Sun screen: Biore Aqua Rich

Since I'm starting the Datsumo Labo hair removal process, I have to be extra careful not to get any suntan or sunburn this summer. I picked up another can of the Parasol UV spray (570 yen) I used last year, and that has been working well. However, I love a spray UV at the beach (no sand!), but I prefer a lotion at home (I can apply after the shower). Cosme ranked the Biore UV Aqua Rich sunscreen as the best, so I bought a tube for 758 yen.

It has worked well and has the consistency of a lotion. The formula is really light and not sticky, perfect for everyday use under clothes.

I also tried the "watery gel" version, which has the consistency of a sun block lotion. Same results, different feel.

Bringing stuff back from the States: Yes to Grapefruit brightening wipes and Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

I had a quick-turn-around trip planned back to the USA and made a down and dirty list of items I wanted to buy that I couldn't find in Japan. First up was a selection of "Yes to" facial cleansing wipes. I really liked my Bifesta wipes but wanted to try out the "Yes to" collection since they receive raving reviews on US Beauty websites. I have been using the  Yes To Grapefruit brightening wipes (around $7US), and have to say, I prefer the Bifesta. My skin feels dried out after using the "Yes to Grapefruit" wipe. And, I hate the smell. It's like a fruity, medicinal, candy citrus.

I also picked up the highly rated laura mercier tinted moisturizer with SPF 20 in "natural" for $43USD as an experiment against the Evangelist Lady Bright Up BB cream. I like the laura mercier, but it is much more "American" than the Evangelist: it is definitely more of a moisturizer, less coverage, and more precise color for Caucasian skin. I'm glad I have this in my arsenal, and think it will be great for dry winter skin, but it was not the "holy grail" product I was hoping for.

Evangelist Lady Bright Up BB Cream

I ran out of the CoverGirl BB cream I had been using all summer and switched over to the liquid foundation I usually use for fall. But I noticed such a dramatic difference in my skin tone. It looked duller and like the foundation was caking around my pores.

After doing a bit of research I learned that the Evangelist Bright Up BB cream (which only comes in one color) is the apparent "godsend" of Japanese BB creams. I ordered a small tube for about 2800 yen (which is a lot in my world of makeup!).

At first I was really worried about the color, which is a bit light for my skin tone, but as I rubbed it in it seemed to blend with my natural color. It definitely has more coverage than my CoverGirl CG Smoothers BB cream and really brightened up my skin (I'm not sure how, but it did! Some sort of illumination powder must be included.). There was more caking around my pores than with my CoverGirl BB cream, but I suspect that this is because of the increased coverage.

In addition, it boasts 50+UV protection.

I'll continue to use it, but, for the price I was hoping for more. It will soon run out, since the tube is so small. I'm going to look into the Laura Mercier illuminating tinted moisturizer the next time I visit the States (since more colors are available there!).

UV protection: Coppertone v. Parasola

I usually head straight for the Western brand UV spray lotion, but decided to test out a Japanese brand on my last summer hurrah.

This Parasola 50+ UV block spray is effective and waterproof! It did a great job and I loved the baby powder smell. Also, it was much cheaper than the Coppertone I usually buy, at about 800 yen.