The ANESSA sunscreen is a holy grail for many people, especially those in Japan. I have seen many people use it in their routine as introduced in their videos uploaded online, and I have great things about this product. Keep reading to find out!

In high school, I’ve always wondered about what was so great about this sunscreen because I would see it everywhere in Japan—at stores, on TV and even on train ads, saying that it’s the best selling sunscreen in Japan. I’ve even heard that doctors approve this sunscreen for good UV protection! To be completely honest, this sunscreen is more on the pricey side, compared to many of the other Japanese sunscreens. However, I am so excited to share with you guys my very first experience using this—if this product is worth the hype and price.

Although there may be different types of ANESSA sunscreen, in this beauty review, I will be reviewing and sharing with you the standard and the strongest type which is the ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen Skin Care Milk.

 

 

 

About ANESSA

ANESSA is a famous skincare brand that was made and is owned by Shiseido in 1992. They are well known for their sunscreen that contains powerful UV-Blocking technology and protects skin from harsh UV rays.

 

Quick Facts about ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk

 

It is the perfect sunscreen that blocks powerful ultraviolet rays that pierces into the skin barrier. The advanced sunblock aqua booster technology allows stronger UV block when exposed to sweat and water. The Anessa sunscreen spreads smoothly on the face, leaving a lightweight texture on the skin. It creates a smoother canvas for the layering of makeup and such.

 

Ingredients: Dimethicone, water, zinc oxide, ethanol, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, talc, isopropyl myristate, methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, cyclopentasiloxane, isododecane, octocrylene, titanium oxide, PEG-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, diethylaminohydroxybenzoyl benzoate Hexyl acid, glycerin, diisopropyl sebacate, (vinyl dimethicone / methicone silsesquioxane) crosspolymer, silica, dextrin palmitate, xylitol, trimethylsiloxysilicate, bisethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, PEG / PPG-14 / 7 Dimethyl ether, Na chloride, Cha extract, Sakura leaf extract, Kaninabara fruit extract, Acetyl hyaluronate Na, Tormentilla root extract, Aloe vera leaf extract, Water-soluble collagen, PPG-17, Bird Butoxy caprylyl silane, isostearic acid, distearyl dimonium chloride, disteardimonium hectorite, hydroxide Al, stearic acid, EDTA-3Na, BHT, tocopherol, isopropanol, BG, pyrosulfite Na, phenoxyethanol, perfume

 

Skin type: For all types of skin

Texture: Watery, smooth

Fragrance: Minimal (“Refreshing fragrance of citrus soap” scent) to None

Packaging: 20 x 8.7 x 2.5 cm / 90.7 g (60ml)

 

 

My Initial Impression

I love the sleek look of the packaging. It’s very simple and aesthetically pleasing. The size of the packaging is small and it made me wonder if there is an amount of sunscreen that’s worth the price. Before opening the packaging, I made sure to shake the bottle just like the instructions say.

It’s fairly easy to get the product out of the bottle—all you have to do is squeeze effortlessly. I put a drop of the sunscreen onto my hands, and I was surprised with how watery the texture of the sunscreen was. I loved how the texture was very smooth, almost like a velvety texture! 

Using the Product on My Skin

According to packaging, after your shake bottle, you are to drop 3 to 4 drops of sunscreen onto your hands then apply to your face. It was very easy for me to apply on my face because of how thin and watery it was. Although the sunscreen was white like actual milk, there was no worry for me as the sunscreen did not have a white cast. Although the sunscreen may appear white when you drop some sunscreen on your skin, if you spread it, you can’t even tell that the sunscreen is there!

In terms of how comfortable the sunscreen sat my skin, I would say it’s a 10 out of 10. The sunscreen is not sticky at all and the thinness of the product helps my skin breathe (no pores clogged!). Also, I think that because my skin absorbed the sunscreen really fast, it felt like I did not have anything on my face at all, which is perfect for applying makeup!

Using it with Makeup 

Because this product does not have many moisturizing components compared to the other Japanese sunscreens, I would recommend moisturizing your skin well before applying this product. I made sure to moisturize my skin very well before applying the sunscreen, as it felt a little dry for me to use on its own as a primer, like other Japanese sunscreens that I’ve reviewed in the past. After applying the sunscreen, I put on some concealer, followed by the rest of my makeup. 

I loved how this product does not clump up like some other sunscreens! Also, because this sunscreen is not thick at all, applying products like foundation or concealer does not feel uncomfortable at all!

The Effectiveness and UV protection

I think that this product is very efficient in protecting your skin from ultraviolet rays, even on hot and sweaty summer days! I can definitely say that my skin did not tan at all, which is perfect in any skincare regime! I would definitely use this when I go to the beach/pool or play sports as well!

 

 

 

The Pros and Cons

The Pros:

• Strongest UV protection
• Blocks powerful ultraviolet
• Sweat and water resistant
• Does not leave a white cast when applying
• Contain aqua booster technology
• Can be used all over (face & body)
• Contains 50% of skincare components
• Can take off easily with soap
• Strong to heat, sweat, water
• Super waterproof
• SPF 50+/PA++++
• Smooth texture

The Cons:

• Not much moisturizing ingredients (compared to other Japanese sunscreens)
• The sunscreen may be drying for some people
• Because of its thin and watery texture, it can get messy to apply on skin

 

 

The Different Sunscreens by ANESSA

 

In the ANESSA Sunscreen line, there are many different kinds of sunscreen that are made for different kinds of skin. But note that the ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen Skin Care Milk (standard and original version) has the strongest UV protection compared to the other types.

If you have sensitive skin (weak to acidity or have dry skin), or would like to buy a sunscreen that suits infants and small children (excluding newborn), the brand recommends the two products, Perfect UV Mild Milk and Essence UV Mild Milk. 

If you are looking to brighten or “whiten” your skin tone, the brand recommends the Whitening UV Sunscreen Gel. It contains “Tranexamic Acid” which is a safe brightening/whitening agent that is beneficial for treating skin with hyperpigmentation–spots and freckles.

 

 

Final Thoughts

This sunscreen may be a bit more expensive and smaller than many other Japanese sunscreen, but it is definitely worth it! Not only would you make great and many uses out of it, but it protects your skin very well from harsh ultra violet rays. Also, it has super powerful waterproof features making it more developed than the other sunscreens in the market.

I would definitely recommend this product for anybody to use, especially if you don’t like thick sunscreen or have contact with water often, whether that may be sweat, rain, humidity, etc. If you are looking for a high grade sunscreen that would protect your skin anytime and anywhere, this is the product to use.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Kaitlyn C.