaction from using this sunscreen. However, the texture while feeling lightweight, did not sit well on my skin. I can only attribute it to the hot weather in Manila, for all reviews I read praised this for its invisible wear and feel. Sadly, not only did it make my skin oily, it also left a very obvious sheen that is evident for the entire day. But for normal to dry-skin types and for those living in cold weather, it should prove to be a very good sunscreen, the ingredients of which are reduced to their beneficial best -- no unnecessary fuss. 

Above, the ingredients list. 

Product summary. 

An introduction to EltaMD skincare.

Recommended regimen. 

List of EltaMD skincare products. 

The brand has a broad range of sun blocks. Take your pick. 

Parting leaflet.