Review: BANILA CO – Hello Sunny Aqua Essence SPF50+ PA++++

Where to purchase: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK

Price: £18.95

Volume: 50ml

Made in: South Korea

What is it?: A lightweight Sun Essence / Cream that hydrates the skin (Contains Blue Agave Leaf Extract to soothe the skin).

What does it do?: Sun protection / Soothing / Moisturisation / Hydration.

Supposedly Good for: All Skin Types

What I think: I agree this would suit all skin types. I only think very oily skins may find this too shiny for them, but this is comfortable-enough for my oily-combination skin. (As this contains Fragrance, this may be unsuitable to those who are sensitive).

Vegan?: No.

Cruelty Free?: Banila Co still sell in China.

Packaging: Tube with a Pump mechanism and a cap. I really enjoy this packaging, it makes it very easy to use. The one drawback is a pump mechanism means it’s more difficult to do the ”Two Finger Rule” application of SPF (But you can always pump the product into a measuring spoon).

Directions: ”Apply evenly on skin as the last step of skincare to avoid sun damage.” (From the website)

How I use it: I apply as according to SPF application. I am able to use this in the morning (Without a cream or serum) before working out as I find this hydrating/moisturising enough by itself for my oily-combo skin).

Stings the Eyes?: No.

Turns milky when sweating?: No.

Chemical Sunblock?: Yes, this is an Organic Sunblock.

Sunscreen Filters: Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul A Plus – UVA), Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinul T 150 – UVB), Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M – UVA + UVB), Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone (Uvasorb HEB – UVB + UVAII)

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (Brightening, Sebum-reducing, Moisturising and Antioxidant). Butylene Glycol + Pentylene Glycol (Hydrating and Moisturising).

Full Ingredients: Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Niacinamide, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylyl Methicone, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Decyl Glucoside, Tromethamine, Fragrance, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, t-Butyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Methylpropanediol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Fraxinus Rhynchophylla Extract, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract

NOTE: The Incidecoder have a full ingredient breakdown HERE

Texture:

Hydrating / Moisturising?: Yes; it feels quite refreshing when applying on the skin initially.

Sticky?: No.

Greasy?: No.

Balls up?: If I rubbed my skin / dug my nail in and scratched, yes this would ball up. But this does NOT ball up under my mask / by the shirt collar, and if I don’t touch my face hard, this doesn’t ball up.

White cast?: Not on my Warm-Golden toned skin.

• As you can see, this starts off as a cream but does sheer-out as you spread the product.

Note: When this sets, it forms a thin silicone layer on top of the skin so the product does not budge. It’s not a thick layer or hugely noticeable.

Swatch Comparison: No Product (Left) VS Product (Right)

NOTE: This contains Tinosorb M; which can be a ”reflective / white cast inducing filter” however, I have not noticed any greyness / dullness with this product (please see the video swatch below), This doesn’t have a mattifying finish at all, but the ‘glow’ is not too much (i.e. like the Beauty of Joseon Sunblock – Swatches + Review HERE).

Does this Sting if the Skin has been Irritated / Sensitised by Shaving/Heavy Retinol Use?: Yes (Chemical filters tend to sting if the skin is very irritated and compromised).

Summer or Winter?: Oily skins may prefer this in the dry-er months (As this is hydrating + moisturising), Dry skins could enjoy this both seasons, particular in the Summer.

Layerable?: Yes

Video Swatch:

• As you can see, this has a lightweight cream texture. The finish is dewy (not mattifying). However it’s not extremely shiny or reflective i.e. I don’t look sweaty or too glossy.

Fragrance?: No, contains Fragrance. This smells like Dove Soap almost.

Good Under Makeup?: Yes

How long have I been using this?: 3 Months.

Will I use until Completion?: Yes.

How Long will that take?: Another Month.

The Effect?: Sun-protected skin and initially; Moisturised / Hydrated skin.

What I like:

• Hydrating / Moisturising
• Did not sting my eyes
• No white cast on my Warm Golden Tone Skin
• I like the packaging (easy to use)

What I don’t like:

• Fragrance (I would prefer this scentless)
• Not mattifying (I.e. this has a glossy finish BUT it’s not too dewy for my Oily-Combination Skin)

Overall Rating and Conclusion: 4.2 (nearly 4.3)/5 – This is not a mattifying SPF (and it is scented), but I don’t find this to be too shiny (or make me look sweaty). I wouldn’t recommend this if you prefer matte finishes though. I find this SPF comfortable and moisturising (for my oily-combo skin) and it doesn’t give my warm golden skin tone a white cast. I like the packaging too!

Would I repurchase?: Yes, as this is definitely less dewy than the Beauty of Joseon SPF, for instance), hydrating/moisturising and isn’t uncomfortable on my skin (Oily-Combo).

Dupe?: The Soon Jung x Director’s Moisture Sun Cream – (Swatches + Review HERE)

Available at: Yesstyle LINK / Stylevana LINK

• The Skin1004 Hyalu Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ (Swatches + Review HERE)/ This is a similar textured and similar finish SPF that is Vegan and Cruelty-Free.

Available at: Yesstyle LINK / Stylevana LINK

My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.

Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.

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