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. 

Kiehl's Lip Balm Hue No. 30G SPF 15

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 was the first tube of lip balm that gave me the smoothest, flake-free lips I know of. That, and the pear-scented one later, it was time to move on to the tinted balms. 

 The tube comes in the typical pharmaceutical look of Kiehl's. 

 Above, the active and inactive ingredients. 

The Lip Balm Hue No. 30G is a transparent red-orange (leaning on the redder side) balm that coats the lips with medium-thick consistency. It imparts obvious color and helps brighten up the face while keeping one's "look" casual. Its staying power is on the low side, but it hydrates the lips as it gives color to it. It is a good addition for those who do not like the texture of lipsticks, but would prefer to swipe on some color. I reach for this on days when a lipstick feels too formal and lipgloss a little too dressy. In a nutshell - it is an amplified lip balm.