review by Deryc Liu, August 11, 2025

Hi loves! 💛 You already know I’m that friend who will chase you down with SPF in hand like it’s my life mission. Because, truth bomb: sunscreen is your #1 anti-aging product. And with all the amazing formulas out there now, there’s zero excuse to skip it!

Today, I’m spilling the tea on four sunscreens that have been rocking my world lately:

Anua Airy Sun Cream SPF50+

ABIB Heartleaf Mild Sunscreen

Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturising Sunscreen

KAO Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+

And yes, we’re also diving into the Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreen debate—because knowing your SPF type is just as important as picking your shade of foundation.

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🌸 Meet the Stars

1️⃣ Anua Airy Sun Cream SPF50+

☁️ Light as air, strong as steel. Your invisible, comfy shield against UV damage—perfect under makeup or solo for that clean, fresh look.

Think of this as your “invisible shield.” It’s super lightweight, blends in like a dream, and leaves zero white cast. If you hate the heavy, greasy feeling some sunscreens have—this is your match. Bonus: It has a soft, skin-like finish that layers beautifully under makeup.

 

2️⃣ ABIB Heartleaf Mild Sunscreen Relief Tube

🌿 Sensitive-skin approved! Calm, soothe, and protect—all in one gentle squeeze.

Sensitive skin babes, this one’s for you! Packed with heartleaf extract (known for calming redness and irritation), this sunscreen feels like a gentle hug for your skin. It’s non-sticky, hydrating, and perfect if your skin freaks out easily.

3️⃣ Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturising Sunscreen

💧 Thirsty skin? Not on my watch. Hydration meets SPF for bouncy, dewy, happy skin all day long.

If your skin is always thirsty, this is basically sunscreen + moisturizer in one. 💦 The birch sap infusion keeps your skin bouncy and hydrated all day, so it’s perfect for dry or combination skin. Great for that natural, dewy look without looking oily.

 

4️⃣ KAO Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+

🌊 Beach day in a bottle. Watery, refreshing, and disappears in seconds—your humid weather MVP.

This is the J-beauty legend for a reason. It’s watery, refreshing, and absorbs in seconds—like splashing cool water on your face, but with SPF magic. Perfect for humid climates, beach days, and anyone who hates “feeling” sunscreen.

 

🥊 Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreen — What’s the Difference?

Type	How It Works	Pros	Cons	Best For
Physical (Mineral)	Sits on top of skin & reflects UV rays	Great for sensitive skin, starts protecting immediately, less likely to clog pores	Can leave white cast, thicker texture	Sensitive skin, rosacea, post-treatment skin
Chemical	Absorbs UV rays & converts them to heat	Lightweight textures, no white cast, easier to layer under makeup	Needs 15–20 mins to activate, may irritate sensitive skin	Normal to oily skin, makeup lovers, sporty activities

💡 Pro tip: You can even mix and match! Physical for everyday calm, chemical for makeup days or sporty adventures.

Which Team Are You On?
Physical = gentle warrior 🛡️ (best for sensitive skin, instant protection).
Chemical = undercover agent 🕶️ (lightweight, makeup-friendly, sports-approved).

 

✨ My Quick Take

Sensitive skin? Go ABIB Heartleaf or Anua Airy Sun Cream.

Dry skin? Round Lab Birch Juice is your skin’s BFF.

Humid weather / beach day? Biore UV Aqua Rich—hands down.

Need a flawless makeup base? Anua Airy and Biore UV are both winners.

Bottom line: The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually wear—every. single. day. So find your texture soulmate, and never leave the house without it. Your future self will thank you🕶️