MAKE P:REM REDEEMED THEMSELVES | UV DEFENSE ME. DAILY SUN ESSENCE

I've had a terrible experience with Make P:REMS's physical sunscreen: white cast, pilling, and doesn't reapply well. I went in with low expectations, but I ended up pleasantly surprised.

Product

Make P:REM "Light and refreshing sun essence with full moisture" SPF 50+ PA++++ 50ml/1.69 fl oz ($15 on Stylevana)

Vegan, essential oil-free, fragrance-free. According to Amazon, reef-safe. 

Contains Rosemary Leaf Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil, Ivy Leaf Extract, etc. 

More about the ingredients from Stylevana: moisturizing and soothing effects with fructan and City-Proof Complex (moringa seed extract). It has antioxidants. 

It has four sunscreen filters: Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (hybrid physical and chemical,) Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone (very photostable and water-proof.)

The first three filters are not available in the US. They are new.

Review

It's a light, hydrating formula that takes a while to rub it. Streaky application. It was a *dewy* finish without a white cast. I looked especially shiny during humid weather, so oily friends living in humid climates should keep this in mind. There is a slightly tacky finish but dries down comfortably. It reapplies nicely, layers well, and has no pilling. I didn't see it settle in on pores, spots, hairs, or lines. There is a light, sweet scent. Lastly, there is no stinging around the eyes.

It is better than the brand's mineral sunscreen, but it's not better than Beauty of Joseon's Relief Sun. The sun essence takes longer to rub in than BoJ. The watery texture is comfortable and perfect for oily skin, but the BoJ feels more luxurious with its body. It smells slightly nicer than BoJ, but that comes down to preference.

The light and hydrating effects of the sun essence remind me of an alcohol-free Biore Aqua Riche. 

Those who find BoJ a little too creamy (a minuscule minority), want something lighter, or like Biore, but hate the alcohol might like this sunscreen. It's also similar to Isntree's Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel in terms of texture, but it's free of BOTH HA and Niacinamide! That's rare to see these days. All of them are priced around the same, too.